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4.　Before Entering Elementary School

Some things need to be learned before entering elementary school in order to make life easier in school. All children are different; so take it at your child's own pace. Compliment your child and encourage self confidence. It is important to have him/her enter school thinking that "school seems fun".

Things to learn before entering elementary school

  1. Adjust to a regular daily schedule.
    • Go to bed early, wake up early and eat breakfast (have at least 10 hours of sleep).
    • Be able wash your face, teeth (For your child)
  2. Greet people and answer cheerfully.
    • Answer cheerfully "Hai" (yes) when someone calls your name.
    • Be able to say "Boku", "Watashi" (me) and your name.
    • Be able to say "Ohayo Gozaimasu" (good morning), "Konnichiwa" (good day), "Sayonara" (goodbye), "Itadakimasu" (let's eat), "Gochisosamadeshita" (thank you for the food), "Arigato" (thank you), "Gomennasai" (I'm sorry), etc.
  3. Learn to put on and remove your clothes smoothly.
    • Be able to change clothes on your own.
    • Be able to fold your own clothes after removing them.
  4. Learn good table manners.
    • Be able to eat everything with no likes and dislikes.
    • Be able to use chopsticks properly.
    • Be able to clean up when you drop food.
  5. Learn to do things on your own.
    • Be able to take out and put back study materials. (in your school bag or pencil case).
    • Be able to take care and arrange properly your own belongings and items around you.
    • Be able to use the toilet properly.
    • Be able to express yourself (when you feel sick or want to go to the bathroom, etc.)
  6. Check with your parents about important issues concerning traveling to and from school.
    • Be able to remember the road and rules to school (walk many times with parents to the school).
    • Be used to walking.
    • Be able to recognize dangerous areas, walk on the left side and cross the street safely.
  7. Learn to read and write your own name.
    • Be able to read it horizontally and vertically.

Be able to read it horizontally and vertically.