#Japan #Tokyo #Yaruki Switch Group #Thinking Skills Lab #Entrance Exam Training

Winter Thinking Skills Special Program

In an era where the ability to research is pivotal for junior high school entrance exams, the Yaruki Switch Group is offering a unique opportunity. Starting from December 2025 through January 2026, the group is launching its 'Winter Thinking Skills Special Program'. This program is designed for elementary and middle school students and aims to strengthen essential skills needed to succeed in inquiry-based entrance exams.

Understanding the Need

As inquiry-based entrance examinations have risen in popularity, there is an increasing emphasis on students' ability to analyze information, define problems, and effectively communicate their solutions. These types of exams assess not just knowledge, but also critical thinking skills, where students must extract facts from given materials, recognize challenges, propose solutions, and communicate their ideas in their own words.

This shift reflects broader changes in educational methods, particularly the growing trend of inquiry-based learning in elementary schools. The skills to gather information, select relevant content, and articulate explanations based on evidence are foundational competencies highly sought after across various fields. Therefore, nurturing the capacity to explore, think critically, and summarize achieve significant relevance not only in junior high entrance exams but also in future academic endeavors and career trajectories.

Program Details

The 'Winter Thinking Skills Special Program' will feature a three-step approach to learning: Research → Discussion → Summarization. With a maximum of three participants per session, students will receive tailored support. Each 90-minute session allows participants to practice these skills in a hands-on environment. They will learn effective methods for collecting accurate information, managing group discussions, and organizing their opinions, all in a supportive framework conducive to learning.

Schedule of Events

Target Audience/Session Dates:

• - Lower grades (Grades 1-3):

- December 27 (Saturday) 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at Child Eyes Shirokane Takawana or online
- January 6 (Tuesday) 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM at Child Eyes Motomusashi or online

• - Upper grades (Grades 4-6 and middle school students):

- December 26 (Friday) 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at Child Eyes Motomusashi or online
- January 7 (Wednesday) 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM at Child Eyes Shirokane Takawana or online

Each session is designed to last approximately 90 minutes, including a break, and is limited to three students to ensure personalized attention.

Enrollment and Fees

The fee for new participants in the Thinking Lab is ¥13,860 (including tax). Discounts may apply for students already enrolled in other Yaruki Switch Group educational brands; please contact the respective classroom for inquiries.

Venue Information

Child Eyes Motomusashi (Thinking Skills Lab Motomusashi)

Address: 1-30-25 Kizuki, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 211-0025, Japan
Access: 5-minute walk from Motomusashi Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.

Child Eyes Shirokane Takawana (Thinking Skills Lab Shirokane Takawana)

Address: 3-2-4 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0074, Japan
Access: 5-minute walk from Takanawa Dai Station on the Toei Asakusa Line; 10-minute walk from Shirokane Takawana Station or Shirokanedai Station on the Subway Nanboku Line.

Registration Process

To register, feel free to use the inquiry form on our website, or contact the individual classrooms via phone or email.

• - Inquiry Form
• - Motomusashi Class Phone: 044-431-2190
• - Shirokane Class Phone: 03-3280-1110

Deadline

Please ensure to complete the registration one week before each scheduled session. Prior collaborative work will be assigned for families to address before attendance.

About Thinking Skills Lab

The Thinking Skills Lab operates on a monthly theme basis, guiding students through weekly classes and a monthly video recording, fostering skills to collect information, organize personal opinions, and synthesize group discussions into a coherent presentation. In the end, students are trained to effectively communicate their thoughts in a manner that resonates with their audience.

Free trial lessons are also available regularly. For more information, visit the official website.

About Yaruki Switch Group

Yaruki Switch Group provides integrated educational services, including individual tutoring through its brand 'School IE®', early childhood education and exam preparation at 'Child Eyes®', English and English conversation classes at 'WinBe®', after-school bilingual care at 'Kids Duo®', sports instruction for children at 'Ninja Nine®', and more. With over 2,400 classrooms domestically and internationally, it supports more than 135,000 students in their learning journeys. The group has been recognized by the Eiken Foundation for its contributions to English education, receiving the 'Platinum Partner' designation. In June 2023, they joined the TBS Group to merge educational services with media. They are dedicated to eliminating educational disparities, particularly in rural areas, as part of their ongoing efforts. Visit the Yaruki Switch official site for more details.