Hisaya International Preschool News & Blog

Does your child love reading? They will at Hisaya International Preschool!

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 02:41:20 GMT

What are GRADED READERS?

Mastering a language means mastering the 4 skills of that language:

listening
speaking
reading
writing.

This week, we would like to talk about reading .

Children usually begin reading simple c-v-c words around the age of 4 or 5 . Of course, some kids are faster and some are slower but this is a good general rule.

Even before students can actually read, they need to understand the sounds of English and how sounds relate to letters. This is called Synthetic Phonics , and it's a highly effective technique to introduce kids to the joys of reading. Once students understand the concepts of synthetic phonics, it is pretty easy to get them to start reading.

Once students have mastered recognizing the graphemes and corresponding phonemes, they use books called Graded Readers to practice reading. Graded Readers are available in multiple levels and includes a section called "Head word" which lists key words in the book.

Graded Readers are designed so that if a student can read the all words in the "Head word" list, they can read the book!! It's as simple as that! This makes it easy and simple to pair students with a book that matches their level. Soon, students discover they can read stories ALL BY THEMSELVES. It's a wonderful sense of accomplishment and often students want more and more books to practice their new skills.

Sometimes it is hard for parents to know which book to have your child read. Well, we have the perfect solution for you!

At Hisaya International Preschool , we have a BOOK LENDING LIBRARY where the teachers will choose a Graded Reader that is specially suited for your child's needs. Our lending library is 100% free! And of course, if you would like to purchase sets of books to have them at home, you are able to purchase carefully-selected sets of wonderful books your child will LOVE. For more information please contact the front desk for details of our LENDING LIBRARY.

Question time:

Based on research, when students are learning how to read a new word, about how many times should the student be exposed to the word before they learn it?

5 times
20 times
100 times

Your Child's First English Class - 2 years old - Caterpillar Class

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:23:23 GMT

Hisaya International Preschool's CATERPILLAR CLASS is the very beginning of many children's school lives. It's a time of many firsts.

2 year old class - Hisaya International Preschool's CATERPILLAR CLASS is the very beginning of many children's school lives. It's a time of many firsts. For many children it is the first time in a classroom. The first time they have a teacher and classmates. The first time they are independent from mom and dad. Children who first join CATERPILLAR CLASS are generally ages 2 or 3 years old. If your child speaks little to no English and is still potty training, this is the class for you!

For many children it is the first time in a classroom. The first time they have a teacher and classmates. The first time they are independent from mom and dad. Children who first join CATERPILLAR CLASS are generally ages 2 – 3. If your child speaks little to no English and is still potty training, this is the class for you!

Let's take a look at some examples of what a child can typically do when they begin the CATERPILLAR CLASS and how their skills grow by the time they are ready to graduate to the next level.

For new students, It is normal to experience some separation anxiety and get a little sad in the morning when they are dropped off at school. This is a normal part of a child's development. After coming to school for a month or so, children learn that coming to school is enjoyable because they can learn new things from their teachers and make new friends. After a few weeks, most children can't wait to come to school!

Upon first entering the CATERPILLAR CLASS, most children usually have very little English-speaking ability. This is especially true for Japanese families and other families where English is not the language used at home.

After being immersed in an English-speaking classroom, soon many CATERPILLAR CLASS students are eager to speak English with their teachers and friends. They learn new English vocabulary to make simple sentences and to answer simple questions. This gives them the tools and opportunities to experience English with confidence and joy.

At such a young age, most children who first start in the CATERPILLAR CLASS are not accustomed to doing things on their own. They're very reliant on their teacher for help. However, they gain independence and enjoy doing tasks on their own. Over time, they learn what is expected of them, not only at school, but also in many areas outside of school. For example, they learn basic practices to tend to their own needs. This includes, but is not limited to, putting on and taking off shoes, preparing for lunch and feeding one's self, carrying one's own bag, and asking for help.

Over the course of the school year it is AMAZING to see how much our students change. When they start they often lack a lot of basic skills they will need to be successful at school. But by the end of the year they become EXPERTS in many skills and are ready for the challenges of the next level.

