Japanese school information service "Kotokoto"（ことこと）
-
October
-
At a scoliosis check-up children’s back will be examined by a school doctor.
-
At a school lunch trial, parents have an opportunity to have school lunch to see what kind of meals their children will eat.
News
-
2024.10.3
Preparation for High School
In preparation
-
2024.9.27
The Japanese School System
In preparation
-
2024.3.29
Up to What Age Do Child Fares for Public Transportation Apply?
Fees for public transportation such as trains, buses, and planes are different for adults and children. Up to what age do “child” fares apply? Up …
-
2024.3.22
Protecting Children on Their Way To and From School – “IKaNoOSuShi”
Children go to and from school and lessons alone once they enter elementary school. Unfortunately, children sometimes become a victim of crime while on their w…
-
2024.3.15
How to Spend Spring Break
In Japan, students have spring break for about 10 days to 2 weeks, from the end of March to the beginning of April. Here are some tips on how to spend spring b…
-
2024.3.8
Support Available to Children With Foreign Roots Entering Elementary School
Children’s school lives at elementary school are very different from kindergarten or nursery school. Parents roles also change; Although they do not need…
-
2024.2.23
Multicultural Coexistence Support Organizations in Tokyo
Multicultural Coexistence means that people of different nationalities and ethnicities recognize each other’s cultural differences, and live together as …
-
2024.2.16
Food Pantries – A Place Where Free Food Is Distributed to Anyone in Need
In Japan, various organizations run food pantry programs which offer food to those in need. Their food is donated by companies, organizations, etc. It is inten…
-
2024.2.9
Elementary School Transfer Procedures
There are certain procedures that need to be followed when transferring from one public elementary school to another school due to moving. School transfer, &ld…
-
2024.2.2
Things You Can Do if Your Child Refuses to Go to School
School refusal is a situation where children refuse to go to school and miss school more than 30 days a year for reasons other than illness or economic reasons…
-
Halloween is a festival held on the 30th of October. It was first celebrated by the Celts in Ireland. In Japan, pumpkin toys are displayed. There are quite a few people who dress up in costume and receive sweets.
-
A school orientation is held for the children who are going to enter the school in the coming year. Their parents will take part in the orientation to learn what their children learn at school and how their school life will be. They will be informed of what they should bring to school. This orientation should not be missed since it includes important information.
-
In reading month children are encouraged to read many books. Sometimes they write an essay after reading. Please ask the school.
-
On a school trip children visit some historical and cultural places to learn about them and stay for a few days there. Normally 6th Grades go on a school trip with their teachers. Detailed plans for the trip will be informed at an orientation.
-
On theanniversary day of school founding, it might be a day off every year. Please ask the school.
-
As a part of social studies subject, children visit a historical site or a factory. Each academic year decides where to go.
-
On a report card scores of a child will be recorded. It will be given at the end of each term.
-
In Japan, elementary school classes include Kokugo (Japanese Language) , Mathematics , Science , Social Studies , Social-environmental Studies , Music , Arts and Crafts , Home Economics , Physical Education , Moral Education , Foreign Language Activities , Hours for Comprehensive Studies , and Special Activities .
-
There are some other activities besides usual lessons at a primary school in Japan. A weekly plan varies depending on each grade each week. Please ask school staff if you have any questions.
Arrival and departure from school
Meeting
Classes
Recess timeActivities
Teacher Activities
Parent activities
Other
-
You may receive a portion of the money needed to raise your child from the state or town. Each has certain rules, so please check them.
-
You can borrow a part of the money you need to raise your child from your country or town. Each has certain rules, so please check them.
-
This physical examination is held for all preschool age children in the year prior to entering elementary school. The examination includes a general physical checkup, eye checkup, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) checkup, and dental checkup. It is also an opportunity to consult with your school about special support needs for developmental disorders and physical disabilities that your child may have. Please note that this physical examination is required for ALL preschool age children.
-
Japanese elementary school club activities start when children are in 4th grade. Club activities happen after school on a specific day of the week or a couple of times a month. 4th, 5th and 6th grade students will do it together. Types of club activities include sports and cultural activities.
What Are the Club Activities For?
Club activities help children‘s development as they work with other grades and are given their own roles. It is also an opportunity for them to experience things that they might not experience at home or in class.
What Types of Club Activities Are There?
Club activities can be divided into sports and cultural activities. Sport clubs increase opportunities for children to exercise and help them build physical strength. They can also learn the rules of sports and how to cooperate with other club members through competition. Through cultural clubs, children can add to their experience and knowledge about what they are good at or what they like. They can also experience the joy of creation and discovery. Both types of club activities give children a chance to do things that they would not do in regular classes.
Here are specific types of club activities:Sports Activity Clubs:
- Track and field (mainly short-distance sprints and relay)
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Soccer
- Dance
- Gymnastics
Cultural Activity Clubs:
- Computers
- English
- Science
- Calligraphy
- Homemaking
- Choir
- Tea Ceremony (Japanese traditional tea ceremony – children will learn how to brew and drink tea)
Will Parents Help With Club Activities?
