I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS

Teacher Instructions

1. Before class prepare the handout and the transparency.
   
   
2. Distribute the handout. Explain Activity 1 using the transparency. Have students form pairs and do the reading activity. Review the answers.
   
   
3. Explain Activity 2. Have the students complete Activity 2 individually. Walk around the classroom and give the students feedback. Have the students share their questions with the class and write them on the transparency. Have the class find errors and make corrections.
   
   
4. Explain Activity 3. Ask the students how they would initiate their reply and how they would close the email. Have them write their email response.
   
   
5. Collect the students’ emails and give them your feedback.

Answer Key to Student Activities

1.   1) winter
2) Because she wore kimono after a long time.
3) She is doing fine. She hasn’t missed school or her part-time job.

2. (Sample answer)

1) いつ着物を着ましたか。 2) どうして着物をきましたか。3) 着物を着て、何をしましたか。4) 着物は高いですか。5) 着物が好きですか。

3. (Sample answer)

さとこさん、メールと写真、ありがとう。私も元気で、がんばっています。こちらもとても寒くなり、きのうは雪がたくさんふりました。ところで、すてきな着物ですね。着物はいつ着たんですか。着物を着て、何かしましたか。私は日本の着物が大好きですが、さとこさんは着物が好きですか。着物はとても高いそうですが、ほんとうですか。返事を待っています。

1. You have just received an e-mail message from your Japanese pen pal, Satoko. She also sent you a picture of her wearing a traditional Japanese kimono. Read her e-mail message and answer the questions.

<Useful Vocabulary>

1) Which season is this letter most likely written?

2) Why did Satoko send you the photo?

3) How is she doing these days?

2. Satoko with her kimono looks very pretty. You decide to ask her for more information about her Kimono. First, think of five questions you want to ask her and write them down in Japanese.

Sample question:

いつ着物を着ましたか 。

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

3. Now write an e-mail message to Satoko, which includes the questions you want to ask in Japanese. Make sure to have initial and closing remarks.

IV. VISUAL AIDS FOR TEACHERS

For the visual aid, make a transparency of the handout.