The Appeal of After-School Programs Combining English and STEAM Education
2025/04/07 23:53
The Appeal of After-School Programs Combining English and STEAM Education
This article features an interview with Otieno Francis, also known as "Fox," who performed at the International Red and White Singing Festival held in Yao City, Osaka, on March 8. Fox, originally a systems engineer for a travel company, came to Japan, completed graduate studies at Ritsumeikan University, and became a professor.
In 2019, he launched a business combining an "Empty House Utilization Project" with "English-based after-school programs" alongside his former students. This facility provides an environment where children can naturally acquire English while being cared for in place of their working parents, with a particular focus on incorporating STEAM education.
What is STEAM Education?
STEAM education integrates five disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It aims to nurture creativity and problem-solving skills in children through enjoyable activities.
At our facility, the following activities are offered:
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Science: Experiments like making slime and bubble experiments spark children's interest in science.
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Technology: VR experiences and basic programming introduce children to future technologies.
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Engineering: Projects like building Rube Goldberg machines foster creativity and logical thinking.
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Arts: Creative projects such as face painting and making international sweets allow children to express themselves artistically.
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Mathematics: Fun math learning through computer games strengthens logical thinking.
All these activities are conducted in English, enabling children to naturally absorb the language while focusing on the tasks at hand.
Learning Environment and Facility Features
The facility emphasizes creating a relaxing and enjoyable space for children. Classrooms are designed with artificial grass and green-themed decor to evoke openness and comfort. Instead of traditional textbook-based learning, hands-on experiences like cooking and interacting with animals are prioritized. Additionally, the program values "embracing challenges." Children are encouraged to present their ideas in English during lessons and view failures as opportunities for growth. This approach helps build their confidence.
Course Offerings and Target Age Groups
The facility offers two main courses tailored to different age groups:
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Creative Kids Course (Ages 2–6): A course focused on fun English exposure through games and creative activities.
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Adventure Course (Ages 6–12): A program offering more advanced experiential learning such as international exchanges and experiments.
The programs are designed to cater to a wide range of ages, from toddlers to elementary school students.
The Vision Behind Fox X GLOBAL
Fox shared his inspiration for founding the facility:
"I first encountered STEAM education during a project in Thailand and was deeply impressed by its impact. I wanted to introduce it in Japan but realized it was still unfamiliar here. By combining it with English education, I created a more approachable format. This facility is not just about teaching English; it’s about fostering curiosity and a spirit of challenge."
Future Prospects for Fox X GLOBAL
Fox X GLOBAL aims to be a unique learning space where children can grow while enjoying the fusion of English and STEAM education. Its distinctive approach could serve as a model for innovative education across Japan. By nurturing curiosity and the courage to take on challenges in a playful learning environment, the program aspires to cultivate individuals who will thrive in the future.
Fox also envisions exciting opportunities, such as having children conduct interviews at international pavilions during events like Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
The interview highlights how this facility is not just an after-school program but also a bold step toward new educational methods. With its potential expansion, it promises enriching experiences for many children in the years ahead.
It was very enjoyable and impressive to see children naturally engaging with and learning English while playing.
Incorporating songs into the activities added to the fun, and in the future, it would be delightful if the children who learned at "Fox X GLOBAL" could sing in English and participate in a children's version of the "International Red and White Singing Festival"
(GLOBALCOMMUNITY editor of chief Kazumi Miyazaki)
Free Trial Classes Available
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Ibaraki Nakajo & Ibaraki Oike Schools: Every Saturday from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
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Minoh Onohara School: Every Saturday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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