Narrator:
Its towards the end of a term during which this class has learnt about Japan. We join three in the travel agent’s role play.
Children:
Is that, does that say ‘open’?
Yes.
Narrator:
They look to each other for help, like confirming the reading of the sign.
Children:
How do we write your name?
OK. J-a-
Wait a second. J-a.
And…and a….and a.
Narrator:
Calum is secure to ask for and get support from James to write accurately.
Children:
What day are you going on?
Um, Monday.
Narrator:
But there is an administrative error.
Children:
That’s Monday
Um could you change your mind to go on Wednesday?
Because I was writing…I was about to write Wednesday.
OK, Wednesday.
Narrator:
Calum explains naturally and with clear reasons, engaging James’ attention with his openness, eye contact and clear gestures.
Children:
Um, choose.
Narrator:
Eve sifts through the pictures of available excursions.
Children:
That Mount Fuji, in Japan.
Um, in the afternoon or the morning?
In the afternoon please.
Narrator:
The agent progresses the deal skilfully, tying details down.
His efficient assistant picks reference material to help James decide on a mode of travel to Mount Fuji.
Children:
You have to say questions.
Narrator:
Calum makes appropriate records, reading them back to his customer for affirmation.
Children:
James. Wednesday. In the afternoon. Seeing Japan.
Look in the book.
The right one is Mount Fuji.
That. I want to go on the bullet train to Mount Fuji.
Right. OK.
Let me just call the coach firm and see if they have a space.
Narrator:
James is decisive and communication with the coach firm can be clear, friendly, polite and relevant.
Children:
He wants to go on the coach, to the bullet train and the bullet train wants to take him to Mount Fuji. You think you could do that?
Narrator:
His questions clearly summarise the request.
Children:
Is there a lot of space on the coach? Oh good. There’s two spaces.
Narrator:
Calum is obviously delighted that the arrangements are going smoothly for James.
Children:
That’s great.
OK, bye.
Wait I’ve got to call the bullet train man.
Narrator:
Sensing completion, Eve writes the ticket for the excursion.
Children:
Oh hello, four more customers want to go on the bullet train to Mount Fuji.
There’s ten spaces? Oh good.
There’s ten spaces.
Oh.
Narrator:
James is amazed. Even more spaces on the bullet train than on the coach.
Children:
What…What’s that? Mount Fujis trip.
Narrator:
The ticket is safely with the happy customer and for all three, the fruits of their year together are obvious.
Children:
So can I go now or not?
[End of transcript]
Updated