How to Help Your Child Build a Love for Learning Japanese – Even If You Don’t Speak It
Introduction
At Sakigake School, a small-group Japanese tutoring center based in Portland, Oregon, we believe that every child—regardless of their home language—can enjoy and succeed in learning Japanese. We work daily to ensure that even children from non-Japanese-speaking families feel the joy of learning and the thrill of saying, “I did it!” in Japanese.
As a parent who doesn't speak Japanese, you might think, “I want my child to learn Japanese, but I can't support them because I don’t know the language.” But here’s the truth: You absolutely can.
In this article, we’ll walk you through simple yet powerful ways you can support your child’s learning habits, help them enjoy learning, and inspire them to want to learn more. These methods have been proven effective through brain science and educational theory—and they’re used every day at Sakigake School in Portland.
1. Start with a Routine: “Short and Consistent” Wins the Race
- Activity ideas:
- Read one page of a Japanese picture book together before bed.
- Use flashcards to review 2–3 new Japanese words at breakfast.
- Why it works: Neuroscience research shows that frequent, short sessions are more effective for long-term memory (see: the spacing effect). Plus, embedding Japanese into daily life makes the language feel like a normal, fun part of their routine.
When it comes to language learning, consistency beats intensity. The goal is not to make your child study for hours but to build a reliable routine, such as “5 minutes a day” or “one page before bedtime.”
2. Make It Playful: Turn Learning into a Game
- Activity ideas:
- Play Japanese card games like “karuta” or “hiragana bingo.”
- Watch Japanese cartoons like “Totoro” or “Doraemon” with Japanese subtitles.
- Do “spot the difference” or drawing games using Japanese words.
- Why it works: Emotion enhances memory. When a child is having fun, they retain more. Associating Japanese with positive emotions builds stronger, lasting connections in the brain.
Young children have limited attention spans, so traditional study methods may not work. Instead, turn playtime into Japanese learning time—without your child even realizing it!
3. Inspire Curiosity: Let Them Choose
- Activity ideas:
- Let your child pick between learning hiragana, doing word games, or drawing with Japanese labels.
- Offer a small collection of Japanese picture books and let them choose which one to read.
- Assign weekly “themes” like animals or food and explore them in Japanese.
- Why it works: According to self-determination theory in psychology, autonomy boosts motivation. When kids choose their path, they’re more likely to stay engaged and enthusiastic.
Children are more motivated when they feel they’re in control. By giving them choices in how they learn, you shift the experience from “I have to” to “I want to.”
4. Celebrate Success: Make Progress Visible and Praise Often
- Activity ideas:
- Use a sticker chart: one sticker per day of Japanese practice, with a reward after 10 stickers.
- Color in a “hiragana poster” as they learn new characters.
- Create a “Look What I Did!” wall where you add one new achievement each week.
- Why it works: Visible accomplishments release dopamine, a chemical linked to motivation and reward. These tiny successes build momentum and create a cycle of positive learning.
Children thrive on encouragement. Even small wins matter. By making their progress visible and acknowledging their effort, you boost their confidence and motivation.
5. How Sakigake School in Portland Puts These Ideas into Practice
At Sakigake School in Portland, we implement all these strategies in our Japanese tutoring programs. Our small-group classes (usually 1-on-1 or up to 5 children) ensure personalized support and meaningful engagement.
- Focus on conversation and interaction through fun activities
- Provide “Home Learning Kits” that parents can use—even if they don’t speak Japanese
- Track progress with the “Japanese Tree” project, where kids grow a tree by adding new vocabulary leaves
These methods help students—from all language backgrounds—fall in love with learning Japanese. Many of our students begin saying things like “I want to speak more!” after just a few lessons.
Conclusion
You don’t need to speak Japanese to support your child’s Japanese learning journey. What matters most is consistency, play, choice, and encouragement. Here’s a quick review:
- Build daily learning habits with short, consistent routines
- Use play to make learning fun and natural
- Offer choices to increase motivation and ownership
- Make progress visible and praise every step
At Sakigake School in Portland, we’re committed to helping every child—no matter their background—discover the joy of Japanese. If you’re a parent looking to support your child’s language journey, we welcome you to try a free session and see how much fun Japanese can be!
Let your child experience the joy of “I did it!” in Japanese—and open the door to a whole new world.
