Kanae T.

Read, Think, and Speak Essays in N3 Japanese

This course aims for a Japanese learning experience that goes beyond just 'reading to the end' while enhancing your reading comprehension skills at the JLPT N3 level. You will read essays that depict familiar events and small discoveries in daily life, focusing not only on the content of the text but also on the author's feelings, thoughts, and perspectives. Based on what you read, you will engage in a cycle of reading → thinking → speaking → expressing in your own words. Instead of textbook conversations, you will develop the ability to convey your own experiences and opinions while being exposed to real Japanese. The key aspects of this course are: ① Reading - grasp the main idea of the text while confirming N3 level vocabulary and grammar. ② Thinking - consider 'Why did the author think that?' and 'What would I think?' ③ Speaking - use the content you read as a springboard to talk about your own experiences and opinions in Japanese. ④ Expressing - summarize your thoughts using the expressions you have learned in short sentences.

― Read Japanese texts, feel the culture, and express yourself in your own words ―

"I can read Japanese. But I'm a bit unsure about speaking my thoughts in Japanese." This course is designed for those at the N2 level, featuring practical lessons that focus on "reading, listening, thinking, and speaking." The materials include carefully selected texts about Japan and Japanese culture, which we will read aloud and reflect on to understand Japanese culture and the Japanese way of thinking. "Why do Japanese people often say 'sumimasen'?" "What values are associated with 'mottainai'?" "What significance do gifts hold for Japanese people?" We will gradually convey our thoughts in Japanese on these relatable and intriguing themes. The important thing is not to speak perfect Japanese. "I think this..." "In my country..." "Compared to Japan..." "The reason is..." By using each expression, we will accumulate small successes of feeling like, 'I spoke!' Throughout the 10 lessons, we will transform the Japanese learned for the JLPT into Japanese that we can use in our own words.

Walking Together with Confidence

In Japanese junior high schools, there are many situations where parents need to communicate in Japanese, such as handling printed materials, communication notebooks, meetings, absence notifications, and school events. Even in situations where you might feel, 'I don't understand the content well' or 'I don't know how to ask the teacher,' just knowing a little Japanese can significantly bridge the gap with the school. This course will help you gradually acquire the Japanese you truly need for school life in 25-minute sessions. Rather than memorizing difficult grammar, this practical Japanese program for parents focuses on important skills such as understanding communications from the school, being able to ask questions to teachers, and conveying your child's situation. Through 10 lessons, you will gradually become accustomed to the structure of Japanese junior high schools and communication with the school, empowering you to confidently support your child's school life.

Moving forward in Japanese, even when you don't understand

In this course, we will practice Japanese that is commonly used in school lessons and daily life, one step at a time. We will cover real-life situations that are essential at school, such as listening to the teacher, reading textbooks, checking homework and belongings, and asking questions when you don't understand. It's okay if your Japanese isn't perfect yet. What's important is not to think, 'I can't do it because I don't understand,' but rather to consider, 'How should I ask?' or 'What should I do first?' and take a step forward. Together, let's build your confidence in learning at school by accumulating small 'I did it!' moments throughout this course.

Understand yourself, contemplate your dreams and paths, and express your future in Japanese

Learning Japanese is not just for school life. It also connects to expressing your likes, strengths, and interests in Japanese, and thinking about **'what you want to do from now on.'** In this 10-session program, we will start from familiar 'likes' and 'strengths' and gradually expand our thoughts towards future aspirations, jobs of interest, and career paths. Instead of memorizing difficult Japanese, we will focus on activities that involve **thinking about yourself and 'speaking, listening, reading, and writing' in Japanese.** By the end, each participant will aim to convey in their own words, 'I am this kind of person,' 'I want to try this,' and 'I want to create this future.'

新しい学校を「知らない場所」から、「少しわかる場所」へ

日本の中学校での新生活は、子どもにとって大きなチャレンジです。言葉がまだ十分に分からない中で、授業、友達づくり、先生とのやり取り、宿題や学校のルールに向き合うことは、不安や戸惑いを感じやすい場面でもあります。 この講座は、そんな子どもたちが「日本語を勉強する」だけでなく、日本の学校生活を少しずつ理解し、自分から聞く・伝える・助けを求める力を育てるための10回プログラムです。 あいさつ、教室での指示、時間割、宿題、友達との会話、給食や掃除、困ったときの相談など、実際の学校場面を取り上げながら、明日から使える日本語を練習します。 大切にするのは、完璧に話すことではありません。まずは「わかりません」「もう一度お願いします」「手伝ってください」と言えること。小さな一言が、学校での安心につながります。 初めての場所を、少しずつ「わかる場所」へ。日本の中学校で、自分らしく一歩を踏み出すための実践的であたたかいプログラムです。

Course description available in: 日本語