The Appeal of After-School Programs Combining English and STEAM Education

This article features an interview with Otieno Francis, also known as "Fox," who performed at the International Red and White Singing Festival held in Yao City, Osaka, on March 8. Fox, originally a systems engineer for a travel company, came to Japan, completed graduate studies at Ritsumeikan University, and became a professor.

In 2019, he launched a business combining an "Empty House Utilization Project" with "English-based after-school programs" alongside his former students. This facility provides an environment where children can naturally acquire English while being cared for in place of their working parents, with a particular focus on incorporating STEAM education.

What is STEAM Education?

STEAM education integrates five disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It aims to nurture creativity and problem-solving skills in children through enjoyable activities.

At our facility, the following activities are offered:

• Science: Experiments like making slime and bubble experiments spark children's interest in science.

• Technology: VR experiences and basic programming introduce children to future technologies.

• Engineering: Projects like building Rube Goldberg machines foster creativity and logical thinking.

• Arts: Creative projects such as face painting and making international sweets allow children to express themselves artistically.

• Mathematics: Fun math learning through computer games strengthens logical thinking.

All these activities are conducted in English, enabling children to naturally absorb the language while focusing on the tasks at hand.

Learning Environment and Facility Features

The facility emphasizes creating a relaxing and enjoyable space for children. Classrooms are designed with artificial grass and green-themed decor to evoke openness and comfort. Instead of traditional textbook-based learning, hands-on experiences like cooking and interacting with animals are prioritized. Additionally, the program values "embracing challenges." Children are encouraged to present their ideas in English during lessons and view failures as opportunities for growth. This approach helps build their confidence.

Course Offerings and Target Age Groups

The facility offers two main courses tailored to different age groups:

• Creative Kids Course (Ages 2–6): A course focused on fun English exposure through games and creative activities.

• Adventure Course (Ages 6–12): A program offering more advanced experiential learning such as international exchanges and experiments.

The programs are designed to cater to a wide range of ages, from toddlers to elementary school students.

The Vision Behind Fox X GLOBAL

Fox shared his inspiration for founding the facility:

"I first encountered STEAM education during a project in Thailand and was deeply impressed by its impact. I wanted to introduce it in Japan but realized it was still unfamiliar here. By combining it with English education, I created a more approachable format. This facility is not just about teaching English; it’s about fostering curiosity and a spirit of challenge."

Future Prospects for Fox X GLOBAL

Fox X GLOBAL aims to be a unique learning space where children can grow while enjoying the fusion of English and STEAM education. Its distinctive approach could serve as a model for innovative education across Japan. By nurturing curiosity and the courage to take on challenges in a playful learning environment, the program aspires to cultivate individuals who will thrive in the future.

Fox also envisions exciting opportunities, such as having children conduct interviews at international pavilions during events like Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.

The interview highlights how this facility is not just an after-school program but also a bold step toward new educational methods. With its potential expansion, it promises enriching experiences for many children in the years ahead.

It was very enjoyable and impressive to see children naturally engaging with and learning English while playing.

Incorporating songs into the activities added to the fun, and in the future, it would be delightful if the children who learned at "Fox X GLOBAL" could sing in English and participate in a children's version of the "International Red and White Singing Festival" 

(GLOBALCOMMUNITY editor of chief Kazumi Miyazaki)

A new guesthouse has opened in Kobe! It's located in a quiet residential area just 4 minutes from the train station.

 

I went to the grand opening of Oakhouse's first guesthouse in Kobe after receiving an invitation from Oakhouse, the industry leader in operating over 5000 guesthouses.

Oakhouse aims to make living alone enjoyable, and their guesthouse's standout feature is the large communal living space where residents can freely host parties.

Even though it's newly opened and has few residents, people from other guesthouses and nearby locals joined in for a fun get-together, featuring homemade tacos. Conversation flowed in Japanese, English, and Chinese, making it lively.

Additionally, Mr. Matsumoto from Oakhouse gave a presentation about Nada's sake, which even foreign participants enjoyed as their first experience with Japanese sake.

As someone who has experienced similar parties in guesthouses and shared flats in London and Melbourne, I found such experiences valuable for making friends and connections in societies where individualism is emphasized.

