Chats with Ryouma

Shane's a social animal, so I was thrilled when Carrie set up an italki account for him.

Italki is a website that connects teachers of different languages to students online. Since Shane's practicing Japanese, Carrie found a native Japanese speaker to talk with once a week for 30 minutes.

Shane had his first chat with Ryouma on a Sunday night.

We've had a total of three lessons so far. Talking with Ryouma counts for Shane's Japanese practice for the day.

So far it's gone okay. I had hoped Shane would know enough to do more basic conversation, but there's a limit to how much someone will learn through grudging acceptance of a chore. It does seem like Shane's ears and voice have been a little trained, because he parrots what Ryouma says. We're hoping the personal connection will motivate Shane intrinsically.  

I'm glad we didn't sign up for one hour time slots. Shane has trouble staying still in his chair for half that! He starts off semi-focused, but by the end!?

Carrie made some onigiri to celebrate as she and Shane watched My Hero Academia this week. It's an easy to make from rice staple in Japanese lunchboxes. 

Carrie told Shane we'd visit Japan one day and it'd be neat if Shane worked with Ryouma for a while and eventually met him in person.

Seeing Shane work with Ryouma has made me contemplate getting a Spanish conversation partner. I read the language well, but with no one to practice with I'm at my own limit. Plus, it'd let me model for Shane that I don't look at his chats as a chore so much as an opportunity.