Junior High English: From Textbook to Confidence
School teaches the rules. This course teaches the game.
Academic support meets real-world communication in a safe, small-group environment.
Why "Just Studying" Isn't Enough
Many Junior High students view English as just another subject to memorize—a list of vocabulary and grammar rules to pass a test. The result? High scores on paper, but silence when asked a simple question.
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My classes bridge the gap between knowing the rules and using the language.
Designed specifically for students aged 12-15, this program aligns with the Japanese school curriculum but adds the crucial missing element: The opportunity to speak without fear.
Course Distinctions
- Veteran Instruction: Led by an educator with over 35 years in Japan, ensuring a deep understanding of where Japanese students struggle.
- Curriculum Alignment: Lessons respect and reinforce what students learn at school, making regular classes easier to understand.
- The "Safe Harbor" Policy: Mistakes are not punished; they are welcomed as essential steps in learning. This reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
- Small Group Focus: Maximum of 6 students ensures no one can "hide" in the back of the class, yet the group is small enough to feel safe.
How This Differs from a "Juku" (Cram School)
Most cram schools focus on input: pouring information in for the next exam. This course focuses on intake and output: making that information usable.
| Feature | Typical Juku (Cram School) | Starfish English |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Pass the next test | Build lifelong communication skills |
| Student Role | Listen and take notes | Speak and interact |
| Mistakes | Corrected immediately (Bad) | Analyzed gently (Opportunity) |
| Class Size | 10-20+ students | Max 6 students |
A Balanced Approach to Learning
Lessons are 50 minutes long and typically follow a structure designed to activate the brain without inducing stress.
| Phase | Focus | Activity Example |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | Breaking the Ice | Casual chat about the week to switch the brain to "English Mode." |
| Core Connection | School Curriculum | Reviewing a grammar point currently being taught in Junior High (e.g., "Infinitive verb usage") but explaining why it matters in real speech. |
| Activation | Speaking Practice | Using that grammar point in a communicative game or role-play. Moving from "textbook knowledge" to "active usage." |
| Wrap-up | Confidence Check | Ensuring every student leaves the room having successfully communicated a new idea. |
Class Options & Fees
Investing in a child's confidence is one of the most valuable gifts a parent can give. This course is priced to provide professional, veteran mentorship at a sustainable rate.
Small Group Lessons
¥13,000 / month
- Max 6 Students
- 50 minutes / week (42 lessons/year)
- Learn from peers, build confidence together
Private Mentorship
¥28,000 / month
- 1-on-1 Instruction
- 50 minutes / week (42 lessons/year)
- 100% customized pacing for academic support
Entrance Fee: ¥8,000 (One-time)
Materials: I utilize your school textbooks to build real-world communication skills. Any supplementary materials are purchased independently online by students (approx. ¥2,000–¥4,000 per year).
Schedule: Classes available on weekday evenings and Saturdays. Specific slots depend on current enrollment.
Experience the Difference
The best way to understand this approach is to see it in action. A free trial lesson is available for new students to assess their level and experience the atmosphere of the classroom.
Common Questions
Q. Will this help with school grades?
A. Yes, indirectly but powerfully. While the focus is on communication, understanding the "why" and "how" behind grammar rules often leads to a breakthrough in school performance. When English stops being a code to decipher and starts being a language to use, test scores naturally improve.
Q. My child is very shy. Is a group class okay?
A. Absolutely. The small class size (max 6) is designed specifically to prevent the anxiety of large groups while still allowing for peer interaction. The environment is strictly "safe"—mistakes are never mocked, and patience is the standard.
Q. Is the teacher a native speaker?
A. Yes. The instructor is a native English speaker with over 35 years in Japan. This provides the best of both worlds: natural pronunciation and cultural insight, combined with a deep understanding of the specific challenges Japanese students face.
Q. Are there exams or tests?
A. There are no formal exams in this course. Students already face enough testing pressure at school. Assessment here is continuous and formative—monitoring confidence, fluidity, and willingness to speak.