Languages- Japanese

Communicating with the Specialist Team

We look forward to partnering with you in 2023, and welcome your input:

Lee Sensei (Michelle Lee) Languages- Japanese: Michelle.Lee3@education.vic.gov.au

Konnichiwa! (Hello!)

In the past few weeks, students at Upwey South Primary School have had opportunities to learn about the history of daruma dolls and their relation to goal setting, and also start to unpack some new Japanese words and sentences related to the topics for Term 1. Students have also been participating in many speaking and listening activities to increase their exposure to the Japanese language. Lastly, we celebrated "Hinamatsuri" (Doll's Festival), an important Japanese celebration where families honour the daughters in their family by praying for their health and happiness.  Check out our versions of Hina dolls!

Year 2

Year 2 students have been focusing on building their vocabulary in classroom words. The students have had multiple exposures to say, write and demonstrate their understanding of our classroom words which are enpitsu (pencil), keshigomu (eraser), hasami (scissors), nori (glue), hon (book) and pen (pen).  To consolidate our learning, the students have been engaging in games and participating in a simple roleplay conversation that also builds on students' understanding of Japanese conversation etiquette. 

Year 3 and 4

Students in Years 3 and 4 have been learning how to introduce themselves in Japanese, including saying their names and ages. The students participated in activities which required them to use their Japanese speaking skills to ask their peers questions in order to gather information about their age. They also learned how to say enouraging phrases and praises such as "omedetou!" (congratulations!) and "sugoi!" (amazing!). It has been fantastic hearing all the students using what they have learned to hold a conversation in Japanese!

Year 5 and 6

Students in the Year 5 and 6 cohort have been learning phrases for inquiring about travelling to Japan. This week, students completed an 'amazing race' activity in the Japanese classroom where they had to use their Japanese skills to answer what some of the popular tourist attractions in Japan are.

For the remainder of the term, students will begin to wrap up their learning relating to the current topics but completing culminating tasks which combines their creativity and Japanese language skills.