Curriculum
Amity’s goal is to inspire students to master the English language in an engaging and supportive environment. Amity’s Education Department has developed a specialized curriculum and dynamic teaching methodology based on the four principles of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning: reading, writing, listening comprehension and speaking. The curriculum is enhanced through the use of Amity’s bright and colorful textbooks and workbooks as well as audiovisual learning tools that account for the age, growth and individuality of our students. Amity’s line of supplemental materials provides additional opportunities for at-home learning.
Amity is pioneering the use of smart technology in the classroom. Building on Amity’s interactive course incorporating the latest in computer-based EFL learning, Amity students are learning in new and exciting ways.
Methodology
Every child is unique and deserves a specialized approach to learning. The Amity teaching methodology focuses on the three different learning styles of our students: visual, audio and kinesthetic. Native English Teachers (NETs) incorporate Amity-developed, as well as, teacher-made visual aids to provide context and meaning when teaching the target language in their lessons. Teachers use ample repetition to model the correct language and get students using the language immediately.
NETs use gestures to encourage movement and help with memory retention. Reinforcement activities are used to test the students as well as create a fun and educational learning environment.
Songs are used as teaching tools for Amity’s youngest learners. Teachers combine visual aids, repetition and gestures to bring the songs to life!
The Amity methodology allows students with no experience to build a solid language foundation and rapidly grow from using simple vocabulary to complex question and answer patterns. The Amity methodology gets students talking!
Lessons
When students join Amity they will choose one of 4 types of lessons:
Group Lesson
A maximum of 8 similarly-aged students in a lesson. The group lesson is typically 40 – 50 minutes in length except for the Baby O class that is 30 minutes.
Semi-Private Lesson
Private Lesson
Interactive Lesson
“i Lesson®” “i Method®”
In April of 2014, NETs began teaching i Lessons with our kindergarten and elementary aged students. i Lesson’s utilize interactive whiteboards and tablets to make lessons more engaging and a fun educational experience for our students. Teachers combine the Practical Course Drilling methodology with technology to create our original i Method. i Lessons are an accumulation of Amity’s knowledge and experience from the last four decades.
Types Of Classes
Prenatal Stimulation (PS)
Expectant mothers; 50 minutes
ages 6 months to 1 year old and their parents; 30 minutes
ages 1 to 2 years old and their parents; 40 minutes
ages 2 to 4 years old / and their parents; 45 minutes
ages 4 to 6 years old; 45 minutes
ages 6 to 9 years old; 50 minutes
ages 9 to 12 years old; 50 minutes
ages 12 to 15 years old; 50 minutes
ages 15 to 18 years old; 50 minutes
Bilingual International Returnees; 40 to 50 minutes
Parents of Amity students; 50 minutes
Beyond Teaching
Amity teachers have the unique opportunity to gain invaluable teaching skills as well as international business experience. NETs support the business growth and development of the branch school through various additional responsibilities. These include:
Marketing/Sales
Native English Teachers market the classes and products that Amity offers directly to parents and students. These include the supplemental materials for at home study as well as upcoming seasonal seminars.
Prospective Student Lessons
Native English Teachers conduct sample lessons to introduce Amity to prospective students and their parents allowing children a true sense of the Amity classroom before signing-up. After the prospective student lesson, the NETs conduct a counseling session to assess the child’s current skill level and determine which Amity course would benefit them most.
Business Meetings
Business meetings are conducted weekly with the branch school staff to discuss the financial goals of the school.
Communication
Establishing and maintaining an open line of communication with the branch manager ensures a successful collaboration at the branch school.
Lesson Explanation
Parents are eager to support their children’s language development at home. Native English Teachers explain the lesson content and homework responsibilities to parents after each lesson. Effective lesson explanations also influence student renewals.
Lobby Talk
Communicating with students and parents in the lobby is key to business success at Amity. This is an opportunity for Native English Teachers to establish a presence at the branch school as well as discuss Amity course offerings and supplemental materials which support student growth.
Japanese Teacher Interviews
Amity sets the standard for English education in Japan by hiring high quality teachers including Japanese Teachers. Native English Teachers conduct a 20 – 30 minute interview with prospective Japanese Teachers to assess the candidate’s English abilities.
Progress Records
Progress Records are important tools that track a student’s growth. Native English Teachers fill out Progress Records during specified periods throughout the school year.
Cleaning
The health and safety of Amity’s staff and students is paramount. Native English Teachers will aid the Japanese staff in maintaining the professional appearance of the school by performing daily cleaning duties.