What a Japanese Nursery School Day is like

Quick Overview

The typical day at the St. Marian Nursery School in Tokyo involves structured learning activities such as flag drills, calligraphy, physical exercises, and earthquake evacuation drills, alongside dedicated time for meals and nap time, emphasizing independence, manners, and comprehensive child development for students aged 0 to 5.

Key Points: The nursery school, St. Marian Nursery School in Tokyo's A-Bizu area, caters to children aged 0 to 5, with older kindergarten students sometimes attending specialized summer programs. Daily activities include structured learning like calligraphy (Shuji) to improve focus and precise hand movements, and physical exercises like flag drills and hoop jumping. The school emphasizes daily disaster preparedness, including a mandatory earthquake evacuation drill using protective head coverings (Bousai Zukin) and practicing 'Don't Push, Don't Run, Don't Talk' (O-Ha-Shi). Lunchtime involves children serving themselves pre-portioned, nutritionally balanced meals planned by Oisix, teaching them manners like holding plates with the left hand and not talking with a full mouth. The older kindergarten class (4-5 years old) wears formal attire for study time to shift their mindset, contrasting with the more casual dress of younger children. The staff, including a teacher who is an alumna of the school, highly value the positive interpersonal relationships within the team and the diverse experiences offered to the children.

Context: This video provides an in-depth look into a typical day at St. Marian Nursery School, a private institution located in Tokyo's A-Bizu area, which serves children from infancy up to five years old. The video highlights the structured, yet nurturing, environment maintained by the staff, particularly focusing on the emphasis placed on discipline, cultural activities, safety drills, and comprehensive nutritional education.

Detailed Analysis

The day at St. Marian Nursery School begins early (7:45 AM) with staff preparing. The school serves children aged 0 to 5, including older kids during summer break. A significant focus is placed on discipline and routine; for instance, older kindergarten students wear formal attire to mentally prepare for academic study time. Morning activities include structured exercises like flag drills (00:18) and calligraphy (Shuji) lessons (00:21) designed to build focus and fine motor skills. Safety is paramount, demonstrated by the monthly earthquake evacuation drill (07:15) where children practice the 'O-Ha-Shi' rule: Don't Push, Don't Run, Don't Talk (07:41). Lunchtime (12:00 PM) is also educational, where children serve themselves meals planned by Oisix, learning manners like holding their plates with their left hand and not speaking with a full mouth. The staff, one of whom is an alumna, work closely together, which is noted as a positive aspect of the environment. The curriculum extends to practical life skills, such as children setting up their own nap mats (03:12) and putting away their belongings. The staff ensures that while children are encouraged to try new things (like the food or calligraphy), they are never forced, balancing education with individual needs.