Is the Shichida Method worth it?
My answer is NO. If you had asked me many years ago, I would have said yes, but my perspective has shifted significantly over time.
The primary reason for this change in opinion is the evolution of the Shichida Method itself. Initially, the method was centered around the concept of "Right Brain Education," which emphasized the importance of harnessing the capabilities of the right hemisphere of the brain, believed to be crucial for creativity, intuition, and holistic thinking.
From Right Brain Education to Whole Brain Education. Is it better?
However, in recent years, the approach has transitioned to what they now refer to as "Whole Brain Education." This shift has led to a noticeable reduction in the emphasis placed on right-brain training, instead favoring a more left-brain oriented methodology that resembles the Montessori Method in its structure and focus.
This transformation in the educational philosophy occurred following the passing of the method's founder, Professor Makoto Shichida. His original teachings emphasized the significance of right-brain development during the formative years of a child's life, particularly during the first three years, which he identified as the most critical period for brain development.
During this time, he asserted that the child's brain is predominantly right-brain dominant, making it essential to prioritize right-brain training before gradually introducing left-brain activities. Unfortunately, the current direction of the Shichida Method seems to diverge from these foundational principles.
In contrast, there exists another educational system known as the Heguru Method, which remains committed to the original tenets of Right Brain Education. This method continues to focus on training the right brain, maintaining the core philosophies that Professor Shichida championed during his lifetime. The commitment to these principles highlights a clear distinction between Heguru and the modern iteration of the Shichida Method.
Professor Shichida emphasized the critical nature of early childhood development, asserting that the first three years are instrumental in shaping a child's cognitive abilities.
His teachings underscored the importance of engaging the right brain during these formative years, which is why he advocated for a strong emphasis on right-brain training, followed by the introduction of left-brain exercises as the child matures. This balanced approach was designed to foster a well-rounded cognitive development that nurtures both creativity and analytical skills.
In the traditional Shichida Method, a significant focus was placed on the use of flashcards, referred to as "Shichida flashcards."
This technique involved presenting flashcards to children for a brief duration of at least 0.5 seconds per card, aimed at stimulating rapid cognitive processing and enhancing memory retention. The methodology was designed to engage the right brain's capacity for quick visual recognition and associative thinking.
However, in recent iterations of the Shichida Method, there has been a noticeable blending of right-brain and left-brain activities, leading to a more comprehensive but less focused approach.
This integration of various left-brain activities has diluted the original intent of the method, which was to develop the right brain's potential first and foremost. As a result, many parents and educators who initially embraced the Shichida Method may find that it no longer aligns with the foundational principles that attracted them in the first place.
What and how does the Shichida Method work today?
Today, the Shichida Method has very little of the benefits of Right Brain Education and is more commercial or generalized, like the Montessori Method or any kindergarten.
This is not to say that Montessori education is inadequate. It is, of course, excellent. However, it is more suitable for kids 3 years old and above. They focus on other areas of the child's cognitive development.
Today, Shichida call themselves Whole Brain Education.
If you are considering the Shichida Method, you might also consider the Montessori Method.
Shichida now adds more Montessori activities. Surprisingly, Montessori now adds flashcards to their pedagogy.
Doesn't that make Shichida and Montessori similar but a little different?
Where else is Heguru sticking to the original "Right Brain Education" and leaving the left brain learning to Montessori?
My personal experience was sent to a right brain education school when my kids were 4 months old, up to 6 years old.
When my kids were 4 years old, I sent them to a Montessori-based kindergarten, which is left-brain learning.
One might wonder if the Shichida Method's adjustment in focus was a response to changing consumer demands, possibly prioritizing more conventional educational practices over the original principles laid out by its founder, Makoto Shichida.
This raises important questions about the balance between innovation in educational methods and keeping up with educational market trends.
My understanding of the Shichida Method is that it retains its core principles while evolving to meet modern educational needs...
From my experience with Shichida, they emphasize Right Brain Education methods during the child's first 3 years.
During these formative years, the Shichida Method (in the past) primarily focused on right-brain activities that are designed to enhance memory and creativity.
These activities include the use of flashcards, which are employed to stimulate visual recognition and rapid recall. Furthermore, various right-brain education memory exercises such as Mandala memory techniques, Peg Memory, and linking Memory are utilized to strengthen associative thinking and cognitive connections.
Image Play is also a significant component, encouraging children to visualize and manipulate images in their minds, which bolsters their imaginative capabilities. Additionally, techniques like Photographic memory training and Speed Reading are introduced to develop quick information processing skills and enhance overall reading comprehension.
As children reach the age of 4, the Shichida Method begins to incorporate an increased number of left-brain activities. These activities include engaging puzzles and critical thinking exercises that promote logical reasoning and analytical skills.
This gradual transition is designed to ensure that children not only develop their creative and intuitive faculties but also build a strong foundation in rational thought and structured problem-solving. This balanced approach aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are equipped to navigate a variety of challenges in their educational journeys and beyond.
Shichida flashcards At Home Should be like...
Shichida Method is a right brain education method of teaching. Flashcards and Photographic Memory training in the Shichida Method are the most important right brain activity.
To train or to activate the right brain capabilities (Photographic Memory, long-term memory, ability to gain a lot of knowledge and many more), the technique of showcasing flashcards and "right brain" training activities, is the most important.
Flashcards are important! It must be shown faster than 1 second per card. In Shichida, it should be at least 0.5 seconds or faster per card.
Add Left Brain Education To Your Shichida Flashcards...
For the left brain development, Shichida includes singing, playing, drawing, puzzles, reading, counting, building or stacking blocks, phonics reading and many more. Which is very similar to those activities done in regular kindergartens.
I hope I have given a simplified explanation of the Shichida "Whole Brain Learning" concept.
To sum it up,
The Whole Brain Training = Right Brain + Left Brain Training
Extra Notes #1:
Shichida Method recommends parents to teach their kids at home after every Shichida class (classes are once a week only). Once a week classes is not enough to stimulate the right brain. From my experience, Shichida parents have to DIY or buy their right brain education materials.
Extra Notes #2
Please make sure you know which activities are right brain activities and left brain activities.
Extra Notes #3
Enrol your child to a reputable right brain school or an online right brain program.
From 0 to 3 years old, the focus is on Right Brain Education.
From 3+ and above both the Right Brain Education and Left Brain Education Methods are taught in class.
For further reading, I have written an article on how many Shichida flashcards parents use to teach their children. You can click the link to the article below,
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