Higgins In Japan

Being an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan comes with its fair share of surprises, challenges, and opportunities to make a real impact in the classroom. Whether you’re just starting out or have been teaching for years, these five key strategies can help you become a more effective and memorable ALT.

1. Make Yourself Invaluable

It’s easy for teachers to get caught up in their schedules and forget to include you in their lessons—especially in junior high school. Unless students actively come to get you, you might find yourself left out of class. This is why you need to give teachers a reason to remember you. Show initiative, offer creative ideas, and make yourself an essential part of the lesson planning process. The more proactive and involved you are, the more likely teachers will see you as a valuable resource rather than just an assistant.

2. Use Lesson Plans as a Guide, Not a Rulebook

Your school or dispatch company may provide pre-made lesson plans, but that doesn’t mean they’ll always work for your specific class. Not every activity fits every group of students. Some may struggle with an activity, while others might find it too easy. Sometimes, even teachers get confused by the logistics of a lesson.

This is where your experience and adaptability come in. Don’t be afraid to modify activities on the fly. If a game is too chaotic, adjust it to something more structured. For example, a “color touch” game that requires students to run around the classroom finding colors can be easily modified to have them find an object of the same color in their desks instead. The goal is the same, but the execution is more manageable. Teachers will appreciate your ability to adjust and keep things under control.

3. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

Check with other teachers, especially those who have been at the school longer than you. Chances are, they already have materials that can make your job easier. Many schools have an English cabinet, closet, or shelf full of resources—though some of it may be outdated or irrelevant. Still, you never know what useful materials you might find.

Using existing resources saves time and effort, allowing you to focus on refining the lesson rather than starting from scratch. Plus, reusing materials that students are already familiar with can help reinforce their learning in a consistent way.

4. Be Prepared for the Unexpected

It doesn’t happen often, but at some point, you’ll be in class when a teacher turns to you with five or ten minutes left and asks, “Got any ideas?” Or worse, a new teacher might rush through the lesson, leaving you with 15 minutes to fill. Having a few quick, no-prep games in your back pocket can save you in these moments.

One of my favorites is Three-Hint Quiz. If you have flashcards on the board, simply:

• Pick a student to sit in a chair.
• Hold a flashcard above their head so they can’t see it.
• Have the rest of the class give hints in English until the student guesses correctly.
• Rotate through different students.

Another great option is Timed Flashcard Pass.

• Have students sit in a circle or in their rows.
• Set a timer for 10 seconds.
• Have them pass a flashcard around.
• When the timer stops, the student holding the card must say the phrase or word that matches.

These quick activities keep students engaged, reinforce vocabulary, and make you look like a pro when things don’t go as planned.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Throw Things Away

Many schools accumulate piles of old, dusty English materials—worksheets, flashcards, and random lesson plans from ALTs long gone. If you come across materials that are outdated, falling apart, or just completely useless, don’t be afraid to toss them. If the teacher before you didn’t use them, and you won’t use them, the next ALT probably won’t either. Decluttering your workspace and materials makes it easier to find useful resources and keeps things organized.

Final Thoughts

Being an ALT is about more than just following lesson plans—it’s about being adaptable, proactive, and a reliable part of the teaching team. By making yourself invaluable, using lesson plans wisely, leveraging existing resources, preparing for surprises, and keeping things organized, you’ll not only make your job easier but also create a better learning experience for your students.

What are some of your go-to backup activities or ALT survival tips? Share them in the comments below!