Quiz:

What is the most common reason 2 year olds pull off their own shoes?

Defiance
It's fun!!
The shoe doesn't fit properly
They were trained to

Before and After - A 3 Year Old's Journey (Grasshopper Class)

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 01:57:39 GMT

Building on the skills children learn in the Caterpillar class, the GRASSHOPPER CLASS is the next stage in your child’s preschool journey.

The GRASSHOPPER CLASS is also a class of many firsts for your child. It’s the first time for many students to use pencils and write their name in English. Students learn to count up to twelve and beyond for the first time. It’s the first time students can experience being in a leadership position and assist the teacher leading the class. It’s also the first mentorship opportunity for many students. Grasshopper students help mentor younger Caterpillar students learn simple tasks.

There are many academic, social and physical skills students do for the first time in the GRASSHOPPER CLASS . Here are some of the key skills that students will master by the time they graduate out of GRASSHOPPER CLASS.

The GRASSHOPPER level is a wonderful time of growth and improvement for students. Academically, physically, and emotionally Grasshopper Students experience tremendous growth during this year of study. These essential skills form the base for more focused academic work when students start in our Kindergarten program.

Quiz:

Which of the following skills is something that a three year old typically CAN NOT do?

Use their language skills to answer simple questions.
Cooperate with classmates to complete a task.
Get their class materials in order and line up when the teacher tells them to.
Count 12 objects.

Why is music so important for child development?

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:36:37 GMT

Music and songs are wonderful and essential parts of students' everyday routine. Music is used during morning greeting time, free play, clean up, lunch, and dismissal time. Music and songs play a large role in helping students learn English. Also students are able to practice speaking English through singing songs. They learn how to correctly use words, and increase their vocabulary. At Hisaya International Preschool, we use a popular song called "Clean Up!" by Super Simple Songs to signal the end of free play and encourage our students to clean up their toys. Once we play this song, toys start flying into their storage bins!

In the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare's Guidelines for Early Childhood Education Services, musical expression is one of its listed "(2) Goals and Contents Related to Education" under "Expressions". The objective of "Expressions" is "to nurture children's creativity and ability to express emotions". In order to achieve this goal, three purposes have been established.

Provide ample opportunities for the five senses to experience different sensations
Encourage expression of emotions and thoughts
Broaden sensibility and imagination through everyday life and play

In order to achieve these aims, educators and people related to early childhood education have the responsibility to create opportunities for children to "have fun through moving their bodies to music and rhythm", "sing songs and play playground games using their hands and/or whole body".

Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori pedagogy, stated that ages 2-6 is a critical time period to help shape children's sense of music and rhythm. Through interacting with music during these years, children are able to develop basic music skills such as singing along with the rhythm or matching pitch. Learning basic music skills also positively affects how other skills develop as well, such as mathematical or linguistic.

At Hisaya International Preschool, we use Montessori inspired methods and government guidelines to choose music that suits the needs and aids the development of our students. Our hope is that through frequent interactions with music and songs, our students can accelerate their development and also develop a love of music from a young age.

Before and After - A 4 or 5 Year Old's Journey (Butterfly Class)

Wed, 28 May 2025 05:27:34 GMT

Building on the skills children learn in the Grasshopper class, the BUTTERFLY CLASS is the next stage in your child’s preschool journey.

The BUTTERFLY CLASS uses all the skills learned in prior levels to help children reach the next stages of their academic, and social development.

Social: On a social level, friends start to become very important and students learn to adjust how they play so they can get along with friends. Another big step for Butterfly students is being able to think about how to solve a problem, rather than always asking a teacher. This is an important life skill.

Academic: Students begin to use sentences to communicate their needs and wants in English. Also, students learn to identify all of the sounds and letters of English and can use phonics to slowly read simple phonics words like “in” and “cup”.

Here are some of the key skills that students will master by the time they graduate out of BUTTERFLY CLASS.

The BUTTERFLY level is a very important time of building academic and social skills. These essential skills form the base for more focused academic work when students start in the next and final grade of Kindergarten, PORCUPINE level.

