About Donguri Kai
About Donguri Kai
About Donguri Kai
About Donguri Kai
JASC’s Donguri Kai started in 2017 as a new program to provide continuing Japanese language education for Chicago area children in K – 6th grade. Donguri Kai expanded options for children who graduated from JASC’s Tampopo Kai program for preschoolers and other primary school children interested in studying Japanese. Further growth this year offers classes to middle and high school students making our current class offerings span from Kindergarteners through High School Seniors.
The Donguri Kai curriculum is based on the JF Standards for Japanese-Language Education of the Japan Foundation. Donguri Kai teachers assess students’ Japanese communication skills through practical activities, actual written communications, and conversational situations where students use the language.
Program Mission
Donguri Kai is a place to enjoy learning the language and culture with friends
Donguri Kai is an opportunity to acquire communication skills using the Japanese language
Donguri Kai is a chance to strengthen and utilize the linguistic ability in real life applications
Program Highlights
Small Class Sizes
Donguri Kai offers small classes which provide an interactive learning environment for every student. Teachers work closely with students to fortify reading, pronunciation, conversation, and communication skills. Students also interact on-screen to stimulate and encourage each other through various learning activities.
Learning for All Levels
Donguri Kai adheres to Japan Foundation’s JF Standards for Japanese-Language Education, employing a skill-based level system.
Teachers assess students through practical activities and real-life communication scenarios to gauge their Japanese language proficiency.
Hands On Learning
Donguri Kai provides hands on learning opportunities for students to train and test their real-life skill sets with the language. The program has created training projects and volunteer opportunities within the JASC programs and at JASC events as well as the Chicago area Japanese American and Japanese community.
What Parents are Saying
My son looks forward to his weekly class! He is learning so much and never wants to miss a class. That speaks volumes for a child who already has a full day of learning prior to his Japanese class. The teachers are kind, patient, and welcoming to all students.
Making some connections to the child’s cultural heritage is so important while keeping up with local school leanings and other sports and after school activities, etc. For thia reason, Donguri class has been a success for our family. For my child, the appreciation to Japanese language and its culture had been deepened when my child saw other kids to have different connections and appreciation to Japanese language and its culture. Definitely, this learning program has broadened my child’s appreciations of Japanese language and its culture—I am so thankful for this program and hardworking teachers!!!!
A rare opportunity for kids to experience Japanese culture
The teachers are engaging and patient. The class times are convenient. My child has made noticeable progress since beginning classes.
Donguri Kai Calendar
An annual project – Donguri Kai calendar with students’ hand-drawing pictures and warmhearted messages to send to a senior housing community.
New Year’s Card Contest
A New Year’s event of a Japanese tradition, a New Year’s Card 年賀状 design contest is held at JASC during Kagami Biraki 鏡開き.
New Year Kids Camp
The annual Kids Camp introducing Japanese traditions such as New Year’s calligraphy 書初め and Ikebana 初生け.
