FAQs

The Shichida Method is an early learning approach developed in Japan by Makoto Shichida. At Shichida Australia, children practise memory, concentration, language, early literacy, numeracy and problem-solving through guided games, songs, stories and hands-on activities.

Early Years classes run for 50 minutes once a week, with up to six children. A parent or guardian joins younger children in class and learns practical ways to support learning at home.

Shichida gives your child regular opportunities to practise memory, concentration, language, numeracy and problem-solving in a small group. Children also practise taking turns, sharing ideas and approaching new activities with support. This all works towards school readiness and learning confidence.

For parents, classes provide dedicated time to learn and enjoy activities together. You can observe how your child responds, ask your instructor questions and gain practical ideas to use at home. Each child’s experience and progress will differ.

Shichida is a weekly early learning program with guided, 50-minute fun learning classes focused on memory, language, numeracy, concentration and problem-solving. Groups are limited to 6 kids per class. Younger children attend with a parent or guardian, who also learns creative and practical ways to support learning at home.

Childcare, kindergarten and preschool offer care over longer sessions, without a parent. Groups are larger, with a bigger focus on socialising. Children can attend Shichida whether or not they attend another early childhood program. Some families choose it as a weekly shared learning activity, while others attend alongside childcare, kindergarten or preschool.

In our classes, we create a small, controlled environment that promotes the development of both social and academic skills. We thus focus on both IQ and EQ. Instructors lead interactions where children are given the chance to answer questions or give their opinion, building their confidence. We encourage positive social interactions based on a strong parent-teacher-child connection. Children practice taking turns when answering questions or showing completed sheets.

In addition, we actively foster an environment where children easily absorb social etiquette practised in our classes. We actively encourage the development of beautiful character traits such as honesty, empathy, patience and politeness.

Throughout the years, we have helped many families develop their children’s abilities through whole brain training. This positive development is recognized by prestigious media agencies, and some of our graduates have been featured on television. Our center has been showcased on A Current Affair, Sunrise, Big Shots, The Morning Show, 9 News, Today, 7 News, and more.

Shichida does not guarantee a particular IQ score, school result or developmental outcome. Classes give children opportunities to practise a broad range of learning skills, including memory, language, numeracy, concentration and reasoning. Shichida kids are exposed to a variety of gamified early learning experiences, which encourage critical thinking and pattern recognition.

We value confidence, curiosity and enjoyment alongside these skills. Children develop differently, and individual success stories do not predict another child’s results.

Shichida offers guided, 50-minute weekly classes focused on memory, language, numeracy, concentration and problem-solving. Younger children attend with a parent or guardian, who also learns ways to support learning at home.

Children can attend Shichida whether or not they attend childcare, kindergarten or preschool. Some families choose it as a weekly parent–child learning activity, while others combine it with another early childhood program.

Shichida is a research-informed early learning program. Our research page explains studies relevant to individual practices used in classes, such as parent–child interaction, shared reading and early numeracy.

These studies do not establish the effectiveness of the complete Shichida Method as a single program. Visit our research page to see the sources, how they relate to classroom activities and the limits of the evidence.

At Shichida, whole-brain learning describes an approach that brings together thinking, memory, language, creativity, and social and emotional skills.

It describes the breadth of the learning experience, rather than a claim that classes activate or train every brain region equally.

Flashcards are one part of a varied lesson that also includes songs, stories, puzzles and hands-on activities. Teachers use fast paced pictures and words to introduce vocabulary, numbers and concepts, with activities adapted to the class level.

Young children are not expected to memorise or repeat cards. Parents can ask their instructor about the purpose of an activity and how to use related ideas at home.

Children can join Shichida Australia from 6 months until their fifth birthday. Children who enrol before turning five can continue through our Pre-Primary and Primary School programs, with a learning pathway to age nine.

Classes are grouped by age and program level. Your preferred centre can help you find a suitable starting class.

Yes. Our Kinder program for children aged 3–5 supports school readiness through playful activities that build early literacy, numeracy, concentration, memory and fine motor skills. Children also practise listening, following instructions, taking turns and expressing their ideas – helping them get school ready with growing confidence.

Learn more about our Kinder program.

Our baby classes start from six months. Activities are designed for babies to experience with a parent or guardian, including pictures, songs, rhythm and simple hands-on exploration.

Your baby does not need to talk, walk or complete activities independently. You participate together, with the teacher guiding you through the class. If your baby is under six months, you can contact your preferred centre about starting when they reach the entry age.

