4Real Forums: Really??.....Japanese?

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Topic: Really??.....Japanese?

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jenny ann
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Joined: March 22 2007
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Posted: April 01 2011 at 1:06pm \| IP Logged

My 12 yo dd is fascinated with all things Japanese and has been for over 6 months. She is a wonderful child in that she creates her own "unit studies" for these "kicks" but it can be hard to keep up with her! Today she did some of her math problems in Japanese (she learned the numbers from a book she got at the library). She is really wanting to learn to speak Japanese and now has her younger brother begging me also. I am all for it (I've been wanting to add a foreign language) but where do I start with Japanese? Rosetta Stone? Muzzy (probably too young?)? Any and all suggestions would be helpful. TIA! Blessings!

guitarnan
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Joined: Feb 07 2005
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Posted: April 01 2011 at 1:11pm \| IP Logged

We are right where you are! (Dd is 13.)

So far we are using some books I ordered on Amazon and a few more (including a dictionary) that I swapped for on Paperbackswap.com. I'm holding out on Rosetta Stone ($$$!) until I'm sure this isn't just a fad of some kind. (I'm guessing it's not, but we can wait until fall to spend that kind of $.)

You are not alone!

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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.

kristinannie
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Posted: April 01 2011 at 2:41pm \| IP Logged

I think it is great that your dd is so excited about learning a language. Japanese will definitely set her apart from her peers. I would look into getting a tutor if at all possible since Asian languages are so difficult for Americans to pronounce. Let us know which program you choose!!!! I love that homeschooling allows us to think outside the box!

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roseberyem
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Joined: Jan 27 2010
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Posted: April 02 2011 at 12:38am \| IP Logged

My ds9 started learning Japanese this year. He has really surprised me with what he has been able to learn so far. I've no Japanese experience whatsoever, so I'm learning right along with him.

I bought a very old set on Ebay called "Japanese for Children", we're talking cassette tape old here. It has been great for studying the characters and some basic vocabulary work. Published by Passport Books, I've no idea if there is an updated version, I would assume not. (Hmmm...not very helpful)

To test the waters I would suggest "Let's learn Hiragana" (Yasuko/Kosaka/Mitamura) to see if the interest will hold.

I've also *heard* great things about "Irasshai". I watched a lesson of theirs on the internet and thought it was great. Mind you, I only watched one, and I haven't looked at their books either, but it's on my list of things to explore.

http://www.gpb.org/irasshai

Emily.

Tina
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Posted: April 02 2011 at 8:50am \| IP Logged

I'm surprised to hear so many interested in learning Japanese! My dd12 has been talking about how she wants to go to a local private school for high school because they are the only local school to offer the Japanese language. I'm not sure if she's going to go to high school or not, but I'd love to take advantage of her interest in this language now, while she's home with me. I just wasn't sure I was capable of teaching her something so difficult that I don't even know. You all are giving me some hope. So I'm going to look into some of these suggestions and I'll be keeping an eye on this discussion. :)

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jenny ann
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Posted: April 02 2011 at 10:32am \| IP Logged

I am so happy (and relieved to be honest!) to see so many children interested in Japanese. Nancy and Emily- thanks so much for the resource information. I will be looking into it soon. I don't plan on starting until the fall. I am looking into classes/tutor at a couple of local community colleges in the area. So far, I see that they only offer adult classes but maybe they can point me in the right direction. I agree with all of you ladies, this is one of the best things about homeschooling- letting children explore and develop their interests/gifts!

JaysFamily
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Joined: March 30 2010
Location: Alabama
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Posted: April 05 2011 at 10:58am \| IP Logged

I also recommend getting a tutor. The hardest part for me was learning not to emphasize syllables.

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Jaysfamily
wife to Jay
mother to DS(5)

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