The School House Volume 33 Issue 1
As autumn settles across Japan, the start-of-term rush has given way to a steadier rhythm of teaching and learning. We hope this issue of The School House provides you with moments of inspiration as the leaves begin to turn and the evenings grow cooler.
In this issue, we are pleased to share three contributions. The first is by Kirby Voshell, who reports on the 2025 JALT Hokkaido & PIE SIG Conferences. His article, Exploring Tools for English Education, highlights both technological and non-technological approaches to language learning, with reflections on how ideas presented at the conferences can be adapted for younger learners. The second contribution is from Nanaho Hanada, who introduces a three-step pair reading activity using Eiken-level texts. Hanada’s classroom idea, designed for vocational college students, shows how reading can be meaningfully linked to speaking and writing through a simple yet effective cycle of “Read, Ask, and Write.” In the last article, Benjamin Robertson shares an exploratory study on speed writing and TOEFL preparation in a Japanese high school, which examines how timed writing activities can build fluency, reduce anxiety, and support exam readiness.
Together, these articles remind us that effective teaching comes in many forms—from innovative uses of AI in language education to carefully structured classroom routines that build confidence and skills, to fluency-focused practices that prepare students for academic challenges beyond the classroom.
Finally, a reminder that The School House welcomes contributions on an ongoing basis. Whether you have a classroom activity, a teaching tip, a book or website review, or research you’d like to share, we would be delighted to hear from you. Submissions are accepted year-round for our three issues (Autumn, Winter, and Spring), and we are here to support you through the publication process.
We hope you enjoy this issue, and as always, thank you for being a part of the TYL SIG community.
Best wishes,
Kate Sato
The School House Editor
Articles:
The 2025 JALT Hokkaido & PIE SIG Conferences: Exploring Tools for English Education - Kirby Voshell, Ebetsu City Board of Education
A Pair Reading Activity Using Eiken-Level Texts: Building Core Skills Through a Three-Step Process of Read, Ask, and Write - Nanaho Hanada, ECC Kokusai College of Foreign Languages
Speed Writing and TOEFL Preparation in a Japanese High School: An Exploratory Study - Benjamin Robertson, Kousen Catholic Jr. and Sr. High School
Navigate to the other pages to see the archive of all our former issues.