Parents' Column
Your questions about lessons,
answered by our principal
“What age can soroban start?” “Will calligraphy make my child’s handwriting neater?” “What does tuition usually cost?” Taito Morita, founder and principal of Kodomo School, answers the questions parents ask us most often, drawing on more than 50 years of classroom experience.
Parents' Column
New articles
SorobanWhen should a child start soroban?Around the last year of kindergarten; elementary isn’t too late. How to start by age, and readiness signs.Read CalligraphyWhen should a child start calligraphy (kakikata shodo)?Pencil from the last kindergarten year, brush from around January. The pencil → brush pen → water → ink order.Read SorobanSoroban or Kumon: which is better?Kumon builds procedures; soroban builds a picture of numbers and focus. Who suits which, costs, and doing bot…Read SorobanIs soroban pointless? Should my child quit?Worth it with calculators around? Who doesn’t suit it? When to stop? Honest answers for parents who are unsur…Read SorobanWhy Soroban Helps Children Who Struggle with MathThe real cause: a weak sense of number. What soroban helps, what it doesn't, when to start, how long it takes.Read SorobanIs Junior High Too Late to Start Soroban?Not too late. Teens learn fast and can reach 3rd kyu once a week. Clubs, years needed, entrance exams.Read CalligraphyNeater Handwriting: What Changes with Calligraphy LessonsNot talent: grip, posture, stroke order, shape. What changes and when, pencil vs. brush, home tips.Read ArtThe Benefits of a Children’s Art ClassWhat grows: expression, observation, confidence. Skill vs. expression classes, who it suits, how to choose.Read Lessons & parentingActivities That Build Self-Esteem: How to Choose One, and What You Can Do at HomeExperience matters more than the subject. Two pillars of self-esteem, 5 points for choosing, tips for home.Read Lessons & parentingActivities for Children Who Can’t Stay FocusedFocus grows with short sessions, clear goals and instant results. How to choose by type, plus tips for home.Read CalligraphyThe Correct Pencil Grip, and How to Fix It at HomeCorrect grip: pinch lightly with three fingers. 5 common habits and fixes, when to fix them, home practice.Read SorobanSoroban Class Tuition: Typical Monthly Fees and Other CostsAbout ¥4,500–12,000/month. Add enrollment, facility, materials, soroban and exam fees. Compare yearly totals.Read CalligraphyKakizome over winter break: tips for writing it wellDon’t rush the final copy. Reading the model, placing characters, a practice plan, and pencil kakizome for Gr…Read Lessons & parentingLessons in the final kindergarten year: what, and when to start?A good time to start lessons. Choose by enjoyment, fit with Grade 1 life and keeping it up; start six months …Read SorobanSoroban grade exams: the kyu levels and how to take themFrom 10th kyu; 10 of 15 correct passes. Fast learners reach 8th–7th kyu in about 18 months. Four exams a year…Read SorobanHow soroban-style mental math worksMental math on a soroban in your head: numbers become bead shapes, so it’s fast. Three steps to learn it, and…Read SorobanSoroban Practice at Home: How to Use Videos, Apps and Worksheets5–10 minutes a day is enough. Move the beads along with videos, use apps for mental math, and a real soroban …Read CalligraphyShuji, Shodo and Kakikata (Pencil Writing): What’s the Difference?Shuji = learning to write well; shodo = art through characters; shosha = the school subject; kakikata = penci…Read CalligraphyCalligraphy Class Tuition: Average Monthly Fees and Other CostsMost children’s calligraphy classes cost around ¥5,000 a month (¥3,000s–¥6,000), plus set, paper and exam fee…Read Lessons & parentingLessons for Working Families: The “First-Grade Wall” and Pick-upsIn Grade 1, school ends early and pick-ups get hard. Choose by six things: flexible hours, location, admin ha…Read SorobanWhen Your Child Says “I Want to Quit Soroban”: Finding the Reason and What to SayAsk why first. “Too hard,” “stuck at a kyu,” “no time” — each reason calls for something different. A break i…Read SorobanIs Soroban Good for the Brain? What We Know and What We Don’t Know YetAdvanced learners picture numbers as bead shapes. Calculation and number sense grow well; whether it “makes k…Read SorobanSlow Calculation and Careless Mistakes: Causes and What You Can Do at HomeSlow calculation often means “how many to 10” or times tables aren't automatic yet. Knowing the mistake type …Read SorobanHow to Choose a Soroban for Your Child: Rods, Bead Shape and PriceFor lessons: a 23-rod soroban with proper soroban beads. Colorful toy abacuses aren't suited to finger practi…Read
About our classes
The appeal of soroban, calligraphy and art
SorobanSoroban: benefits and effects (and the honest downsides)More than faster calculation: the skills that soroban (Japanese abacus) builds. Which children it suits, which it doesn’t, and when to stop.Read
CalligraphyThe appeal and benefits of calligraphy & handwritingBeautiful handwriting and good posture. A calm mind, and the confidence of “I did it!”Read
ArtArt class: “drawing yourself” rather than “drawing well”Through “art philosophy dialogue,” talking together while looking at famous paintings, we nurture self-esteem.Read
If something is on your mind, ask our head office. Even tricky questions are fine!
Start with a free trial lesson
Soroban and calligraphy trial lessons are free (about 20 minutes; just bring something to write with). The art trial lesson is 40 minutes and costs ¥1,000 (nothing to bring). Come with your child and see the feel of the classroom and how well the teacher suits your child.