Getting to school
Most children walk to their public elementary school, without a parent, from their first week. In many areas, children from the same neighbourhood walk together in a group (shūdan tōkō) led by an older child. Parents and volunteers take turns watching the crossings, and children carry a personal alarm.
Letters and the contact book
Elementary children carry a contact book (renrakuchō). They copy down homework and things to bring, and parents and teachers write notes to each other in it. Schools also send home many printed letters, although more and more now use an app. You usually report an absence through the contact book or the app.
The PTA
Almost every school has a PTA. Joining is voluntary by law, but for a long time it was simply expected. Roles are handed out at the start of the year, sometimes by lottery, and can include organising events or patrols. Many schools have reformed their PTA, making it opt-in and cutting the duties.
After-school care
For working parents, after-school clubs (gakudō hoiku) look after elementary children until about 18:00 or 19:00, and all day in the holidays. They are run or licensed by the city and charge a monthly fee. Popular clubs can have waiting lists. The struggle to cover the hours once daycare ends even has a name: the "first-grade wall" (shō-ichi no kabe).
Homework and cram school
Homework starts in grade 1 and often includes reading aloud (ondoku) to a parent, who signs a card. Many children go to cram schools (juku) in the later years, and in big cities some sit entrance exams for private junior high schools.
Tips for families in Japan
- Check the contact book and the bag every evening. Requests for items often come with only a day or two of notice.
- Walk the school route with your child a few times before they start.
- Apply for gakudō early. Applications for April usually close in the winter before.
- If PTA duties are hard because of work or language, say so early. Many schools now offer lighter roles.
Words you will hear
- 連絡帳 renrakuchō
- contact book
- 集団登校 shūdan tōkō
- walking to school in a group
- 学童保育 gakudō hoiku
- after-school care
- 小1の壁 shō-ichi no kabe
- "first-grade wall" for working parents
- 音読 ondoku
- reading aloud
- 塾 juku
- cram school
See also
More on Parenting in Japan
- Enrolling a child in a Japanese school How foreign families get a child into a public school, which grade they join and the language support available.
- Daycare and kindergarten Hoikuen, yōchien and kodomo-en: how they differ, how to get a place and what is free.
- Costs and support for families The birth grant, child allowance, free preschool and help with school and high school fees.
Practices vary widely between schools and cities. Rules, costs and dates vary by city and school, so check with your local office or school.