We are parents who arrange English lessons for our kids.
Yoyogi Chapters’ philosophy is to create and uphold a fun learning environment among a community of peers.
Our families are mostly multinationals living in and around the Tokyo metropolis.
About the Co-op
Yoyogi Chapters (YC) was founded in 2008 by a small group of parents.
YC is neither a school, business nor non-profit. We are an informal group, organized as a cooperative in which participating parents arrange and share the cost of English lessons for our children. Admins are parent volunteers and include the organizer, treasurer, and group liaisons. A general meeting/ orientation for members is held at least once a year.
Although our emphasis is on the English lesson itself, children and parents alike enjoy the social side of the group which includes book swaps, cultural activities, seasonal parties, lunches, and park playdates.
In order to keep the cost of lessons low, we ask all parents to take on a role to help the group every now and then.
Learn with YC
To join Yoyogi Chapters, children must be English-speaking. Prospective members must meet group prerequisites and trial with one of our teachers.
Meetings are held on Saturday mornings during autumn (September-December), winter (January-March) and spring (April-July).
Meeting content is decided by each group’s teacher, focuses on the development of English literacy, and progresses towards age-appropriate goals.
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Teach with YC
YC seeks early childhood/ English language arts candidates with at least three years of classroom teaching. Experience with differentiation and TESOL is highly regarded. We have historically partnered with educators who hold a teaching license from a state, province, or governmental authority.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis via email (yoyogichapters.info@gmail.com). Please include a current CV and a cover letter which explains
Interest in the position
Relevant qualifications and experience
Circumstances in Japan, such as length and work permissions
Classes
We organize our classes according to the Japanese school system. When you contact us, we’ll arrange for your child to take a trial lesson according to their age, and the teacher will help determine which class may be most appropriate for them.
Bunnies (K2-K3)
The Bunnies class follows the Jolly Phonics 36-week program, which is designed to help young learners build a strong foundation in phonics. This program introduces 42 letter sounds in a specific sequence, using fun and engaging methods such as songs, actions, and stories to reinforce learning. Students will focus on understanding letter-sound relationships, blending sounds to form simple words, and segmenting words for spelling. The class will progress through basic phonics skills, preparing students to move on to reading and writing with greater fluency.
Key Outcomes:
Recognize and produce 42 letter sounds.
Blend sounds to form simple words.
Segment sounds to spell words.
Begin to read simple words and phrases.
Develop pre-writing skills through letter formation.
Phonics Workshop (K3 and above)
The Phonics Workshop is an intensive 3-6 month program designed for students who need additional support to catch up to their grade-level peers. This program focuses on mastering foundational phonics skills, including letter sounds, blending, and segmenting, at an accelerated pace. Students will receive targeted instruction to improve their reading and writing abilities, ensuring they are ready to join grade-level classes. The workshop emphasizes building fluency in reading and spelling through repeated practice and multisensory activities.
Key Outcomes:
Master 42 letter sounds and their corresponding spellings.
Develop blending skills to read simple words fluently.
Learn to segment words for accurate spelling.
Gain confidence in reading and writing through intensive phonics practice.
Reinforce reading comprehension skills through word decoding.
Otters (K3-G1)
This group uses National Geographic Look 2, introducing students to structured language development. The focus is on building foundational English skills through engaging content, including both fiction and non-fiction texts. Key activities include vocabulary-building games, sentence structure exercises, and comprehension tasks designed to expand understanding of simple ideas.
Key Outcomes:
Vocabulary development: Learn and use basic vocabulary related to familiar themes like family, school, and daily routines.
Grammar and sentence structure: Form basic sentences, focusing on simple present tense and common sentence patterns.
Reading comprehension: Understand and identify main ideas in short texts. Students will practice answering questions related to texts.
Interactive language use: Participate in structured activities like matching words to pictures, pointing out objects, and identifying adjectives and nouns in sentences
Koalas (G1-2)
Using National Geographic Look 3, this group focuses on refining reading skills with more complex texts. Students engage with non-fiction and short stories, building on vocabulary while practicing more varied sentence structures. Emphasis is placed on developing greater comprehension and discussing ideas based on readings.
Key Outcomes:
Expanded vocabulary: Learn words related to topics such as the environment, animals, and everyday objects.
Sentence construction: Practice writing and speaking in more detailed sentences, including comparative and superlative forms.
Text analysis: Read and comprehend short non-fiction texts and stories. Identify the main ideas and details, and start comparing different viewpoints.
