This farm stay provides many mind opening experiences that give a deeper grass roots understanding of the world around us. People from elementary school through college can develop strong English and problem solving skills by being part of real working American farms. The many different people they meet help them to understand the connection between environmental issues, economics, social awareness, food culture and their own futures.
Aim; “Improve English skills, Environmental awareness, Observe economic system from an agricultural viewpoint, Food education”
Please send us an email for more information. Email: chris@mattisonenglish.com
=Happy New Year 2020= We see ourselves reflecting on the past years and those who have helped to shape Mattison English. The year 2019 was quite a year for us! It is in this spirit that we say thank you and we hope that 2020 will be just as memorable for you and your loved ones. We look forward to seeing and supporting you for years to come.
An international couple — unique upbringings that support others’ learning English language using both English and Japanese made so much sense for us to keep it going for 20 years. Now we know for sure that we’re making the right decision to keep doing what we love and are good at.
Thanks to many students who have trusted us and enjoyed the moments in the lessons with us. We’ll keep on going doing our best.
Whatever we experienced and enjoyed with you is unforgettable experiences. Thanks to Chris-san, Mio-san and your sons, we could have fulfilling days in NY! We are looking forward to hearing good news again and we hope that we can go to Harrison again. Y.N
アメリカでは小学生低学年からFirst, Next, Then, Last といったように英文の書き方を習い始め、中学生辺りから本格的にEssayの書き方を指導されます。 基本的なEssayの習得は現地ニューヨークの学校では勿論、日本での検定試験、入試、面接にも対応できます。
Which season do you like best?
I like summer best. – 結論 ＜introduction＞
I can swim at a beach. – 理由１ ＜topic sentence＞
Day light is longer. – 理由２ ＜topic sentence＞
I don’t have to wear a heavy coat. – 理由３ ＜topic sentence＞
Summer is my favorite season. – 結論 ＜conclusion＞
これはThe 5-sentence Personal Essayというとてもシンプルで分かりやすいエッセイの書き方指導です。 あのJohn F. Kennedy もこの用法を使いハーバード大学へ入ったとあります。 下がそのオリジナルー Via JFK Library and Museum
ℚuestion “Why do you wish to come to Harvard?” Here’s what a young JFK had to say:
The reasons that I have for wishing to go to Harvard are several. I feel that Harvard can give me a better background and a better liberal education than any other university. I have always wanted to go there, as I have felt that it is not just another college, but is a university with something definite to offer. Then too, I would like to go to the same college as my father. To be a “Harvard man” is an enviable distinction, and one that I sincerely hope I shall attain.
★I believe–/ In my opinion, / I agree with–/ From my point of view, / I support the idea that –/ ★ Firstly, / To start with, / One reason that / First of all, / The first reason is that / ★ Secondly, / In addition, / Next, / Moreover, / Furthermore, / ★ Lastly, / At last, / Additionally, / In comparison, / On the other hand, / ★ In conclusion, / To conclude, / For the reasons above, / In summary, / To sum up, / As I have stated above, /
Topic Sentence(1st piece of support the thesis) 主題をサポートする論点 – Elaborate the topic sentence 論点の詳細 – Provide an example/ evidence/ quotation 例、証明、引用 – Explain the importance of the example/ evidence/ quotation 上の詳細
Topic Sentence(2st piece of support the thesis) – Elaborate the topic sentence – Provide an example/ evidence/ quotation – Explain the importance of the example/ evidence/ quotation
Topic Sentence(3st piece of support the thesis) – Elaborate the topic sentence – Provide an example/ evidence/ quotation – Explain the importance of the example/ evidence/ quotation
Conclusion – Rephrase your thesis フレーズに変化させ主題を再主張 – Summarize your 3 topic sentences ３つの論点のまとめ
Mattison Farm Stay 2019 has started. A little update between our sessions while we are back to Harrison, NY for a few days.
Our first group was from all different ages and backgrounds. It’s great to see them work hard together and get along so well. Our focus on this program is to let them experience wonderful North-eastern American farms while we teach practical English,agriculture economy, environmental issues and American culture.
As each day went by, we saw changes in them.
They were able to see what was happening to take responsibilities independently, but still work together. There are so many things we would like to tell you. Since we’ll start another session on 7/31, we are focusing on preparation now.
We’ll be on the farm without internet for a while again, so we apologize if we can’t get in touch with you quickly. The whole new 2019 farm stay experience will be updated in August! Have a great summer everyone!
Look at their smiles! It’s hard not to be excited about launching rockets into the air. This activity was a success. Everyone built their own rocket from scratch and each of them left the launch pad and flew high up into the air! Each of the participants were so into building their rocket they lost track of time.
