Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2014

Education

Tokyo Association of International Preschools

Greetings & Happy New Year to All,

The Tokyo Association of International Preschools (TAIP) would like to take this opportunity to wish all preschool students, families and educators in the greater Tokyo area and Japan a warm welcome and a great beginning to 2014.  We hope you found 2013 to be a productive and engaging year and that more innovative and exciting educational opportunities are planned for the New Year!

The TAIP is honored to be serving the preschool community here in Tokyo!  We are looking forward to extending our continued support, professional development, public relations and networking opportunities to our member schools.  We are excited to provide our community with various workshops for preschool teachers throughout the year.  We will also continue to organize tours of international schools aimed at providing preschool/kindergarten directors a chance to visit and develop valuable connections within the international school community.

In 2014, we will be bringing new elements to the organization broaden our horizons and be a more effective support network for the community.  Some of these elements include: a) informal “job-alike” sessions for teachers to exchange and discuss best practices; b) a dynamic TAIP website page of links to a variety of professional development videos and information aimed specifically at preschool education, along with archived and live streaming of our own conference presenters; and c) exploring our ability to extend future professional development opportunities to member schools outside the greater Tokyo area.

TAIP will continue to develop the association in the best interests of supporting international preschool education.  We are always open to suggestions from member schools and anyone interested in working more closely with the association as a member of our board of directors!  Please feel free to visit our website and contact us directly.

Warm regards,

Kevin Maxfield

President / TAIP

School Members

• ABC International School
• Aoba Japan International School
• ASIJ ELC
• Ayla International School
• The British School in Tokyo
• Canadian International School
• Central Forest International School
• Chateau School
• Columbia International School
• Gregg International School
• Happy Days International School
• Hello Kids Myogadani
• Horizon Japan International School
• International School of the Sacred Heart
• Jingumae International Exchange School
• Joy to the World American International
• J’s International School
• Kailua International School
• K. International School Tokyo
• Keiki Intercultural Preschool
• Kincarn International School
• Komazawa Park International School
• Kunitachi Kids International School
• Learning Tree
• Makuhari International School
• Mitsui Gardens International Preschool
• New World International School
• Nishimachi International School
• New International School
• Ohana International School
• Poppins International Preschool
• Saint Maur International School
• Seisen International School
• Shikahama English Adventures International
• St. Albans Nursery
• Summerhill International School
• The Montessori School of Tokyo
• Tokyo International Kindercare
• Tokyo International School
• Tokyo YMCA International School
• Victory International Preschool
• Waseda International School
• Willowbrook International School

http://tokyopreschools.org/

Crafts

Pottery Tokyo

Start off 2014 by unearthing your creativity. Fancy getting your hands dirty and enriching your life with a new hobby? Then it’s time to enroll in pottery school. Instructor Eriko Kuroda lessons aren’t just about molding clay—the whole process is fun and relaxing.  You’ll be surprised by her knowledge of Japanese history, culture and traditions.  She believes students can learn the philosophical elements of the art of pottery—an angle many have never before considered. Says one pupil:  “This experience changed my life in Tokyo. Now, I always think about my pottery projects even if I am in a coffee shop on a break from work—I draw on napkins! I love the moment when I touch clay with Eriko!”

Special Offers

• One-hour private lessons only ¥3,900 until the end of February
• Free enrollment fee until the end of February

Courses

• Beginner group lessons: three two-hour lessons per month ¥9,000/month
• Private lessons (one hour): ¥6,300
• Materials for assignments: free
• Enrollment fee: ¥6,300

Address: 4-18-7 Sakurajosui, Setagaya-ku
Tel: 070-5424-1466
E-mail: soncho@pottery-tokyo.jp
Hours: Morning class: Wed & Thu 10am-noon; night class:  Wed & Fri 7-9pm; weekend class: Sat 10am-noon & 2pm-4pm
Nearest station: Sakurajosui
URL: www.pottery-tokyo.jp