King QuailbeeIt's a bit complicated on paper, but way easier once you're actually doing the activity. (We also usually get the Japanese teacher to explain the rules briefly in Japanese, too.)
Here's a breakdown of the Holiday Quiz scenario (appropriate for elementary or mixed elementary/junior high sessions; could also be done with junior high only but make sure to make the questions hard enough for them):
Things You Prepare(1) Powerpoint with questions in Japanese (or other visual medium)
(2) Means of getting powerpoint to the school (email, usb, etc)
(3) Paper pictures of ornaments and/or decorations from the 100 yen store (if using the Christmas tree idea) -- make sure you have at least one of each type per group
(4) Enthusiasm
(5) A time estimate of how long each activity will take (i.e. when you'll arrive vs when the class will start, 自己紹介, main activity, any other activities) -- send this to the teachers beforehand.
Things You Ask the School to Prepare(1) Computer with powerpoint and a monitor (or whatever you need for your other visual medium)
(2) Answer cards (A, B, C, D) that kids can stand under or hold up
(3) Preassigned groups for the kids (you can request things like "not more than X kids per group" or "not more than Y groups" if you need to)
(4) A large paper/2D Christmas tree and something to attach ornaments/decorations to the tree (scotch/clear tape works well; often better/less messy than glue) (if using the big Christmas tree idea)
What You Do on the Day(1) Confirm you have all of your own materials and test the technology.
(2) Confirm the timetable with the school and any materials they've prepared.
(3) Start the lesson with the kids, do your 自己紹介 or whatever pre-quiz activity you may or may not have.
(4) Get the Japanese teacher to explain the rules briefly in Japanese and get the kids to separate into groups if they have not already done so.
(5) Begin the game.
The Game Itself(1) Go to your first question powerpoint slide. Read the question and possible answers aloud. (Some of the kids may do better with listening to the question, some may do better with reading the question, so having both is good.)
Sample question/answer read-aloud: "On Christmas Eve (December 24), what do American children put by the fireplace for Santa's reindeer? A: Cookies and juice, B: Carrots, C: Crackers and hot cocoa, D: Natto." (Having a question or two with an obvious "wrong" answer will often make the kids laugh, especially if you play it up with "Oh, I definitely think it's natto!" or something.)
(2) Then wait for a bit to see which one answer the kids will go for. Make sure they move/answer/discuss as a team.
(3) The Big Reveal. Once most of the teams have chosen their answer, you can do a fun English countdown like "Five...four...three...two...one...正解は・・・Ｂです！" Or something like that . Then you can give a quick explanation about why it's the correct answer.
(4) Invite one person from each group that answered correctly to the front, and give each person one ornament (each gets the same type) to put on the tree. Wait for them to attach it to the tree. While you're waiting, you can show the rest of the class what the ornament looks like and tell them what it is/what it represents if it isn't obvious.
(5) After the last person finishes decorating the tree (hurry them along if necessary), check to make sure the kids are ready for the next one (皆さん、準備大丈夫ですか？ or something), then swiftly move on to question 2.
(6) Rinse and repeat until the end of the game. On the last question, feel free to play it up as 最後の質問！！
(7) If you have time, give them an opportunity to ask questions. (They may not ask any but hey it's nice to give 'em a chance.)
(8) Get the Japanese teacher to arrange the transition to your 終わりの会, next activity, or break/rest time. (Sometimes if you have a "break time," it's easier to fold "question time" into this -- the kids can come up to you and ask individually if they're embarrassed to ask in front of everyone.) Proceed apace!
Other ApplicationsYou can swap out themes and "prizes" using this format very easily, using whatever country(ies), culture(s), etc that are relevant to you. The kids all love a good quiz game.
I've done this quite a bit. Some other examples from my visits:
(1 & 2) Famous American Places (historical, tourist, whatever depending on students' level and teacher preferences), Famous/Fun American Foods -- paste a relevant picture in the appropriate region on a printed, simple map of the U.S. (Each group has one map.)
(3) American Elementary/Junior High School Life (or Graduation or Summer Vacation) -- paste foods that often are served in American school lunches on a printed American cafeteria-style lunch tray. (Each group has one tray.)
On a final note:
@mikan, come to my school visits anytime~ ♡
