CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER NORDELL

My daughter and I tried out Alligator Steps for the first time last month. It was even better than I expected and has turned out to be the perfect way to spend some one on one time together. I was thrilled when Larissa told me about the Japanese Class they were now offering. I just knew it would it be a wonderful way to learn Japanese in a fun environment. Our first class was amazing. Reiko the instructor was kind and my daughter loved her immediately. The class was full of fun songs and games that were both engaging and educational. My daughter enjoyed every minute of it.

I also enjoyed the class despite the fact that I had to introduce my daughter and myself in Japanese at the beginning. For most people this wouldn’t be a big deal but I was not expecting it and suddenly I felt like I was in high school again. I sat there with my face beet red griping the paper that explained what I was suppose to say afraid that the words I would utter would be wrong. I looked up to encouraging faces and realized that this was not high school and everyone was here to learn. I stumbled through the words with a lot of help from Reiko and then watched quietly at the rest of the woman did the same.

Our class was small and full of adorable kids and supportive mothers – in short it was a wonderful learning environment. Of course you don’t have to take my word for here. One of the other mothers in the class Hollie was kind enough to share her thoughts (and pictures) about the class.

    "We have been attending Alligator Steps since the day it opened and attended other classes through the program such as Baby Signs. My son has learned so much from these instructional programs that when I saw the Japanese class was starting up I knew I wanted to get him enrolled immediately.

The class consisted of daily introductions in Japanese, songs, flash card memorization, story time, and word of the day (or I should say many words of the day). Reiko (the instructor) would go over a new set of words for us to learn each week that we could take home and practice with our little ones.

Okay, so you are probably thinking my pre-toddler isn't going to sit through a Japanese class. Well mine did play most of the time unless it involved singing, but that is why you as a parent are there. I absorbed as much information as I could and worked with my son at home. She will give you take home sheets for you to study during the week and there was also learning tools to purchase. I purchased them and we are using them even though the class is over. My older kids use them too to help with their Japanese as well.
 
As most of us already know this is a difficult language, but this is a great opportunity to expose your little one to it while you are here on Okinawa. The little girl next to me in class (she is two) spoke better Japanese than I did. She could say all her colors and more when prompted. I would definitely recommend this class to other parents wanting to give their child a little exposure of the Japanese language with out it being overbearing and at the same time having a fun environment. Graduation was a special event and each child was given a certificate of completion. "

Now that we have sparked your interest with our reviews of the class, let me give you the details. The Japanese Class is taught by Rieko, a native Okinawan who married a Marine in the Navy. She teaches English to Japanese students in the evening and was excited to accept the teaching opportunity at Alligator Steps, teaching Moms & Toddlers Japanese. Her class runs on a six week session with each class meeting once a week for 45 minutes. During each class she builds upon the previous week's lesson. The curriculum consists of introductions, songs and dances (some familiar and repeated each week, and some new) all in Japanese. Each week she focuses on a different theme: Family Members, Body Parts, Animals, Numbers, Manners, etc. To view a current schedule, register for classes, or find more information please visit the Alligator Steps website.