Quiz:

Which of the following is normal behavior for a 4 year old child?

I enjoy playing with my friends.
I get sad and cry when I’m separated from my mom.
When I am angry I tell people about it rather than hitting people.
When I want to communicate, I speak using short sentences.

Before and After - a 5 or 6 Year Old's Journey (Porcupine Class)

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 09:17:23 GMT

Building on the skills children learn in the Grasshopper class, the BUTTERFLY CLASS is the next stage in your child’s preschool journey.

Building on the skills children learn in the Butterfly class, the PORCUPINE CLASS is a big change with a focus on kindergarten academic and social skills students will need to be successful when they enter 1 ^st grade. What essential skills does your kindergartner need to learn? Let's take a look!

The BUTTERFLY CLASS uses all the skills learned in prior levels to help children reach the next stages of their academic, and social development.

Social: On a social level, cooperation and teamwork start to become important. Students can play games with rules and do things like take turns. When talking with their teachers, Porcupine students can listen to and follow complex multi-step instructions.

Academic: At this level students can use full sentences to communicate their experiences and things that happened in the past. Also, students use their phonics skills to begin reading simple books and graded readers in English.

Here are some of the key skills that students will master by the time they graduate out of PORCUPINE CLASS.

The PORCUPINE level is a very important time of building academic and social skills. These essential skills form the base for more focused academic work when students graduate from kindergarten and enter elementary school.

Quiz:

Which of the following is normal behavior for a 5 year old child?

I enjoy reading books.
I need help using the toilet and putting on my shoes.
I like to tell my teacher about places I have been to and people I have met.
I can wait my turn follow the rules when playing a game with classmates.

Exploring the World Together: Making International Friends at School

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 07:21:53 GMT

Why is it so important for children to make friends from different countries?

Exploring the World Together: Making International Friends at Our Preschool

At Hisaya International Preschool and Kindergarten nestled in the heart of Nagoya, Japan, we believe in the power of friendship and the joy of learning together. Today, we want to talk about something truly special: making friends from all over the world and how it helps children understand our big, beautiful world a little bit better.

But why is it so important for children to make friends from different countries? Well, let's think about it this way: when we meet someone from a different place, we get to learn about their customs, traditions, and even taste their favorite snacks! It's like taking a journey without ever leaving the classroom.

One of the most exciting parts of making international friends is learning to communicate in English. English is like a bridge that connects us all, allowing us to share stories, play games, and sing songs together. Even if we speak different languages at home, English helps us understand each other and build lasting friendships.

But it's not just about learning a new language; it's about understanding each other's perspectives and respecting our differences. When children interact with friends from different countries, they learn that there's more than one way to see the world. They become more open-minded, compassionate, and curious about the world around them.

Through play, laughter, and shared experiences, our children develop a global mindset that will stay with them for a lifetime. They learn that no matter where we come from, we are all connected by our shared humanity.

So, the next time you visit our preschool, take a moment to listen to the giggles and chatter in our classrooms. Each voice represents a different corner of the world, coming together to create something truly beautiful: a community built on friendship, understanding, and love.

At Hisaya International Preschool and Kindergarten, we're not just shaping young minds; we're building bridges that span continents and cultures. Together, let's explore the world and celebrate the richness of our diverse community. When we make friends from different countries, we're not just learning about the world; we're creating a brighter future for it.

A Magical Day in the Sky: Our Adventure to the Top of Mirai Tower!

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 00:33:59 GMT

School Field Trip - Sakae Station - Nagoya, Japan

A Magical Day in the Sky: Our Adventure to the Top of Mirai Tower!

Hey fantastic friends of [Preschool Name]!

We recently went on the coolest field trip ever! We soared up high into the sky to the top of the amazing Mirai Tower, right here in our awesome city of Nagoya! ��

Let me tell you all about the exciting adventure we had up there!

