Bellevue Children's Academy®, a private school founded by Spark and Step's founder, Yuka Shimizu, has created a unique English curriculum inspired by the Japanese language learning process as a way for American children to learn English, and has been using it from Pre-K onwards for many years.
This method is divided into two parts.
●An English AIUEO chart inspired by the Japanese alphabet chart●A systematic method of English grammar and composition inspired by first-grade Japanese textbooksBy utilizing these teaching materials and methods in BCA® classes, American children became able to read and compose sentences on their own, and quickly acquired English proficiency that was two grades above their average.

At Spark and Step, we will introduce this method to children learning English in Japan.
Until now, most of the English learning methods in Japan have been imported from overseas or have relied on memorization, but this method, which was developed based on learning Japanese, is a groundbreaking and natural way for Japanese children to learn English. Based on the theory that Japanese and English are the same phonetic languages, if children can learn English while becoming familiar with it in the same process as they learned Japanese, they can learn English effortlessly and surely.

First, the equivalent of the Japanese 'aiueo' chart is the English 'AIUEO' chart. Just as you learned Japanese sound by sound, you also learn to pronounce and practice English sounds one by one.
The learning process can be broadly divided into four stages.
There are four stages: 1. Short vowel 2. Long vowel 3. Digraph 4. Blend. Each stage has 10 short stories, and by the end, you will be able to read them comfortably on your own.

Since they understand the relationship between sounds and spelling, they can read and write what they can. Using these short stories, we also introduce the grammar of "what is it" and "how is it" (Be verbs) and "what does it do" (general verbs). At the end, they add decorative words (adjectives, adjectival verbs) to the basic sentences to make longer sentences. The English ability of second- and third-grade students at a local elementary school in the United States is comparable to the level of the Eiken Grade 2 in Japan.

The one-minute Timing Sheets* designed for each grade level are individualized math practice curriculums that allow children to progress at their own learning level and speed. Instead of relying on memorization, children acquire the ability to code (convert) objects and symbols (numbers).

First, students will understand the decomposition of each number up to 10, and then they will understand that addition and subtraction up to 20 are based on the number 10. The calculation ability acquired by repeating timing calculation learning is regarded as one of the tools of arithmetic.

In addition to timing calculation learning that is suited to each individual's level, the classroom curriculum focuses on arithmetic literacy, starting with understanding how arithmetic is used in daily life, and developing the ability for children to explore how to learn and find ways to solve problems. By linking algebra learning with geometry learning, students will improve their arithmetic ability while learning in a spiral manner every year.

Traditionally, educational materials for 4- and 5-year-olds tend to provide simple concepts that are repeated simply because they are young. However, even young children live in the same world as adults, so they naturally come into contact with three-dimensional shapes, see the concept of dividing things, and experience many mathematical things. Early childhood is an important time to firmly acquire a sense for mathematics through fun learning activities in order to build the foundation for future mathematics learning.

In addition, Spark Math also incorporates concepts from baccalaureate education, as the local school BCA® founded by CEO Shimizu has obtained baccalaureate accreditation.

When people aim to study abroad, they tend to focus on learning English, but what they often overlook is their math scores. A dedicated person who specializes in teaching math to Japanese junior and senior high school students in the United States will give you advice on how to utilize math, which is a strength of Japanese people, in the exam and give you an advantage in the entrance exam for American universities. This class will add math skills to your English skills, aiming to study or advance to college in the United States, making use of the academic foundation you have gained in Japan. We highly recommend you take this class.
 

This tour was created with the desire to allow people to experience real American life, especially in this age of sensibility. Through learning and playing on-site, you can see the backbone of America and the unique culture of this world-leading superpower known as America, a melting pot of races.
I believe this will have a huge impact not only on the children who will be the future of our country, but also on the parents who are currently raising their children, and will provide some hints on how to raise global children.

Furthermore, for those of you who are enjoying your second life and want to improve yourself by learning to speak English, this tour will be a great boost as the first step in your English studies.

Or it could be a way to reward yourself when you reach the halfway point in your English learning.

This local life experience and learning tour is a little different from general tours, as it includes many events that can only be provided by Spark and Step staff who live in the area. For example, the tour includes attractive activities that are hard to experience even if you are in Seattle, such as use of a private club, cooking experience with a private chef, and winery tours.

Children who participate in the tour will begin experiential learning at local kindergartens and elementary schools, experience activities in Seattle's beautiful natural environment, and visit American innovation centers that have produced companies such as Microsoft, Costco, Starbucks, and Google, helping them develop an entrepreneurial mindset to lead the world of the future.

The tour is

A: Parent-child experience tour for children and adults

B: Adult tour

Each program is roughly one week long and can be tailored to your budget.

This is a support salon for school personnel, instructors, and parents who use Spark and Step's MATH and ENGLISH. Utilizing his 30 years of experience in establishing and running schools in the United States, Shimizu, the author of Spark English and the representative of Spark and Step, provides consulting and advice tailored to the challenges and needs of parents, instructors, and school administrators.

Teachers and school officials who feel there are issues with their current instruction as a follow-up for instructors who support learners are welcome to participate. For personal use, please choose from the online salon items yourself, so please contact the office directly. Since it will be held regularly, it will also be an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers from around the world.

This online learning salon is a great opportunity for school officials, instructors, and parents to talk and learn together, so please take advantage of it.
Participation is free for registered Spark and Step members, and a special price is available to the general public.