Usually the summer is a quiet time for me, but not this year!

In June, I made a presentation on extensive reading for children and libraries at eikaiwa schools at the InTogether school owners event in nearby Gifu-Hashima. I was excited to make this presentation because a few other schools that use the LIXON Library system would also be there to talk about their school libraries. It was inspiring to see so many teachers and school owners spend the afternoon sharing their classroom-tested ideas.

The next month, LIXON Library had a table at Independent Owners and Teachers Kansai event in Takatsuki. This was held at an international pre-school owned by one of the members of the group and focused on school management. One of the most moving presentations was by a school owner who had to close his school after it was completely damaged after the Noto Earthquake in 2024. With support from the local community and other school owners in the Kansai and Tokai areas, he was able to reopen after only six months!

For this event, I didn't make a presentation, but instead took part in a panel discussion with other school owners.

It is always so nice to meet up with other school owners and hear about what they have been trying out in their schools.

Right now I am busy preparing to make two online presentations for MELEP on September 7th and 8th on extensive reading programs for children.

Presenting and participating in these events takes time and effort, but it is always worth it in the end!