We studied about the 2 processes used in launching the rockets. The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar took a bit longer than using the air pump but it was great to hear the screams of surprise when the rocket blasted off.
These TPR activities are perfect for getting everyone involved, speaking and learning new vocabulary and natural expressions!
We visited our family farm over Memorial Day weekend. Although it was a short stay, it was productive as we could talk face to face to most people involved. Topics: Activities, educational content, safety and food😊 Seeing their faces and talking about it gave us a great vibe. The time has come again.
We turned on our switch‼
We appreciate everyone who cares about this growing program and supports us!
Farm Stay 2019 is SOLD OUT, THANK YOU! Again, we get to introduce a whole new world to 10 of our great friends. We are so excited for both A and B Mattison Farm Stay sessions. During our farm stay, participants will learn and experience about;
☆sustainable farm living in modern society(economy)
☆American culture and manners(sociology)
☆building strong English communication skills（English Language）
We can hardly wait to see them! Please keep your eye on our upcoming program. Thank you for your support!
We are enjoying our annual Easter egg coloring throughout the week. We love to pull out each student’s interest to make it into a deep conversation while we color eggs. Seems like they are more comfortable talking about their lives when we are just chatting like this.
今年の感謝祭はとても遅く4/21です。マティソンでは毎年好例のエッグカラーリング週😉まったりとした自然な雰囲気があるからこそ話したい伝えたい…と思える。片言の英語で必死に伝えようとする生徒さんがとても愛おしく、癒され、教える側が逆にパワーをもらっています💖
January… is a tough month right after holidays for students who are about to take exams regardless of whether they are in the US or Japan.
Entrance Exams from private middle schools to universities, Eiken tests or NY local school’s Midterm exam&SAT test… We hear their scream, fear and some confidence. We take it seriously and get anxious as well. But we believe their efforts that they put into for a long time for their tests will pay off. Hope to see their big smiles with great results. We will continue to work with them and support anyway we can. You…WE are almost there!!
We want to wish everyone a blessed and peaceful New Year.We entered 2019 with a stronger commitment to teaching English and our summer farmstay program.
We feel that people are more and more serious about learning English every year and that communicating with others is the key to peace and understanding in the world.
We want to continue to be involved in the process of those who put their strong efforts into becoming great communicators.
We thank everyone for their support of Mattison English for 19 years and look forward to seeing everyone in this new year.
Last week, our students asked, ” When do we make ornaments this year?”
Today, we have officially started making ornaments in our classes.
We write our names and the date on the back of each ornament to help remind us later of the struggles and accomplishments we had throughout the year.
Holidays like these are times to remember and make even more special memories. We hope to share our family traditions with all of our students as well.
Amazing how creative kids can be when given the opportunity. We created animals combining 3. They sculpted them and made up stories to go along with them.
Wow! We are so excited that two groups attended our Farm Stay this year. We’re so happy to offer these experiences that so many people have never experienced! We feel it is so important to experience these things first hand and not from a textbook.
今年も怪我もなく無事ファームステイが終了しました。初めてトライすることを沢山経験し参加者のみんなは色々と感じ、考えたことでしょう。Mattisonならではの充実したプログラムを振り返ってみます。
Our focus in this program was for students to use English in everyday situations on and off the farm on the following 3 topics:
プログラムで注目した3つの柱は…
1. Environment+Social+Economic⇒ Sustainable development
2. Strong English conversation skills
3. American culture and manners
These experiences added depth to our students’ characters and wisdom about the world around them. It wasn’t always pleasant for all who joined because they were immersed in the local culture. It was a totally new way of life for them. Because of that, each individual stayed focused on English to learn to understand and respect others and their culture.
