LATEM Methods

A lively English activity

LATEM (Little America Teaching English Methods) was developed by veteran English teacher Helene Jarmol Uchida as a result of working with over 20,000 Japanese EFL students of all levels by addressing their needs and observing their skills, strengths, weaknesses and learning patterns in studying English. All the components of LATEM are based on the teacher respecting the students. When the teacher respects the student, the student, in turn, will reflect that respect back to the teacher. Then and only then can any real learning take place.

LATEM Methods approach language in a fascinating, fast-paced and progressive way to trigger confidence and interaction from Japanese learners who tend to be shy and reticent about speaking any language other than Japanese. Activities include manageable challenges, such as warm-ups, self-introductions, role-playing, pair work, phonics, TPR (total physical response), guessing games, reading, writing, group interaction in English, listening comprehension, monthly aural testing, free study workbooks, diary completion, creative homework, blackboard coordination and curriculum basics while taking into consideration individual differences and needs.

LATEM’s dynamic and innovative methods have been studied and successfully adopted by both Japanese and non-Japanese teachers, as well as novice and veteran instructors. They have been created exclusively for teaching Japanese EFL learners of all ages from preschool to university. They work equally well in small conversation school classes as well as big public and private school classes.

Helene J. Uchida is a strong believer that Japanese English education lacks "kokoro," needs to visibly respect the student and lastly needs to be more experiential for both students and teachers. She is eager to support and help other teachers make such a philosophy a reality for students, schools and teachers nationwide.