Heading to the Sky: Riding the Elevator! ��

First things first, we hopped on an elevator that zoomed up really, really fast! It felt like we were flying, just like superheroes. The numbers on the elevator screen went up and up until we reached the tippy-top of Mirai Tower. It was like a magical ride to the clouds!

Hello, Breezy Air! ��️

Once we got to the top, something amazing happened. We stepped outside onto the observation deck, and whoosh! The wind was dancing all around us. It was like feeling the breeze from way up high in the sky. We even had to hold onto our hats because the wind was so playful!

Marvelous Views: Seeing Nagoya from the Top! ��️

And oh, the views! We could see the whole city below, like a giant toy town. There were so many tiny cars and buildings, and everything looked so small! We spotted the Oasis Bus terminal, the Aichi Arts Center, and all our other favorite places. It was like looking at a big, colorful map of Nagoya!

Sharing Our Excitement: Making Memories Together! ��

The best part was that we shared all these incredible moments with our friends. We laughed together, felt the wind together, and pointed at all the amazing things we saw. Now, whenever we talk at school, we remember our special adventure to Mirai Tower. It's like having a secret language only we understand!

Our trip to Mirai Tower was like a magic carpet ride, taking us to the sky-high point in Nagoya. It was so much fun, and we'll treasure these memories forever.

Can't wait for the next adventure! Until then, keep being awesome, [Preschool Name] friends! ��

How Books Make Us Awesome Bilingual Buddies!

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 05:50:42 GMT

Early Years Education - Literacy Program - Nagoya, Japan��✨

Hey everyone at our cool international preschool program in Japan! Today, let's talk about why reading is like having superpowers, especially when we're learning English and having a blast doing it.

1. Word Power Boost:

Okay, imagine reading as the secret sauce that makes your brain a superhero. When we read, we learn tons of new words. These words are like our trusty sidekicks, helping us talk about cool stuff, share stories, and make friends in English and everywhere else.

2. Epic Adventures:

Books are like magic carpets that take us on crazy adventures. We go to faraway places, meet awesome characters, and have the best time ever. Plus, we pick up how English words sound and get super good at speaking it, making us language superheroes!

3. Talking Like a Pro:

Reading isn't just about silent words; it's like a language concert. When we hear stories, we groove to the English beat. This makes us talk with a cool rhythm, saying words just right. So, we become pros at talking in English and our own language – double the awesomeness!

4. Brain Workouts:

Reading is like exercise for our brains. It makes our brains strong and super smart. We remember stuff better, pay more attention, and become mega geniuses. It's like going to the gym, but for our heads!

5. Traveling with Tales:

Books aren't just stories; they're like passports to different worlds. We get to know people from everywhere, making us friends with the whole wide world. This not only makes our English awesome but also makes us experts on what's happening around the globe.

6. Phonics Fun!!:

At our preschool, we make reading even more fun with phonics. It's like solving word puzzles! We learn how to break words into sounds, like finding hidden treasures in a game. It's so cool because we can read all by ourselves and be reading champions!

7. Buddy Reading Bonanza:

When we read together, it's like having a reading party! It's not just about the words; it's about having a blast with our parents, teachers, and friends. We share laughs, curiosity, and loads of fun. It's like making super awesome memories while we learn English together!

So, reading is like a magical adventure that makes us bilingual rockstars. Let's keep flipping those pages and having a blast with words, stories, and becoming language legends. Happy reading, everyone! ��✨

Exploring Science in Nagoya: A Day at the City Museum

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 00:23:59 GMT

Mind Bending Fun - Kindergarten Field Trip

Exploring Science in Nagoya: A Day at the City Museum

Our Butterfly Class (5 years old) and Porcupine Class (6 years old) had a blast at the Nagoya City Science Museum. The hands-on exhibits brought science to life, from space exploration to messy experiments. The planetarium show wowed us with the mysteries of the universe, while the dinosaur exhibit took us back in time. It was a day of discovery, laughter, and learning. The museum showed us that science is all around us, and we left with a newfound appreciation for it. A big thanks to the museum for a memorable day of exploration and fun!

