Children who are five years old learn the Japanese culture through organized activities involving crafts, songs, and the Japanese language.
Children will be introduced to the language with emphasis on listening and speaking, with some reading and writing. Culture lessons and crafts will be integrated into the lessons.
Students will continue to develop basic conversational skills as well as reading and writing of short sentences. Students will be able to hold short conversations on topics relating to daily life. Culturally appropriate behavior as well as annual cultural festivities will be integrated into the lesson.
Students will further develop their abilities to function in a Japanese speaking environment through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students learn how to request information, converse in a participatory manner, and exchange detailed factual information. Classes will be conducted in Japanese for a majority of the time, including participation in discussions and activities in Japanese.
Students will continue refining their ability to listen, speak, read, and write in Japanese. Students will be able to converse and discuss topics of current interest and express personal opinions. They will be able to narrate, describe, and explain. Students will be able to initiate, sustain, and close a general conversation with a number of communicative strategies. The students will be expected to participate in class discussions and activities using the language. Students will use Japanese in culturally authentic and practical situations, incorporating idiomatic expressions. They will learn the appropriate language to use in a variety of social interactions.
Beginning Level students will learn basic Japanese which will enable the student to function as a tourist in Japan. The classes are held two hours every Saturday. Reading and writing of the script will be incorporated into the lessons, with emphasis on the spoken language. The classes will be on a continuing basis up to the advanced level in which idiomatic phrases and appropriate language for variety of social interactions will be taught.
Students may participate in after school Shuji class, or brush calligraphy. Students learn this art form using the traditional brush and ink. No prior experience is necessary. Shuji helps students to learn proper lettering techniques. It also instills good mental attitude and enthusiasm toward studies, as well as training for perseverance. Shuji class begins after lunch from 12:30 - 1:30 PM. Students must purchase their own equipment (approximately $30).
In January, to welcome the new year, the students are served ozooni.
In the beginning of February, students celebrate Setsubun. They are given roasted soybeans to eat to ensure their good luck throughout the new year.
March is Hinamatsuri--a doll festival to celebrate girls. Boys and girls alike observe the hina-ningyo display that showcases the Emperor and Empress's court.
Students learn about Japan's appreciation for nature and celebrate the arrival of spring.
Students showcase what they have learned in the past year through an evening speech event held onstage.
On Children's Day, the koi no bori, or fish flags and samurai helmets and dolls are displayed and children learn about this festival through a presentation.
The star festival is celebrated by allowing the students to write down their wishes and hang them on a traditional tanabata tree.
Summer Vacation!
Back to School!
Undokai is an annual athletic event held in October. Every student attending the Southeast Japanese School is encouraged to participate in the various games that take place throughout the day.
The Seven-five-three Festival is held in November each year at local Shrines in Japan. At Southeast Japanese School, students learn about the festival and a few students will be dressed in the traditional kimono for the occasion.
Students experience a sample of the oshogatsu festivities by viewing traditional mochi pounding and tasting toshikoshi soba.
The mission statement of our school is: "We, at Southeast Japanese School, are committed to providing instructions in the Japanese language and culture. Our goal is to enable students to successfully function in a Japanese-speaking environment and to foster an appreciation of the Japanese culture."
The school provides students the opportunity to experience Japanese culture as they learn the language. Our program provides a rich variety of cultural activities including monthly cultural events to enhance cultural experience and understanding. It is hoped that the experience at the Southeast Japanese School will provide students with a better understanding of the Japanese people.
We believe that foreign language is best taught at a young age when children are most responsive to new languages. The school includes a kindergarten program for children who are 5 years old. Our regular program is recommended for children 6 years and older. Our program includes all modalities of the language including listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture.
The school year begins in early September and ends at the end of July.
For further information, please e-mail your questions to gakuen@SEJSCC.org or call (562) 863-5996 and leave a message.
