Who is Innocence Plus Academy for?
- Kids who have studied at an International Kindergarten and don’t want to lose their skills. They will be in a completely English atmosphere doing a variety of activities and using materials used in American schools. They will feel at home at the Academy, where they can continue their English education. We promise to keep your children challenged up through the 6th grade!
- Kids who have no background in English but are eager to learn. All elementary students will be learning in English in Japanese public schools in the near future. From then, then many of them will need to use English throughout their lives. Why not get your child ready for a bi-lingual future as early as first grade?
- Kids who study English once or twice a week but are looking for more. The Academy can make a great supplement to your English school of choice. English schools are a great option, but learning a language requires diligent study more than once a week. At the academy, we can make sure your child gets enough English and shows steady improvement.
- Kids who want a unique experience. In Sendai, challenging after school programs are rare. Not only will your child be immersed in English, he or she will also learn critical thinking skills, problem solving, team work, and various other vital skills.
How are we unique?
Innocence Plus Academy offers an after school experience like no other! In an 100% English immersion environment, your child will learn various skills all while communicating in English. Combining our own values and over 10 years of experience in EFL with materials gathered from the US and other English speaking countries, we have created a program unique to Sendai. Your child will use technology, such as tablets and computers to communicate and learn skills such as typing, programming, or researching. At our school, he/she will be sure to stay ahead, as we constantly improve our program with a focus on the future!
Who are our coaches?
English speakers from around the world who are experienced in education and are dedicated to our mission. Our coaches are carefully selected individuals who have what it take to oversee our various activities and keep kids motivated. Although fully equipped as educators to teach English, math, etc, their main role is facilitator. They assist children by keeping them focused and helping them reach their goals for the day, week, or year. They make sure children are following the rules, staying on task, and cooperating well with others. Strict disciplinarians, our coaches do not allow speaking Japanese, roughhousing, or general misbehavior.
What is a day like at the Academy?
Mari, a 2nd grader, arrives at 4:00 after her elementary classes are finished for the day. She has about an hour to settle in, get her school homework done, and work on a puzzle. Next- snack time! Mari gets some yogurt, fruit, a cookie and some juice.
Then, she checks her own schedule for the day and heads to the first station. It’s spelling at the English station. She does two worksheets and then plays a spelling game with her friend, Lisa. Another child, Kenta can’t spell yet, so Mari teaches him how to write the alphabet. She checks his worksheet- it’s perfect!- and gives him a sticker. Their coach from the United States watches carefully and motivates the children, giving praise and keeping them on task.
Next is arts and crafts! Mari designs an advertisement for a product she created. First she sketches her ideas on paper, then she practices using a drawing program on the computer. Next week, she’ll make a video commercial for her product, using a tablet and video editing software.
Finally, is the Science/Tech station! Mari uses a computer to work on a group project with her friends. They help each other solve problems and complete the task.
It’s 6:30! Mari’s dad is coming to pick her up at 7:00, so she has some free time. She can play with her friends, work on a group project, teach a younger child, or if she’d rather be alone, she might pick out a book and read by herself or watch one of many carefully chosen YouTube videos we have prepared. The choice is hers!
Mari will be back again the next day for English, Biology, and Math stations. She’ll solve some puzzles with a friend and play a game with her coach. More fun and learning awaits!
