People who live in Kamaishi (pronounced comma-ee-she) temporary housing range from families to elderly. Our conversation was with the seniors group, ranging in age from 50's-74. When we announced our ages they said being in your 30's was so young.
We brought Chicago themed books, our was a coffee table book with pictures of downtown. The teachers brought some kids themed books more conducive to learning English (so well prepared :-).
After chatting we decided to start with introducing ourselves "I am..." And what our favorite food is " I like..." Asking perhaps family questions or what type of work you do/did might be too difficult. We are all very sensitive to their needs. Most likes were bananas, sushi, rice and Husbands pizza. The class was silly, a lot of laughing and the ladies covering there mouths giggling. But everyone participated.
In the temporary housing they have issues still tied to the tsunami disaster. So many friends and relatives lost their lives. Many people don't even leave there homes and there is no mental health support. So holding this "conversation" activity is simply to help change the pace and give them something fun to do which they can have good memories of later.
We moved away from the Chicago book to some family pictures. After teaching "sky scraper" "open" bridge and "street" we showed family on the iPad. The Japanese mentioned America has many parks and playgrounds for kids. Their impression was also that there's so much to do.
Sharing and sitting with them around tables on tatame mats was fun and memorable.
Happy travels!
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