By GWEN MURANAKA, RAFU SENIOR EDITOR
“Arigato gozaimasu!” the kids of the Japanese immersion language class at Amestoy S.T.E.A.M. Academy, Multilingual/Multicultural Magnet, and Dual Language Japanese Elementary School said after a special storytime on Monday morning.
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, Consul General Kenko Sone, and LAUSD Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin took turns reading in English and Japanese the story of Swimmy, a plucky little fish in Leo Lionni’s 1963 children’s book.
The special event was held as part of Read Across America, a nationwide celebration of reading. Amestoy highlighted its Japanese dual language program, which launched in 2021. When teacher, Shiori Duenas, addressed the class, the students bowed and said brightly in unison “Ohayo gozaimasu. Konnichiwa!”
The walls of the class are decorated with the children’s work, including essays written in both languages.
On a colorful mat, the second graders listened to Carvalho, Ortiz Franklin and Sone read the tale of the adventurous little black fish who meets a school of little red fish and learns the value of leadership and teamwork.
“Stronger together!” the kids said as the LAUSD superintendent asked about the meaning behind the story.
Amestoy, located on 149th St. and Berendo Ave. in Gardena, was the first LAUSD school selected for Japanese immersion. The programs have been implemented with the support of Japan Foundation Los Angeles.
Speaking to The Rafu, Carvalho said, “From what we observed here today, the progress is absolutely phenomenal. Here we have second-grade level students speaking fluent Japanese. Their level of understanding, their ability to speak in Japanese is really impressive.”
He acknowledged the support from Japan Foundation for the immersion program.
Gardena was selected because of its concentration of people of Japanese ancestry in the area, but Carvalho noted that the classes are open to all. According to Japan Foundation, immersion programs are considered to be the most effective road to fluency among young learners of a foreign language.
“The reason why here (at Amestoy) and other places is a function of parent demand. Districts recognition that there are concentrations and pockets of individuals and families that warrant these programs. But you know what these dual language programs have a strength by themselves. You don’t have to be of Japanese heritage to enroll in the program. Some are but some are not, because it’s a good way to learn Spanish, to learn Japanese, German, Mandarin Chinese,” Carvalho said.
In the Southern California region, Japanese immersion or partial-immersion programs are also offered at Nora Sterry Elementary in West L.A., El Marino Language School in
Culver City, Culver City Middle School, Culver City High School, Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School, Dunsmore Elementary School in La Crescenta, and Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Glendale.
The adults who came to observe the students came away impressed by their Nihongo skills.
“I was watching those kids studying Japanese and English, it’s a wonderful opportunity. I think this program will be expanded, not only this school but other schools. We are ready to support and work together with various schools,” Sone said.