Class Descriptions
OCG classes are organized flexibly, which allows us to teach children of all backgrounds in the Japanese language. We divide our classes into two tracks:
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Japanese as a Heritage Language (JHL):for students who regularly hear and speak Japanese in their home environments
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Japanese as a Foreign Language (JFL): for students with less background in Japanese. Some JFL students may speak and hear some Japanese at home, while others have limited exposure
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The difference between JHL and JFL students is a subtle one. Both tracks teach all of the core language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The pace of the JHL classes may be faster, however, especially when it comes to kanji and writing.
We also hold classes for High School students who have little or no Japanese language background. Students in all tracks cover all of the core language skills.
Our Saturday Schedule:
1st Period 9:00 - 9:45
2nd Period 9:55 - 10:40
3rd Period 11:00 - 11:45
4th Period 11:45 - 12:30
Mikan Club and Kindergarten
Our youngest learners are taught in two age groups. The Mikan Club is for potty trained children aged 4 and older. Our Kindergarten class is for children aged 5 and 6.
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In Mikan Club and Kindergarten, children learn simple Japanese through songs, puppets, story time, crafts, and learning colors and shapes, simple kanji and hiragana.
1st - 12th Grade
Our primary school division is for students in 1st through 6th grade, after which students continue into our junior high and senior high school division. All classes are separated into JHL and JFL tracks, and emphasize immersive and experiential learning.
Junior High and High School Beginners
OCG also offers classes for Jr High and High School students who have only recently started learning Japanese. These courses focus on practical language skills. Students may be able to use our classes to receive foreign language credit at their local high schools.