1. Connecting Language Learning & Cultural Exchange Through Design
As an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), I utilize creative design and educational materials to engage students in the learning process while creating a deeper understanding of global cultures. This section highlights some of my community-driven design work, including interactive bulletin boards, seasonal content, and educational campaigns that were created to connect students with both language and culture.
Present Perfect Presentations Project
1st Years - Present Perfect Presentations Project
1. Lesson Plans - Creative Direction
In addition to classroom instruction, I developed visually engaging lesson materials tailored to my students' learning levels. These PowerPoint presentations and worksheets were designed to simplify complex ideas, encourage participation, and make English learning more approachable. By leveraging design to overcome language barriers, I was able to create lessons that blended clarity with creativity, supporting both comprehension and cultural connection. Below is a selection of my classroom materials showcasing this approach.
PowerPoint Designs & Implementations
Squid Game English Review Lesson
A PowerPoint game I designed and presented to students as vocabulary review during the release of Squid Games season 2.
Summer Vacation - 1st Day of Class Presentation
An introductory/welcome back presentation presented to students on their first day back from summer break.
New Year's English Lesson PowerPoint
A PowerPoint on the differences of New Year's Eve in the U.S. and Japan as well as a lesson review.
Christmas English Lesson PowerPoint
A fun and light end-of-the-year Christmas presentation showing Christmas in Japan and the U.S..
English Lesson Review Game - That's Not My Neighbor
This interactive presentation was inspired by the popular video game That’s Not My Neighbor and its concept of doppelgängers—where something appears real but is actually an imitation. I adapted this idea into a lesson review game on the topic of Glowing Sea Creatures. Students worked in groups of four and were each given a “case file” to investigate. With eight groups in total, each team analyzed two case files and determined which sea creatures were real and which were doppelgängers. The activity combined teamwork, critical thinking, and recall of lesson content, with the winning team receiving both a prize and recognition for their mastery of the material.
2. EIKEN Practice Interviews
As an additional accomplishment, I serve as one of the primary instructors supporting advanced students in preparing for the EIKEN Level 2 exam—a widely recognized English proficiency test in Japan. This exam evaluates reading, listening, and speaking skills while providing an official certification that can enhance students’ academic and career opportunities. To support their success, I designed a series of practice interviews based on past EIKEN Level 2 and Pre-2 exams. These materials progress from introductory to advanced difficulty, beginning with a short diagnostic survey to assess each student’s comprehension level. I then dedicate 15–20 minutes per student each Wednesday during a designated EIKEN class, offering personalized guidance to build confidence and ensure readiness for the exam.
3. Shibuya Street Interviews
This project was part of a special elective English class where students focused on learning practical, everyday English and applying it to real-world experiences. The theme centered on interviews, with students tasked to create their own interview questions for tourists at Shibuya Crossing. My role was to assist them in developing a worksheet of questions and prompts, as well as to provide on-site guidance while they conducted interviews in English. Approximately six groups participated, and each group successfully interviewed at least five people. The first two images showcase the handout I designed to support the students during their interviews, followed by photos documenting the activity in action.
4. Bulletin Board Designs
Each month, I design English boards for the students to learn about different cultures around the world. The boards are displayed directly in front of the students' lockers so they can see when they arrive and leave school.
1: Valentine's Day International English Bulletin Board
This Valentine's Day-themed bulletin board was designed to promote English language learning through culturally relevant and interactive elements. The board aimed to encourage students to explore both the language and cultural practices surrounding the holiday.
Instagram Posts:
Additionally, I presented the monthly English board on the school's Instagram page to gain traction and community attention among the students, staff, teachers, and families of the high school.
2: Christmas-Themed International English Bulletin Board
Description:
A Christmas-themed board with different cultural insights and interactive activities. It provided students with a way to engage with the holiday season through both creative design and language practice.
Instagram Posts:
3. Around the Community – Seasonal Scenery & Cultural Engagement
Capturing Community Events and Cultural Celebrations
1: Christmas Scenery Around the Community - Instagram Post
Description:
This collection of Christmas-themed photos from the local community showcases how the holiday season is celebrated in Japan, blending traditional Western customs with local customs. These photos were used to help students connect with real-world examples of cultural diversity. Below is the Instagram post.
2: Halloween Scenery Around the Community - Instagram Post
Description:
Halloween in Japan is a blend of international influence and local traditions. These pictures capture Halloween decorations in the community, offering a cultural insight that helped students understand the globalization of the holiday .
Conclusion
As an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), my role extends beyond language instruction; it’s about creating engaging, culturally rich experiences for students through design. Whether through graphic design, visual storytelling, or content creation, I strive to connect students with language and culture in a way that feels both inclusive and interactive.
Thank you to all the students, staff, and the Daiichi Shogo High School community for making the experiences possible!