Nothing beats direct experience for stimulating students' imagination and curiosity. We have several exciting field trips planned every year - including trips to the observation deck of the Chubu Mirai Tower, The NHK Arts Center, and the Nagoya City Science Museum.

(HIGHLY) Recommended School Items♪♪

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 12:25:02 GMT

Preschool is a wonderful time for kids. New friends, new teachers, new experiences, and of course NEW STUFF!

Having the right school supplies will make your child (and their teachers!) very happy. All of our recommended items come after YEARS of extensive testing in our classrooms. All of the items are extremely easy for kids to use BY THEMSELVES which leads to growing independence and a sense of accomplishment for your child.

When kids have school gear that is hard to use, they can get frustrated and feel stress. Imagine if you were just learning how to do something (like putting your shoes on) and then you had really complicated shoes to put on. It would not be fun.

Recommended Items for Preschool: ¥1,240 - ¥4,860

Nike Kids Sneakers Dynamo Free
Nike's Dynamo Free shoes have a slip-on shoe opening and its Phylon midsole and outsole creates the feeling of being barefoot. This easy to wear and take off shoe is great for building independence and confidence in children.

Thermos Vacuum Insulated Straw Bottle
This cold-only vacuum insulated bottle has a built-in straw, making it easy for children to drink out of. Ice can also be added through its wide mouth and the entire bottle can be washed, which makes it a hygienic bottle. The one-touch, straw type bottle is great for all ages, but especially for our 2-year old Caterpillar students because they can drink by themselves without worrying about spilling.

Children's Skater Trio Set
The spoon, fork, and chopsticks lunch set is dishwasher friendly and easy to slide open. The shock resistant and durable structure makes it safe for children to use.

Ok it's quiz time!!!

Q: How much water does an averaged weighted (16kg) 4-year old need in a day?

1000 ml (1L)
1600 ml (1.6L)
3000 ml (2L)

(see below for answer...no peeking!)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

The correct answer is 2) 1600 ml!
The guideline is about 100ml of water / kg.
Pick up your favorite color kid friendly thermos to stay healthy and hydrated.♪♪♪

Go for the gold!

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 15:32:01 GMT

Here at Hisaya International Preschool we love special events - a chance to socialize, have fun, and see just how much all of our kids have grown and improved during the school year.

Once a year in autumn we hold a sports day, where the whole school (and parents) can come together to enjoy lots of fun events:

relay races
obstacle courses
dance routines
ball games
parent and child team games

These events are always great fun, but they are also a chance to learn about team work, sharing, and to use those communication skills we are working on in the classroom!

Physical activity is also really important for every child's mental health and self-confidence. Want to know more about physical activities at Hisaya International Preschool? Click here .

Quiz time!

In 2020 Tokyo will host the Olympic Games. When were the first modern Olympics held?

1912
1896
1675

Let's get active!

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 04:54:29 GMT

At school, we love fun activities like stretching, kicking soccer balls, running, hula-hooping and dancing.

When we're indoors, we also enjoy drawing, tracing, coloring, cutting and gluing.

“So, why are these activities so important? How do they help my child grow?”

During the school day, a mix of mental and physical activities gives your child lots of opportunities to use new skills, make friends and build confidence.

Gross Motor Skills activities (using the whole body) help to build balance, coordination and general fitness. At school we have park time every day plus PE class once a week (for older classes) - everyone gets lots of chances to run, play and grow together!

Fine Motor Skills activities (using the hands) focus on building independence and give everyone lots of opportunities to be creative. At school we learn how to:

Take care of ourselves (brushing our teeth, eating lunch, putting on clothing and shoes).
Pack / unpack our bags.
Use pencils, scissors, paintbrushes and other tools to make our own crafts and artwork.

How many different activities did we talk about?

Have you tried them all at home?

Mother's Day Celebration

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, May 9th, we held our Mother's Day picnic on the Field-of-Green at Oasis 21

The students ate lunch with their mothers and fathers. Afterwards, they said "Mommy I love you!" and gave them handmade Mother's Day cards. Some students were a little bit shy, while other students had huge grins on their faces as they hugged their moms.

