How To Teach Japanese To Kids

Teaching Japanese to children can be a fun and rewarding experience. Starting early and using engaging methods can help your child develop a strong foundation in the language. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you teach Japanese effectively.

Coto Academy is a Japanese language school located in Tokyo and Yokohama. With its small class sizes and flexible course schedule, we ensure the students find their community here in Japan and learn practical and useful daily-life Japanese by focusing on conversational practice.

Start Early and Make It Fun

Introduce Japanese early: Expose children to Japanese sounds, words, and phrases from a young age.

Make it enjoyable: Use games, songs, and stories to make learning Japanese fun and engaging.

Create a language-rich environment: Surround your child with Japanese materials, such as books, toys, and music.

Involve the whole family: Encourage other family members to learn Japanese with your child and speak Japanese at home.

Focus on Vocabulary and Phrases

Start with basic words: Teach essential vocabulary like colors, numbers, animals, and family members. Here are some blogs you can consider!

Introduce common phrases: Teach simple phrases like “hello,” “goodbye,” “thank you,” and “please.”

こんにちは konnichiwa – hello
さよなら sayonara – goodbye
ありがとうございます arigatougozaimasu – thank you
おねがいします onegaishimasu – please
ください kudasai – please

Use visuals: Use flashcards, pictures, and real-life objects to help children associate words with meaning.

Teach cultural context: Explain the cultural significance of Japanese words and phrases.

Incorporate Games and Activities

Play games: Incorporate games like Charades, Pictionary, and Simon Says to practice vocabulary and phrases. Also, read our blog on Video Games to Learn Japanese: The most fun & easiest way to know what game suits Japanese language learning!

Sing songs: Teach Japanese songs to help children learn pronunciation and vocabulary in a fun way. Here are 10 Best Karaoke Songs to Learn Japanese that you can also take a look at.

Read stories: Read Japanese children’s books to introduce new vocabulary and cultural concepts. Read our blog on Ehon (絵本): 8 Fun Japanese Picture Books for Kids to learn what we recommend.

Create a language learning corner: In your home, set up a special area where your child can practice Japanese.

Use Technology

Language learning apps: Utilize language learning apps designed for children to practice vocabulary and grammar. An app like Duolingo is an excellent example of a fun language learning experience. Here is another blog on Japanese learning apps: Top 30 Apps to Learn Japanese, so you can look at what’s available there!

Online resources: Explore online resources like YouTube channels and websites offering Japanese lessons to kids. We also have a YouTube channel that teaches Japanese! Check it out here!

Watch Japanese media: Show your child Japanese cartoons, anime, and TV shows with subtitles. Some famous anime to look for are Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia!

Want to learn more about Japanese language and culture?

Book a free level check consultation with us to join!

Book Now

Encourage Practice and Repetition

Daily practice: Encourage children to practice Japanese daily, even if it’s just for a short time.

Repetition: Repeat words and phrases frequently to reinforce learning.

Set realistic goals: Establish achievable goals for your child’s language learning.

Cultural Immersion

Introduce Japanese culture: Teach children about Japanese customs, traditions, and holidays.

Expose them to Japanese media: Show them Japanese movies, anime, and TV shows.

Visit Japanese cultural events: Attend festivals, fairs, and language exchange events.

Find a Qualified Teacher

Consider hiring a tutor: A qualified Japanese teacher can provide personalized instruction and guidance.

Join a language class: Enroll your child in a Japanese language class for children. Coto Japanese Academy is rolling out its annual kids’ course in the winter and spring of 2025! Our kid’s course aims to teach Japanese in a fun and active way. Each week, we have Japanese language learning along with field trips and DIY crafts! The Winter course will be held in our “Minato” school, and the spring course will be held in our “Yokohama” school!

Interested? Check out more information down below:

Find a language exchange partner: Connect with a native Japanese speaker interested in learning English.

Useful Japanese Vocabulary and Phrases

Greetings

おはようございます ohayo gozaimasu (good morning)
こんにちは konnichiwa (hello)
こんばんは konbanwa (good evening)

Numbers

いち ichi (one)
に ni (two)
さん san (three)
よん yon (four)
ご go (five)

Colors

あかい akai (red)
あおい aoi (blue)
しろい shiroi (white)
くろい kuroi (black)

Animals

いぬ inu (dog)
ねこ neko (cat)
うさぎ usagi (rabbit)
くま kuma (bear)

Family members

おかあさん o-kāsan (mother)
おとうさん o-tōsan (father)
あに ani (older brother)
いもうと imōto (younger sister)

Remember, the key to teaching Japanese to kids is to make it enjoyable and engaging. With patience, creativity, and consistent practice, your child can develop a strong foundation in the language.

You Might Be Wondering…

How can I help my child remember Japanese vocabulary?

Use flashcards, repetition, and associate words with images or personal experiences.

Is it important for children to learn Japanese pronunciation correctly from the beginning?

Yes, good pronunciation is essential for effective communication. Practice with native speakers or use language learning apps that focus on pronunciation.

What are some fun activities to do with my child to practice Japanese?

Play games, sing songs, watch Japanese cartoons or movies, and cook Japanese food together.

Follow our social media channels for updates on upcoming events, special offers, and useful information about Japan.

Test your Japanese level!

Do a self-test to see which course fits you.

Check your level