Introduction to Japanese

Year Level

Year 11 (Stage 6) - Japanese Continuers

Duration

50 minutes
Class size: 20 students

Unit Context

Unit 1 of 16: "Exploring My Japanese World"
Lesson 1: Introduction to Japanese Language

Learning Objectives (NSW Syllabus Alignment)

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Identify the aims and components of the Japanese Continuers syllabus, including the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Explain the importance of learning Japanese in Australia’s social, cultural, and economic context.
Understand course expectations including class conduct, participation, use of resources and assessment types.
Recognise and explore cultural connections that underpin language learning and identity in Japanese.

These objectives align with the NSW Languages K–10 Syllabus continuum, extended in the Continuers course, emphasizing language skills development, cultural understanding, and the interrelationship between language, culture, and identity .

Curriculum Outcomes Addressed

Communicating: Students initiate and maintain interactions in Japanese using appropriate vocabulary and conventions to introduce themselves and exchange basic information.
Understanding: Demonstrate an awareness of cultural practices and perspectives related to Japan and their own culture.
Reflecting: Reflect on language learning as a way to broaden cultural perspectives and identity.

From the Continuers syllabus, elements of interpersonal communication, cultural awareness, and language learning strategies are introduced at the start of the course to build foundational skills and positive attitudes towards language acquisition .

Resources Needed

NSW Japanese Continuers syllabus overview handout (simplified page extracts)
Whiteboard and markers
Projector/slideshow for key points and visuals
Student notebooks for journaling
Video clip or audio excerpt showing Japanese speech and cultural context (2-3 minutes)
Course outline including assessment overview
Language learning apps or online dictionaries demonstration (optional)

Lesson Breakdown (50 mins)

1. Welcome & Icebreaker (5 mins)

Teacher greets students in Japanese using basic phrases (e.g., こんにちは, はじめまして).
Quick introduction by students: name and one interest to begin socializing in a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Course Overview Introduction (10 mins)

Present the "Japanese Continuers" syllabus: explain the four modes of communication — listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Show how these skills develop through the unit "Exploring My Japanese World".
Highlight that the course is designed to build confidence in using Japanese in real-life contexts and cultural understanding.
Hand out simplified syllabus overview.

3. Importance of Learning Japanese (10 mins)

Engage students in a short brainstorming session: Why learn Japanese?
- Prompt ideas including tourism, business ties with Japan, cultural appreciation (anime, food, traditions), enhancing career opportunities, and cognitive benefits.
Show a brief video or audio segment featuring a Japanese person greeting and sharing cultural snapshots.
Discuss Australia's connection to Japan — e.g., trade partner, cultural exchange.

4. Setting Course Expectations (10 mins)

Present course policies: attendance, participation, homework, digital etiquette with language apps, respectful classroom environment.
Explain assessment overview: oral presentations, written tasks, comprehension tests, projects.
Encourage questions and set a positive tone for commitment and curiosity.

5. Introduction to Learning Japanese Culture & Language (10 mins)

Explain the connection between language and culture using simple examples (e.g., greetings differ by context, bowing as respect).
Introduce the concept of using Japanese scripts (hiragana, katakana, kanji) and the idea that language learning is cumulative over time.
Briefly compare how learning Japanese differs from English (sentence structure or politeness levels) — just to intrigue students.
Invite students to reflect in their notebooks: What excites or concerns them about learning Japanese?

6. Wrap-Up and Preview of Next Lesson (5 mins)

Summarise key points covered today.
Announce that in the next lesson, students will learn essential greetings and self-introductions in Japanese.
Encourage students to explore online Japanese language resources or apps introduced today in preparation.
Thank students and conclude with a Japanese farewell (さようなら).

Assessment and Feedback

Formative assessment through participation in discussions and the brainstorming activity.
Observation of student engagement during the video and reflection journal entries.
Collect and read journal reflections to understand students' initial attitudes and readiness for Japanese language learning.
Provide verbal feedback encouraging curiosity and motivation.

Differentiation Strategies

For students with language background in Japanese (heritage speakers) or prior knowledge, allow sharing their insights during discussions.
Provide visual aids and written keywords for EAL/D students.
Scaffold reflection journal prompts with sentence starters for students needing support.
Encourage extension tasks for advanced learners by asking how culture influences language in their own background.

Professional Reflection and Extension Ideas (For Teachers)

Consider involving a guest speaker (native Japanese speaker or exchange student) in upcoming lessons to deepen cultural insight.
Build a classroom wall display titled "Our Japanese Journey" for students to add to throughout the unit.
Incorporate digital tools and gamified language apps next lesson to build engagement.

This lesson plan aligns with NSW Languages syllabus frameworks focusing on communication, cultural understanding, and identity reflection essential in Stage 6 Japanese Continuers . Through a balanced mix of information, interactive discussion, and reflection, students are welcomed into their Japanese learning journey with clarity and enthusiasm.

Teaching Instructions