2023 Guide for Your Child to Learn Japanese

Learning a new language can be an exciting adventure, and Japanese is a captivating language to explore. From anime and manga to sushi and karate, Japanese culture has captured the hearts of children worldwide. In this article, we will provide valuable tips and strategies to help children embark on their journey of learning Japanese.

1. Get Familiar with the Japanese Alphabet

The first step in learning Japanese is to become acquainted with the two phonetic scripts, Hiragana and Katakana. These alphabets consist of characters that represent syllables rather than individual letters. Start by introducing your child to basic Hiragana and Katakana characters through colorful flashcards, interactive apps, or online resources designed for children.

2. Learn Basic Japanese Phrases and Vocabulary

Begin by teaching your child simple and useful Japanese phrases. Start with greetings like "Konnichiwa" (Hello), "Arigatou" (Thank you), and "Sumimasen" (Excuse me). Introduce basic vocabulary related to everyday objects, numbers, colors, and family members. Engage your child in fun activities like labeling household items or playing memory games to reinforce their understanding of Japanese words.

3. Utilize Engaging Learning Resources

Make language learning enjoyable for your child by incorporating interactive and age-appropriate resources. Look for children's books, manga, or anime series with Japanese subtitles or dubs. Educational apps, online games, and language learning websites designed for children can also make learning Japanese fun and engaging.

4. Practice Listening and Speaking

To develop listening and speaking skills, expose your child to Japanese audio materials such as songs, podcasts, or cartoons. Encourage them to repeat words and phrases they hear. Engage in simple conversations in Japanese, even if it's just a few sentences at a time. Practice pronunciation together and ensure your child understands the correct intonation and rhythm of the language.

5. Cultural Immersion

Learning Japanese goes beyond language acquisition—it involves understanding and appreciating the rich culture of Japan. Introduce your child to Japanese customs, traditions, festivals, and cuisine. Watch Japanese movies or animations, explore traditional arts like origami or calligraphy, or try cooking Japanese dishes together. This cultural immersion will enhance your child's language learning experience and foster a deeper connection with the Japanese language.

6. Seek Language Exchange Opportunities

Encourage your child to participate in language exchange programs or find language partners who are native Japanese speakers. This can be done through online platforms or local community organizations. Interacting with native speakers will provide real-life practice and help your child develop confidence in using the language.

7. Set Achievable Goals

Set realistic goals to keep your child motivated throughout their language learning journey. Break down the learning process into smaller milestones, such as mastering a set number of Hiragana or Katakana characters, learning specific vocabulary themes, or achieving basic conversational skills. Celebrate their achievements and reward their efforts, whether it's with a small treat or a special outing.

Resource that you and your kids can use to learn Japanese:

1. Duolingo: Duolingo offers interactive language courses for children with gamified lessons, making language learning engaging and fun.

2. Rosetta Stone Kids: Rosetta Stone Kids provides language learning programs specifically designed for young learners. It offers interactive activities, games, and stories to help children develop language skills.

3. Mango Languages: Mango Languages offers language courses for children with a focus on interactive conversations and cultural insights. It provides a playful and immersive learning experience.

4. BBC Languages: The BBC Languages website offers a range of language learning resources for children. It includes games, videos, and interactive activities to make language learning enjoyable.

5. FluentU: FluentU provides language learning resources through entertaining videos, interactive quizzes, and engaging content. It offers a wide variety of languages for children to explore.

6. Muzzy BBC: Muzzy BBC is an animated language course for children that introduces language learning through stories and songs. It immerses children in a language-rich environment.

7. Little Pim: Little Pim is a language learning program designed specifically for young children. It uses videos and flashcards to introduce vocabulary and basic language skills.

8. Memrise: Memrise offers language courses with a focus on vocabulary acquisition. It uses spaced repetition and interactive exercises to help children memorize and retain new words.

9. Lingokids: Lingokids is an app-based language learning platform for children. It offers interactive games, songs, and activities to teach vocabulary and basic language skills.

10. Language Learning Apps: Many popular language learning apps, such as Babbel, HelloTalk, and Tandem, have versions specifically designed for children. These apps provide a variety of language courses and interactive features tailored to young learners.

Remember to choose resources appropriate for the child's age and language level, and encourage regular practice to ensure consistent progress in language learning.

Also read: Gamifying Japanese Learning for Children

Learning Japanese can be an exciting adventure for children, unlocking doors to a vibrant culture and a whole new world of communication. By familiarizing themselves with the Japanese alphabet, learning basic phrases and vocabulary, utilizing engaging resources, practicing listening and speaking, immersing in the culture, seeking language exchange opportunities, and setting achievable goals, children can embark on a rewarding journey to mastering the Japanese language. Ganbatte! (Good luck!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the nannies in Amanda daycare equipped with foreign language skills such as English or Japanese?

The nannies can mostly talk in English. A nanny, Syifa, can understand basic Japanese phrases and alphabet as she once enrolled in a basic Japanese class. Aisyah, an admin of Amanda Daycare, have JLPTN N4 certificate.

Amanda Daycare is the first daycare ever in KIIC or Karawang International Industrial City, an industrial area located in Karawang, West Java, about 30 kilometers from Jakarta. If you are working in KIIC or are an employee of one of the companies in KIIC, and you need a daycare, please don’t hesitate to reach us. Please visit our contact page for further information. Please head to our FAQ page for more information about Amanda Daycare