About our Curriculum

The Colorado Sakura Academy is a homeschool co-op based at the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association Building (3113 Primrose Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80907). Our Academy will meet on Wednesdays from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm. We also offer classes online on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Students can take either in-person or online classes.
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Enroll Here!

What will your student know by the end of the year?

In Language Arts:

  • make simple Japanese conversations

  • Read simple words/characters

  • Read simple manga in Japanese

  • Have a deep understanding of Japanese media

  • Learn J-pop culture

In Culinary Arts:

  • sushi rolls

  • temaki sushi

  • a variety of onigiri

  • Japanese curry

  • udon noodles

  • ramen

  • mochi desserts

  • okonomiyaki

  • donburi

  • dashimaki tamago

  • fruit sandwhiches

  • miso soup

  • kashi pan

  • nikujaga

  • yakisoba

About Culture:

  • make origami

  • make kusudama

  • write in Japanese calligraphy

  • sing Japanese songs

  • make omamori

  • play taiko drums

  • customize their own chopsticks

  • customize their own sensu

  • wear kimono/jinbei

Your student will also have opportunities to participate in local Japanese events!

Week 1 Lesson Plan

Total Duration: 6 hours (30-minute transition/lunch)

Block 1: Language and Communication (2 hours)

Focus: Survival Japanese & The Writing System

The Three Scripts (45 minutes)

  • Introduce Hiragana (phonetic), Kanji (foreign words), and Kanji (Chinese symbols)

  • Activity: “Canvas Sand-Writing” — Use trays of salt or sand to practice drawing the five basic vowels: あ、い、う、え、お

Self-Introductions/ Jiko Shoukai (45 minutes)

  • Teach the formula: “Hajimemashite, [Name] desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.”

  • Activity: “Business Card Exchange” — Students create their own Meishi (business card) with their names in katakana and practice the formal two-handed exchange

Numbers & Shopping (30 minutes)

  • Learn 1-10 and the counter for objects (~tsu)

  • Activity: “The 100-Yen Shop” — Set up a mock store where students will “buy” items using their new numbers and phrases like “Kore o kudasai” (This one, please)

Block 2: Culinary Arts & Ethics (2 hours)

Focus: Onigiri (rice balls) & Misoshiru (miso soup)

The Foundation of Rice (30 minutes)

  • Explain the importance of Gohan (cooked rice). Wash the rice together— an essential meditative ritual

  • While the rice cooks, discuss Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) and its UNESCO heritage status

Hands-On Cooking (30 minutes)

  • Onigiri Station: Students learn to mold rice into triangles using wet, salted hands. Provided fillings will include, but not limited to, Umeboshi (plum) or tuna-mayo

  • Miso Exploration: Taste different types of miso (white vs. red). Add Wakame (seaweed) and tofu to a dashi broth

The Formal Meal (30 minutes)

  • Set the table using Hashi-oki (chopstick rests)

  • Ritual: Practice the pre-meal “Itadakimasu” and the post-meal “Gochisousama-deshita”.

Built-in Meal Break (30 minutes)

Block 3: Cultural Activity & Tradition

Focus: The Way of Sado (Tea) & Shodo (Calligraphy)

The Way of Tea Simplified (60 minutes)

  • Discuss Wabi-Sabi (finding beauty in imperfection)

  • Activity: Whisking matcha

  • Pairing bitter teas with Okashi (small sweets) to show how to balance flavors

Shodo Calligraphy (45 minutes)

  • Introduction to the “Four Treasures of the Study” Brush, Ink, Paper, Inkstone

  • Activity: “The Big Character” — Students use brushes and blank ink to paint the Kanji for yama 山 (mountain) or kawa 川 (river)

Reflection & Closing (15 minutes)

  • The Omiya (Souvenir) — Students pack their calligraphy and business cards into a folder to take home

  • Final Saikeirei (formal bow) to conclude the day

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We are a homeschool enrichment program offering classes teaching Japanese language arts, culinary arts, and culture in a hands-on learning environment.

  • Getting started is simple. Apply to enroll here!

  • Because we are a homeschool enrichment program, tuition is free!


    The trip to Japan is the parent/guardians’ financial responsibility, but we will offer many fundraising opportunities throughout the year to ease the burden.

  • Please select your student’s grade for the 2026-27 school year.

  • As of April 2026, the place prices for April 2027 are not available. We will let families know the estimated costs as soon as details. are available to us.

  • Please see our Week 1 curriculum here.
    The weekly curriculum will be posted in a newsletter. Please sign up for the newsletter here!