I am going to japan. My son is 5 yrs old and I want to put him in japanese school.?

Question

My 5 yr old son is half japanese and lived in japan up till the age of 2. Now he is 5 and I am returning back there and I would like to put him in japanese school. He currently doesnt have a large vocabulary but he understands a descent amount. He is in kindergarten in Virginia right now and I am just concerned about the possible shock he may recieve with being in a somewhat different situation. I just feel academically he could benefit more in Japanese school. Feedback....?

Answer 1

Don't worry about the 'robotic clone' theory, Japanese schools are coming down fairly rapidly towards the low level of US and UK schools. This is deliberate, and an attempt to 'achieve' the (clears throat) 'high' standards of schools in the UK and US at a similar cost - that's the real reason of course, because poor education costs a lot less than good education (until the knives and guns appear in students pockets and backs.)

As your son would spend about a year in kindergarten first, you could wait and see how he adapts. He should settle down pretty quickly, and soon be chatting away with the other kids!

Answer 2

His Japanese will certainly improve but there might be other disadvantages.

I work at an international school in Japan where many of the students are of mixed marriages, and many kids have come to us after having been bullied at Japanese schools.

Also, while this situation is improving, traditional methods of teaching in Japanese school focus on rote learning of facts, rather than skills such as critical thinking. Your son is young though, so this may be less of a problem.

Your best bet is to check out a few schools and see what the philosophy is and find one that best meets your needs.

Answer 3

Depending on how Americanized he is, it might not be a good idea. I don't mean this from the language side, if the school makes a slight effort he should pick catch up in Japanese very quickly - I live in China, and my son attended a dual language school where both English and Chinese were used as languages of instruction. They did not require both, or even either language for their students. One classmate of my son's was Japanese and spoke neither English nor Chinese when she started. 2 years later she spoke both well. An Albanian girl who went there for 7 years spoke both languages native level.

But, the expectations and pressures in Japanese schools are very different than in US schools. There is much more pressure to conform and excel. This is fine for some outstanding students, but can be very upsetting to the majority of students who do not excel, or even to some who do. The amount of work required for the students leaves little time for outside, free activities, such as sport, reading, playing, and being a kid.

I have not been in Japan for several years, but I understand it has not changed much substantially. A lot might depend on the school - some might be better than others. It also depends on your own desires for your son, whether your goals are more in line with US standards or Japanese.

I do strongly encourage you whatever school he goes to, to get him involved with Japanese activities and friends. It is a shame with such a good opportunity not to pick up a grounding in the language and culture that is simply not possible for someone with only classroom experience.

Answer 4

Tell your son that each and every week if he behaves at school you are going to take him someplace distinctive, or provide him slightly deal with you recognize get within the children mind. That's what so much adults fail to do, ask your self what might you do should you in which again in institution and 5yrs historical how might you act? Kids probably at that age are very hyper, and also you cannot difference that, you could wish to however you cannot. After a couple of weeks ask the instructor how your son has been appearing and if he's doing good rejoice with him Praise him, or if he did not accomplish that good simply inform him he would not be equipped to observe t.v. all day, or move to a extraordinary amusing location or get a few cookies. Find Something! Good Luck!

Answer 5

Why do you feel that he could benefit any more academically in Japan?
The school system here is so geared toward spitting out robotic corporate clones that there is little room for anything else.
The fact that there is such a huge "Juku" industry here says a lot about the faith (or lack of) that Japanese people have in the school system.
Do you really want your child to be jaded and tired, sleeping on weekends like an exhausted salary man?
The overriding spirit of the education system here is, "Conform! conform! CONFORM!!"
Sorry if I sound so negative here, but I'm actually thinking of the opposite; sending my son back to my country (NZ) to recieve a more balanced education.
Kids only have one childhood to enjoy, and I see it being deprived of kids here, more and more.

Answer 6

Where will he live in the future? If he is to be Japanese, then this is a good plan. If he is going to make his life in America, you might want to find an American style school in Japan.

Answer 7

I can answer this from the flip side. I have two sons , they were 2 and 4 when we moved to Tokyo 3 years ago. In our case we are planning to return to the USA and we had to make sure that their education was consistent with US standards. Is this the same for you?
My opninion is that the Japanese education system works well for people who will complete all of their K -12 education in Japan.
I prefer the American style of education that allows and encourages individuality and group awareness.
In Tokyo there are many Saturday schools, booster schools, learning studios, and preschools that children can attend to get that extra bit of learning needed. If your comapny pays for international school, send your son to am international school and also send him to a extra cirricular program.