For Kinger-aged children

What is "Active Learners"?

Inquiry-based learning + teamwork + English immersion = Active Learners

”Active Learners” is a seasonal course for elementary students t based on the Active Learning style of learning.

In an active learning environment, children are encouraged to learn independently.
The role of the teacher is not to "teach and guide" as in traditional teaching methods, but to "provide an environment that triggers awareness”.

Another aspect of Active Learners is that it is an English immersion program.
Children are encouraged to communicate in English.
Although it may have been a challenging experience for some of the children because of their different backgrounds and levels of English proficiency, they helped each other and went through this project.

Program Overview

Goals of the Program

Encounter

Participants become the protagonists of their own learning and experience the joy of independent learning.

Connect

Build stronger bonds through the experience of working with friends

Transform

Spontaneously identify questions and problems and solve them independently

Implementation Report

For our Winter Active Learners Program, we decided to explore ocean life and think about ocean pollution. 

During the three-day course, we spent the first day getting to know each other, sharing what we know and think about the ocean, and trying to learn and research more about the topic. We saw that whatever the students were learning, they were sharing their thoughts with each other and also asking questions and looking for answers together! 

On our second day, we went to the beach to get more inspiration and experience first hand how the ocean is getting polluted. We cleaned up plastic garbage and collected many beautiful shells while having fun and developing a stronger bond of friendship.

On the third day, everyone was very focused and decided what they wanted to share about their experience and how they wanted to present themselves. According to their preference, they chose to express themselves through art, story, their deeper research about ocean life and the problems we face...with some suggestions for solutions as well. All the friends were able to stand in front of their parents and friends to share their presentation.
We made some really good memories and friendships in our process of self-learning.

Now the Spring Course is coming up!

We are preparing for the next program to be another fulfilling one.

We are also planning to go out for field work.

Dates　Wed, March 26  - Fri, March 28     3-day course

Time: 9:30-14:30

Aimed at: 1st-6th grade students

Topic: Under consideration, please stay tuned!

Fee YMCA members 29,700 yen (tax included) / Non-member 30,800 yen (tax included)　

How to apply

If you are currently enrolled in the YMCA Yokohama Year-Round Program

(including nursery school and school-age child care),

Click Here! 

For those not listed above (former participants or first-time participants)

Click Here!

Collaborative Inquiry volunteers are also welcome!

If you are a high school student or older and would like to immerse yourself in collaborative inquiry in English, we look forward to spending a valuable and fun time with you!

For more information, please contact the YMCA Global Kindergarten.

English Childcare for 2-3-Year-Olds: YGK Joey Class Updates

We've got great news for you! In April 2025, you'll be able to enjoy a more convenient and fully updated YGK Joey class. Stay tuned!

Click here for further information!

Registration for Petit YGK Experience + Information Session is now open!

The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11.

For more information, check out PEATIX now!

What is YMCA Global Kindergarten?

What kind of schedule do they have?

What kind of teachers are there?

What kind of facility is it?

Are you interested in YMCA Global Kindergarten but don't know much about it?

We will answer all of your questions!

We have prepared a special opportunity for you to experience YGK Joey class for children under 2 years old.

The schedule and activities differ for each grade level (2-year-olds and 1-year-olds). Please select the dates that apply to your child's age.

Place: YMCA Global Kinderagarten (Yokohama Chuo YMCA 4th floor)

Fee: Free of charge

Capacity: 8 children per day

Others:

• This is a parent-child program. Parents are also welcome to join in the fun.
• Reservations required. Please make a reservation at least one day in advance.
• Please note that one person may attend only once per special experience event.
• Please check the age range and click the date of your choice. The application page will open.

Current 2 year olds (born between April 2, 2021 and April 1, 2022)

①　Wed, October 9　10:15-10:45

②　Wed, November 11月13日（水）　10:15-10:45

Current 1 year olds (born between April 2, 2021 and April 1, 2022)

①　Wed, October 23　10:15-10:45

②　Wed, November 27　10:15-10:45

We are currently accepting applications for online open house.

If you prefer English guidance, please contact us at any time.

https://language.yokohamaymca.org/ygk/en/admission/

https://forms.gle/KCR7ZCUGLCnk8kZS9

YGK life was filled with various hands-on activities and events such as excursions, concerts, experiments, arts and crafts, etc. Children learn with their five senses and by many heartfelt experiences scattered throughout the day. 

My daughter engaged in play and a wide range of learning every day.  While spending a lively time at school, speaking in English has become a natural thing for her.  

More than that, I felt that the students really enjoyed the content of the activities such as art and science. 

Above all, YGK fulfilled our wishes for what we expected from our children, a holistic and healthy growth as a person.

I have been feeling that our family and YGK have quite similar educational goals. Teachers acknowledge, listen, talk to and care for the children just the way we expect them to do.

Teachers always listen to children attentively and try to understand them deeply.  Teachers always kneel down to meet a child at eye level when talking. This shows the teachers are trying to understand the children and respect them sincerely.  My daughter used to be quite shy when she entered YGK, but now, she has grown up to be a strong-willed and expressive girl with the help from the teachers.

I originally chose YGK for my daughter’s education because I wanted her to be open to different languages, cultures, appearances, etc.  However, she has acquired even more important things, such as a feeling of acceptance, a caring mind, strength and kindness, in the 3 years she has spent at YGK.

I really appreciate that YGK has helped develop my daughter’s interest in learning and the global environment and supported her mental, physical and cognitive development.