Hisaya International Preschool and Kindergarten families are very culturally diverse . We have families from over 13 different countries! Almost like a mini United Nations!

Our students are able to learn about different cultures and people through interacting with their classmates everyday at school. Learning and interacting with people of different cultures and background at an early age helps students grow up into adults with more understanding and acceptance towards people who are different from them.

Question Time:

Currently, families from 13 different countries attend our school.
Can you identify all 13 countries' of these flags?

Good luck!!
Answers are listed below (no peeking!):
:
:
:
:
:
:
The answer (from the top left corner):
Indonesia, France, Germany, China, Japan, Ireland, Croatia, Brazil, Vietnam, Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, United States of America

How many did you get?

April: The Start of a New Term!

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The new semester has begun.

Most students arrive to school with bright smiles, but some of our newer students cry because they are still getting used to school.

In this week's blog, we would like to talk about " Separation Anxiety ".
When a child experiences separation anxiety, they may cry when their parents are not present, or will hang onto their parents when they are with them. Separation anxiety usually fades by the time the child is two years old, however, big environmental changes, like going to a new school, may cause anxiety in some children.

At Hisaya International Preschool , we help alleviate students with separation anxiety through fun free play and getting to know the students and gaining their trust. We help children understand that school is a safe and fun place and in about 2-3 weeks their separation anxiety usually goes away.

Question Time:

Of the following, which way is the best way to drop off your child at school?

Give them toys and leave while they are playing.
Wait by the entrance until you can no longer see your child.
Tell your child you will come back, and send them off with a smile.

The correct answer is...3!

In order to help children with separation anxiety, parents can help their children understand that even though they cannot see each other, they will be together again. It is also important for parents to not worry if their child cries, because all children will cry for some time when they are still getting used to being apart and going to school.

Learning more about separation anxiety can help you, the parent, better understand and deal with your child if they become very emotional when you drop them off at school.

By the time kids are 3 years old it's all an attention seeking act and the child is usually happily playing within five minutes of being dropped off!!

Learn more about Hisaya International Preschool Curriculum »

How can my child maintain their high-level English skills?

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 02:47:11 GMT

On March 20th, 2019 we held our Hisaya International Preschool and Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony.

Our graduates have spent 3 to 4 years on their journey to becoming bilingual . We wish our graduates a successful and bright future at their new schools.

One of the benefits of being a Hisaya International Preschool and Kindergarten graduate is that it opens up a wide variety of choices for continuing their education.

Some graduates choose to continue studying at a K - 6 or K - 12 international school and others attend a Japanese elementary school.

When a graduate moves onto a Japanese elementary school, the big question all parents have is " How will my son / daughter maintain their English skills? " At Hisaya International Preschool and Kindergarten, we have a special high level class for pre-school graduates. So students can maintain their high levels of English fluency while attending a Japanese elementary school.

These classes are called Kikoku Courses and are offered during after school hours or 3 - 7 pm, Tuesday - Friday and also a popular Saturday School course. These courses are specifically designed for students who already have English experiences and skills.

For more information, please visit our after school program's website at the Happy English Club website.
www.happyenglishclub.com/returnees

Science Class

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 04:33:29 GMT

Using CLIL Teaching Methods in the Preschool Classroom

This week at Hisaya International Preschool and Kindergarten, the Butterfly and Porcupine classes used CLIL teaching methods to study the concept of buoyancy.

The students predicted whether various items would float or sink and then placed the items in water to test their predictions.

In the end, we created a large chart to record our findings.

Buoyancy involves difficult concepts such as density and gravity, however, the students are able to increase their understanding through seeing and observing what happens when the objects are placed in the water.

Can you make a prediction?

Q: Does a one yen float or sink?

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.
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The correct answer is...if you place the coin on the water carefully, it will float!
The five to six year old students in the Porcupine class challenged themselves to make the one yen float.

If you would like to, please try this at home!

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)

This type of instruction is called CLIL or Content and Language Integrated Learning , which involves teaching other subjects in the foreign language the students are learning.

