In this 8-week course, we will continue to learn the basics of the Japanese Hiragana alphabet.  We will also learn how to read and write increasingly complex words and phrases in Japanese.  We will learn only 5 new characters per class, so we can practice each character slowly and carefully and build your child's confidence in writing in a new language.

We will start each class with a review of the characters we learned in the previous class with a fun matching game to practice character recognition and recall. Then we will learn 5 new letter sounds one by one, and we will practice using them in simple example vocabulary words. We will also practice combining them with previously learned characters to review old characters as well as write increasingly complex vocabulary.  We will practice writing characters using the correct pen stroke order, and end each class with a quick review and a short quiz. Each class will have a unique game, song, or review activity to help make learning how to read and write Japanese fun!  

Each class will be accompanied by a printable character writing practice sheet as well as a new vocabulary writing practice sheet so that students can practice writing characters and words on their own at home. We will review last week’s characters in the following class to allow students maximum opportunity to practice and retain the new characters they have learned.  I understand that learning to write in a new language can be overwhelming, so our pace will be slow and careful with plenty of review and practice so students can learn at their own pace and build confidence as their reading and writing skills build and grow!

Week One: G Sounds (が、ぎ、ぐ、げ、ご)
Week Two: Z Sounds (ざ、じ、ず、ぜ、ぞ)
Week Three: D Sounds (だ、ぢ、づ、で、ど)
Week Four: B Sounds (ば、び、ぶ、べ、ぼ)
Week Five: P Sounds (ぱ、ぴ、ぷ、ぺ、ぽ)
Week Six: Small やSounds (しゃ、ひゃ、にゃ、みゃ、びゃ)
Week Seven: Small ゆSounds (しゅ、ひゅ、にゅ、みゅ、びゅ)
Week Eight: Small よSounds (しょ、ひょ、にょ、みょ、びょ)