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Japanese Community 2 (2025 November)

Connect

Kim Roberts

kimr@highrock.org

Location

The Loft at Highrock Arlington

Registration

Register for Fall 2026 (opens in a new window)

English Language Program (ESL) for Japanese Speakers

Highrock offers English classes for those who have moved from Japan and are eager to improve their English and adjust to their new home.

Each week, students can attend a large group gathering and a small group class according to their English level. There are also optional gatherings/classes offered randomly featuring topics such as cooking, aerobics, flower arranging, etc., as well as an optional weekly class on Exploring Christianity.

Each semester promises a new selection of optional classes and outings that help build community. In each weekly class, the instructors utilize an ESL curriculum that covers both English language and American living. Topics include pronunciation, vocabulary, conversation, and understanding American culture.

Class Descriptions

We offer three levels of English classes on Tuesday mornings.

  • Students should have a basic level of reading and listening skills in English. They should be able to understand simple questions and be able to carry on small talk on a simple level.

    Focus

    • Building confidence in speaking
    • Introducing common vocabulary and usage
    • Provide grammar at the basic level
    • Ability to do light small talk

     

     

  • Students should have more confidence with English and be able to have  more diverse conversations. In small talk, students can express more opinions and use expressions and their grammar is more fine-tuned and speech more free-flowing.

    Focus

    • Confidence in speaking and asking questions
    • Expanding into more moderate and advanced vocabulary
    • Improving or advancing grammar
    • Ability to express thoughts and opinions more comfortably in a group setting

  • Students have a strong sense of both speech and comprehension. Typically, student have spent at least three years in an English-speaking environment and have been engaging regularly with English speakers.

    Lessons have greater variety than lower levels including:

    • Practicing daily living discussions (Ex. finding a maintenance worker,  choosing the right daycare, talking about dining experiences)
    • Fun games based on word usage, communicating, team building (Ex.  Codenames, Scrabble, Apples to Apples)
    • Discussing and reporting on current events or news
    • Sharing about professional experiences

    Focus

    • Expressing thoughts in creative ways
    • Critical thinking and problem-solving
    • Heightened awareness of American culture

Conversation Class Options

We offer three class options throughout the week.

  • Beginning Tuesday, September 15, our in-person class meets on Tuesdays from 9:15 – 11:00 am at Highrock Church in Arlington, with the exception of November 3 (Election Day).

    Childcare is available and costs $80 per child for the 12-week session. After you register, you will receive the class sign-up spreadsheet and, if needed, the childcare registration form by email.

  • Beginning September 16, this conversational class meets online via  Zoom from 8:30 – 9:30am.

    Contact Kim Roberts for more information and the Zoom link.

  • Beginning September 16, this conversational class meets online via  Zoom from 9:15 – 10:15pm.

    Contact Kim Roberts for more information and the Zoom link.

Optional Gatherings

Exploring Christianity Class

Our weekly optional Exploring Christianity class takes place immediately following the Tuesday ESL class. This class is is an opportunity to learn more about Christianity, hear personal stories from people at Highrock Church, and participate in small-group discussions where we can learn from one another.

You are welcome to keep your children in childcare during the class, and you can attend any of the weeks that work for you.

Questions? Email Kim Roberts.

Community Connection

Community Connection is a relaxed, in-person gathering where you can meet new people, talk with friends, and let children play together. There are opportunities to practice English and speak in Japanese.

This group meets every Thursday (10am – 12pm) in the Loft at Highrock Church. Hot and cold drinks, along with a variety of snacks and treats, are provided. Feel free to invite friends, and children are welcome!