Our curriculum builds progressively on activities and routines introduced in the earlier program levels. Children need to enrol before their fifth birthday so they can begin developing these foundations before continuing into later levels.

This is an entry requirement for our program, rather than a deadline for a child’s ability to learn. Children continue learning and developing throughout childhood and beyond.

Our classes are generally organised by grouping kids within 6 months of each other in age.

Various factors, such as your child’s age at enrollment or the availability of suitable spots, can affect the exact grouping. We are always open to discussing different options with you to find the best fit for your child. To gain a better understanding of how our program works, we highly recommend attending a trial class first.

Shichida’s program groups children based on brain development research within 6 months of age.

However, parents should note that we may place children born close together or premature children at different levels. For new students joining close to the 5 year old cut-off, we may place them lower to help them catch up gradually with established foundations. This approach helps them familiarise with the program and catch up effectively.

To ensure the development and self-esteem of our students, we discourage children moving up a level in our age-specific program.

At Shichida, our teaching approach encompasses more than just academic activities. Although your child may demonstrate exceptional skills in certain areas, there may still be specific skills they need to master. For example, they may excel in reading and writing but struggle with concentration during image training. Similarly, they might have a strong grasp of numbers but find it challenging to sit still or interrupt others. We firmly believe in teaching children skills appropriate for their age. Consequently, our class materials progressively increase in complexity each month to facilitate this development.

Yes. Our classes are offered in English only, but children can take part through pictures, music, movement and hands-on activities while becoming familiar with the language used in class. Parents attend alongside younger children and can help them feel comfortable. Speak with your preferred centre about your child’s language background before booking so we can discuss what to expect.

Yes. Children take part in games, songs, puzzles, stories and hands-on activities, with a teacher guiding the learning. Younger children join in alongside their parent, making each class a shared learning experience.

Behind that playful experience is a carefully planned lesson. Activities follow a purposeful sequence, giving children opportunities to practise different skills, revisit familiar ideas and try new challenges. The structure is in the lesson planning; children experience it through fun play, interaction and participation.

One teacher facilitates each class, overseeing six kids and six guardians (one guardian per child). As children reach the age of 5 we encourage them to enter the classroom independently, developing independence and resilience.

Siblings under 2 years of age are allowed to attend the class as long as it causes minimal disruption. Instructors retain the right to request parents to remove siblings in case of disruptions. However, siblings above 2 years old or multiple siblings are not permitted to attend the class.

Our instructors undergo rigorous training, including mentorship and continuous professional development. This maintains the highest standards of teaching quality. They receive hands-on guidance over several weeks to master the Shichida Early Learning Method. We regularly update our training materials to provide instructors with the latest educational research. This intensive training equips our instructors with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach young children.

As a result, our program delivers high-quality education that meets the needs of both parents and children. To enhance your child’s social skills and provide a diverse learning experience, our program involves interactions with multiple teachers. While your child may have the same instructor for a few terms, they will not throughout the entire program. Our instructors undergo extensive training in the Shichida Early Learning Method and receive mentorship to meet our high standards.

We believe that it is important for children to interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Our staff members are passionate about working with children. You may be pleasantly surprised by your child’s ability to connect with multiple instructors!

Classes use short, fun, age-appropriate activities, with teachers encouraging participation without forcing a response. Younger children can watch, listen and explore with their parent’s support as they become familiar with the class.

As children progress, activities gradually invite more independent responses. If your child seems overwhelmed or reluctant, speak with your instructor so you can discuss how to support their participation and enjoyment.

Your child does not need to sit perfectly still or participate in every activity from their first class. Young children are still learning how to take part in a group, and some need time to become familiar with the routine. Our teachers encourage participation without forcing a response. You can also speak with your teacher about ways to support your child’s engagement.

It’s understandable for a child to feel cautious in a new setting. Some children prefer to watch before joining in, and participation can grow as the classroom and activities become familiar. For younger children, having a parent or guardian beside them provides reassurance. Let your teacher know what helps your child feel comfortable so you can support them together.

Your baby can explore pictures, sounds, songs, gentle movement and simple hands-on activities with your support. Our baby classes also include baby massage, creating opportunities to connect through touch. Babies do not need to give spoken answers or complete tasks independently to participate. You join in alongside your baby and learn ideas to enjoy together at home.

There is no fixed timeline. Children start with different experiences and develop at different paces. You might notice your child becoming more familiar with the class routine, remembering an activity, joining in more readily or trying something independently.

Look for changes over time rather than expecting a particular result after a set number of classes. Your instructor can discuss what you are noticing and suggest ways to support learning at home.

