Classrooms

We aim to create a unique environment where children from all backgrounds can inspire one another and grow together. This includes heritage Japanese speakers who use Japanese at home, children who encounter the language only when spending time with Japanese-speaking family members (including busy dads!), and young learners experiencing Japanese for the very first time in preschool. Language is not just a means of communication—it is a powerful foundation for nurturing culture and identity. We believe that learning Japanese expands children’s ability to express themselves, deepens their understanding of other cultures, and becomes a meaningful asset in an increasingly global society. Together with parents and our local community, we are committed to supporting each child’s growth and creating a learning environment that sparks their hearts with joy and curiosity.

Preschool class focuses on learning Japanese in a fun way, beginning with familiarization with the Japanese language school for preschool children. With my experience as a Montessori teacher, I have created activities that allow children to practice Japanese conversation through hands-on experiences. Children will learn about Japanese culture and events through seasonal crafts and monthly themes. To continue learning the basics of Japanese in a fun way, we will also focus on introducing the 50 hiragana syllables and vocabulary commonly used in everyday life. 

In our Kindergarten class, we nurture each child’s curiosity and natural love of learning through songs, stories, crafts, and nature play — all while helping them build a joyful connection to the Japanese language. We cherish each child’s “I want to try!” spirit, encouraging them to explore greetings, everyday words, and the basics of hiragana in a fun and engaging way. As they begin to express themselves in Japanese — writing their names, talking about what they love — they discover the joy of communication and self-expression. We also celebrate the seasons and explore Japanese traditions through hands-on experiences that spark wonder and imagination. Through play and conversation, children naturally grow their language and their confidence. Our warm and welcoming classroom supports each child at their own pace, making sure everyone feels safe and encouraged to take their first steps into group life with joy. Together, we’ll make learning a happy adventure — in Japanese and beyond.

In Hayakawa Class, we review the hiragana characters learned in the previous class while expanding the students’ vocabulary. For katakana, we use workbooks to practice writing and learn the types of words that are typically written in katakana. Students also begin reading simple sentences to understand the basic structure of sentences. Kanji instruction also begins at this level. Using a kanji practice textbook, students will learn the correct stroke order and meanings of the 80 kanji characters taught in the first grade in Japan. To help students find kanji fun and interesting, we incorporate illustrations into the lessons. To nurture an interest in Japan and make learning Japanese enjoyable, we also introduce students to seasonal Japanese traditions through hands-on activities such as arts and crafts.

Lower Elementary Japanese is an introduction to the Japanese language and culture, closely related to Japanese I in most Japanese language courses.  It is designed for students between 2nd and 4th grade with age-appropriate fun activities.  The goal of this course is to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Japanese with an emphasis on grammatical accuracy and socially appropriate language use. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to carry on basic daily conversations in school settings, such as self-introduction, counting numbers, and explanation of different subject areas (e.g., solving math word problems in Japanese).  The course will review the Hiragana and Katakana that students have already learned and apply them in reading and writing simple sentences.  Kanji will be taught according to each student’s competencies; most students will be in Kanji Kentei levels 9 and 10. 

Building on students’ previous learning experiences, this class incorporates reading materials that connect to real-world topics and current events. Through collaborative small group activities, we naturally strengthen reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, enhance writing abilities, and develop kanji recognition skills. A key focus is developing communication skills that enable students to express themselves confidently. For kanji mastery, students work toward learning approximately five new characters each week—a realistic goal that builds on their existing foundation. We create an engaging, participatory learning environment.

In the Middle School class, students will develop their reading comprehension of stories and explanatory texts written in Japanese, aiming to enhance their composition and expression skills by utilizing various sentence patterns. Additionally, they will learn grammar, vocabulary, and kanji, which form the foundation for advancing to the intermediate level of Japanese. 

In class, students are guided through small-group presentations and other activities to develop communication skills that enable them to convey their thoughts in Japanese accurately and effectively on a regular basis. And students will have opportunities to learn about Japanese culture, events, and history in class to deepen their understanding of these topics.

In the high school class, students will focus on preparing for the AP Japanese exam while also developing more advanced and practical Japanese language skills. In addition to becoming familiar with the AP exam format, students will work on improving their public speaking and presentation skills, learning to express their thoughts clearly and persuasively. 

The class will regularly explore current events and social topics, encouraging students to form and articulate their own opinions. Through discussions and debates, they will build critical thinking skills and learn how to engage in constructive conversations with their peers. 

Writing will also be a key component of the class. Students will write essays in every session, with guidance on structure, grammar, and vocabulary, as well as how to convey their ideas effectively to the reader. By practicing all four language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in a balanced way, students will strengthen their overall Japanese proficiency and gain the tools needed for academic and real-world communication in Japanese.

Kinder Assistant Teacher

Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher

School Administrator

IT