Dear Parents:
I welcome your child to Japanese class! I’m excited about the opportunity to get to know your child, as well as you, and I’m looking forward to a happy and productive school year.
A key element in the foreign language classroom is keeping the students motivated. I think it’s really hard to teach a foreign language by sitting at my desk during the whole class period. I never sit while I teach. My moving around in the class keeps the students more on their toes and gives a certain dynamic to the class.
Although I’m not there to entertain the students but to teach them Japanese, I think teaching can be done in an entertaining way. Motivation being one of the most important factors linked to success in foreign language teaching, students need to be interested in the Japanese language and culture. If they are motivated and interested, not only will they do well in class, but they can also benefit from the Japanese learning experience even beyond the classroom environment.
My ultimate goal is that some of the students will become interested in Japan, appreciate some of its culture, and, perhaps, serve as a personal “bridge between East and West” in the future.
Course Object:
This course is intended for students who want to learn modern Japanese language. It is designed to give a foundation in Japanese sufficient to handle everyday, practical conversions.
The Japanese that will be introduced in this course is up-to-date and standard; it is the language used by educated people and acceptable to Japanese everywhere regardless of age, gender or occupation.
After studying this course thoroughly and carefully, students should have a solid knowledge of basic grammar, to read and write all of the Japanese syllables, hiragana and katakana, recognize some kanji, and develop conversational skills in listening, comprehension, and speaking.
By completing this course with the minimum of grade of C, and receiving a recommendation from me, a student will receive 1 high school credit and can proceed to the next level in the 9th grade.
Since each language reflects certain values, beliefs, and behavior of its culture, students in this course also will learn Japanese culture.Homework Policy:
It is my job to define and clearly communicate what is expected. However, the students need to ask clarifying questions at school take home the appropriate materials, complete the work, and turn it in on time. It will be checked and recorded.
Homework not turned in at the beginning of class will be considered late. Homework assignments turned in 1 day late will receive half credit and 2 days late will receive no credit. All work will be completed with black or blue ink pen (unless told otherwise by me).
If there is a concern about the quality and/or quantity of homework, please contact me immediately.
Food Allergy:
In addition to our core curriculum, the students are given the opportunity to cook and/ or taste some of Japanese food at the class. If your child has any food item(s) allergic to him/her, please let me know.
Contact:
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me by e-mail. I believe that communicating by e-mail works well for you and me. I can be reached at thiruma@hpa.edu. I also welcome appointments to meet in person.
ARIGATOO GOZAIMASU ("Thank you" in Japanese) for visiting "our" Web site. Yes! This site is not only for me. This is for your child, you and me. Web site. Please feel free to leave any comment.
