Culture Classes
From “Kazenoko Letter” No.419 - December 2012
| A joint meeting for the three daycare centers was held on December 1st
and 6th. A survey was carried out before the meeting and the frank opinions
and requests of the guardians were collated for us in a report. Some people requested for us to set up a time to teach English, Kanji (Chinese Characters) and Music (musical instruments?) for children. I was very surprised to hear this. During the meeting on December 1st, we heard that it was also reported at another meeting that various subjects including English are taught at kindergarten, and there was a request for us to consider this too. I’d like to clarify our policy regarding such requests which I believe are similar to a cram school, because it relates to the foundation of early childhood education. Preschool children essentially don’t develop by learning things because they are taught. It is said that children grow by developing interest and motivation and trying to acquire knowledge in this way. Therefore, it is a very important job for nursery staff to prepare an environment in which children develop an interest in various things and try them with enthusiasm on a voluntary basis. Each child is different and has differing degrees of interest in things. When they become elementary school age, they finally have the power to participate in class. Essential early childhood education at kindergarten is not to teach English or Kanji, or to set P.E., or music classes like a school. It’s probably a business decision catered to the guardians. At our daycare center, we value picture book reading. Children learn Hiragana (Japanese alphabet) naturally and through this activity, are able to write them when they get to the oldest class. They learn naturally in an environment, and not by being taught. Ms. Sakaki’s music class is about enjoying playing with rhythm, and not about being taught. I believe it is very important to develop an interest in music by having fun with it. |
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Social Welfare Corporation SUISEN FUKUSHIKAI
| Kazenoko Hoikuen | 1-11-8 Komatsu, Higashiyodogawa-ku, Osaka 533-0004 TEL.06-6328-4019  050-3385-0072 FAX.06-6328-4030 |