Aion Kids Launches Free English Storytime for Preschoolers Nationwide Starting August 2026

Free English Storytime for Preschoolers

Aion Kids, in collaboration with Amity, is excited to announce a new initiative launching in August 2026 that offers free English storytime sessions for preschoolers aged 1 to 6. This program will be available in over 280 schools across Japan, providing an excellent opportunity for young children to start their English language journey.

Preschool years are a crucial time for language acquisition, as children learn by listening. During this period, they pick up words, expressions, and even song lyrics, facilitated through read-aloud sessions conducted by trained instructors. Engaging with storybooks, which combine images and narratives, offers a natural way for kids to absorb language and master fundamental elements of English. Hearing spoken language repeatedly assists in imitation, making storytime an effective learning experience.

Aion Kids and Amity already incorporate reading sessions into their lessons. This new initiative will extend the experience beyond enrolled students; parents are encouraged to bring along other children to join the fun of listening to stories in English. Reading sessions will not only focus on storytelling but also include simple self-introductions and collaborative practice on key phrases from the books, fostering a lively and interactive environment for verbal practice.

Many parents recognize the importance of English education early on, as shown in a survey conducted by Aion, where about one-third of parents reported starting English lessons for their children before the age of four. This highlights the growing awareness and interest in early English education among families.

The initiative is designed for parents who wish to introduce their children to English but may feel uncertain about where to start or find reading in English to be challenging. By participating, parents will not only enrich their child's exposure to the language but also have opportunities to connect with other parents with similar interests.

Each child attending the storytime will receive a set of materials to enhance their home learning experience. This includes a coloring book featuring the stories read during the sessions and English cards, which aim to provide engaging ways for families to practice English together at home. Parents will also receive a special 'Home English Kit,' which includes helpful phrases for everyday conversations and resources related to English education.

Additionally, children who complete their coloring book and bring it back to school will receive a special bonus: a unique English poster for use in the bath to further augment their learning.

Details about the schedule and participating schools will vary, so interested families are encouraged to check the Aion website or contact the support team for more information.

Aion aims to break down language barriers and empower everyone to thrive in a globalized world through language learning opportunities.

Event Overview

- Target Group: Preschool children (ages 1-6) and their parents
- Instructors: Teachers from Aion Kids or Amity schools
- Locations: Over 280 schools nationwide, with some exclusions
- Event Duration: Approximately 30 minutes per session
- Cost: Free (registration required)
- Capacity: Limited to 6 families per session
- Start Date: August 1, 2026, rolling out gradually
- Registration Opens: July 14, 2026
- How to Register: Call the toll-free hotline at 0800-111-1111 or fill out the inquiry form on the website.

For more information, visit the Aion Kids and Amity websites:

About Aion

Established in 1973, Aion is dedicated to enriching lives through language education, working to eliminate language barriers and support global engagement. With a history of over 50 years, Aion offers courses for all ages, focusing on practical language skills and communication. Aion is also part of the KDDI Group, integrating their expertise in EdTech to facilitate effective learning through various modalities, including in-person classes, online sessions, and AI applications tailored to individual learning needs.