Not “Adding More,” But “Refining.” A New Choice for At-Home Language learning @ Kanamachi

Hello. We are “MiraiGym Kanamachi,” a local educational community in Kanamachi.

We recently held a special seminar supported by a grant from Katsushika City, titled “Practical Methods for At-Home Language learning: Parent-Child Communication Enjoyed in English.” Thanks to your overwhelming interest, we received more applications than capacity allowed, and were able to share a highly fulfilling and, above all, “warm” time together. Today, we are sharing a report on this event, which was meticulously planned to ensure not only the accuracy of information but also its “reproducibility at home.”

Not as “Study,” but as a Part of “Daily Life” The venue that day was not a silent, rigid lecture room. It was a space enveloped in the “natural state” of children—moving around freely, playing, and sometimes having their eyes light up with a new discovery. While this was a lecture for parents, the attending babies and toddlers naturally needed to have a fun time, too!

The English hand-play session led by Angeli-sensei was a huge hit! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the full 120 minutes. Instead of bracing yourself with the thought, “I have to teach them English,” simply moving your hands and bodies together and having fun is enough. Just by doing that, children’s ears and hearts absorb English surprisingly naturally.

“Are We Doing Enough?” – Anxiety and Pressure You open your smartphone, and a video plays showing a child around the same age as yours speaking multiple languages fluently… Unused learning materials piling up in the corner of the room, along with a growing sense of anxiety. Angeli-sensei began her talk by putting into words those feelings of “impatience” and “anxiety” that perhaps every parent has experienced. The participating parents nodded with expressions of deep understanding, clearly thinking, “I know exactly how that feels…”

The “Dilemma of Adding More” Faced by Many Parents Our attendees were parents who, despite being busy with daily work and household chores, are thinking earnestly about their children’s futures.

“They are already so used to Japanese that it’s hard to create an English environment.” “Maybe I’m not speaking to them in English enough.” It seemed many were carrying the burden of this “dilemma of adding more” precisely because they are so dedicated. However, as the seminar progressed, the atmosphere in the room began to shift. The one “answer” we shared this time was not about buying more materials, nor was it about parents pushing themselves harder. By simply shifting “one single perspective,” the daily scenery completely changes. The moment they realized this, many participants seemed to finally breathe a sigh of relief, feeling empowered to continue their At-Home English journey. It was a memorable discussion about letting go of anxiety. It wasn’t just an introduction of specific methods; Angeli-sensei’s practical advice, grounded in her own parenting experiences, was highly praised by participants for being incredibly easy to understand.

At-Home English: “You’re Doing Just Fine” In the post-event surveys, rather than just feedback on specific techniques, we received many comments regarding a “shift in mindset,” such as, “I want to relax and find a way to enjoy English with my child!” Words from Angeli-sensei: “There is no single correct answer. Please choose what fits you and your child best.” While many specific methods were introduced, the one undeniable truth is this: “At-Home English can be simpler, and it should be a much happier time.”

Regarding Our Next Event Due to venue capacity limits, we were unfortunately unable to accommodate everyone who applied this time. Additionally, some were forced to cancel at the last minute due to infectious illnesses like the flu or gastroenteritis. We definitely plan to organize another opportunity in the future to share hints for At-Home English with everyone. Once the details for the next event are decided, we will announce them with priority via our official LINE account and this website. We look forward to seeing you all again.

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About MiraiGym Kanamachi

Based in Kanamachi, Mirai Gym Kanamachi creates opportunities for parents and children to learn and embrace new challenges.
For us, English is not the ultimate goal, but rather a tool to foster the “ability to express oneself” and the “courage to try.”
Rooted in our local community, we are dedicated to providing more experiences that will shape our children’s futures.

「足す」のではなく「整える」。おうち英語の新しい選択肢@金町

こんにちは。金町の地域教育コミュニティ「みらいジムかなまち」です。

先日開催いたしました、葛飾区助成事業としての特別講座「おうち英語の実践方法～英語で楽しむ親子コミュニケーション～」

おかげさまで定員を超えるお申込みをいただき、非常に濃密で、そして何より「温かな」時間を共有することができました。

今回は、情報の正確さはもちろんですが、「家庭での再現性」に徹底的にこだわって企画されたイベントの様子をレポートします。

「勉強」ではなく「生活」の一部として

当日の会場は、シーンと静まり返った講義室ではありません。 こどもたちが自由に動き回り、遊び、時に何かを発見して目を輝かせる。そんな、子供たちの「自然な姿」に包まれた空間でした。

今回は保護者向けの講義でしたが、もちろん同席の赤ちゃんたちだって、ちゃんと楽しくないと！

アンジェリ先生による英語の手遊びコーナーも、大盛り上がり！120分、しっかり楽しんでいただけました！

「英語を教えなきゃ」と身構えるのではなく、ただ一緒に手と体を動かして楽しむ。 それだけで、子供たちの耳と心は驚くほど自然に英語を受け入れてくれます。

「うちはこれでいいの？」焦りとプレッシャー

スマホを開くとうちの子と同じくらいのどこかの子どもが、何か国語も流ちょうに話している動画が流れてくる…。

部屋の隅に積み重なっていく、使われない教材と、募る不安感。

アンジェリ先生のお話は誰もが経験したことがあるかもしれない、「あんな焦り」や「こんな不安感」を言語化するところからスタートしました。

参加された保護者の皆様の、 「あるある・・・」 という、納得の表情。

多くの保護者が抱える「足し算の悩み」

ご参加くださったのは、日々お仕事や家事に追われながらも、お子様の将来を真剣に考えていらっしゃる保護者の皆様。

• 「日本語に慣れてしまって、英語環境をつくるのが難しい」
• 「親の語りかけが足りないのではないか」

そんな、真面目さゆえの「足し算の悩み」を抱えていらっしゃった方が多かったように思います。

しかし、講座が進むにつれて会場の空気が変わっていきました。 私たちが今回共有した一つの「答え」。 それは、新しい教材を増やすことでも、親御さんが頑張ることでもありません。

