Japanese

日本語 CLASSES

YEAR 8

Japanese is off to a flying start this year with a visit from Kiyomi Calwell from the Tyke-Oh Japanese Drumming Program.  Students spent an hour with Kiyomi learning a little about the discipline and practice of Taiko Drumming - a traditional art of Japan.  They had the opportunity to play real and hand made taiko and learn a little about the focus and dedication required to undertake such a discipline.

~ Click on image to enlarge ~

In the classroom, students have been writing and practising an introductory conversation that could take place somewhere in Japan.  They have been working hard to master the first 4 lines of Hiragana and use it in their scripts. In addition to using Education Perfect for vocabulary and Hiragana recognition, this year the students have a Hiragana workbook to help them build their writing skills.  Creating Hiragana letters with their bodies was one activity that the students enjoyed engaging in.

YEAR 9 ELECTIVE 

Students have been learning about a variety of places within Japan and learning how to use descriptive language.  They are currently working on physical and personality descriptions of friends and family, and will present a WeVideo introducing them early next term.  For a cultural addition, students are making Japanese “hachimaki” headbands and happy coats for a traditional Soran Bushi dance later in the year.

This year’s senior classroom is good fun with six Year 11 and 12 Japanese Continuers students.  The level of Japanese being used is excellent with classes predominantly run entirely in Japanese.  Four of the six students have spent between 3-12 months on exchange in Japan in the last 12 months, and have come home with a deep understanding of the culture and language.

MINI JAPANESE LESSON

The word “genki” in Japan means “spirited” or “well”. You can have a whole conversation with just this one word by adjusting your intonation.

A: Genki? Are you well?

B: Hai, genki. Yes, I’m well.

Ms Genelle Keough | CALOTE KLA Leader