今回の経験で自然と生き物は環境の中で大きな役割を果たしてくれている事を感じてくれたと思います。参加者に年齢差はありましたが地球上の生命は、人間のために存在しているのではなく、人も地球の生命の一員であり、豊かな自然や生物の多様性がなければ生きてゆくことは不可能だとゆうことを5つ日間の家畜の世話やりや、マティソン家の家族やアーミッシュの人々と接したりすることでそれぞれが心の中でしっかりと感じてくれたと思っています。
<English Lessons>
☆How to prepare fishing pole-Total Physical Response/casting practice
☆Ecological footprint-Ecological footprint calculator/presentation
☆Table manners-proper way to eat and communicate at the table/presentation
☆Nature/Agriculture relations to modern life-what to be careful of in the wild/respect and observe nature
☆Creative writing-review the week and write an essay
<Program activities>
☆Taking care of pigs in the barn every morning-feeding/cleaning/bedding
☆Fishing at the beaver pond-Rowing the rowboats/observing beavers
☆Setting and checking infrared camera in the woods
☆Visit Amish family next door
☆Meeting Mattison family, relatives and friends
☆Horseback riding/carriage riding
☆Fossil hunting
☆Egg hunting
☆Night Hiking/Stargazing
☆Build Bonfire/Marshmallow roasting/drumming
☆Tie-dye T-shirt making
☆Cooking meals together
☆Swimming&kayaking at the lake
☆Ordering at the shops and ice cream shops
☆Collins Farm Tour-over 2000 cows
☆Locust Hill Dairy Farm Tour-over 4000 cows
One week was a short time, yet all of our students accepted the challenge to different degrees and that was one of the fun parts of such a program. Please look through the photos and ask us lots of questions.
We truly loved our farmstay2018. Thank you to our Mattison family and friends who were part of us and to support our program!
1週間は本当に短いものですが、参加者一人一人が自分と向き合い大切な事をつかみ取ってくれました。このブログを読んで興味を持たれた方、どんどん質問してください。
メール→chris@mattisonenglish.com
今年も更に充実した内容でプログラムを進めることができたのも家族である息子2人、マティソン親族のおかげです。
この熱い情熱が爆発している間に前のりになって、更に来年の事を話し始めているChrisと私です。皆さんありがとうございました。
Farm Stay2018 started on 7/21. For this session, the biggest thing we worried about was “rain”….
Good thing we were very flexible with our activities and kids were so up to everything we scheduled. We ended up doing pretty much everything we planned to do!
We love the feeling that everyone starts to open up and be themselves to soak up the new experiences. By the end of the program, we were just like one big family. Even the Amish were surprised to see such a big family!
A student from Japan promised to come back as she headed back to Japan with a lot of great memories today.
We are looking forward to starting the next session on 8/1! We’ll organize and update all of the pictures and details after both sessions are finished! So please stay tuned!!
We’re excited to be starting our Farm Stay next Sunday.
Everything is all set. We’ve got the Kayaks, boat, and fishing poles ready to go! We’ve spoken to everyone involved and they are also excited to see us all.
Our groups will be heading to 3 working farms as well as Mattison Corner Farms.
1. Mattland Farms: Lodging and Morning chores on a daily basis.
2. Collins Farm: Cow milking experience
3. Alford Farm: Tour of the modern farm that has over 2000 cattle.
We will introduce our students to a wide variety of American Farm lifestyles including a visit to our Amish neighbor’s homestead. It’s going to be a fun-filled time packed full of activities and opportunities to learn and communicate using English. Please stay tuned for our updates.
Empty shelves. After 4 years of teaching English in Harrison, NY, we are relocating Mattison English to our new home in Harrison, NY.
We appreciate all the opportunities we had that led us to where we are about to start.
From next week on July 2, we will start our lessons from our home in Harrison, NY.
We are looking forward to having lessons as we had back then in Japan; outdoor, cooking, and weekend activities.
We are so looking forward to starting from our home.
A student we haven’t seen for 12 years came to visit us for a few days this spring. We were really happy to welcome her. She was one of the students that attended our 1st FARM STAY in 2006.
She is going to research agriculture at the University of Hawaii this fall.
We are very proud of her that she is following her dream and improving English communication skills. This is a purely happy moment for us as English professionals. We would love to hear from our students and for them to come to visit us.
Seeing her was very motivating for us to concentrate on this year’s FARM STAY2018.
We hope to see her again.
この春12ぶりの再会となる日本の生徒さんがNYのマティソン宅へ訪ねてくれました。嬉しいですね！彼女は2006年のマティソンファームステイ初回に日本からNYの牧場へ連れて行った子です。
見事に成長していた彼女はこの秋からハワイ大学で農学の研究をするらしいのです。目的を持ちそれを追い続け英語上達にも努力をしている彼女の姿を見、とても誇らしく思いました。これは英語を仕事としている私たちにとって生きがいを感じる瞬間です。
これからも色んな生徒さんからの連絡や、みんなが遊びに来てくれることを楽しみにしています。
今年の夏のNYファームステイ前にこうやって初回のファームステイ参加の生徒さんと再会でき、私達は益々この夏が楽しみになりました！
彼女とまた再会できる日を楽しみにしています。
This spring, we had special guests from Japan! Currently, they are our online students taking lessons every week from Japan. They flew from Japan using their spring recess.
It was so nice to see them in person!
