Fifth- and sixth-graders at elementary schools will get their first taste of English learning come April, setting off on a journey into a world of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
But while some teachers, boards of education and students are in panic mode over the new curriculum, one city that had an early start said it shouldn't be a problem — as long as the pupils know their ABCs.
"First off, it is crucial to plan a lesson so that the students don't end up disliking English after two years," Jiro Hayashi, supervisor of the board of education of Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, said earlier this month. "Removing the anxiety for the teachers is also important. They should receive as much support as they need."