Preschool classes at Beanstalk International School

Philosophy

Many people of different backgrounds and nationalities gather at Beanstalk. Having relationships with teachers and friends of various countries not only encourages language skills, but also helps to foster an acceptance and flexibility of mutual differences and cultures. In addition, while sharing each others' traditions, customs, and thoughts, we cultivate a sense of living in a borderless society unafraid of change.

Vision

Teachers and guardians always cooperate to effectively promote the students’ growth and development. Furthermore, we guide and nurture each student at the pace most suitable to their needs.

Manners

Students are encouraged to use "Magic Words" such as "thank you”, "please" and “sorry" from their first day. They are also taught basic manners and discipline, such as classroom and mealtime etiquette, and how to value the people and things around them.

Goals

To nurture feelings of sympathy and respect for differences in a healthy and warm environment. To foster socialization and teach taking responsibility for one’s own actions. To respect the individuality of each child and develop their strengths. To cultivate a flexibility to changes in the world and be able to demonstrate resilience when adversely affected.

Curriculum

The teachers at Beanstalk are devoted to supporting a healthy balance in the growth of students’ mental, physical and emotional development. The curriculum utilized for this guidance consists of the following four components.

English Education through Zoo-Phonics, Effective Phonics Program

English Education Centered on the Zoo-Phonics Method

All activities at Beanstalk are conducted in English, and so students spend all day in an English environment from the time they enter at 2 years old until graduation. English learned form daily life is more natural and produces a speaking ability closer to that of a native speaker. The level of English ability we aim for is not just passable listening and speaking, but rather an understanding that is firmly established, and always striving to move forward. For that purpose, we have introduced a highly effective phonics teaching method that allows student to not only master listening and speaking skills, but also reading and writing skills that will tie in to their future English studies.

$Fundamental Mathematic Concepts Through Hands-On Experience$ $Fundamental Mathematic Concepts Through Hands-On Experience$

Mathematical Concepts for Early Childhood

At Beanstalk we do not follow the common Japanese method which focuses on the speed and technique of calculation. We use a systematic, hands-on approach that utilizes real objects to allow students to perceive shapes and space, as well as quantity and numbers. This allows students to see how mathematics is applicable in all parts of life, from communicating daily activities to artistic skill.

Music Lessons From a World-Class Instructor

It is common in other countries to be asked which musical instruments you play. By havingan instrument that they can play as well as a deeper interest in music, students’ lives are enriched and their world-view is broadened. We hope for our students to grow up and communicate with many people through their music and leave an impression that will not soon be forgotten. To create a catalyst for that, we invite a world-class percussion instructor to teach the basics of music.

Students practice hard for chances to debut their skills. Several times a year we have opportunities to perform outside of the school.

Gym Classes

Our gym program changes to match the development of the children’s bodies as they grow. With the help of an expert instructor, we support children in improving their physical fitness and ability by adjusting to the developmental stage of each individual child. Also, as many of our students will proceed into compulsory Japanese education in the future, our gym classes are taught in Japanese by a Japanese physical education instructor.

Soccer Classes From A Licensed Soccer Coach

Soccer is the perfect game to keep fit and learn the value of teamwork. Classes will focus on developing motor skills, self-confidence and introduce an element of light competition.

With the above five points as a core, children attain a sense of fun in learning, motivation and patience in problem solving, and curiosity and imagination for the unknown. They then master logical thinking skills that are necessary in English such as journal rewriting. They will also become confident that they command the skills that Japanese people are typically weaker in, such as presentation and discussion.

These programs are suitable for students of any language background.