"The mission of KEC English School is "to develop talent who can contribute to the world through English." This goal reflects their commitment to nurturing individuals who can effectively use English to engage with and positively impact the global community. "
KEC English School was established in 1989 with a clear vision: to nurture individuals who can contribute to the world through their English proficiency. KEC believes in equipping the next generation of Japanese children with a global perspective, recognizing that while English may not be essential for survival in Japan, it significantly broadens one's horizons and opportunities.
Many people aspire to speak English fluently or wish their children to do so. However, KEC understands that mastering English involves more than just acquiring knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. It requires the development of performance abilities—the practical application of this knowledge. Students are encouraged to develop both aspects through engaging and enjoyable activities, enabling them to navigate beyond Japan's borders and explore the world.
KEC Curriculum
Traditionally, English education in Japan has often emphasized learning through a sequence that is opposite to natural language acquisition—starting with reading and writing rather than listening and speaking. KEC, however, follows a more natural language acquisition process, which focuses on listening, understanding, and then vocalizing English, especially during early childhood, which is recognized as a critical period for language learning. By tapping into children’s innate curiosity and interests during this formative time, KEC helps the students use English effectively as a communication tool.
At KEC, children are immersed in a rich learning environment filled with songs, stories, games, and other activities. The school aims to instill in them the joy of connecting with people from different cultures. To make this vision a reality, KEC has implemented numerous inspiring projects to help children spread their wings and engage with the wider world.
Curriculum
Consistency
Consistency is key at KEC English School. Each day’s lesson is carefully designed around a monthly theme, with words, sentences, songs, games, and other activities selected to help students master that specific theme. Using a structured flow of “listen → watch → speak → do,” students repeatedly engage with conversation patterns and vocabulary, allowing students to internalize and make these language skills their own.
Repetition
Repetition is a core aspect of KEC English School’s teaching approach, leveraging children’s natural love of imitation. A wide range of teaching materials—such as picture-story shows, finger puppets, picture cards, songs, dances, games, and music tapes—are used to introduce themes in diverse and engaging ways. By varying the introduction within a single theme and creatively keeping lessons fresh, KEC ensures that children stay interested and practice English repeatedly, reinforcing their learning effectively.
Methods
Learning English as English: TEE (Teaching English in English)
At KEC English School, the approach of Teaching English in English (TEE) is central to the curriculum. Instead of translating Japanese into English, students learn English directly in English, which aligns with the direct method. This approach is especially effective for young learners, as it mirrors how they naturally acquire their first language. It’s also widely regarded as the most effective method for learning multiple languages, as seen in Europe and America. Consequently, lessons are predominantly conducted in English, providing an immersive learning experience.
Listening and Physical Response: TPR (Total Physical Response)
The Total Physical Response (TPR) method is a key component of KEC English School’s approach. Based on how children naturally acquire their first language, TPR emphasizes listening and physical response. Instead of starting with the alphabet, new words are introduced through repeated exposure to their correct sounds. Children react physically to these sounds and then articulate them aloud. This method is particularly effective for children who learn well through repetition and physical engagement, allowing them to acquire language in a natural embodied way.
Picture book reading and reading aloud: PS Approach
Based on the Education through Music (ETM) and the Whole Language Approach (WLA), KEC has combined listening, singing & speaking, reading, and writing according to a monthly or term theme. In elementary classes, in parallel with learning phonics, the students use their articulatory organs by reading aloud English picture books.
Phonics
Children learn the rules of connecting letters and sounds through songs, and games, and then use those rules to learn how to read and write English. This starts at an appropriate school age for children to recognize letters.
Active Learning
Active Learning at KEC focuses on children’s independence and curiosity. By creating an environment where children can explore and research information based on a theme, the school encourages the “ability to think.” This approach helps students engage actively with the material, promoting a deeper understanding and personal connection to their learning.
