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SUMMER PROGRAMS IN JAPAN
By James Yellowlees Ph.D.
The time has come to consider how to best engage the kids in
summer programs that will be fun yet educational and growth oriented.
Fortunately, the range of options for quality international programs in Japan
run by experienced educators has greatly expanded in the past couple of years as
demand has grown.
For younger children, Global Kids Academy in Hiroo provides an excellent
bilingual environment for children to acquire and refine language skills in a
full immersion environment (English and/or Japanese), make new friends and
engage in fun activities. Owner Mika Fukutomi said, "Although there is no "typical" day, we generally spend about two hours on projects that involve reading and writing. The rest of the day fills up with all kinds of excitement: outdoor fun, indoor games, crafts, lunch-time movies and Adventures in Tokyo!"
The Rainbow International Montessori School has summer classes that are based on
the Montessori methods. These classes are very popular with parents and students
who are interested in the unique Montessori approach to education.
The Canadian International School (CIS) has summer programs especially designed
for younger children who are hoping or planning to enter CIS or other
international schools. The focus is on language acquisition (English), an
introduction to academic contents, and activities that reinforce the learning in
these two areas.
CIS headmaster Robert Pittman said, "we strive to balance the academic
preparation and effective language acquisition with fun activities so the
children can enjoy themselves as well as becoming prepared for important future
studies."
English Studio in Mita and Meguro provides unique classes in English that
combine international school contents with activities. These summer programs are
excellent for students who need remedial work in International School programs,
children from international marriages who are studying full time at Japanese
schools and Japanese kikokushijo or returnees.
Director Ikuko Tsuboya-Newell noted that, "children are able to dramatically
improve their English language and vocabulary levels through participation in
these fun programs."
The Roppongi Lutheran Church (RLC) Playgroup offers theme-filled activities for
children aged 18 months to 4 years old in the RLC center in the heart of
Roppongi. The location is very convenient and the children are well taken care
of in this comfortable, family-like environment.
Gregg International School is well liked by summer school participants and their
parents for its warm and caring atmosphere. The programs include language
classes, activities and crafts.
The variety of summer programs has really improved over the past 2-3 years. For
more information on these and other programs please visit the Global Daigaku.com
site at www.globaldaigaku.com
2007 Summer Programs Directory
(61kb PDF) |
