What is “Kurasu Gae (Change of Classes/Class Shuffle)”?

Most Japanese elementary schools rearrange students’ classes every year or every other year. Class shuffle is when students’ placement and homeroom teacher are rearranged for the new school year.

What is Class Shuffle for?

The purpose of class shuffle is to help students’ relationship reset and widen their perspectives. For example, if there is a conflict between students, the relationship can sometimes be improved by separating them into different classes in the next year. Another purpose of changing classes is to help balance academic abilities and personal qualities throughout the grade. Meeting new classmates is expected to help children‘s personal growth.

When Will You Know the New Class Placement?

Usually, new class placements are announced when students go to school on the first day of the school year. Some students may feel stressed to be separated from their familiar classmates and having to meet new classmates. Parents may want to give positive encouragement to their child, and pay attention to see if their child is struggling, instead of putting pressure on them to make new friends.

Can You Make a Request Regarding Class Change?

Make sure to talk to your child’s homeroom teacher if you have any concerns about what is going on in their current class or friendship. Although you cannot make a special request regarding the class change in general, you may be able to help the teacher be aware of any overlooked problems in their class. In addition, the teacher may be also able to give special attention to your child’s needs.

As mentioned earlier, the purpose of class change is to help children enjoy their school lives and help their positive growth. Although children may feel nervous at the beginning of the year, they usually adjust to the new class. We hope parents are able to enjoy watching their child work hard and grow.