Thanks to the advent of Japanese dramas, we are familiar with how Japanese students clean their own classrooms and take turns to serve one another lunch. But in what other ways does the Japanese education system develop its youths? Here’s how:
- Japanese schools impart practical skills
From the time they are in elementary school, students learn to cook simple, yet delicious dishes like miso soup. Not only that, they learn woodworking and sewing in order to make handicrafts and mend clothes respectively. This wide array of skills helps empower them for their future.
- Japanese schools cultivate the mind
Japanese students practice calligraphy regularly; their teachers explain the importance of a particular word or phrase and how they can apply it in their lives. They are also encouraged to be creative and compose their own haikus (5-7-5-syllable poem).
- Japanese schools have strong ties with communities
Many elementary fifth graders get a first-hand taste of rice planting by helping local farmers plant rice seeds in June. When they move on to their second year in junior high school, they will undertake a work immersion programme at local companies. This fosters their sense of belonging to society.
- Japanese schools build up students’ fitness
All elementary and junior high school students hone their swimming lessons at the school pool during summer. They are equally skilled at running. Some junior high schools organize a 25-km cross-country run for all their students in wintery December!
5)Japanese schools celebrate occasions
Ten-year-old fourth graders celebrate a half-adulthood ceremony as twenty is the age of adulthood in Japan. They often candidly share their dreams for the future. Something less momentous—but no less important—is the opening ceremony held at the start of every term. Students from various grades will share about their reflections and goals for the upcoming term in front of the entire school, which inspires their peers to stay focused.