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Every year, Earth Day offers a global platform to reflect on our planet's health and the pressing challenges it faces. From industrial pollution to climate change, the threats are numerous and urgent. Celebrated annually on April 22nd, Earth Day engages an estimated one billion people worldwide, spanning from schoolchildren to world leaders. It serves as both a sobering reminder of environmental threats and an opportunity to appreciate the Earth's beauty and resilience.

Rooted in history, Earth Day traces back to the aftermath of a 1969 oil spill off the coast of California. Senator Gaylord Nelson's call for environmental action led to the inaugural Earth Day in 1970, galvanizing millions across the United States. The momentum catalyzed significant environmental legislation, including the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency. Over the years, Earth Day evolved into a global movement, inspiring action in 141 countries by 1990. Today, it remains a pivotal moment for environmental advocacy and international cooperation.

In 2024, Earth Day's theme, "Planet vs Plastics," spotlights the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. With the UN expected to negotiate a landmark plastics treaty, Earth Day organizers are pushing for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040. Clean-up events worldwide rally communities to tackle plastic pollution, emphasizing the critical need for collective action. As Earth Day continues to evolve, it remains a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals and nations to unite in safeguarding our planet's future.

source: https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/earth-day-2024-date-history-b2532775.html

今月、邦人クラスでは英語で名前や職業を質問したり答えたりする構文を学習しています。生徒皆さんの職業はstudentですが、I am a student. だけでなくI am an elementary student.I go to ○○ elemntary school. My younger brother is a kindergartner.My mother is a nurse.など、学習した構文を使って自己紹介をしてみるのもいいですね。英語は実践的に使うのが上達の秘訣です！

In the Philippines, English is often introduced early in schools, sometimes as early as preschool. The emphasis on English continues throughout the educational journey, with subjects like Science and Mathematics often taught in English at higher levels. Moreover, the media landscape heavily features English, from television shows to music and movies. This immersion fosters a conducive environment for language learning, with many Filipinos becoming proficient English speakers naturally.

One of the significant challenges for English learners in Japan is the scarcity of opportunities for immersive language experiences. Unlike in the Philippines, where English is prevalent in daily life, Japan's predominantly monolingual society makes it challenging for learners to practice outside the classroom. Additionally, cultural factors such as fear of making mistakes and the prevalence of a collectivist mindset can hinder individuals from actively engaging in English conversations.

Despite these differences, both the Philippines and Japan share a common goal: to equip their citizens with the English language skills necessary for success in a globalized world. While the approaches may vary, the desire to enhance proficiency remains constant.

In the Philippines, the challenge lies in maintaining the high level of English proficiency amidst evolving educational priorities and socio-political changes. In Japan, the focus is on fostering a more communicative and immersive learning environment to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

By understanding the unique cultural and educational contexts of each country, stakeholders can tailor language learning strategies to better meet the needs and aspirations of English learners in the Philippines and Japan alike. Ultimately, both nations stand to benefit from a populace equipped with the linguistic tools to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

４月から新しいレッスンがスタートし、そろそろだいぶお友達の顔や名前も覚えて仲良くなってきました。

小学校低学年のクラスでは、"What is his name?" "His name is...." や"What is her name?" "Her name is...."とお友達の名前を答える表現を覚えたので、早速クラスのお友達の名前を使ってみんなで言い合いっこをしました。

皆で仲良く一年間頑張りましょう！

アミティーではゴールデンウィーク開けの5/7(火)より家庭学習フェアがスタートします。
お家で学習ができる絵本やドリルなど、特別価格でのご案内となります。
担当教師よりお勧めの教材をご案内しますので、ご確認の程よろしくお願い致します。
お休みの間に現在お手持ちのドリルを進めておきましょう！

ただいまアミティーでは学校見学と体験会を実施しています♪
今週のスケジュールは以下の通りです。

■4/23（火）14：00、15：00、17：00、18：00
■4/24（水）13：00、14：00
■4/25（木）13：00、14：00、15：00、16：00、18：00
■4/26（金）13：00、14：00、15：00、17：00、18：00
※お席のご案内は先着順となります

体験レッスンお申込みは⇒こちらをクリック

ただ今アミティー広場で２０２３年度第３回英検合格者を発表しています。
今回合格された皆さんおめでとうございます！
⇒アミティー広場へ
次回第１回英検は６月２日（日）です。３級以上は問題形式が変更となります。
受検される方はしっかりと対策をして試験に臨みましょう✏

Nestled within the stunning landscapes of Japan’s Hakuba Valley lies a hidden gem of history and tradition: the Salt Road Festival. While Hakuba Valley is renowned as a premier ski destination, its roots delve much deeper into the annals of time. Long before skis graced these slopes, the mountainous terrain was traversed by local farming communities, weaving a rich tapestry of culture and heritage.

At the heart of this heritage is the ancient Salt Road, a lifeline connecting landlocked Nagano Prefecture to the bountiful Sea of Japan coast. This 120-kilometer trading route was the conduit through which salt and preserved seafood flowed inland during the Edo Period, sustaining communities along its path. In Hakuba Valley, this cultural exchange gave rise to traditional delicacies like salted squid and dried seaweed, imbuing local cuisine with flavors steeped in history.

Today, the spirit of the Salt Road lives on through the annual festival—a three-day extravaganza celebrating the valley's storied past. Held each year from May 3rd to 5th, locals and visitors alike don traditional attire, following in the footsteps of their ancestors along the historic path that links Otari, Hakuba, and Omachi. From folk songs echoing through the valleys to the rhythmic beats of taiko drums, the festival offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era, where tradition and community intertwine in celebration. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the soul of Hakuba Valley, where history is not just remembered but joyously embraced.

In a world of rapid change, the Salt Road Festival stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Hakuba Valley—a place where the echoes of the past resonate through the ages, inviting all who wander its paths to embark on a journey through time.

source/s: https://www.japan.travel/en/au/news-blog/hakuba-valleys-salt-road-festival/
https://www.go-nagano.net/en/trip-idea/id12244

４月になり新しいクラスがスタートしてしまったから、もう今から英語学習を始めるのは遅いと思っていらっしゃる皆さん、まだ間に合います！レッスンは第３週目に入りましたが、新学期は基礎構文から始まる為、新入生の生徒さんでも無理なく学習が行えます。また、担当教師やスタッフがしっかりサポートをさせて頂きますので、ご安心ください。迷う前に、まずは来校・見学、そして体験レッスンで英語学習の楽しさを実感してください。

アミティーでは、レッスン以外にもお家でしっかり英語学習に取り組むことをお勧めしています。
レッスンの宿題に加えて、ドリルに少しずつでも毎日コツコツとりくむことにより読む力書く力を養い、4技能をバランスよく伸ばしていく目的です。一宮校ではドリルを継続して沢山取り組んだクラスのお友達には、定期的に表彰をしています。

おうちの方は、お子様のドリルを毎回ご確認いただき、まるつけをしていただくとお子様が今どのくらい力がついているのかの把握にもなりますし、お子様のモチベーションにもつながります。どうぞご協力をお願いいたします。