3R English kids’ creative writing, summer 2025

Hello English learners!

Following on from last month's blog post, we would like to share how our 3R English kids got on with their summer writing homework.

For our classes that are Callan stage 4 or above and proficient in phonics, we asked each student to write a 1-page essay about their summer holiday experiences this year.

In terms of their English ability, these pupils are between CEFR A1 and B1 levels, whilst their ages range from 4th grade elementary to 3rd grade junior high.

We usually set a project like this after the summer and also the new year to test the pupils' ability to express their thoughts and experiences in writing. 

The teacher is typically looking for a cohesive and interesting essay. The correct use of grammar, including verb tenses, plus a varied vocabulary are also awarded extra marks.

3R English does allow dictionaries. We do not allow the use of AI or any programs that will write for the pupil or translate a Japanese essay into an English one!

Overall, the standard of writing was high, both in terms of content and fluency. It was nice to learn how our students had spent their free time over the summer.

The pupils told us about family visits over the Obon holiday and eating summer foods together, such as shaved ice and watermelon, or just spending time with grandparents. Some students had had to juggle studying with their leisure activities due to upcoming exams.

Other pupils had been fortunate enough to go on holiday, one visiting Hiroshima and another visiting Osaka, including the Expo 2025. They told us about the cultures and foods on offer in the different pavilions and how they enjoyed trying new things. They wrote about the scenery and what impressions it had left on them.

Above all, the pupils made an honest effort. It is worth noting that the level of English ability shown by students as young as this is way above the corresponding level that they are taught in their everyday state school and therefore most of their peers.

You can see that this helps to show that an intensive weekly lesson with 3R English, plus the homework routine we set, including lots of reading and use of English media, proves to be a very effective system which delivers results. It is, of course, backed up by supportive parents who recognise the importance of their children having a second language to help them in life.

Well done! to everyone, and thank you for sharing your summer stories!

Richard & Miyako

3R-English.com