Use chalk as a baton. Arrange teams behind a line before the blackboard. The first student writes A in her/her team s designated space, then passes the chalk to the next student. The fastest team wins. The Japanese teacher monitors the kids to keep them behind the line. Friends can call out from behind the line to help. Give points for speed and neatness. When the students are confident with A to Z, get them to try Z to A. If some students can write the whole alphabet, pit them against each other. Instead of running to the board, you can try having wheelbarrow races or hopping races. The movement and the competition are important in an elementary school.