Hello! My name is Ines, I'm 26 years old and I'm a graduate student with a TESOL certification to teach English as a second language. As of August March 28, I will be available for bookings around Nakameguro and other nearby areas. I grew up speaking American English in my home and I completed my bachelor program entirely in academic English.
I believe in placing emphasis on speech and listening before reading and writing, since that is the order in which we learn our first language. Therefore, I like to make sure that my students are comfortable and confident when they speak to me in English, before moving on to grammar and written English. I also believe that form should follow function, so I like to use real-life, practical situations (which may involve role-play) to teach my students useful, relevant vocabulary and phrases. In my experience, grammar and syntax are introduced more naturally and effortlessly through this method. For children, I keep my lessons fun and motivational by incorporating stories, games and songs into the lessons.
In my opinion, it is a good idea to have sessions in a public setting such as a cafe or a restaurant because this already allows to practice useful English phrases one might need in everyday life, such as giving directions and ordering food and beverages. For the theme "shopping" I would like to take my students to an actual department store or a grocery store, for hands-on practice. It is scientifically known that information is best retained when an associative memory is created to prompt it, therefore making tangible memories with my students as I teach my lessons will help them recall vocabulary and expressions that are introduced. Other role-play scenarios may include: the hospital, the police, the post office, university and campus life, business environment, making friends, discussing music and film, traveling abroad and public transport.
On previous trips to Japan I tutored predominantly office workers and businessmen seeking to improve their formal and business English.
Thank you for reading. I look forward to helping you improve your English language skills!