OBENTOO I

Teachers looking for a good junior high textbook complete with supplementary materials, would do well to consider Obentoo I. Each of the twelve units are arranged along the theme of an obentoo box. Each chapter begins with "itadakimasu", in which key language is introduced in dialogues in manga format. The "donna aji" section focuses on two or three key language elements. "benkyou no ben" includes a gradual study of kana and kanji, introduced as they are needed to help students to recognize key vocabulary used in the unit. Supporting materials are attractive and well-made. The Teacher Resource File includes overheads of the dialogue manga, blackline masters for additional activities, picture and word flashcard masters, overviews of each unit, and cross-references for activities and language components contained in the Yoroshiku curriculum. Obentoo 2 is now also available.
Obentoo page from Nelson Thomson

Student Book, $29.50; Workbook, $16.50; Audio cassettes (6), $160.00; Teacher Resource File, $170.00.
Chen and Tsui Company, Japan Book Plaza