We use CLIL teaching methods extensively in our upper level classes, the Butterfly and Porcupine classes. In these levels students have a high level of English ability so it is appropriate for teachers to focus on students using and practicing their English in an academic context.

Why is craft time important?

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

At Hisaya International Preschool and Kindergarten in Nagoya, we know that kids love to get their hands on things. All the time! Craft Time is an excellent way to illustrate the weekly theme in a visible way that is very tactile and engaging for young learners.

During Craft Time, students practice cutting paper with scissors about three times a week. At first using scissors is difficult for many students, but with practice students gradually learn to hold the scissors correctly and cut straight lines.

At first, some do not have enough hand strength, but as they continue to practice using scissors, the muscles in their hands grow stronger and they are able to cut the paper better. By the end of the school year, students are very proud of how well they can cut and enjoy showing off the paper they have cut to their friends.

Q: Which of the following are the benefits of craft time?

Improvement of Fine Motor Skills
Ability to explain a process to the teacher
Improvement of Gross Motor skills

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The correct answer is 1 and 2!

Through the use of scissors, children are able to strengthen their dexterity and sharpen their skills to listen and follow instructions step by step.

On the other hand, Gross Motor Skills mentioned in answer 3, refer to the ability to use large muscle groups to perform whole body movements.

Feel free to browse our curriculum for preschool children in Nagoya »

Sports Day at Hisaya Preschool

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 11:43:50 GMT

We recently celebrated our annual Sports Day event!

Every year after the heat of summer changes to pleasantly sunny fall days, our students and teachers spend the month running, jumping, crawling, shaking and dancing to prepare for the big day...

Sports Day!

Families join us at a local gymnasium to watch the kids run races, get through obstacles, and perform dances. It's a great time to enjoy fitness with family and friends.

We're very grateful to all of the families who came out to support the kids with your cheering. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Hisaya International Preschool welcomes parents for year-end conferences

Are you looking for an International Preschool in Nagoya that takes your child's education as seriously as you do?
Do you wish you knew more about what was happening in your child's class?

Hisaya International Preschool understands what children need and what parents want. In addition to daily reports on what is done in the classroom, we hold parent-teacher conferences twice a year. Comprehensive report cards are prepared for each child and given to parents to review before their conference begins. And our teachers are always eager to hear feedback and questions from parents.

During the conference, teachers provide parents with detailed insights on how their child interacts with their classmates, how they perform in various areas of study, and answer any questions that parents might have. Teachers can use this time to give parents a clear picture of where their child is at, and what to expect for the future.

When we are all working together for your child's future, they are sure to succeed!

We LOVE Valentine's Day!

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 12:14:09 GMT

Our preschooler's share warm feelings and special valentines with their classmates.

This week our students celebrated the love they have for their friends at our annual Valentine's Day party.
In the Morning each student decorated their own Valentine’s bag. They were given markers, stickers, ribbons, and more to create their unique designs. Many students chose to add drawings of their friends, flowers, or hearts. Some students wrote on their bags that they loved their classmates. When everyone had finished they proudly showed their decorated bags to their classmates.

Everyone had fun decorating their bags, but the real excitement began in the afternoon.

All of our students had brought in special valentines that they had prepared for one another. We put all the beautiful bags on tables around the room and the students shared their valentines by putting them in their classmates’ bags.

Our students had a wonderful time celebrating with their friends!

Hisaya International Preschool is Ready for Anything!

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 10:37:07 GMT

Our preschoolers practice evacuation and earthquake drills.

Every month we practice an evacuation drill. Students are asked to remind each other what we should and shouldn't do during an emergency. After we have refreshed our memories, we hear the practice alarm and we quickly get our shoes and exit the building and go to our safety area in the nearby park.

Pictured you can see us at our halfway point where we line up after carefully climbing down the stairs.

This month we also took some time to discuss earthquake safety . As you can see, our students are practicing proper safety positions, covering their heads next to a wall. They know that in the event of an earthquake they should not be near any windows or things that could fall down.

Everyone did so wonderfully!

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