If an elementary school student suddenly asked you, “What is ‘normal’?” could you answer right away?
The concept expressed as “普通” (ordinary) in Japanese is universal, found everywhere in the world regardless of culture or language. Yet, thinking deeply about it and putting it into words is not easy. This book aims to help you acquire “expressions and vocabulary for deep conversations”—terms not often used in everyday speech—by thinking about important themes like “normal,” “rules,” and “adults” (topics that aren't new to anyone but are vital for living), and then communicating, sharing, and discussing them in Japanese with those around you.
But even in one's native language, it can be difficult to suddenly be asked to talk about such themes. Therefore, this book begins by having you read three short stories related to each theme. This helps you recall your own opinions and memories, such as “I felt this way about this part of the story” or “I've had a similar experience.” Then, you'll engage in various conversation tasks: summarizing the story's main points, sharing your opinions, thoughts, and experiences, and discussing them with others.
Putting your opinions and thoughts into words and sharing them helps you objectively reflect on your own thinking and broadens your perspective.
Please use this book to have “deep” conversations about the themes in your class.