Headstart
Class Size: Up to 10 students
Ages: 2 years ~ 3.5 (before going to Kindergarten)
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Time: 10am ~ 1:50pm
Class Length: 3 Hours 50 minutes
Teachers: 2 native teachers
Students can attend Preschool 1 day a week, 2 days a week, or all three days each week.
The class is run by two native English speaking instructors who also understand Japanese. Children are exposed to real English in our classroom through a variety of activities, crafts, songs and dances that vary from month-to-month.
Classroom Goals
There are many goals for Headstart. Preschool is often the first bridge between a child's home life and their full-time school life. We promote curiosity in English but it is more than just that. At preschool, even if it is only for a day a week, children learn how to be independent, how to trust and ask for help from teachers, how to interact with peers, how to manage their emotions better, and how to solve problems on their own. They also learn "school readiness" skills, which help them understand the routines of school, work in groups, and the importance of equality and fairness. This manifests in different ways, from learning to let everyone have their turn to painting peacefully on a big picture together. When your child starts Kindergarten, they will be prepared as they will have already learned many of the skills needed.
English Acquisition and Lesson Goals
Children learn English in the lesson naturally. Like how a mother teaches her language to her child, we've built an environment where we use English without pressuring children so that they can learn to speak and understand English in the most natural way: by using English as real people do. We use words that appear in everyday life and we speak to and around the students in English at a normal speed and with normal pronunciation so that they can get a sense of real English. By coming to Headstart and being in an English environment for nearly 4 hours at a time, children gradually acquire English while having fun!
The goals for our preschool entail learning general phrases and using simple vocabulary, being able to communicate in English with games, activities and songs, learning teamwork, manners and the importance of following the rules. We aim to include both culture and customs from abroad and Japanese traditions and culture to provide a truly international atmosphere.
Make-up System
Make-Ups are available to students. We also offer an additional lesson system where on top of your regular once a week attendance you can choose additional days to attend that suit your schedule. The fee is 4,000 yen per additional lesson.
Headstart Lesson Flow
1. Warm-up Time
After putting away their things and washing up, children play with teachers and friends and we just talk to get comfortable and start our day.
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2. Morning Circle
Circle Time where we say "Hello." to each child, and give them an opportunity to speak to teachers. We encourage playing with language at this time. Once children have mastered "I'm fine, thank you!", we have them do it in a robot voice, or change the words completely!
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3. Songs and Dance
We start each day with our routine ABC, color, and weather songs. These are familiar for the students and tit invites them Each month features a new theme with songs and dances.
The songs change monthly, giving children something new to look forward to and enjoy.
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4. Break Time
We practice asking for things at this time. We start with "Please?" and work our way up to "May I have my cup please?" by the end of the year. Even shy kids will speak when given the choice of apple juice or orange juice! We always end drink time with water as well.
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5. Toilet Time
For children still in diapers, it's time to change. We also practice using the toilet, which gives children a chance to try without pressure. We assist with potty training and work alongside Mom's wishes.
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6. Monthly-theme related Craft
We choose songs and crafts each month based on our theme. Kids love crafts, so we can get even shy kids to speak during craft time :)
Examples of our monthly themes are: March "Spring", July "Space", and September "Vehicles".
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7. Park Time
On nice days, children go to Tanashi Shrine or a nearby park for fresh air and activities.
Seasonal activities include bug hunting in spring, playing with leaves in fall, and snow play in winter.
On rainy days, children play indoors with slides, balls, and other toys.
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8. Lunch Time
Kids eat alongside teachers and we all talk about our lunches while eating. We practice "It's yummy!" and "I love rice balls", and "I have eggs in my lunch today!" etc.
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9. Reading Time
As each child finishes their lunch, they can do some free reading. When everyone's finished teachers will read a book for everyone. We always choose an engaging book that is popular in the West~
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10. Toilet Time 2
Another toilet break is provided, including diaper changes and toilet training.
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11. Phonics Practice and Games
Children practice pronunciation through phonics and learn with fun games and cultural activities.
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12. Good Bye Time
At the end of the day, everyone gathers in a circle for goodbye greetings.
While waiting for parents to pick them up, children relax and spend time with their teachers and friends.
