When children learn Japanese as a second language, building vocabulary is crucial. The key is to integrate Japanese into daily life in a way that piques their natural curiosity.
1. Reading Picture Books Aloud
Picture books are an effective way to expose children to Japanese vocabulary through visual and auditory stimuli. For preschoolers, books with lots of illustrations and simple content work well.
- Picture Books Featuring Animals and Food
Using picture books with themes like "animals" and "fruits," which tend to capture children's interest, helps them naturally learn related vocabulary.
- Books for Seasonal and Cultural Events
Reading books about Japanese seasons or events, like "Tanabata" or "Oshogatsu" (New Year), is a way to introduce cultural vocabulary.
2. Flashcards and Card Games
Flashcards with illustrations make learning vocabulary fun. Adding a game element encourages active participation.
- Theme-Based Cards with Animals, Food, or Household Items
Use cards with basic Japanese words, and ask questions like "Korewa, Nani?"(What is this?) to reinforce vocabulary related to daily life.
- Word Chain Game (Shiritori)
The word game "Shiritori" is ideal for learning simple vocabulary, especially when focusing on familiar topics like animals and food.
3. Simple Japanese Apps and Educational Games
Preschool-friendly educational apps have interactive features for vocabulary building. Engaging with Japanese in a game format captures children's attention.
- Hiragana and Katakana Apps
Apps for learning basic hiragana and katakana introduce children to Japanese characters, linking them naturally to vocabulary.
- Story and Quiz Apps
Apps with short stories and quizzes help children remember words. The visual appeal and game elements make it easy for them to stay focused.
4. Using Japanese in Daily Life
Integrating Japanese into simple conversations at home or preschool helps children learn practical vocabulary.
- Conversations During Shopping or Cooking
During shopping or cooking, giving simple instructions in Japanese like "Ringo wa doko?" (Where is the apple?) or "Ninjin wo totte ne"(Pick up the carrot) help children learn food names and verbs.
- Words Related to Daily Routines
Gradually teaching words in daily routines, like waking up, having breakfast, or going to preschool, helps children associate vocabulary with daily habits.
5. Simple Crafts and Art Activities
Hearing Japanese instructions while using their hands helps children retain vocabulary. They especially learn words related to colors and shapes.
- Origami
Origami is a good activity to learn colors and shapes, like "Sankaku" (triangle) and "Shikaku"(square). Giving instructions in Japanese helps children pick up verbs and direction words naturally.
- Drawing with Crayons or Paints
Using words related to colors and natural objects, like "Akai hana wo kakou" (Let’s draw a red flower) or "Aoi sora wo tsukurou" (Create a blue sky), makes vocabulary learning enjoyable through drawing.
6. Japanese Nursery Songs, DVDs, and YouTube
Listening and singing repeatedly helps children remember Japanese along with rhythm and melody. Short videos with simple phrases and expressions are especially useful.
- The "Inai Inai Baa" Series
NHK's "Inai Inai Baa" series is full of everyday vocabulary and phrases, helping children remember vocabulary through repeated viewing.
- Recommended Japanese Nursery Songs
"Donna iro ga suki?" (What Color Do You Like?)
It is a simple, color-themed song that helps children enjoyably learn color names.
"Gu Choki Pa de nani tsukurou?" (What Can You Make with Rock, Scissors, Paper?)
A hand-play song that introduces vocabulary for animals, objects, shapes, and actions.
"Okina kuri no ki no shita de" (Under the Big Chestnut Tree)
Simple, repetitive phrases make it easy to remember, and singing with hand motions adds fun.
"Sanpo" (Stroll from Tonari no Totoro)
With simple lyrics and daily verbs like "aruku"(walk) and "massugu" (straight), this song makes vocabulary enjoyable through the imagery of a joyful stroll in nature.
"Musunde Hiraite" (Open and Close)
Lyrics include simple, everyday verbs like "musunde (close)" and "hiraite (open)," linking actions with meaning.
"Shiawase nara te wo tatakou" (If You're Happy and You Know It)
Actions like clapping, stomping, and cheering are woven into the lyrics, making it fun to learn vocabulary and expressions.
It's essential for children to learn Japanese as a second language in an enjoyable way. Using a combination of these methods will gradually build their Japanese vocabulary.