Early Learning Center
In the Early Learning Center (ELC), we provide a nurturing and supportive environment where toddlers can enjoy learning in order to reach their unlimited potential.
Children are born sensory-motor learners and we believe that children learn best when they have direct hands-on experiences with people, objects, events and ideas around them.
In ELC, we developed unique techniques to encourage well rounded development in our students’ early years.
We value and respect each child as a unique individual in our care.
ELC Class
Teddy Bear
Enrollment Eligibility
1 year old
Course
Short course 10:00〜14:00 Kansai-area 1-5 times a week Kanto-area 2-5 times a week
Long course 8:00〜18:00 3 to 5 times a week
Mermaid
Enrollment Eligibility
2 year old
Course
Short course 10:00〜14:00 Kansai-area 1-5 times a week Kanto-area 2-5 times a week
Long course 8:00〜18:00 3 to 5 times a week
ELC Goal
ELC Goal is to instil a love of exploring, socializing, and learning in EVERY CHILD
Right Brain Development Program
The right brain is responsible for images, inspiration, and sensitivity, and it processes and stores large amounts of information at high speed.
From birth to 3 years of age, the right brain is dominant, and we can stimulate the right side of the brain by showing large amounts of information at a fast pace. At Kansai International School, right brain development lessons are based on cutting-edge neuroscience research, and more than 20,000 flashcards are used in our skill development classes and ELC classes (for infants and toddlers).
Additionally, the right brain strength nurtured during this period is smoothly connected to the left brain through a program unique to our integrated kindergarten and elementary/junior high school education program, which stimulates the brain in a balanced way. This early and balanced stimulation of the brain helps each child reach their full potential at school.
Learning Areas
ELC supports the 7 areas of development that we focused in the early years:
① Communication, Language and Literacy in English
② Communication, Language and Literacy in Japanese
③ Social and Emotional Development
④ Knowledge and Understanding of the World
⑤ Mathematical Development
⑥ Fine Motor Development
(Such as: using writing materials, building blocks, lacing beads, ects..)
⑦ Gross Motor Development
(Such as: running, jumping, throwing a ball, ects)
ELC Annual themes
ELC Annual themes follow 10 themes throughout the year and are planned based on the four seasons of Japan. Each month is centered with a specific theme such as insects in July, Me and May Body in April, or Foods and Festivals around the world in November & December.
Each theme also comes with many of the sensory motor and hand-on learning activities planned around it.
| April | Me and May Body |
| May | Weather & Spring |
| June | Family |
| July | Insects |
| August | Summer & Water |
| September | Animals |
| October | Plants and Autumn |
| November December |
Food and World Celebrations and Festivals |
| January | Community Workers & Transportation |
| February March |
Me and the World Around Me |
Schedule
Each ELC classroom has a daily schedule that includes arrivals and departures, activity time, mealtimes, nap times and toileting. The schedule remains consistent yet flexible and responsive to the individual needs of each child.
9:50-10:00
Arrival / Tea Time / Toilet Time
10:00-10:25
Circle Time
10:25-10:45
Japanese Circle Time
11:00-11:25
Activity Time
11:25-11:35
Tea & Toilet Time
11:35-12:15
Lunch Time
12:15-13:00
Constructive Play / Toilet Time / Tea Time
13:00-13:30
Outside Playtime
13:30-13:45
Tea Time
13:45-14:00
Goodbye Circle Time
Circle Time
During the first three years of life, it’s believed that the brain is at its most active stage and displays a remarkable capacity to absorb information.
At Kansai International School, right brain development lessons are based on cutting-edge neuroscience research. Throughout the year we follow the annual themes and more than 20,000 flashcards are used in our ELC classes.
Other activities in Circle Time could also include reading stories or singing songs together!
Japanese Time
Japanese Time is fully taught in Japanese and is aligned with the English Circle Time. Children are led in song, story time, and introduction of hiragana, katakana, Kanji, Japanese holidays/traditions, and practice the songs throughout each month.
Activity Time
Activity time is an important part of our day, and usually involves small-group and large-group activities. Students will work together on a theme-related activity led by a teacher, experiment with creative arts and movements, engage in dramatic play and sensory motor activities.
Toilet Time / TeaTime and Lunchtime
Learning continues during classroom routines. Students are encouraged to try tasks that they have not done before, offering realistic choices, and respecting their efforts to complete the task through classroom routines. During lunch time, children also are introduced to the wonderful world of flavors and their developing palates.
Constructive Play Time
Children's interests and choices are at the heart of our program. This is a time where our students focus on play and exploration on their own alongside their teachers.
Outside Playtime
Most of our classes spend 20 minutes outside if the weather permits. During this unstructured playtime, our children are encouraged to explore the world around them and test out their growing physical skills.