KEC Class Information
KEC Regular Class
| Class Name | Age | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Ducky | 3 to 4 years old | ・Fun participation in English ・English speaking lessons ・Physical participation in singing and playing |
| Puppy | 4 to 5 years old | ・English Vocabulary ・Play games in English ・Use classroom English |
| Bunny | 5 to 6 years old | ・Increase English vocabulary ・Learn the phonic alphabet for reading and writing ・Able to express oneself in a simple way |
| Level 1 (Beginners) | Elementary school Grades 1 to 3 | ・Read picture books ・Learn and use conversational patterns ・Able to give simple self-introductions |
| Level 2 (Intermediate) | Elementary school Grades 2 to 4 | ・Enjoy reading picture books ・Establish daily conversational skills ・Improve self-expression |
| Level 3 Higher Intermediate | Elementary school Grades 4 to 6 | ・Develop a global perspective through SDG programs ・Improve English communication skills ・Improve oral presentation skills ・Learn sentence structures |
| Level 4/5/6 | Junior high school students | ・Develop a global perspective through SDG programs ・Improve English communication skills ・Improve oral presentation skills Learn sentence structures |
| Advance | Junior and Senior High school students (CEFR A2-B1) | ・Improve ability to summarize and present opinions in English ・Reading longer texts ・Improve skimming and scanning skills ・Become familiar with English at a natural speed |
| Premium | High School (CEFR B1-B2) | ・Improve ability to summarize and present opinions in English ・Reading longer texts ・Improve skimming and scanning skills ・Become familiar with English at a natural speed |
KEC Saturday Class
| Class Name | Grade Level | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Regular Class | 3 to 5 year olds | ・Have fun in English ・Foster positive attitude ・Acquire basic English knowledge |
| Elementary Regular Class | Elementary school Grades 1-6 | ・Have fun in English ・Gain basic English skills ・Understanding different cultures and ways of thinking |
| Elementary Advanced Class | Elementary school Grades 1-6 | ・Maintain and improve English language skills ・Foster logical verification and analytical skills ・Improve reading and writing skills |
KEC Intensive Class
| Class Name | Grade Level | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Intensive Class | Elementary school Grades 1 to 6 | ・Maintain and improve English language skills ・Foster logical verification and analytical skills ・Improve reading and writing skills |
KEC Kids Garden
| Class Name | Grade Level | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| KINDER | 3 to 5 year olds | ・Immerse in an English speaking environment ・Improve listening, speaking, and communication skills ・Learn about different cultures |
| Elementary | Elementary school Grades 1 to 6 | ・Immerse in an English speaking environment ・Improve English skills through language activities ・Develop inquisitive and thinking skills through math and science activities |
English Salon
| Class Name | No Grade Level | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| English Salon | Adults | ・Improve English communication language skills ・Learn different cultures |
Class List
List of Classes
| Class Name | Location | Offered Classes (Targeted Students in Parentheses) |
|---|---|---|
| Nagakute Class | Nagakute City | ＊Regular Class (Grades 1-6, Middle School Students) ＊Kids Garden (Preschoolers & Elementary School Students) ＊Intensive Class (Grades 1-6) ＊English Salon for Adults (General) ＊Saturday Class (Preschoolers & Elementary School Students) |
| Nishiharu Class | Kita-Nagoya City (Kita-Nagoya Cultural and Labor Center) | ＊Regular Class (Grades 1-6, Middle School Students) |
| Asahi Class | Mizuho Ward, Nagoya City | ＊Regular Class (Preschool - Grades 6) |
| Kinjo Gakuin Yochien Class | Moriyama Ward, Nagoya City | ＊Regular Class (Preschool - Lower Elementary School) |
| Shikatu Hananoki Yochien Class | Kita-Nagoya City | ＊Regular Class (Preschool) |
| Kozoji Yochien Class | Kozoji Town, Kasugai City | ＊Regular Class (Preschool - Grade 4) |
Kindergarten List of intramural classrooms
| Classroom Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Aichi Gakusen University Affiliated Kindergarten | Anjo City |
| Asahi Kinder no Oka Kindergarten | Mizuho Ward, Nagoya City |
| Kinjo Gakuin Kindergarten | Moriyama Ward, Nagoya City |
| Kozoji Kindergarten | Kasugai City |
| Tsukimi Kindergarten | Kasugai City |
| Kyoei Kindergarten | Mizuho Ward, Nagoya City |
| Komadori Kindergarten | Kasugai City |
| Sakae Nursery School | Naka Ward, Nagoya City |
| Nagoya Bunka Gakuen Miyoshi Children's Garden | Miyoshi City |
Our Teachers
KEC schools are staffed by wonderful teachers with rich personalities.
All of our teachers are passionate about teaching English to children and conveying the wonders of the world based on their own experiences of learning English.
I am proud to introduce them to you.
Many Voices of Joy
Successful Graduates
Membership Applications
Please fill out all the documents and submit them by fax (0561-64-5065), mail, or photograph them and attach them to an e-mail (info@ednet.co.jp).
Please fill out the form and submit the application to the head office.
(e.g., if you are taking a recess starting in February, the deadline is January 5.
The maximum duration of a recess is 3 months. (Maximum recess for examinations is 1 year)
Please be sure to submit the withdrawal form to the head office or your instructor by the 5th day of the month of withdrawal.
(e.g., withdrawal at the end of February/February 5 deadline)
Please submit a change of address, telephone number, etc.