Though still uncommon in Japan, I hope the casual culture of guesthouses becomes more widespread.

This property is also recommended for women. It's conveniently close to the station and situated in a very peaceful residential area, offering a safe environment to live in.

--- Announcement from Grand Kobe ---

Grand Kobe, featuring 42 furnished rooms with amenities like a theater, gym, study room, and spacious kitchen, will open in March 2024! Located in the tranquil residential area of Uozaki Kitamachi, it's just a minute's walk from the Sumiyoshi River, originating from Mount Rokko, known for its pristine waters. Taking a stroll along its banks, you'll find your spirit refreshed by the gentle murmur of water and the presence of wild birds. We're currently recruiting opening members! Why not join us in creating a shared house while engaging in international and community exchanges?

 

Grand Kobe　

 

 

JAPAN ATTRACTIONS

JAPAN ATTRACTIONS introduce a variety of events and news in Japan for 

the tourist to enjoy the charms of our country. We help tourist to find
the events to match their needs.

We strives to become the most informative website about the events and
news in Japan by connecting both national and international tourist to
valuable resources.

http://japan-attractions.jp

 

JAPAN ATTRACTIONS（ジャパンアトラクションズ）は、
日本の様々な分野（文化、芸術、歴史・寺院、芸能、グルメ、ポップカルチャ 
ー、観光地）の
イベント情報、ニュースを世界に発信するサイトとしてスタートしました。

日々日本の各地で開催される大小様々なイベントを、その規模にとらわれず紹 
介し、
日本ならではの多くの魅力を知ってもらい、体験してもらうこと、
それらの手助けになることを目的としたサイトを展開しています。

国内に在住の日本人のみならず、日本に訪れる様々な国の海外の方が、
より深く日本のことを発見できる、そんなサイトを目指し、日々日本のイベン 
ト情報を提供していきます。

 

Why don’t you learn some new language?
I will tell you some language learning advice today.


It is already spring, so fast. I was born in March, so spring is my favorite season. Somehow you get vigorous in spring and can do your best from now, right?
In Japan it is new school year from April. Doesn’t it make you want to learn something new?
Sports or getting new haircut, or learn something, spring is perfect for that!
Of course, I recommend you to study Russian.
Actually, from April NHK’s TV program “Russian on TV” is going renewal. And I am going to be there as one of regular members. Can’t wait for the broadcast.

For studying new language, one needs an occasion or chance. And also, strong motivation. “Why do you want to remember it?”
In my case, it was “Sailor Moon”. I was impressed by the sound of words I never heard before. and I thought “I want to speak like this someday”. Yes, you need to connect your study with your favorite things and have fun studying. It can be movie or music or any other cultural aspect. Of course, communication is important too! Now in this net world, it is easy to make online friends too.
And also, you would need a patience. You won’t learn a language in few months. It is scary. But that is why it is so exciting and challenging!　After you achieve it, the sensation is great. May be, now you can use only simple words, but believe in yourself. You can do it.
And, also an advice from foreign language voice actress as myself - perfect your pronunciation. It helps you communicate even more than perfect grammar. Perfect it once and it will stay with you all the time. If you have some sounds that won’t come right, listen to movie or music and copy them.
Speaking many languages makes your life more rich, and helps you to get more jobs too. Also, as you get to know more and more, achievement feeling is priceless. It is not only about language, but any thing - the more you study it, the more is ahead you.  It doesn’t matter how old are you to begin to study. I am rooting for you! ^^

Today’s little corner  “Sweets to you”　#2

Now hot in Tokyo - pancakes!
There is pancake only cafe and also “Pancakes started” shops too!
Fluffy and sweet happiness. Most of them in Harajuku and Omotesando area, but lately you can find them in Shinjuku too. Be careful, you may have to wait in line! This ricotta pancakes is from famous “bills” restaurant. Delicious!

 

 

クマモン　ヒストリー

こうしてクマモンは人気者になった

KUMAMON　HISTORY

『Kumamon　is　the idol not only for Kumamoto pref ,he enjoys the popularity nation-wide.  But we don't know how he became so popular.

Let's see how he manage to do it.