各クラスの学習内容
＜秋を題材にした俳句を詠んだクラス４の子供たち＞
Japanese as Heritage Language Division
Japanese Heritage Language" refers to the Japanese language inherited and acquired from Japanese parent to children who have their roots in Japan, in an environment with non-Japanese language as everyday language. It is different from the Kokugo studied in Japan or Japanese as a foreign language. In our programs, we not only teach letters, words, grammar, and kanji, but we teach the language through learning culture, history, social studies, science, the environment, and art using the Japanese language. We also encourage children to explore their roots and heritage as Japanese through learning. We will help them gain their Japanese communication skills, explore new interests, and discover the connection between themselves and Japan. Instructions in the class are conducted in Japanese. Students are grouped based on similar learning progress and needs, not by age or grade. The Japanese Heritage Language division offers 5 levels.
Parent-child Class
Parent-child classes are classes where parents and children learn Japanese through storytelling, music, games, arts and crafts, and other cultural activities and play. Students will expand their cultural horizons by reading Japanese books, learning about traditional Japanese culture and customs, and having fun through songs, music, and crafts. In addition, by having parents and children participate in the class together, we promote children's interest in Japanese and encourage and support Japanese learning journey at home. Our goal is to provide an environment where children use Japanese to communicate with their teachers and friends, become familiar with hiragana and katakana use in daily life, and focus on the fun of learning Japanese.
Level 1
Level 1 focuses on learning the basics of Japanese. Our goal is to expand vocabulary and phrases necessary for daily life, promote the ability to express their thoughts and ideas to others in our own words, and experience the joy of being able to express ourselves. We focus on becoming familiar with hiragana and katakana and identifying the shapes and sounds. If they are ready start practicing writing. Children will expand their cultural understanding by experiencing traditional Japanese culture and customs while having fun through various activities such as reading, music, arts and crafts, and games.
Level 2
In level 2, we focus on solidifying the knowledge of hiragana and katakana, introducing the first kanji letters, extending reading and writing skills through textbook reading and comprehension activities. We also aim to improve overall communication skills by developing the ability to organize and express their thoughts eloquently and learn casual and polite forms of the language. In addition to gaining vocabulary and concepts that are essential to daily life, we incorporate myths and folklore and a wide range of learning subjects to develop curiosity and inquisitive mind through projects, discussions, and presentations.
Level 3
In level 3, the goal is to acquire the ability to carry out comprehensive conversations and improve active listening and speaking skills, critical thinking, and writing skills. By incorporating teaching materials from a variety of fields and providing opportunities to research, present, and create as part of inquiry-based learning, they develop comprehensive reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities while gaining curiosity and situational interest in the class. As a result, they foster self-motivation and enhance their engagement with language learning. We also incorporate seasonal events unique to Japan to deepen our understanding of Japanese culture.
Level 4
Level 4 requires more advanced Japanese language skills. When learning kanji, in addition to reading, we introduce a kanji dictionary so that students understand the structure and radicals, and gain the ability to refer to and utilize dictionaries on their own. In addition, by incorporating newspaper articles news, and other materials, At this level, more speeches and presentations are given, and they will explore creative writing and narrative speech. Students develop comprehensive reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities, and utilize descriptive language, sensory details, and well-structured outlines through reading newspaper articles, magazines, scripts, or other materials other than textbooks.
Students will enjoy activities that foster self-expression and creativity, such as writing newspaper articles, interviewing, creating picture books video content, and more. We will also incorporate haiku, poems, proverbs, and idioms to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and language.
Japanese Division
The Japanese language division is designed for non-Japanese learning Japanese as a foreign language. Students learn about practical Japanese words and phrases, and the grammar, structure roles, and letters, and acquire the four skills of basic reading, writing, conversation, and listening. While having fun learning about Japan's traditional culture and customs through books, songs, and music incorporating modern literature and pop culture that deepens the understanding of the basics of the Japanese language and Japanese culture. The Japanese language division offers two class levels: a beginner class and an intermediate/advanced class.
Beginner level
クラス４は小学校高学年以上のレベルとし、より高度な国語能力が求められます。漢字の学習では読み書にに加え、漢字辞書を導入し、部首のつくりや構成を理解し、自力で辞書を引き活用できるようにします。また新聞記事などを取り入れ、事柄の順序立てや要点を的確にとらえ、事柄の相互関係を念頭に置きながら、創意工夫を凝らして表現できる力を養います。取材を通して、新聞記事を書いたり、小さい子のために絵本を創作して読み聞かせをするなど、楽しみながら自己表現力と独創性の豊かさを育む活動をします。同時に日本文化をより深く理解するために、短歌や俳句、ことわざ、慣用句なども取り入れていきます。
At this level, students learn words and phrases that can be used for greetings, travel, etc., and they will memorize the names of basic Japanese needed in daily life. The goal is to learn basic grammar and Japanese characters, hiragana and katakana, and also be able to read and write the names of objects and things that is familiar. Students learn Japan's traditional culture and customs through reading books, singing, music, and crafts incorporating modern literature and pop culture. In addition, through school events, sports days, festivals, and other events and activities, students become aware of cultural differences and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and language.
Intermmidiate/Advanced level
クラス４は小学校高学年以上のレベルとし、より高度な国語能力が求められます。漢字の学習では読み書にに加え、漢字辞書を導入し、部首のつくりや構成を理解し、自力で辞書を引き活用できるようにします。また新聞記事などを取り入れ、事柄の順序立てや要点を的確にとらえ、事柄の相互関係を念頭に置きながら、創意工夫を凝らして表現できる力を養います。取材を通して、新聞記事を書いたり、小さい子のために絵本を創作して読み聞かせをするなど、楽しみながら自己表現力と独創性の豊かさを育む活動をします。同時に日本文化をより深く理解するために、短歌や俳句、ことわざ、慣用句なども取り入れていきます。
In addition to vocabulary and phrases in daily life, students gain words of a wide range of topics and fields, allowing them to acquire more advanced communication skills. Additionally, by focusing on communication, students will be able to learn practical Japanese. The goal is to be able to read and write more complex sentences、write short sentences, and learn some kanji including learning advanced grammar.
Students learn Japan's traditional culture and customs through reading books, singing, music, and crafts incorporating modern literature and pop culture. In addition, through school events, sports days, festivals, and other events and activities, students become aware of cultural differences and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and language.