ALT Life.
When I first started teaching in Japan, I didn’t know what to expect. Over time, I’ve learned so many teaching strategies, fun games, and classroom tips that make English lessons more exciting for students—and less stressful for teachers!
This page is for ALTs like you. Let's make our classes lively and engaging!
What You’ll Find Here
At ALT Life, I share everything I’ve learned to make your teaching journey smoother:
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🎲 Fun Classroom Games: Easy, low-prep games that students love
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✏️ Lesson Ideas: Activities for elementary and junior high schools
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🌸 Cultural Tips: Understanding Japanese school culture and etiquette
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💡 Survival Guide: Advice for living and working as an ALT in Japan
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💬 Real Stories: My experiences, challenges, and wins as a Filipino ALT
Simple Classroom Games Your Students Will Love
Here are a few student-approved activities:
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Word Bingo: A classic way to review new vocabulary.
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Pass the Ball: Great for practicing quick questions and answers.
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Find Someone Who…: Encourages students to move around and talk to each other.
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Mystery Box Game: Students guess the object inside using English clues.
These games are fun, easy to set up, and work for different grade levels.
I'll share more activities soon. Stay tuned!
Lesson Plan Ideas
Here are some Lesson Plans that I personally created for the 3rd and 4th Grade students. A little disclaimer before downloading: The ideas and activities on the lesson plans might not work for everyone.
Always double-check with the homeroom teacher (adviser) and ask if the activities are doable. Good luck!
Tips for New ALTs
Starting as an ALT can be overwhelming. Here are a few quick tips to get started:
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Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to communicate with teachers and students.
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Observe first. Watch how classes are run before taking the lead.
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Keep it simple. Clear instructions and fun visuals go a long way.
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Be flexible. Schedules may change, so always have a backup plan.
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Smile and have fun! Your positive energy makes lessons more exciting.
Why This Page Exists
When I began my ALT journey, I struggled to find simple and practical resources.
That’s why I created this space—to help other ALTs feel supported and inspired while teaching in Japan.
Whether you’re teaching in a big city or a small rural town, my goal is to make your teaching life easier, happier, and more meaningful.