Japanese for Youth
Exploring Japanese (Recommended for age 9 - 12)
Course Description
Exploring Japanese is a fun, play-based class designed for younger learners who are curious about the Japanese language and culture. Through interactive activities, students will be introduced to basic Japanese words and expressions in a relaxed and supportive environment. Each session focuses on a familiar, engaging theme (such as food, animals, or daily life), helping students naturally absorb language while having fun. Each session also includes a short, guided writing activity where students will learn to write a few key words or expressions in Japanese (hiragana, katakana, or basic kanji).No prior experience is needed.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the 5-week course, students will be able to:
- Recognize and use basic Japanese greetings and everyday expressions
- Use basic Japanese expressions to introduce themselves
- Understand and respond to simple words and phrases introduced in class
- Begin to explore writing in Japanese by learning a few basic characters and words
- Build a small vocabulary related to common themes (e.g., food, colors, emotions)
- Participate in games and activities using Japanese words and phrases
- Develop curiosity and confidence in learning Japanese
This class is recommended for ages 9–12, but placement is flexible. However, older students may feel more comfortable in the Achieving class, which is designed with their age group in mind. To maintain an age-appropriate learning environment, priority is given to students within the recommended age range, and in some cases, others may be placed on a waitlist for a future session.
Tuition
Member: $110
Non-member: $130
Registration
- Wednesdays, July 8th – August 5th
- 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM CST
- 5 sessions
- Instructor: Yu Asano
Achieving Japanese (Recommended for age 13 - 15)
Course Description
Achieving Japanese is a creative, project-based class designed for teens who want to start using Japanese to express themselves. Students will learn practical words and phrases, then apply them through short conversations, role-plays, and mini projects. The class emphasizes communication, creativity, and real-life use of language in a fun and supportive setting.
Each session explores a theme (such as hobby, food, or pop culture), giving students opportunities to create and share using what they’ve learned. Students will also complete short weekly homework assignments to reinforce what they learn in class and gradually build toward a final project, where they will present their work using Japanese on the last day.
Students will also learn hiragana and katakana through guided instruction, with regular practice in reading and writing simple words.
No prior experience is needed.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the 5-week course, students will be able to:
- Use basic Japanese expressions to introduce themselves and communicate simple ideas
- Participate in short guided conversations or role-plays
- Create and present simple projects using learned vocabulary and phrases
- Build foundational vocabulary around everyday topics
- Gain confidence using Japanese in a creative and interactive environment
This class is recommended for ages 13–15, but placement is flexible. However, younger students may feel more comfortable in the Exploring class, which is designed with their age group in mind. To maintain an age-appropriate learning environment, priority is given to students within the recommended age range, and in some cases, others may be placed on a waitlist for a future session.
Tuition
Member: $120
Non-member: $140
$10 off for each sibling enrolled in the same session
Registration
- Thursdays, July 9th – August 6th
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST
- 5 sessions
- Instructor: Grace Chalker
- Wednesdays, February 4th – March 25th
- 12:00pm – 1:10pm CST
- 8 sessions - Make-up Date: April 1st
- Instructor: Mariko Nijo
Japanese Language Program Policy
Our Language Program Policy outlines guidelines regarding refunds, cancellations, minor student participation, and related program policies. All parents/legal guardians must review the Youth Class Policy prior to registration.