The standard Shichida program runs once a week. Regular attendance helps your child become familiar with the activities and build on previous learning.

Between classes, you can use ideas from your teacher and the Parent Portal in short, enjoyable moments together. This might include a memory game, sharing a book or counting everyday objects. Ask your teacher for suggestions that suit your child’s interests and your family’s routine.

Progress can appear in everyday moments: remembering a sequence, following an instruction more independently, joining an activity or trying again after a challenge. Parents attending class can observe these changes over time and discuss them with their teacher. For children attending independently, teachers provide feedback after class. We encourage families to recognise individual progress rather than compare children.

We offer a trial class to help you decide before enrolling. By joining a scheduled class with enrolled families, you’ll experience our program firsthand. This immersive approach exposes you to the Shichida Early Learning Method authentically. You can then decide if enrolling is right for you.

Each trial session lasts 50 minutes and is specifically tailored to your child’s age group. We maintain small class sizes with a limit of only six children per session to ensure personalised attention. The trial session costs $70.

Book a trial class today

Use our online enrolment page to check class days and times at your preferred centre. You’ll need to enter your child’s details so the available classes match their age.

Checking availability is free, with no commitment to enrol. You can then enrol in an available class or join a waitlist for a full class. If you need help finding a suitable option, contact your preferred centre.

Our waitlist system enables you to select your preferred day and time, providing flexibility. If your desired spot is unavailable at the time of enrolment, we will add you to the list. Consequently, you will promptly be notified once the spot becomes available. We strongly recommend starting the program early to ensure you don’t miss out on the benefits of early learning.

Existing customers can join the waitlist for a preferred spot without any associated fees. However, non-enrolled families must pay a $100 enrolment fee to secure their place on the waitlist. If we are unable to offer a spot within a year, we will refund the fee.

A new classroom, teacher and routine can take time to get used to. Your child does not need to complete every activity for the trial to be useful. It also gives you an opportunity to see how the class works, meet the teacher and ask questions. Let the teacher know if your child is unsettled so you can discuss how to help them feel comfortable.

If you’d like to join, speak with our centre team after your trial class. We’ll help you check available class times and guide you through enrolment.

Early Years classes cost $70 per class, or $700 for a 10-class term. A one-off $100 Life Membership fee applies per child, separately from class fees. A trial class costs $70.

Term fees are paid in advance. See our fees page for current pricing and payment information.

The $100 membership fee is a one-off payment, separate from your class fees. It includes:

• Access to our parent portal, with printable flashcards, worksheet bundles, an information session library, and a variety of ideas and resources to support your child’s learning at home.
• A Shichida tote bag and folder for your child’s class materials.
• Access to member discounts through our partners.

The portal also helps you understand the purpose behind class activities, so you can build on your child’s learning between classes.

We understand that missing a class can happen due to various reasons. Simply contact us before the missed class, and we will arrange a suitable replacement day and time. Up to two replacement classes may be offered per term, subject to availability, and must be booked within the same term.

Contact your centre about replacement options. Additional conditions apply to medical absences; please see our terms and conditions.

See our term dates here.

Families can start the program anytime, offering flexibility and convenience. There’s no waiting for a specific enrollment period, allowing them to start when ready. Children can start when they are old enough or ready to learn. The option to begin anytime allows families to take advantage of the program’s benefits at the right time.

To discontinue the program, you need to inform your center manager in writing before the re-enrollment due dates. The withdrawal form, which you will receive from the center manager, must be submitted to finalise the withdrawal process.

In case you request a refund, please inform us in writing with a 30-day notice period. Please note that there is a $20 cancellation fee for all refund requests. To finalise the refund process, we require the refund request form, which you will receive from the center manager.

Our Shichida Centers are located in the following areas:

• Doncaster VIC
• Glen Waverley VIC
• Highpoint VIC
• Burwood NSW
• Chatswood NSW
• Parramatta NSW

We operate during the following business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
• Saturday: 9:00am to 1:00pm

However, during term breaks our hours are: Mondays to Fridays from 9:00am to 1:00pm

For those who do not reside near a Shichida center, we offer an alternative option to benefit from our program.

We provide SHICHIDA at Home, our online early learning program. It offers a condensed version of the skills taught in our physical classes. It is available as an age-specific monthly subscription service. This program serves as both an educational tool and a coaching service for parents and children. It caters to ages 1 to 5 years old and offers a convenient and accessible alternative to physical classes. Find out more here: SHICHIDA at Home.