Hello! At our Japanese language school, we provide tailored curriculums to meet the needs of each child, considering their academic situation and future school plans. Today, we’d like to discuss the differences in learning speeds between private and public schools in Japan and how to best support children in adapting to these differences.
Learning Speeds and Characteristics of Public Schools
In public elementary schools, the first few months (April and early May) focus on helping children transition smoothly from kindergarten to elementary school life. These initial activities aim to establish routines and familiarize students with their new learning environment. Typical lessons include:
- Establishing daily habits through play
- Learning rules for group activities
- Simple hiragana practice and foundational learning
The learning pace is relatively slow as these lessons incorporate play and daily life activities. For the first two months, children are not expected to concentrate for the full 45 minutes of lessons. Homeroom teachers carefully design lessons to ensure children do not feel overwhelmed.
This slower pace creates an accommodating environment, making it easier for children new to hiragana or Japanese to adapt comfortably.
Learning Speeds and Characteristics of Private Schools
In contrast, private schools often begin intensive academic curriculums in April. Many private schools expect students to be proficient in hiragana reading and writing before enrollment. The content of textbooks and assignments is also more advanced from the start.
For children who speak only English or other languages, private schools present additional challenges, including:
- Understanding instructions and explanations in Japanese
- Familiarizing themselves with academic terms and classroom language
- Improving reading speed and comprehension skills
As a result, children entering private schools require thorough preparation before enrollment to meet these demanding expectations.
The Importance of Different Learning Plans for Private and Public Schools
Our school offers customized curriculums to suit the needs of children attending either public or private schools.
- For public school students, we focus on building strong foundations and include fun, interactive activities to develop communication skills and a steady understanding of school materials.
- For private school students: We design fast-paced learning plans to ensure students can keep up with the advanced curriculum.
For private school preparation, we emphasize the following:
- Mastering hiragana reading and writing before enrollment
- Strengthening listening skills to help children understand teacher instructions and ask questions when needed
- Introducing school textbooks early for pre-study
For public school preparation, we prioritize helping children adapt to school life through communication practice and activities that make learning enjoyable.
A Message to Parents
The learning speed and required skills differ significantly between private and public schools. It is essential to prepare your child based on their future school plans and goals. At our school, we work closely with parents to create the most effective lesson plans for each child.
Please consult us if you have any concerns or questions about your child’s learning or future schooling. Let’s work together to support your child’s bright future!
For Parents of Children Entering Private Schools
Preparation and Support for Private School Curriculums
Private school curriculums are challenging, even for Japanese children. They move faster and cover more advanced material than public schools. Keeping up with classes can be particularly difficult if a child begins private school without mastering hiragana. Unlike international schools, most private schools do not offer specialized Japanese language support.
While we value making learning fun, adapting to private school curricula also requires patience and effort. Some lessons may feel challenging, but they are essential for building a strong foundation.
The Importance of a Strong Foundation
Developing foundational skills may feel challenging at times. For example:
- Sitting and focusing for 30–50 minutes
- Repeatedly writing characters or reading longer passages
These activities may lack the playful appeal of craft-based lessons but are crucial for future academic success. Mastery of reading and writing at an early stage is a prerequisite for private schools, making this process unavoidable.
When Frustration Arises, Reach Out for Support
If your child feels frustrated or struggles with learning, we are here to help. We provide the following support:
- Parent consultations: Collaborating to set realistic learning goals and pace.
- Motivation strategies: Setting small, achievable goals to help children experience success and build confidence.
How You Can Support Your Child at Home
To help your child adapt to the private school curriculum, we ask for your cooperation with the following:
- Include daily reading and writing practice, even in small amounts.
- Contact us immediately if your child feels frustrated or stuck during learning.
- Celebrate their progress, even small achievements, to keep their motivation high.
Support Your Child’s Success Together!
While private school curriculums are challenging, every child can succeed and grow with the proper support and effort. We are committed to working alongside parents to ensure your child enjoys learning and gains confidence in their abilities.
Please consult us about any aspect of your child’s learning journey. Let’s work together to support your child’s bright future!