English Flower Garden
It is important that we enjoy learning English
That English is something close to us
And we explore the world by using English
~English Flower Garden is a place where we help children grow and bloom in their own colours, showing that learning can be something fun and meaningful in their lives~
English Flower Garden provides fun and active lessons for ages 0 to 12 year old's where children can always enjoy themselves while learning something new. Children easily forget about boring times but never forget fun times. And this is the same with learning. Therefore, the lessons at English Flower Garden are fun just as if children are playing with their friends and they are learning without feeling at all bored. We always focus on what would be fun and engaging for the children.
For the 4-5 and 6-8 year old classes, we add elements for children to build their abilities to express themselves and to be confident in speaking the language. We do this by using music, picture books, drama, art and science experiments in class where children naturally learn a variety of expressions and phases in different situations. And by presenting and sharing what they have learnt in class in front of other people, children will build confidence to express their thoughts, feelings and opinions in English.
We follow the natural process for children learning a language which is; <Listening to the language> ⇒ <Speaking the language> ⇒ <Reading the language> ⇒ <Writing the language> and provide lessons which focuses on building "confidence" and the abilities to "express themselves" in English.
For children who have reached the level of being able to understand and communicate in English, or children who have been brought up in English, we provide lessons that build children's ability to "think" in English. We do this by having the children work on projects. Project Based Learning helps children develop 21st century skills where children not only gain new words or knowledge but they also learn how to connect their knowledge and skills to the world they live in today. We will pick topics that children themselves can easily relate to and will have discussions, experiments, reading and creating arts. We will also connect with schools around the world through Skype and share ideas on topics we are learning about. Example lesson contents can be found under "CLASSES".
Story and Songs
Children will get used to the "Sounds of English" through English storytelling and songs. It's never too early to start reading and singing to your child!
While being exposed to the "Sounds of English", children at age 3 onward should get opportunities to use the language as much as possible. We do this by using hands-on activities, drama, storytelling and arts in the classroom. We will gradually add reading and writing as well.
Speaking & Reading
Thinking and Exploring
Having opportunities to "Think in English" will help children to be confident in speaking the language. By learning new things, thinking and discussing in English, children will be able to speak the language fluently.
Storytelling
Singing
Dancing
Phonics
Presenting
Experiments
Reading
Discussing
International exchange
Research
Drama
Erika
<Profile>
Erika was brought up bilingually in English and Japanese by a British mother and a Japanese father.
She composed her first children's song at the age of 12 for a picture book, "Peter the Lonely Pineapple" which her mother, Patricia Daly Oe published.
After graduating in Liberal Arts, she was in charge of a Refugee Youth Art Project at PRAXIS, a nonprofit organization in East London. Then worked in Cambodia to help run a language program for elementary schools with Volunteer Platform, a nonprofit organization in Japan.
After realizing her passion as a teacher, Erika was requested to help develop the Curriculum at Global Field, an English after-school program in Tokyo. Erika developed a unique curriculum using Project Based Learning methods, and activities that helped children express themselves, through art, music, and drama.
Erika now owns English Flower Garden, an English school based in Koganei, and is a mother of 2 children and a singer and narrator.