ある「たった一つの視点」を変えるだけで、日々の景色がガラリと変わる。 その事実に気づいた瞬間、多くの参加者様が「ふっ」と肩の荷を下ろして、「おうち英語」を続けられる。そんな、不安を手放すお話が印象的でした。

具体的なメソッドの紹介だけでなく、「ご自身の子育て経験にも基づく実践的なお話が、とても分かりやすかったと」参加者の方からも好評でした。

おうち英語「これで大丈夫」

終了後のアンケートには、「肩の力を抜いて、子どもと楽しめる英語の進め方をしたいと思いました！」など具体的なテクニックへの感想以上に、「マインドの変化」に関するお声が多く寄せられました。

　アンジェリ先生の言葉：「正解はありません。あなたと、お子さんに、一番合うものを選んでください」

具体的なメソッドもたくさんありましたが、ただ、一つ確かなことは、 「おうち英語は、もっとシンプルで、もっと幸せな時間であっていい」 ということです。

次回の開催について

今回は会場の定員の都合でお申込みいただいた皆様に参加いただくことができず、また、インフルエンザや胃腸炎などの感染症で当日急遽参加できなかった方もいらっしゃました。

またぜひ次回も、「おうち英語」のヒントを皆さんと共有できる場をご用意したいと考えています。

次回の開催が決まりましたら、以下の公式LINE、または本サイトにて優先的にご案内いたします。 また皆様とご一緒できることを楽しみにしております。

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みらいジムかなまちについて

みらいジムかなまちは、
金町を拠点に、親子の学びと挑戦のきっかけをつくる活動を行っています。

英語は目的ではなく、
「表現する力」「やってみる力」を育てるためのツール。

地域から、子どもたちの未来につながる経験を増やしていきます。

20 Children Aged 4–10 Took the Stage

How the KANAMACHI Kids English Contest 2025 Created a Meaningful Global Experience

“You don’t have to be fluent to stand on stage.”
“Perfection isn’t the goal — trying is.”

With these beliefs at its heart, the KANAMACHI Kids English Contest 2025 was held on November 30, 2025, at Kanamachi Plat in Tokyo.

On that day, 20 children aged 4 to 10 bravely stepped onto the stage.
Surrounded by supportive parents, local community members, and even child volunteers, the venue was filled with warmth, encouragement, and smiles.

Valuing the Desire to Try — Not Just English Ability

What makes this contest truly special is its philosophy.

Instead of ranking children or comparing scores, the event celebrates each child’s unique strengths and courage.

The performances were wonderfully diverse:

• Memorized recitations
• Short speeches and self-introductions
• Songs and read-alouds
• Creative presentations using handmade panels

Some children shared their love for Rubik’s Cubes,
others demonstrated flexibility exercises,
talked about SDGs, space,
or spoke passionately about their favorite place — Kanamachi.

Every child expressed themselves in their own way, at their own level.
And every effort was met with applause.

Everyone Is a Star: Awards That Celebrate Individual Strengths

At the awards ceremony, there were no winners or losers.

Instead, children received awards that recognized who they are and how they tried, such as:

• Creativity Award
• Good Smile Award
• Beautiful Pronunciation Award
• Outstanding Effort Award
• Excellent Speech Award

There were no rankings.
Simply standing on stage and giving it a try was already an achievement worth celebrating.

Another Set of Heroes: The Child Volunteer Staff

This event had more than just performers.

Ten children participated as volunteer staff, taking on roles such as:

• Stage decoration team
• Reception
• Timekeeping
• Guide

Working together with Teacher Angeli, the children communicated, supported one another, and helped run the event themselves.

The stage backdrop?
That was designed and created by the Stage Team of child volunteers.

Many parents shared comments like:

“It was wonderful to see children working together to create the event.”

Being part of the supporting side became a powerful learning experience — one that went beyond performing in English.

Voices from Parents (Survey Highlights)

• “Speaking in front of so many people was an incredibly valuable experience.”
• “My child was nervous, but was able to show the results of their practice.”
• “The preparation and the sense of tension were all meaningful learning experiences.”

Looking Ahead: Creating More Spaces to Try, Starting from Kanamachi

This event was free to participate, made possible by the generous support of local partners, sponsors, and volunteers.

Thanks to the community’s support, every child went home proudly carrying awards and smiles.

🎁Sponsors🎁
HAIR & MAKE EARTH金町店様
金町ベル矯正歯科・小児歯科様
Photo studio niko様
BLOOM SPEAK 様
太洋堂書店様

We are deeply grateful for your support.

A Small Step That Sparks a Bigger Desire

We hope this experience becomes a small seed of thought:

• “I want to try again.”
• “Next time, I want to say more.”

Thank You — and See You Next Time

Our heartfelt thanks go to the local community, sponsors, volunteers, and most of all, the children who had the courage to try.

✨ Information about the next event will be shared on the Mirai Gym Kanamachi website and official LINE account.

If you’re wondering,
“Would this be okay for my child?”
We invite you to take a look.

→🌎MiraiGym Kanamachi