Our initial classes are intended for students who can speak Japanese with some proficiency. For this reason, all classes will be taught in Japanese, although some English may be used to explain new and more difficult Japanese words. For reading and writing in Japanese, we believe that a child's level of knowledge is more important than the child's age in determining class placement. Therefore, through interviews as well as evaluations of reading and writing proficiency, we will determine the correct class for each student. Kindergarten will be the only age specific class.
Currently we plan to have kindergarten and elementary classes on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 5pm to 6pm. This schedule is not final and we would be happy to discuss it with you. Seichou Juku is closed on holidays.
Group class (maximum of 10 students).
One class, one day a week – $100 per month (plus $50 every half year for class supplies).
As these are not private lessons and the instructors must teach the other students, we cannot provide credit, refunds, or make-up classes for missed classes.
Introduction to Hiragana and Katakana and to Japanese culture through seasonal activities and engaging arts and crafts.
Master Hiragana and Katakana and introduce the first 240 Kanji; begin reading simple stories and writing simple essays.
Expand Kanji proficiency to the next 400 characters; expand reading & writing ability by means of more complex essays.
Expand Kanji proficiency to the next 366 Kanji; expand reading & writing ability by means of more sophisticated essays.
Seichou Instructor Kazuko Kano is a native of Tottori, Japan. A master Japanese calligraphic artist, since 1982, Ms. Kano has been a member of the Japan Calligraphy Education Foundation (JCEF), a national organization in Japan that ranks both amateur and professional calligraphers, issues licenses to calligraphy teachers, holds national competitions, and supports the dissemination of the art of calligraphy worldwide. Ms. Kano has won numerous calligraphy awards from JCEF. She holds a B.A. in literature from Kobe Women's University, an M.A. in videographic arts from American University, a high school teaching license from the Japanese government, and is licensed by the U.S. Japanese Calligraphy Federation to assess and award promotion certificates to students who meet standard requirements. She speaks native Japanese and English.
A native of Mie, Japan, Seichou Instructor Kiemi Watabe Langlois is a Japanese abacus expert and holds licenses to teach middle and high school from the Japanese government. A native of Mie, Japan, she is also a classically trained professional pianist and piano instructor with a BA from the Musashino Music Conservatory in Tokyo. Ms. Langlois has taught students of all ages. She speaks native Japanese and English.