Photo from Shichida Australia: Children explore, play, and learn at our Shichida centres, building strong foundations in early childhood education.
Why Start Shichida Early: Unlock Your Child’s Potential
Key Points: Shichida Early Childhood Education
- The early years shape how your child learns: From birth to age six, the brain develops rapidly. Early learning experiences help build strong foundations for memory, focus, language and problem-solving.
- Shichida supports both thinking skills and emotional growth: Lessons are designed to strengthen memory, attention, early numeracy and literacy skills while also building confidence, emotional awareness and social connection.
- Age-based programs follow your child’s natural development: Each class is matched to your child’s stage, allowing skills to grow gradually and naturally from infancy through to the early primary years.
- Parental involvement strengthens learning outcomes: One parent attends each class, supporting bonding and helping parents understand how to reinforce learning at home in simple, practical ways.
- Learning feels joyful, not pressured: Through games, imagery, music and play-based activities, children stay engaged and curious while developing important early learning skills.
You have probably noticed how quickly your child absorbs everything around them – like a sponge, am I right?! Every song, interaction and new experience becomes part of how they learn.
The early years are a powerful window for shaping how your child thinks, communicates and understands the world. Do not underestimate the importance of these crucial developmental years. Yes, children must play – but they can absolutely play AND learn at the same time!
If you are exploring programs that not only strengthen brain development, emotional resilience and foundational skills but also build curiosity, confidence and a genuine love for learning, the Shichida Method offers a gentle yet highly effective approach. This guide helps you understand Why Start Shichida Early, how it works and why thousands of Australian families choose this learning program during the most important stages of early childhood education.
What Is the Shichida Method?
The Shichida Method is a well-established early learning program designed to support holistic development from infancy to early primary years. It is inspired by decades of research in neuroscience, psychology and pedagogy to strengthen both cognitive and emotional growth.
Developed in Japan by Professor Makoto Shichida more than 60 years ago, the method focuses on how young children naturally learn through images, sensory input, bonding and immersive experiences. Unlike traditional preschool programmes that emphasise memorisation or academic drills, Shichida nurtures both the right brain and left brain, helping children absorb information more efficiently and joyfully.
Makoto Shichida’s hope is to raise children with kind hearts, big dreams and full of talents.
Professor Makoto Shichida (1929-2009) was the founder of the Shichida Method of early childhood education. Born in Gotsu, Japan, he was widely respected for his research into whole-brain learning and his belief that every child is born with remarkable potential. He authored more than 160 books, received numerous awards, including the World Peace Prize in 1998, and his work continues today through Shichida centres around the world.
History and Philosophy of Shichida
The method began in Japan during the 1950s when Professor Shichida dedicated his research to understanding early brain development. His findings showed that children learn best when their cognitive and emotional needs are supported together.
The philosophy centres on whole child learning. Lessons encourage empathy, imagination, bonding and curiosity while still building structured skills like memory, numeracy and literacy readiness. Children learn in a respectful, engaging environment where play and learning go hand in hand.
Core Principles of the Shichida Method
The method builds essential pillars:
Brain Development
- Right-brain stimulation
- Memory and visualisation
- Concentration building
Whole-Child Growth
- Emotional confidence
- Social connection
- Positive self-expression
Common activities include flash imagery (flashcards), matching and sorting games, visualisation, puzzles, pattern recognition, music and short concentration tasks that support both creativity and logical thinking.
What Are the Benefits of Starting Shichida Early?
Research on early brain stimulation, cognitive development in children and early learning consistently highlights how powerful the first six years are. Starting early gives your child the advantage of strengthening neural pathways during the brain’s most active growth period.
Cognitive and Brain Development
Shichida helps children:
- Strengthen memory
- Improve attention
- Build problem-solving skills
- Develop early logical thinking
- Prepare for future learning tasks
Activities such as right-brain image training, memory cards and early numeracy games create strong foundations for later academic skills.
Emotional and Social Growth
Children also benefit from improved:
- Confidence
- Emotional awareness
- Self-regulation
- Social interaction
- Empathy and collaboration
Academic Preparedness
Shichida supports early literacy and numeracy through playful, structured activities. Your child becomes more familiar with phonics, letters, sounds, numbers and sequences while still enjoying hands-on learning. This creates a smoother transition into preschool or primary school.
Which Shichida Programs Are Best for Each Age?
Shichida classes are designed to match your child’s developmental stage. Starting early allows skills to build gradually, creating a strong foundation as they grow.
Babies (6 months to 1 Year)
Classes focus on bonding, sensory stimulation and early neural activation. Your baby experiences gentle visual, auditory and tactile activities that build attention, memory and emotional security.
Toddlers (1 to 3 Years)
This age is full of curiosity and exploration. Lessons include matching, puzzles, picture sequencing, memory training and simple problem-solving tasks. These activities strengthen concentration and early logical thinking.
