Write in Japanese: An Introduction to Hiragana

Hiragana will be taught in this five week course. 

The topics that will be covered include the hiragana alphabet, stroke order for how to correctly write the characters, correct pronunciation of the characters, and finally a few vocabulary words will be provided in order for students to practice writing them. 

My class will be structured by providing pre-recorded videos. In these pre-recorded videos, I will demonstrate how to correctly pronounce each character, write each character, and the correct stroke order for each character. At the end of each lecture, I will quiz the students on what they have learned so far for interaction. These quizzes could happen in a variety of ways. One week I might hold up flashcards and ask students which character it is. One week I might say a character and ask students to write down which character it is. One week I might do half and half. The idea of the quizzes at the end of each lecture is to provide students with the option to actively interact and practice what they learned so far. 

The first week あーこ characters will be taught. 
The second week さーと will be taught. 
The third week なーほ will be taught. 
The fourth week まーろ will be taught. 
The fifth and final week, わーん will be taught along with a general review of all the other characters (or any characters in particular students wish to go over). 

Each week will also accompany a few vocabulary words for students to practice writing at home if they would like.

The final day of class I will provide students with a hiragana chart for them to completely fill out by themselves. The point of this chart is to practice what students have learned so far and put it to the ultimate test, so it is important not to look up any answers. 

Students will need to send me their characters each week. During and after each lecture, students should practice writing the characters taught for that week. They should submit these to me before the next class period. I also strongly encourage students to practice writing hiragana in their free time. I will teach by demonstrating writing the characters. Students should feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns. I will frequently check my email and the classroom to make sure students seeking help will receive it.

As stated above, I will teach by providing pre-recorded videos. In these pre-recorded videos, I will demonstrate how to correctly pronounce each character, write each character, and the correct stroke order for each character. At the end of each lecture, I will quiz the students on what they have learned so far for interaction. These quizzes could happen in a variety of ways. One week I might hold up flashcards and ask students which character it is. One week I might say a character and ask students to write down which character it is. One week I might do half and half. The idea of the quizzes at the end of each lecture is to provide students with the option to actively interact and practice what they learned so far.

My teaching style is to provide a positive and encouraging environment for students to learn. I understand that everyone learns at their own pace, and I love to embrace that. Learning should be fun for every single student! 

Students will interact with me every week. One way in which they will do this is through the quizzes at the end of each lecture. Additionally, students will have to show me their characters for each week, so I can provide them with feedback on how to improve. Students should feel free to keep the conversation going or keep practicing and re-submitting their characters to me for as long as they would like. All of these ways will provide students with ample interaction for the duration of the class. Students should also feel free to reach out with any comments, questions, and/or concerns- and I will promptly respond within 24 hours. Students should know they can use me as a resource at any time for guidance throughout the duration of the class. 

There is no required experience or knowledge needed to attend this class. It is specifically designed to be introductory. 

Finally, please note that this class will teach how to write the hiragana chart, classes on grammar and sentence structure will have to come separately.