Even if children attend Japanese language classes in early childhood, there are many families whose children gradually become less exposed to Japanese due to increased homework and lessons when they reach elementary school. How can I maintain my ability to read and write? This time, as one clue, I will summarize the options called JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test).
1. Changes that are likely to occur when you become an elementary school student
When you go to elementary school,Homework at local school or inter school、other lessonsDue to this, I tend to put off my exposure to Japanese until later. Even if you were able to speak Japanese in your childhood, as you have fewer opportunities to use it, you may gradually lose confidence. The most important thing is that the center of our lives will shift to school. Friendships and topics of interest will be communicated in English and the local language. A common change that occurs during this period is that the situations in which Japanese is used dwindle to “only at home” and “only in the classroom.” on the other hand,There is a lot of room for improvement in reading and writing skills during this period.By the way, there is. Speaking ability depends on the environment, but reading and writing skills will remain regardless of the environment if you consciously accumulate them.
2. A common sight seen after elementary school students
We often hear the following from families during this period:
・I can have a conversation, but I don’t know how much reading and writing ability I have now.
・I can read hiragana and katakana, but I can’t read kanji.
・Even if I give them a Japanese book, they go back to the English one.
・I don’t have as much time to study Japanese as I did when I was a toddler, and I’m worried about whether it’s okay as it is.
・Only one parent is a native Japanese speaker, making it difficult to read and write at home.
What they all have in common is that it is difficult to see how much power they currently have. When a child is able to communicate well, it is difficult to notice delays in reading and writing. If you try to make decisions based only on your daily life, you will end up relying on your senses.
3. What kind of test is JLPT?
JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is a test conducted worldwide to measure the Japanese language ability of non-native speakers of Japanese. The level isN5 (Basic Japanese)fromN1 (Advanced Japanese)It is divided into 5 stages,Vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, listening comprehensionYou can check the power according to the standards of each grade. Improving the Japanese language skills of children growing up overseasCan be understood based on common standards rather than feelingsThe point is the most distinctive feature. Even in an environment where it is difficult to use grade as a yardstick, you can check your child’s position by saying, “I am currently within this level.”
4. How do you make your Japanese proficiency visible in the Children’s Club’s elementary school course?
In the elementary school course of the children’s club, in addition to regular studies, we also work on JLPT preparation. The aim is not to pass the exam itself,making power visibleis. Having a grade and score system allows your child to realize their current abilities. Japanese is a language that is difficult to feel like you have mastered. Since you are not in an environment where it is natural to speak and read, it is difficult to convey your progress to the person. Having a specific goal will give you a reason to continue. If you have continued from the toddler course, you have worked on the 6-year-old course (K2).picture diaryorKanji learningBut it becomes the foundation for reading and writing. The elementary school course is the stage where you maintain and build on that foundation.
5. Support you can do at home
You don’t need to do anything special if your goal is to take the exam.
1. Slightly more opportunities to write
A short diary or memo is fine. If you have the habit of writing, it will be easier to retain vocabulary and grammar.
2. Read from the content that interests you.
We recommend starting with age-appropriate reading material or books in your favorite field. It’s easier to read what you want to read than to force yourself to sit at your desk.
3. Don’t aim to pass the exam
If you set your goal to “confirm your current strength and build up little by little,” you will be able to continue regardless of the results.
4. Make time for just Japanese at least once a week
It’s more about frequency than length. If you have situations where you use Japanese regularly, even if it’s only for a short period of time, you will be less likely to lose your ability.
6. Frequently asked questions
Q. What level should I start taking the JLPT?
A. We will guide you from a level that is easy for you, depending on your child’s current Japanese proficiency. You can start by checking your current strength.
Q. Do I have to take the JLPT test? Also, is it meaningless if I don’t pass?
A. There is no compulsion to take the test. It is also possible to improve your Japanese language skills as a regular study without making the exam your goal. Also, even if you don’t pass the exam, the process itself will help you reflect on and consolidate your Japanese language skills.
Q. Even if I have not continued from the preschool course, can I still participate from the elementary school course?
A. Yes. Participation from the elementary school course is also possible. We will guide you through the content according to your current Japanese proficiency.
Q. Can I balance this with studying at an international or local school?
A. Yes. Many children attend school while balancing their school homework and other studies. We can also discuss your schedule so that you can proceed at a pace that is comfortable for you.
7. Conclusion
What’s more difficult in maintaining your Japanese language skills is not just continuing, but continuing without knowing where you are now. Having one visible standard will greatly reduce your hesitation. Once you know what you will be working on over the next year, it will be easier to decide how to involve yourself at home. Details of the elementary school course, including JLPT preparation, are available in the free materials.