Providing positive learning outcomes and great cognitive development are the aims of a Japanese program at Goodstart Carindale.
Every Tuesday, a language teacher from Konnichiwa Kids Club visits the centre armed with props, music and puppets and the fun of learning a new language begins.
Kindergarten students are learning Japanese as part of cultural learning embedded into their kindergarten program to help with their transition to school.
Early childhood teacher Kali Kumar said the weekly program provided language stimulation and helped children to understand and appreciate the diverse community we live in.
“We chose to study Japanese as this is the language being offered at the local primary school, Belmont State School, so children attending the school next year will benefit in having already learned some of the basics," Ms Kumar said. "They will be confident and eager to learn even more when they start prep next year.”
During the one-hour lesson, a fluent Japanese teacher takes the children on a cultural journey – they learn new words and phrases through game-like activities, songs and dancing and through dramatic role play.
“Another benefit of introducing language lessons to children in the early years is that increases intelligence, creatively and better problem-solving skills. It’s amazing how much young minds are capable of learning it is so rewarding to see my class embrace another culture so readily,” Ms Kumar said.
Goodstart Carindale successfully applied for the Federal Government’s Early Learning Languages program designed specifically for kindergarten-aged children. The classes will run all year long.
Every Tuesday, a language teacher from Konnichiwa Kids Club visits the centre armed with props, music and puppets and the fun of learning a new language begins.
Kindergarten students are learning Japanese as part of cultural learning embedded into their kindergarten program to help with their transition to school.
Early childhood teacher Kali Kumar said the weekly program provided language stimulation and helped children to understand and appreciate the diverse community we live in.
“We chose to study Japanese as this is the language being offered at the local primary school, Belmont State School, so children attending the school next year will benefit in having already learned some of the basics," Ms Kumar said. "They will be confident and eager to learn even more when they start prep next year.”
During the one-hour lesson, a fluent Japanese teacher takes the children on a cultural journey – they learn new words and phrases through game-like activities, songs and dancing and through dramatic role play.
“Another benefit of introducing language lessons to children in the early years is that increases intelligence, creatively and better problem-solving skills. It’s amazing how much young minds are capable of learning it is so rewarding to see my class embrace another culture so readily,” Ms Kumar said.
Goodstart Carindale successfully applied for the Federal Government’s Early Learning Languages program designed specifically for kindergarten-aged children. The classes will run all year long.