Koto Gakuen Kindergarten Launches Innovative STEAM Education with MIRIDE

Koto Gakuen Kindergarten, deeply rooted in over a century of history as part of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji sect, is embarking on an exciting collaboration with MIRIDE to introduce pioneering STEAM education starting in April 2025. This initiative aims to cultivate children's abilities to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving world shaped by technology and AI by fostering critical thinking skills and encouraging exploration.

Background to the Educational Adoption

In recent years, the educational paradigm has shifted from rote memorization to nurturing children's capacity to ask questions and explore the world around them. To adapt to this changing environment, Koto Gakuen Kindergarten has taken the initiative to integrate STEAM education, combining the traditional values of nurturing compassion and emotional intelligence with modern educational strategies. Collaborating with experts such as Yasufumi Kawamura, a scientific advisor for the film “Doraemon: Nobita’s New Adventure in the Ideal Sky,” and Naomi Kobayashi, a specialist in early childhood STEAM education, the school aims to establish a national standard for integrating STEAM principles in early education.

Highlights of the STEAM Class

The first class focused on the question, "Why does it rain?" Starting with a scientific experiment, children engaged hands-on to understand the principles of rain formation. The first half involved practical experiments demonstrating how hot and cold water interact to illustrate clouds and rain's formation. They observed firsthand how steam (water vapor) transforms into droplets, actively participating in the learning process.

The second half of the class shifted to programming, where children recreated the process of rain formation using visual programming tools. Through the sequence "hot water → steam → clouds → rain," they translated their understanding into tangible projects, building logical reasoning and structured thinking skills.

Field STEAM (Experiments)

The children's excitement was palpable as they asked questions like, "Why? Can we experiment with cold water instead?" Their innate curiosity transformed into deeper learning, observing the steam and water with keen interest. Despite some groups facing challenges during experiments, the focus was less about immediate success and more about a desire to learn and discover. Their enthusiasm echoed in comments like, "What might happen next?" – showcasing their eagerness to explore beyond the classroom.

Digital STEAM (Programming)

The programming segment demonstrated the children’s understanding of the experiment's findings. Questions arose, such as, "What do we need in the clouds for it to rain?" They engaged in applying logical thinking, inversely exploring cause and effect relationships. Time after time, they persevered, embodying a spirit of resilience and determination to see things through regardless of initial failures.

Voices from the Educational Field

Okada Makoto, Principal of Koto Gakuen Kindergarten, emphasized the importance of building upon traditional learning while blending in STEAM pedagogy. She stated, "In the era of advancing technology and AI, our focus should shift to exploring how we question and discover rather than just finding correct answers." Her insights reflect the school's commitment to nurturing children's innovative thinking skills in alignment with their emotional education traditions.

As one parent noted, their child returned from class full of wonder, explaining scientific concepts like cloud formation and molecules enthusiastically. The engagement with STEAM education enables children to connect their classroom experiences with the world outside and share their insights with others.

Looking Ahead: Sustained Implementation

Koto Gakuen Kindergarten plans to continue these classes monthly, focusing on themes derived from children's spontaneous inquiries. Each session aims to promote learning experiences that allow children to think independently, experiment, and feel engaged. By merging the 100-year tradition of nurturing the mind and spirit with the exploratory drive of STEAM, the school seeks to respond to children's inquiries with care.

The preparations for future classes are ongoing, as Koto Gakuen Kindergarten strives for a vibrant educational environment where curiosity is celebrated. MIRIDE's CEO, Kotaro Hanamatsu, likened STEAM education to an operating system, foundational across subjects, and committing to enhancing children's learning experiences with both STEAM applications and broader topics like philosophy and global perspectives.

Through ongoing collaboration and adaptation, Koto Gakuen Kindergarten aims to evolve into an institution where children can ask their 'why,' fostering a generation equipped with exploring minds and compassionate hearts.

Inquiries and Collaborations

For more information about this initiative, those interested in observations or collaborations can reach out to MIRIDE at their official website: MIRIDE or contact them via email at [email protected].