Early Childhood Education is the process of teaching and learning for children from birth to the age of 7. It is a time in a child’s development when they are most capable of learning and absorbing information.
The goal of Early Childhood Education is to help a child develop their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills. This includes developing their abilities in math and literacy as well as fostering creativity, curiosity, critical thinking skills and self-confidence
It is important that a child’s early education is one that encourages them to learn and explore their surroundings. A recent study showed that the Japanese pre-primary education system, which includes activities like gardening and cooking, has been successful in its efforts to prepare children for school life.
According to the Ministry of Education of Japan more than 70 percent of three-year-olds, more than 80 percent of four-year-olds, and more than 90 percent of five-year olds attend either Yochien (preschool) or Hoikuen (Day-care/Nursery school). Most of the Kindergarten Schools in Tokyo follow the Montessori method which is based on the notion that children possess strong, innate desires to learn and should be given the freedom to explore.
What is Montessori Method
The Montessori Method is a system of education developed by Maria Montessori. The goal of this method is to create a learning environment that will help the child reach his or her instructional objectives. It also focuses on developing the child’s independence, self-control, and social skills.
A Montessori education provides children with a sense of ownership, responsibility, independence and self-confidence.
The benefits of a Montessori education are many. Children are given the opportunity to explore their own learning at their own pace with the help of a qualified teacher. It gives children the opportunity to develop their individual interests and skills in an environment that is supportive and nurturing.
Also Read: Top Benefits of Montessori Preschool
Why Parents send their children to Tokyo Montessori Schools
With the number of kids in japan international schools increasing every single year, parents have been struggling to find the right school for their children.
Tokyo Montessori schools are popular among parents because they provide what other schools don’t – an opportunity for kids to learn in a way that’s most comfortable and natural for them.
Tokyo’s Montessori school education system is built to help children smoothly transition to an elementary school. The goal is to provide children with a foundation for learning by teaching them to become independent learners.
A Montessori education emphasizes on providing a child with the skills and tools needed to be successful in life.
A Montessori education is more than just about academics. The school ensures that children are prepared for life by teaching them skills such as math, english, science, social studies, art and culture as well as personal development.
In Tokyo, Montessori schools take responsibility not only for the academic success of its students but also their emotional and physical well-being
Extra-Curricular Activities at Montessori Schools
Montessori schools in Tokyo are different from traditional schools in Japan. One of the main differences is that children are allowed to choose their own extracurricular activities, and they have a flexible day that allows them to choose how they want to spend their time. This system is known as “Self-directed Study”.
The Montessori theory of child development claims that children’s natural curiosity for objects can be applied to any subject. It has been observed that children have a knack for certain things, which they are naturally attracted to. For example, if a child has shown interest in drawing or painting then you can introduce them to other art forms such as painting on glass or making sculptures from clay.
Montessori schools provide music, craft workshops and theatre lessons for those students who want to explore their interests in these fields while also being introduced to new ones.
The curriculum at Tokyo Montessori schools is designed to allow students to engage in many different types of extracurricular activities within the school day. Some examples include: arts and crafts, music, learning musical instruments, painting, Sculpting with various materials such as clay, soap bubbles, sand, physical education, cooking, baking, photography, gardening, etc.
Students are also allowed to choose which activities they want to participate in weekly basis throughout the semester. This gives them control over what they want their learning experience to be like on a day-to-day basis. Some Montessori schools like GIIS keeping in mind the importance of extracurricular activities have started Summer School Program which includes many extracurricular activities.
Benefits of Extracurricular Activities
There are a number of benefits to being involved in extracurricular activities. These could include an increase in creativity and cognitive development, as well as establishing social skills and leadership qualities.
Participation in these co-curricular activities can help children stay focused on what they are learning in the classroom as well – for example, they might work with their hands during art lessons instead of daydreaming or wandering off.
Additional Benefits of Extra Curricular Activities in a Montessori Environment
1. Helps foster social skills and independent learning
2. Encourages creativity and risk taking in children through self-directed learning opportunities
3. Provides children with more time to explore their interests and activities during school hours as opposed to structured classroom instruction that may not engage their curiosity or fully teach them new topics
The benefits of extra-curricular activities are not limited to childhood, they also extend to adulthood. For example, people who study the violin for many years show a dramatic increase in IQ and overall cognitive development.
A well-rounded education is key to success – and the sooner we start cultivating it the better off our children will be in the future. Apart from a school environment, parents should also include extracurricular activities during weekends and holidays to help children develop these crucial skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Montessori activities for children?
Popular Montessori hands-on activities include pouring and scooping, sorting and matching games, and sensory exploration. These activities are meant to be self-correcting, allowing children to learn at their own speed and feel proud when they finish a task.