10 Elements of Fun English Learning Program
Curriculum・1
■Learnig Activity(Physics・Chemistry・Biology・etc)
■Since 2006 IBK has been the first kindergarten in Japan to include Learning Activity in our learning program.
IBK's afternoon activities include Learning Activity and Dramatic Play, both of which have already been introduced at the California Test School in the U.S. and were first introduced at IBK in Japan.
In the Learning Activity, students are encouraged to think about the "why? In the Learning Activity, we think about the "why" of such things together, conduct experiments, and conduct in-depth research using images and literature. What may seem like a trivial interest can turn out to be very fun and interesting for the children, and may even have a significant impact on their future dreams.
Curriculum・2
■Dramatic Play is so exciting! While engaged in Dramatic Play, students develop their imaginations by pretending to be the main character of a story or people of any possible profession. IBK was the first kindergarten in Japan to implement Dramatic Play in our curriculum since 2006.
Dramatic play is, simply put, pretend play. We set up a different scene each time, such as a hospital, bakery, hiking, etc., and practice Skit, learning and practicing real English used in various daily situations.
At times, social manners and rules are interwoven, and history and ecology are touched on, making the lessons fun from various angles. The children also share the responsibility of creating props and other items for the lesson, making it a full-fledged playground.
From the preparation to the actual performance, the lessons are just so much fun!
Curriculum・3
■Chinese Language
■Chinese lessons have been included in all classes twice a week since IBK was founded. On April 15, 2021, IBK will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Since the time of IBK founding, Ms. Yang has been in charge of Chinese lessons.
■Chinese characters in the figure above stand for "Immersion Education".
■Students learn how to introduce themselves, call the things around them, and sing in Chinese. Children also learn Chinese fingerplays.
■Children also perform Chinese songs and dances at the annual recital.
Chinese lessins are included in all classes twice a week since IBK was founded. On April 15, 2021, IBK will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Since the time of IBK founding, Ms. Yang has been in charge of Chinese lessons.
Curriculum・4
■Phonics
Based on the reading of the phonics pronunciation list, students will learn some unique rules, such as when consonants overlap with each other as shown above, or when the "e" is not pronounced. By mastering these rules, you will be able to "read" difficult words such as "interesting" correctly just by "seeing" them, as in "interresting".
English has unique sounds that are not found in Japanese. The pronunciation of "L" and "R," which sound the same to Japanese people, is a typical example. It is difficult to understand the difference between these sounds when you are an adult. By learning phonics at a young age, you will be able to accurately learn the correct sounds of the letters, and once you know the correct sounds, you will be able to write them correctly. It is said that by learning the rules of pronunciation through phonics, 70% of English words can be read without knowing the word.
In Phonics classes, we teach our students how to combine sounds and pronounce. Learning how to blend sounds is followed by reading whole words and sentences.
Curriculum・5
■Writing
During Writing lessons, students start by learning how to hold a pencil, connect lines, and practice how to write the alphabet. Then our students proceed to the next step, which is writing words and sentences.
Curriculum・6
■Physical Education
Once a week, a certified physical education teacher visits IBK to hold a lesson. There are two classes, Kangaroo Class and Rabbit Class, and depending on students' age, they can do various exercises using mats, vaulting boxes, horizontal bars, balance beams, etc..
Curriculum・7
■Art
During Art lessons, students have fun creating art according to the seasons and events.
Curriculum・8
■Music
■Many of IBK's foreign teachers are good at music, and they entertain the children by playing drums, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and piano.
Curriculum・9
■Comprehension
During Comprehension time, students read, ask and answer questions about the readings to enhance their understanding of the text.
Curriculum・10
■Japanese Language
In addition to foreign languages, we also have Japanese lessons in all classes once a week.