OUR SCHOOL
“Don't underestimate children” by Loris Malaguzzi
We are Reggio-Inspired school.
Reggio approach is a pre-school education, which is attracting worldwide attention.
Reggio-Inspired school is a school that has evolved according to the country’s culture, environment and individual. While cherishing Japanese culture, we aim to evolve and practice Reggio approach that suits the environment of Tokyo.
What is Reggio Approach?
Reggio approach is a pre-school education method founded in Italy. It is an approach that brings out children’s inherent ability and curiosity by exploring various art materials. In the U.S., it has been adopted by Google and Disney headquarters’ in-house kindergartens, as well as in public kindergartens in Berkeley, California where many entrepreneurs live.
Characteristics of Reggio approach:
①Group project activities.
②Artworks using wide variety of materials.
③“Documentation” that records the learning process of children.
Also, one of the most important things is “The image of the child”.
In Reggio, children are seen as “intelligent, competent, creative, and worthy individual”. Therefore, at Reggio schools, we respect children, and children play the leading role. The teachers always keep this in mind when engaging with children.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
What is Kodomo Edu？
We invited a Reggio approach school teacher from the U.S. to Japan to conduct an English Art Summer School for children. In 2 years, about 140 children attended the course and it has become a very popular program in Tokyo. We also held special classes where children learned directly from professional artists.
We continued to create opportunities for children to experience the world’s top creativity, and were able to finally open our own school in Nakameguro. In addition to that, for the parents who are highly interested in better education in Tokyo, we held several events talking about “Education for the next generation’s children, and to think about mom’s and dad’s future work shifts / life shift”.
In one year, 180 people gathered for the events, and attracted public attention. Our mission is to provide a place for learning, where children, moms, and dads can express and use their talents to act vigorously.
OUR TEACHERS
Becca Keegan
From The United States
Preschool Lead Teacher
Graduated from the University of Colorado Law School. She aimed to become a preschool educator after working as a teacher at a summer school for children when she was still at university. She obtained a kindergarten teacher qualification at Santa Monica College. Then, she became the head teacher of Reggio inspired Voyage pre-school in Santa Monica. After being told about the opening of Reggio inspired international preschool in Tokyo, she was eager to participate in the project, and became the head teacher.
Jonathan Kyle Mills
From The United States
After School Lead Teacher
After becoming an English teacher in the U.S., he came to Japan and taught at a private elementary school. After learning and practicing the Montessori and Steiner approach, he found interest in the Reggio approach, and expanded his knowledge through self-teaching. He wants to express his love towards arts and crafting at Kodomo Edu international school.
Fernando Saiki
From Brazil
Artist
He holds a Master's degree in engraving and printing at the University of Sao Paulo, which is said to be the University of Tokyo in Brazil. After that, he entered a doctoral course at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts, and is currently majoring in printmaking. His current studies in Ukiyo-e printing was sparked by his fascination for the subject. He is a great communicator with children, in which he approaches them to take out and explore their ideas.
Valentijin Van
From Begium
Artist
Majored in jewelry design at Antwerp Royal Academy of Arts, which is the oldest and most traditional art school in Europe. After working in the metal sculpture industry for about 10 years, he came to Japan to study sculpture at the Graduate School of Tokyo National University of Fine Arts. He is currently enrolled in a doctoral course, after completing his Master’s degree. Not only does he have talent in sculpturing, but is also a great drawer.
Jesse Hogan
From Australia
Artist
He worked as a high school art teacher in Australia for a while, and then came to Japan to study abroad at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts. Currently, he is a Master’s student at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts majoring oil painting. He is also great at installation, and has held his own exhibition in Tokyo. He has 6-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son, and therefore is brilliant at exploring art with children.
GET IN TOUCH
To enroll or for any general information, please contact us:
Telephone: 03-6316-8753 • Email: school@kodomo-edu.com
Address: 〒153-0051 東京都目黒区上目黒３−３７−１０