Education
Nanakusa is a Japanese-language preschool that utilizes Montessori teaching methods. We strive to create a learning environment in which children are encouraged to accomplish tasks on their own and enjoy speaking Japanese.
By incorporating the characteristics of Montessori methods, our goal is to provide teaching materials that match the personality and interest of each child that will allow them to discover the fun of learning.
We use vertical grouping in our classroom: 3-year-olds observe older children, and by the time they are the older children, they will be able to assist younger children with difficult tasks and teach them how to do it themselves. This nurtures their sense of responsibility and compassion, and will help them prepare for kindergarten with self-confidence.
In the Nanakusa classroom, we value nature, art, and Japanese customs, and celebrate them by doing seasonal activities such as making dumplings at flower-viewing season, making prints from leaves and nuts, playing traditional New Year’s games, and taking part in Children’s Day festivities.
We lead an arts/crafts activity every morning that changes daily. By performing daily tasks such as cutting with scissors, gluing, drawing, and coloring, children will become confident and proficient at these fundamental tasks.
In addition, we conduct science experiments throughout the year so that the children can experience the fun and excitement of discovery. Along with other activities such as sewing and seasonal cooking, our goal is to provide a well-balanced early childhood education.
What is the Montessori Method?
In the Montessori classroom, each child is allowed to learn individually at their own pace. They choose self-directed activities and work on them until they are satisfied. This is called "work" in English and "oshigoto" in Japanese. The Montessori Method can be divided into five areas.
Practical Life
We encourage children's independence in daily life by teaching them activities such as washing their dishes or pouring water from a pitcher into a cup.
Sensorial
Between the ages of 3 and 6, children greatly develop the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. We help children understand the concept of large or small, low and high, thick and thin, and help them develop their sense of smell and touch. This helps lead to the development of the next step: basic writing and reading skills.
Language
We encourage children to increase the number of “words they use” from the “words they understand” by introducing various educational materials and new vocabulary. This builds their language skills for interpersonal communication.
Math
Children learn the world of numbers through various activities. They start by counting the number of items, then learn to say the number, and then finally learn to be able to write the number. The next step will be an understanding of larger numbers and a numerical expression.
Cultural Education
The Montessori cultural education consists of history, geography, biology and music. Children learn age-appropriate contents by actually touching and observing.