A producer of creative, current and fun educational resources, lesson plans and STEAM-based learning content using Activities, Games, Discoveries, Songs, Language (Japanese) & Auslan signing that educates and engages children in the early years (Preschool and Junior Primary).
Educational Resources for Teachers
LEARNING JAPANESE IN THE EARLY YEARS
Hello!
My name is Michailey and I am the creator of the “The Little Tonbo”
As a Primary School Teacher for over thirty years, one of my many roles included teaching Japanese to Primary and Junior Primary students and to children attending Early Learning Centres.
Finding developmentally appropriate resources, that not only reflected my pedagogy but the everchanging landscape of child development, especially in the early years was extremely challenging, so I created “The Little Tonbo” to help other like-minded teachers and educators.
The Little Tonbo offers a collection of activities and experiences sought to scaffold second language learning in the early years plus other educational content for organisations (e.g. a Museum or Zoo) that wish to target, engage and educate early learners.
Key vocabulary in the target language is introduced and/or revisited through breathing exercises, yoga, Auslan signing, action songs and finger rhymes, STEAM based activities, group games and play.
These purposeful activities provide opportunities for children to create and develop new enquiries and curiosities; further explore, transfer and apply prior knowledge; experiment with concepts and skills to invent, trial, analyse, and reflect their growing understanding of their world.