Japanese for Beginners: Semester 3 (Ages 8-12)

In this 12-week online course, students will build on the previous two semesters and learn the remaining vocabulary and grammar needed to pass the JLPT N5 exam. They will also learn 100 basic kanji in preparation for the exam. 

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an internationally recognized exam that measures and certifies Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers. It has five levels, from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced). JLPT N5 is the most basic level and tests your ability to understand some basic Japanese, including about 800 vocabulary words and 80-100 kanji. Please note: the exam is not taken as part of this course, nor is participation in the exam required. However, the class is designed around JLPT N5 preparation guidelines to give learners a meaningful goal to work toward.

Class members will meet twice per week. The first weekly meeting will be lecture-style (with plenty of interaction) and will focus on introducing new vocabulary and grammar patterns. Since students will already have a strong foundation from Semesters 1 and 2, this course will focus on content not yet covered that is commonly found on the JLPT N5 exam. As Hiragana and Katakana were introduced in Semester 2, Semester 3 will focus on Kanji. Students will learn about five new Kanji characters each session, for a total of approximately 100 basic kanji by the end of the course. The second weekly meeting will be devoted to conversation and reading practice, along with student-led discussion. This session gives learners the opportunity to apply what they've learned in a supportive, interactive setting. A review handout will be provided after the first class meeting each week to support independent study. Students are encouraged to review and practice between classes to strengthen their skills.

Please reference the class syllabus for more details about the course curriculum.

This class is not a comprehensive JLPT N5 preparation course. I spend 3 semesters teaching my learners the content necessary to pass the JLPT exam.

This class is designed for students who have completed my “Japanese for Beginners: Semester 1” and "Japanese for Beginners: Semester 2" courses.

I am happy to answer any specific questions regarding class structure, teaching style, or curriculum coverage.