Club activities are held in elementary schools in order to help improve the independence of children. Therefore, children will make their own decisions on which club to join. It is also an opportunity for children to work together across grades and help their development. Parents are encouraged to support their children so that they can enjoy their club activities.
-
Japanese elementary school students may have an opportunity to go on a workplace tour during their comprehensive learning period. The purpose of the workplace tour is to help children understand the importance of working, and to increase children’s interest in the future and their awareness of issues, by visiting the places where adults work.
When Does a Workplace Tour Happen?
It often happens during students’ comprehensive learning period. The grade level for which the tour is given varies depending on the area you live in. It is often the case that a class will go on a tour to a company in the town where they live.
What Happens During a Workplace Tour?
Students will receive an explanation about the work being done at the workplace and observe how the work is done. In some cases, they may be able to experience part of the work or participate in a meeting. Students ask questions about the work to better understand what is going on.
What Can Students Learn From a Workplace Tour?
Workplace tours help students improve their view of their future. It is also expected to teach children how to take proactive steps toward their dreams for their futures.
The elementary school workplace tours will lead to workplace experiences that happen during junior high school. During the workplace experiences, children will be divided into small groups and work in various workplaces for a certain period of time. This is an opportunity for children to have good experiences in preparation for their future.
-
Japanese elementary schools do not have uniforms. Students can wear whatever clothes they like to go to school. Clothes that allow children to move easily and stay safe are recommended. It is convenient to use materials and designs that are easy to wash and easy for children to handle.
Choosing Clothes for Elementary School Children
1.Clothes that are easy to move in:
As elementary school students move a lot, you may want to choose materials that stretch and allow them to move easily. If choosing a skirt, you may want to choose one that is neither too short nor too long, and overpants (pants worn under a skirt and hide underwear) can be worn if necessary.
2.Clothes that are easy to change into:
At elementary schools, students change into gym clothes and swimsuits during physical education class. Try to choose clothes that have fewer buttons and fasteners to allow children to change easily by themselves.3.Clothes that hide stains:
Paints, ink, etc. are used in classes at elementary schools, and students’ clothes may get dirty. Sometimes food may be spilled during school lunches. It is best to choose clothes with colors that make stains less noticeable, so that children can spend their time at ease without worrying too much about dirtying their clothes.4.Clothes with pockets:
Elementary school children are encouraged to bring handkerchiefs and tissues. Children can put them in their pockets if they have them. It is also recommended to use mobile pockets. Mobile pockets are pockets that can be attached to clothes with clips. You can purchase them at the store or make them yourself.5.Clothes that are easy to wash:
When children spend the day energetically, their clothes get dirty. You may want to have your child wear clothes that are easy to wash. Clothes that do not get damaged even when washed in a washing machine, that dry easily and that do not wrinkle easily are recommended. As winter clothing like jackets can also get dirty, you may want to choose the materials that can be washed at home.
How Many Changes of Clothes Should Be Prepared?
Children sweat and get dirty. As sometimes they need to change clothes during the day, having about 5 sets of tops and bottoms each for spring/summer and fall/winter may be ideal. In addition, it is recommended to prepare underwear, socks, warm clothes and hats, according to the season.
Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing Clothes for Elementary School Children
You need to keep their safety in mind when choosing clothes for elementary school children. Injuries and accidents have been caused by hoods and strings attached to clothes. Hoods and strings getting caught on playground equipment, bicycles, escalators, doorknobs, etc. can sometimes lead to life-threatening accidents, such as falling or tightening children’s neck. Keep these points in mind when choosing clothes for your child.
Elementary school students spend a long time at school and have many opportunities to change their clothes at school. Make sure to write their name on clothes, underwear and socks. As children grow, their clothes preferences change. You may want to talk to your child about it and choose their clothes so that they can spend their time safely and comfortably at school.
-
Japanese elementary school children need to prepare their own supplies to use in class. Please check our past article about school supplies needed when entering elementary school（Click here）. Let’s look at the supplies needed as the school year goes on.
Supplies Needed in 1st - 4th Grade in Elementary School
Supplies needed in early grades include a mathematics set, keyboard harmonica, recorder, water color set and calligraphy set. Some schools plan to purchase these supplies together for all the students. If that is not the case, each family can purchase the supplies at mass retailers (such as AEON) or online (such as Amazon, Yahoo!, Rakuten). Check handouts from your child’s school as there may be specific information on what needs to be purchased. You can also ask your child’s homeroom teacher.
Supplies Needed in 5th – 6th Grade in Elementary School
As your child goes into late elementary grades, supplies needed include a protractor, compass, sewing set, graver and apron. Similar to early elementary supplies, some schools may purchase these supplies together for all the students. Students also go on a school trip in 6th grade and a large backpack may be needed for the trip.
Most of these supplies can be found used, on online sites and flea markets. Some supplies can be passed onto younger siblings. Make sure to purchase supplies while keeping in mind your family’s needs and budget.
-
