Gymboree Play and Music Japan

Age: 0-6 years old
Area: Motoazabu (Minato-ku), Jiyugaoka, Sapporo, Nagoya

About

Gymboree’s story began in 1976 when Joan Barnes, a mother from Marin County, California, tried to find a safe, fun place featuring age-appropriate activities for parents and young children to play together. Unable to do so, she did what any innovative, entrepreneurial mom would: she started her own program. Gymboree Play and Music Japan has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5 ever since. Today there are over 700 locations in 50+ countries, making the school the global leader in early childhood development programs.

Designed by experts in both education and play, Gymboree’s age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play. Its “Mommy and Me” programs are also recognized for their unique approach to parent involvement—which encourages participation in and understanding of each child’s development.

School Vision

To prepare children with the required skills to succeed in our global society including but not limited to communication and presentation skills, social skills, cultural understanding and self-confidence.

Educational Philosophy

At Gymboree, grown-ups (teachers and parents alike) are encouraged to “follow the lead of the child.” The school believes that this educational style helps young children gain confidence, independence and a love of learning. Instead of forcing children to participate in all activities, the teachers “invite” children to participate when they are ready and give children who need to “observe” their peers first the time they need to feel comfortable. During classes, children gain confidence creativity and social skills naturally while playing with their parents and peers.

Facilities

At all school locations, Gymboree provides a learning environment where children are free to move, play and explore safely. The school’s proprietary equipment was designed by Jay Beckwith, a nationally respected playground designer with more than 30 years of experience who created every structure with the needs of children in mind. The school’s play environments are designed to deliver the high-quality standard parents expect for their children. In addition to playrooms, the school also has classrooms where children can explore music, art, geography, science, language and other subjects.

School Events

Halloween Party
Winter Holiday Party
Spring Party
Summer Party

School Calendar: Closed for National Holidays, Winter Break (New Year’s Holiday), Golden Week and Summer Break (Obon Holiday)

Free trial classes are also available. See more information here. Events open to the public are listed here: www.gymboglobal.jp/en/news-event

Curriculum

Play & Learn classes (0-6yrs): Gymboree’s most popular class. Enjoy teacher-led group activities and individual exploration time on our unique and colorful gym equipment. BabyLab (0-10mos): A fully immersive and cutting-edge play experience. Thematic classes that explore music, art, baby sign language, literacy, and mindfulness. Music classes (6mos-6yrs): Introduction to songs, props, musical instruments and fun. Children and parents participate in an engaging music class that introduces musical terminology and skills like melody, pitch, and rhythm through instrument play, dancing and singing activities. Art classes (16mos-6yrs): Discover art hands-on through sculpture, painting, story time, our tactile table and more. Paint, sing, sculpt, collage and imagine in a uniquely creative space. School Skills & English classes (2.5-6yrs): Encourage curiosity and build self-confidence through art, phonics, prewriting, story time, science exploration, play and more. Global Kids classes (16mos-6yrs): Explore different cultures through music and art. Children “travel” around the world and learn about traditional music, dances and cultures of each region. Sports classes (2.5-6yrs): Learn the fundamentals of sports, like baseball and soccer, and the importance of stretching, practicing and cool-down while playing with friends. PlayLab – S.T.E.A.M. (2.5-6yrs): A multi-disciplinary class designed to introduce your child to engineering, chemistry, mechanics, design, art, and math. The S.T.E.A.M. inspired class is great for the young maker and thinker. It takes an active approach to school readiness skills and maintains our approach to whole-child learning. Dance (2.5-6yrs): Enjoy modern dance with Gymboree’s bilingual teachers who have performed professionally in Japan and abroad. Through dance, children will develop their sense of rhythm, communication and expressive skills. Preschool Steps (1.5-2.5yrs): A toddler’s first step to preschool. This class lets parents and children play together, explore, and practice all the skills they’ll need for their school days ahead. Practice a gentle separation time during class, where teachers lead children in a short social time without their parents. Be introduced to new games, books, puzzles and more! Preschool (1.5-3yrs): Gymboree’s 3-hour and 5-hour preschool program incorporates original play, music & dance, art, science, sports and global kids activities in a fun learning environment. Children can practice separating from their parents while having fun with their peers and preparing for future schooling. Parents can choose between the 9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. options. After School (2.5-6yrs): Gymboree’s 3-hour after school program is an English immersion program that incorporates original play, music & dance, art, science, sports and global kids activities in a fun learning environment. These activities help build the key social, emotional and intellectual skills children will need for school and life. After school is available from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.