Teaching Youth
I do my best to create an atmosphere where students can absorb the language naturally, the way babies learn to speak without being taught. I prepare an environment where they hear my Japanese incessantly, and, little by little, get used to the sounds. Once they are accustomed to it, they start responding in Japanese as much as they can, with encouragement. With younger students, I like to teach them by playing games both indoors and outdoors. When employing all their senses, and especially when they are also getting out and moving, the young students are able to make strong connections with Japanese.
- My elementary students are often in a Japanese immersion program and seeking to reinforce what they are learning in those classes.
- My high school students include those who need help with school work, fans of Japanese culture, from Anime to history, and ambitious students looking for high scores on their language SAT’s.
I love putting my culture into private lessons that include:
- Making and eating food
- Arts and crafts
- Holidays and celebrations
- Traditional Japanese toys and games
- Japanese music and songs
- Japanese daily life, like shopping and going to parks
“Creative thinker and patient, encouraging tutor! A natural teacher. Yuko has inspired my daughter while fostering her interest to study Japanese. They have learned the language as they study the culture through Japanese cooking, crafts and other activities. I am so pleased with these enriching lessons. They have added a big boost to her education and interest!” – Stephanie, June, 2015