Science Crafts as English Learning Tasks: Developing Teaching Materials and Methods for Foreign Language Activities

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The purpose of this study was to develop teaching materials and methods for Foreign Language Activities through applying science crafts as English learning tasks. Foreign Language Activities, newly introduced in the Course of Study for elementary school (MEXT, 2008) aims at forming the foundation of pupils’ communication abilities through foreign languages while developing the understanding of languages and cultures through various experiences. Although the teaching materials (“EIGO NOTO” and “Hi, friends!”) were developed by MEXT for these classes, other teaching materials which achieve learning through various experience need to be developed. Science crafts, such as “Paper Slinky” (paper springs) whose basic concept relates to “Matter / Energy” in Science, “the Spinning Saucer” and “Jumping Frog” were adapted for English learning tasks. Teaching plans and other materials were also developed.