In the early years we regard all play as learning. Children need the freedom to play and learn and these are interconnected. As such we provide a variety of traditional and modern toys that stimulate children to play and learn both individually and in groups.

Although pre-reading and writing skills may be introduced before, by the final year of Kindergarten, most children will be ready to begin learning basic reading and writing in both Japanese and English. We use chalkboards, sand, whiteboards, flashlights, playdough, crayons, pencils, paper, letters made from wood, plastic, sandpaper and many more to stimulate excitement in the written word. Shared reading is also an important part of the day from the time your child starts and you are encouraged to borrow books from the library and read to your child at home too.

We understand physical development is an important part of intellectual development, and we do dancing, gym and balance activities as as part of our every day program both inside and outside the classroom. We also enjoy organized and free play daily (weather permitting) in our small garden and at the two parks located close to our school. In addition, we engage in learning play inside involving the child's whole body. Children play with a variety of textures such as sand, water, and play dough and a variety of games, exercises and activities to develop both gross and fine motor skills.

We love art! Children paint from day one with their hands, with their feet, with brushes and other tools. Crayons, stickers, felt tipped pens, shaving foam and bubbles are all potential mediums. Junk modeling, clay modeling and many other art forms are all enthusiastically pursued. Art is our passion and we encourage your child to do it themselves in their own unique way.

Holidays and cultural celebrations: We celebrate all the major Japanese holidays and many significant holidays from the English speaking world. If your family celebrates a holiday we don’t currently include in our program we are happy to welcome you to introduce it in school or explain it to us so that we can celebrate it too!

We welcome parental involvement in the school with opportunities for helping at lunchtimes on park visits or general materials preparation and observing classes. However we recognize that all parents may not be able to participate in the same way. We therefore try to ease the burden on any working mothers or mothers with additional small children at home or other commitments by making our parental involvement program really voluntary.

For working parents, children may also enroll in the afternoon program and a quiet time where children can sleep, rest or engage in quiet activities will link the two parts of the day. Some afternoons allow for a structured program in English or Japanese and others provide a more babysitting approach. Please enquire for details.