Discovering Japanese Language

Curriculum Area: World Languages - Novice Level

Age Group: 5th Grade

Duration: 45 Minutes

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Objectives

• Introduce students to basic Japanese language skills, focusing on greetings and simple phrases.
• Develop an appreciation for Japanese culture.
• Encourage active participation and engagement through interactive activities.

Materials

• Flashcards with Japanese greetings and phrases
• Audio recordings of native Japanese speakers
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts with key phrases
• Art supplies for a creative activity (e.g., crayons, paper)

Standards

ACTFL World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages

• Communication: Communicate effectively in more than one language to function in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes.
• Cultures: Use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the practices, products, and perspectives of cultures studied.

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Lesson Outline

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Objective: Set a positive tone and activate prior knowledge.
• Activity:
  • Begin with a brief discussion by asking students if they know any Japanese words or what they associate with Japan (e.g., sushi, anime).
  • Show images of Japan to pique interest and curiosity.

2. Introduction to Japanese (10 minutes)

• Objective: Introduce students to the Japanese writing system and sounds.
• Activity:
  • Briefly explain the Japanese writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Focus on Hiragana, as it is the simplest for beginners.
  • Play an audio recording of a native Japanese speaker saying "こんにちは" (Konnichiwa), meaning "Hello."
  • Show flashcards and practice the pronunciation of basic greetings: "こんにちは" (Konnichiwa), "さようなら" (Sayounara - Goodbye), "ありがとう" (Arigatou - Thank you).

3. Interactive Practice (15 minutes)

• Objective: Practice speaking and listening skills through interactive activity.
• Activity:
  • Role-Play Exercise: Divide the class into pairs. Assign each pair a dialogue that includes basic greetings. Provide scripts with Hiragana alongside English transliterations.
  • Allow each pair to perform their greeting for the class, emphasizing clear pronunciation.

4. Japanese Culture: Origami (10 minutes)

• Objective: Foster cultural appreciation through an engaging activity.
• Activity:
  • Briefly explain the cultural significance of Origami in Japan.
  • Demonstrate how to fold a simple origami crane. Provide step-by-step instructions and assist students as needed.
  • Encourage students to practice saying one phrase in Japanese while working on their origami (e.g., "どうも" - Doumo, meaning "Thanks").

5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Objective: Consolidate learning and gather feedback.
• Activity:
  • Ask students to share one new thing they learned about Japan or one Japanese word they remember.
  • Encourage students to practice the phrases learned today with family or friends at home.
  • Collect origami creations for a class display focused on Japanese language and culture.

Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Listening to students during role-plays for correct pronunciation and comprehension.
• Summative Assessment: Observation of student participation and the accuracy of completed origami as an understanding of instructions.

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By the end of the lesson, students will have a foundational understanding of the Japanese language and culture, inspiring interest and appreciation for exploring new languages and cultures.