Mattison English is so proud that many students stay connected with us and visit us from halfway around the world.
We believe the strong teacher and learner connection is one of the really important keys to improve toward anything they want to achieve on any level.
We get to introduce a whole new world to 10 of our great friends.
We are so thrilled that both Schedule A & B sessions of Mattison Farm Stay are full! I can’t wait to show and teach them all about nature, wildlife, American culture and natural foods!
Hope everyone is enjoying getting ready to celebrate this holiday season.
Last week and this week, Mattison English is making salt dough ornaments with our students as a holiday activity.
While we’re making ornaments, we talk to students about the good things and bad things that happened this year, places they went, new things they tried, friendships and families etc… really festive!
But even during fun activities, we still challenge our students to talk all in English. Being able to tell their feelings in English isn’t an easy task to most of our students. It takes a total balance of a creative thinking, grammar skills, and enough vocabulary.
But what we really focus on the most is “the relationship” between each of our individual students and us.
That is the feeling which makes them want to talk to us.
Nobody wants to talk or share their feelings with someone they don’t like.
Luckily, our students had so much to talk about and the time just flew right by. We love our students and we want to continue keeping these great relationships with them.
Mattison English will be closed from 12/24~1/2 for holiday season.
What a bunch of laughs!
We cut out words from magazines, and this is what we came up with?
The more outrageous the better.
It’s so cool to see personality and imagination!
One of my favorites by a 2nd grader was, “Pay $400 for my gold mashed potatoes.”
Try it!
2006年に初めてこのファームステイを開催した私達は、元々は日本から子供たちを連れてきて牧場体験をしていましたが、2013年に私達がJapanからNYへ移住したことをきっかけに今回の参加者は全てNY在住の子供達ばかりでした。
日本からお問い合わせくださった皆さん、ありがとうございました。
来年以降は日本からの参加者の受入れもできるよう準備が整えれたらと話しています。
ご質問、お問い合わせはchris@mattisonenglish.comまでよろしくお願いします。
See you all next summer!
今日のレッスンはオモチャのビービーガンを使って屋外レッスンです。
TPR(Total physical response)。
“How to safely hold
How to safely carry
And how to safely use”
銃が認められる国アメリカ。
賛否両論ですが、田舎での銃の使用は家畜を守ったり、自然社会から自身の身を守るためであったりし、多くの牧場主は銃の使用法を心得ています。
おもちゃのビービーですが、本物の銃と同様の使用法と危険性、大切さをレッスンで話しました。
子供たちは真剣に話を聞き、しっかりと使い方を学んでいきました。
そしてバーブさんの馬でCarriage ride。
毛並みのいい3歳になるミミちゃんというこの馬はとっても人懐こく、まるで子犬の様なでっかい馬です。
順にCarriageに乗せてもらっている間は、牧場のニワトリの卵拾い。
ママチキンにつつかれないよう恐る恐る笑!
バーブさんが見せてくれたのは暫く拾われずにヒヨコになりかけた死にそうになっていた卵。
そっと卵の殻を破ると中からはか弱い声が…
“Let’s see if this one will survive until tomorrow.”
と言いながらバーブさんはその死にそうな生まれたてのヒヨコをママチキンの下にそっと置きました。
残念ながらこのヒヨコは翌日冷たくなっていました。
これも自然。牧場には日常に起こる出来事です。
次のアクティビティはアーミッシュ家族David&Levina宅への訪問、お野菜を調達する事です。
写真がないのは、宗教上写真に写ることを許されていないからです。
マティソン敷地内の家を借りて生活している彼らはコマーシャル的なアーミッシュ家族ではないため、いろいろ体験させてもらうのは難しいかもと思いながら訪問時に色々交渉をしました。
外の世界を「知りたくない」と思っているこの民族にとってハイテクなお土産やカラフルなものはタブー。
わたしは日本のフジリンゴと梨を片手に、日本の子供たちは無地の和紙折り紙で飛行機や花を折って持っていきました。
話をしているうちに色んな野菜を一緒に収穫したり、ついには
”Would you like to come inside our house?”
と、家の中へも招待してもらったのです！
7人の子供達がいるこの夫婦、奥さんLevinaは8人目のお産を翌日に控えている中、本当に心を開いてくれました。
感動です。
最後のアクティビティはChrisの母、Nanaのお宅で夕食。
Nanaは旦那さんBarryと2人で私達全員をもてなしてくれました。
大きなBaked hamとMacaroni&cheeseがとてもおいしくおかわりする子続出。
夕食後はみんなでSalmon River へお散歩。