Preschoolers (3 to 5 Years)
With imagination and reasoning expanding, children explore:
- Numeracy foundations
- Early speed reading
- Story-based reasoning
- Creative thinking
- Imaginative play
They practise expressing ideas, understanding instructions and working both independently and with peers.
Real-Life Success Stories from Early Enrolment
Photo from Shichida Class: Parents and children enjoy interactive activities together, supporting growth in early childhood education.
Many families notice meaningful improvements after joining the program consistently.
Testimonials from Parents
Suzanne, Matilda (3 y/o)
“Shichida just seems the perfect fit for us. Matilda has always been hungry for information. She loves the mazes and puzzles… the grouping and ordering of things just seem to come naturally to her now. I just feel like it’s a really great start for kids… I don’t want to miss this window.”
Michelle, Alric (8 y/o), Jensen (5 y/o) & Elise (3 y/o)
“This program isn’t like your standard music class or kinder gymnastics… my kids think it’s really fun. They love learning… they get a real sense of achievement… I just want to give my kids the best chance to succeed in life.”
Brenda, Solomon (9 y/o), Rafael (7 y/o) & Johanna (1.5 y/o)
“The Shichida method is amazing for the developing child’s brain… they ‘learn how to learn’… Our 3 children having started as babies, have always loved their Shichida classes as it is done in a way that is always fun… We have recommended the Shichida method to family members and they are also observing similar things in their little ones too.”
Parents often see changes not only in academic ability but also in personality, confidence and behaviour.
Measurable Achievements
Some children reach literacy or numeracy milestones earlier. Others excel in competitions or receive recognition in enrichment activities. Many show stronger concentration, improved recall and better emotional regulation, which supports smoother school readiness.
What the Experts Say About Early Learning
Pediatric and Educational Insights
Early learning experts agree that structured, nurturing stimulation helps children develop emotional resilience, language skills and cognitive flexibility. Programs that blend play, bonding and skill building are shown to support healthier development overall.
Brain Development Research
Neuroscience highlights that the early years are crucial for forming strong neural connections. Children who receive varied cognitive and sensory inputs show advantages in attention, memory and reasoning later on. This supports the value of enrolling in enriched early childhood programmes like Shichida.
How to Get Started with Shichida
Choosing the Right Program
Select a class that suits your child’s age and learning needs. Centres can help explain the scheduling choices. Starting early allows your child to build skills gradually and naturally.
Supporting Learning at Home
You can strengthen what your child learns in class by adding simple routines at home:
- Look at picture books daily
- Play memory or matching games
- Offer sensory play activities
- Encourage active imagination through storytelling
- Use flashcards – download FREE flashcards here
These small habits reinforce the holistic approach Shichida promotes.
Addressing Common Parental Concerns
Is Early Learning Too Much Pressure?
The Shichida Method uses playful, engaging activities that feel enjoyable and age-appropriate. Sessions are short, rhythmic and interactive. Children learn through bonding, music, imagination and movement rather than pressure.
Affordability and Accessibility
Centres offer options that suit different schedules. Most families choose once a week, while some attend more frequently. Home reinforcement can also help balance cost and consistency.
Photo from Shichida Class: Guided by caring teachers, every child discovers new skills and joy in learning, heart and mind connected through early childhood education.
Nurture Your Child’s Heart, Mind, and Potential
When we engage the heart of children, we can engage the mind. Shichida nurtures not just knowledge, but also the heart and soul – helping children grow confident, curious, and joyful learners. Our approach brings out the best in every child and maximises their potential.
Give your child the best start in life by booking a trial class today and experience heart-and-soul learning in action!
FAQ’s: Shichida Early Childhood Education
Children can start Shichida from 6 months old. Infant classes focus on bonding and sensory input, while toddler and preschool programs gradually introduce memory, early numeracy, language foundations and thinking skills as children grow.
Shichida focuses on both learning skills and emotional development from a very young age. Lessons combine memory training, imagery, music, movement and problem-solving while also strengthening confidence, empathy and parent–child bonding.
Shichida early childhood education helps children build:
- Memory and concentration
- Early literacy and numeracy foundations
- Problem-solving and logical thinking
- Emotional awareness and self-confidence
- Social skills and positive communication
These skills support smoother transitions into preschool and school.
No. Shichida lessons are short, rhythmic and engaging. Activities are designed to feel enjoyable and achievable, using games, imagery and movement rather than pressure or long sitting periods.
Shichida places strong emphasis on emotional security, confidence and empathy. Through positive language, parent involvement and guided interaction, children learn to express themselves, manage emotions and build healthy relationships.
One parent attends each class with their child. This strengthens bonding and helps parents understand how to support learning at home using simple routines and activities that fit easily into daily life.
Most families attend once a week, which provides consistent learning without overwhelming the child. Some families choose additional classes, while others reinforce activities at home to support ongoing progress.
Yes. Shichida programs are adapted to each child’s developmental stage. Children progress at their own pace while building confidence, curiosity and foundational learning skills.
