Exploiting authentic materials in education is not a recent practice, however recently research has been increasing as to how to use them in classroom situations. This literature review summarizes recent research and also explains certain instructional methods that are being used currently. The review begins with accepted definitions of what authentic materials consist of and then moves on to explore both advantages and disadvantages of the uses of those materials.

This paper chronicles the experiences of a native English-speaking teacher in an EFL situation at a Japanese kindergarten. The paper discusses how the author coped with certain problems that arose over a twenty-year period, and then explains what measures were taken in order to remedy some of those issues. Also, suggestions for others that may be in the same type of situation are made based on steps that were taken over the years to enhance the students’ learning and motivation during the lessons.