A nurturing environment is key. That’s what Hirabayashi Elementary School strives to provide. This school isn’t just about textbooks and classrooms. It’s about fostering well-being.
Hirabayashi Elementary School recognizes that happy children learn better. Emotionally healthy children form positive relationships more easily. The school focuses on creating a supportive space for every student.
Learning through play is a big part of the kindergarten program here at Hirabayashi Elementary School. The school believes play is essential for young children. Through play, children understand the world. They learn to solve problems and think critically.
Play helps kids develop social skills. It also boosts their motor skills. Hirabayashi Elementary School uses inquiry-based learning. Young children are natural inquirers. Asking questions helps them make sense of their place in the world.
Units of Inquiry guide learning here at Hirabayashi Elementary School. Children explore big ideas through guided inquiry. These units can last from seven to twelve weeks. Hirabayashi Elementary School nurtures global citizenship. The school wants to inspire students to be responsible global citizens.
Intercultural understanding is very important at Hirabayashi Elementary School. The diverse backgrounds of students and teachers helps to achieve this. Students share their perspectives and learn from each other. Cultural events throughout the year further develop global citizenship. Students can even learn French and Chinese in after-school programs.
Hirabayashi Elementary School supports learner agency. Children have a voice in the classroom. They have choices in how they learn. This gives them ownership of their learning. The school values students as active participants. Students help co-construct learning experiences with teachers and peers.
Bilingual learning is central to the kindergarten program at Hirabayashi Elementary School. Language learning affirms cultural identity. It develops international-mindedness. Students spend time learning in both English and Japanese. This immersion fosters proficiency in both languages.
Learning experiences are aligned in both languages at Hirabayashi Elementary School. This maximizes learning and achievement. The school recognizes the importance of Japanese as a mother tongue. Most students speak Japanese as their first language. Promoting the first language is very important. It helps with second language acquisition.
When children learn Japanese at Hirabayashi Elementary School, they also learn about Japanese culture. They explore traditions and history. In Japanese language classes, children communicate with teachers and each other. They participate in shared reading and nursery rhymes. They also experience traditional Japanese cultural events.
Children at Hirabayashi Elementary School play traditional games. They make crafts related to the seasons. They work on reading and writing Japanese characters. Students also write picture diaries and letters to classmates. They learn mathematical concepts in both English and Japanese.
Hirabayashi Elementary School values parents as partners. The school communicates with parents in many ways. These include daily lesson reports and communication books. Hirabayashi Elementary School uses newsletters and parent-teacher conferences to keep in touch.