About this Website

　Since 2020, third- and fourth-grade elementary school students have been introduced to foreign language activities and fifth- and sixth-grade students to foreign language learning as a subject. Today, elementary school students spend more years learning foreign languages than before, and the content of these language classes has become more diverse. While these changes in foreign language acquisition programs are expected to improve student experiences and outcomes, many may also find them challenging.

　Thus, our working group has been studying the difficulties that children face when learning foreign languages. We have also been examining strategies used by language teachers, to discuss and develop effective teaching methods to support these children through their difficulties. Our mission is to develop an evidence-based training program for foreign language teachers in elementary schools to ensure comprehensive language acquisition for all children, including those with special needs.

　We hope that this website will provide a space through which we can explore the possibilities of “inclusive elementary foreign language education” with you.

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