English Learning Blog
Tips, insights, and resources for your English learning journey
The Story Behind Our Name — And Why One Student at a Time Changes Everything
Discover the 'Starfish Story' that inspired our Fujieda English school's name and teaching philosophy. Learn why focused, individual attention in our calm classroom environment creates real, lasting English learning success.
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What Happens in a Diagnostic Session? Finding Your Language Fingerprint
Is the diagnostic session a test? No—it's a conversation that reveals your unique error patterns and builds your personalized curriculum.
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Why Communicative Games Work: Forced Fluency Through Play
Why does the 1-Day Immersion include communicative games? Learn how play creates authentic communication pressure that textbooks can't replicate.
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Is 10 Hours Too Much? The Science of Learning Marathons
Can you really learn English for 10 straight hours? The science of intensive learning, mental stamina, and why longer isn't always harder.
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What is Task-Based Learning? Cooking Isn't Just Cooking
Why does the 1-Day Immersion include cooking? Learn how Task-Based Learning makes English stick better than textbook drills.
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What Are Error Patterns? How I Diagnose Your English
Why do you keep making the same English mistakes? Learn how error pattern analysis reveals the root cause of your struggles—and how I fix them.
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What's Your Real English Level? A Self-Assessment Guide
Many learners misjudge their English ability. This guide helps you find your real level with clear examples so you choose the right path forward.
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Why Founding Prices? The Beta Test Model for Premium Learning
Why is the 1-Day Immersion discounted for Founding Participants? Here is the honest reason—and how your feedback helps shape the final program.
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Does the 'English Brain' Really Exist? Code-Switching and Language Processing
You've heard about building an 'English brain'—but is it real science or just marketing language? Here's what neuroscience actually says about how languages are processed.
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What is Deep Consolidation? The Science of Making English Stick
Why does the 1-Day Immersion include 90 minutes of quiet study time? Learn the neuroscience-informed reasoning behind Deep Consolidation and why focused reflection time helps long-term learning.
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You Don't Need a Plane Ticket to Live in English
Dreaming of English fluency but can't travel abroad? Discover our unique 1-Day Domestic Immersion Course in Fujieda, where you can achieve genuine English fluency without a passport or quitting your job.
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Stop Translating. Start Thinking in English.
Tired of translating in your head? Discover how to build an 'English Brain' that links English directly to meaning, leading to effortless fluency and natural conversation.
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Some Honest Thoughts on Dictionary Apps — From Someone Who's Still Learning —
As an English teacher and lifelong learner, I share my honest thoughts on popular dictionary apps like Eijiro and Weblio. Discover their pros and cons, and how to use them effectively for natural English.
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Why You Forget English (And How to Hack Your Memory)
Struggling to remember English vocabulary? It's not your fault. Learn about the 'Forgetting Curve' and how our Spaced Repetition System (SRS) can hack your memory for lasting fluency.
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What is Roblox? What Fujieda Parents Need to Know [Part 1]
Understanding Roblox is the first step to helping your child engage safely. Learn what makes 70M users spend 2.3 hours daily—and the real risks Fujieda parents must know about predators, scams, and gaming addiction.
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Roblox Safety Settings: Complete Guide for Fujieda Parents [Part 2]
Step-by-step guide to configuring Roblox parental controls for Fujieda families. Protect your child from predators, inappropriate content, and scams with this complete 30-minute setup checklist.
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Living with Roblox: Creating Healthy Family Rules [Part 3]
Technical settings protect your child from external dangers, but creating rules together prevents daily battles. Learn five Fujieda-tested strategies that actually work—including playing together, creating collaborative rules, and a gradual 4-week implementation plan for lasting change.
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Why Some of Our Classes Still Wear Masks (And Why That's Perfectly Fine)
At Starfish English, mask-wearing is a student-led decision. I prioritize mutual respect and comfort, fostering a safe environment where everyone can learn English confidently and effectively.
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Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Japanese Third Age Learners: A Research-Based Approach
Discover a research-based approach to teaching English to Japanese third-age learners. Learn how to empower seniors and create an anxiety-free, effective environment that respects their unique experience and needs.
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Learning English as a Japanese Third Age Learner: Your Travel Dreams Await
Dreaming of international travel but worried about English? Discover how Japanese third-age learners can leverage their unique strengths to achieve travel communication goals and learn English confidently, regardless of age.
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The Secret to Effective English Learning: Why Age 9 is the Perfect Starting Point
Age 9 marks the perfect developmental sweet spot for conversation-based English learning. Discover why our 9+ specialization creates an optimal environment where students achieve dramatic progress in the shortest time.
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Why Our Three-Tier System Delivers Superior English Results
Nine years of continuous learning from age 9 through high school builds stronger English skills than switching schools. Discover how our three-tier system creates deep understanding, smooth progress, and the foundation for making English your strong subject.
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Large Classes vs. Small Classes: Which Approach Better Supports English Learning?
Class size makes a real difference in English learning. Discover why the 4-6 student maximum creates more speaking opportunities, builds confidence, and provides the personal support Japanese learners need to thrive.
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High School University Preparation: Building Confidence for Your Future
Will you keep up with university English? High school is the golden period to develop real skills. Learn how our personalized approach transforms shy students into confident university leaders.
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Why Junior High Students Thrive in Small English Classes
Junior high students face unique challenges—self-consciousness, academic pressure, and developmental changes. Discover how small classes transform anxiety into confidence and build critical skills for high school success.
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Welcome to the Starfish English Blog!
Discover practical insights for your English learning journey in Fujieda. From AI tools and business English to senior learning and student success—find resources crafted from 35+ years of teaching experience.
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