Writing practice: Write simple descriptions and narratives with basic editing for grammar and punctuation
Cubs (G2-3)
In National Geographic Look 4, students deepen their reading comprehension and grammar skills. They begin to read longer, more detailed passages, incorporating a wider range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Activities focus on creating simple reports, writing descriptive texts, and understanding different types of writing.
Key Outcomes:
Advanced vocabulary: Learn words related to a broader range of topics such as history, technology, and global cultures.
Complex sentence structures: Build proficiency in using complex sentences, including conjunctions and different tenses.
Comprehension skills: Analyze longer texts, summarize key points, and answer detailed questions.
Writing development: Create short paragraphs and simple essays, focusing on clarity and cohesion
Bears (G4-5)
National Geographic Look 5 supports this group in advancing their English skills, with a focus on more sophisticated texts and tasks. Students work on refining their reading comprehension, writing multi-paragraph compositions, and using more varied vocabulary and grammar in their responses.
Key Outcomes:
Rich vocabulary: Build vocabulary related to more abstract themes like social issues, global topics, and historical events.
Grammar mastery: Use complex sentence structures with a focus on past, present, and future tenses, as well as modal verbs and conditionals.
Deep comprehension: Critically analyze texts, making inferences and comparisons. Engage in discussions about the content, sharing opinions and supporting ideas with examples.
Writing fluency: Write detailed essays, book reviews, or opinion pieces, focusing on organization, grammar, and argumentation
Bookworms (G5-6)
Students in National Geographic Look 5 refine their English skills through even more advanced texts, with a focus on preparing for upper-intermediate reading and writing tasks. They analyze complex materials, practice writing longer essays, and engage in critical discussions about texts.
Key Outcomes:
Sophisticated vocabulary: Master words related to science, history, and world affairs, enhancing their ability to discuss global topics.
Advanced grammar: Use complex grammatical structures like relative clauses, passive voice, and perfect tenses.
Text analysis and discussion: Analyze detailed texts, both fiction and non-fiction, and provide thoughtful responses and opinions.
Writing expertise: Write essays and reports, practicing persuasive writing, summarization, and detailed explanation
Plus Alphas (Junior High School)
The Plus Alphas class is designed to encourage critical thinking, deep engagement, and personal reflection through an interdisciplinary approach. Each term, students explore different themes—ranging from world religions to human history to mythology—through a blend of reading, discussion, and writing. The class is structured to provide both intellectual stimulation and practical skills that help students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Class Structure:
Reading and Discussion: Each term begins with reading materials related to the central theme, where students explore diverse perspectives and viewpoints. These readings serve as a foundation for lively discussions that promote critical thinking, ethical reflection, and respectful dialogue.
Writing Focus: The latter half of the term shifts toward writing activities where students synthesize their learning. They focus on improving their writing skills, particularly in narrative and expository formats, and work on crafting well-structured essays that reflect their understanding of the subject matter.
Student Engagement: Active participation is encouraged throughout the term. Students are asked to engage with digital tools, group discussions, and interactive learning experiences to foster a deeper connection to the content.
Learning Goals:
Critical Thinking and Reflection: Students will learn to analyze and engage with complex topics from multiple perspectives. Whether it's understanding how different world religions shape society or exploring the causes behind historical inequality, students will refine their ability to approach topics thoughtfully and critically.
Ethics and Morality: Across terms, students will engage with moral questions, be it through the lens of religious teachings or historical events, to reflect on their own values and how these shape their decision-making in the world.
Writing Skills: Through regular writing assignments, students will work on improving their writing abilities, focusing on structure, clarity, and depth of analysis.
FAQ
Where do you meet?
We hold our weekly classes at the Yoyogi Fureai Kaikan in Shibuya-ku, Yoyogi 1-37-10. The closest train/ subway stations are Yoyogi (JR, Sobu, and Oedo lines) and Minami Shinjuku (Odakyu line) which are all about a 5-minute walk from our location. Classes have been held online in cases when we are unable to meet in person.
How many families are part of the co-op?
Membership can fluctuate but there have been about 35 families and 50 children.
What is the class size?
About 6-10 children in 4-6 groups.
How old are participating children?
Although the majority of our children are in elementary school, we’ve added a Plus Alphas group for members in junior high.
How many teachers are hired?
We have hired between 2 to 4 teachers per term, some of whom teach multiple groups.
Are the children grouped by level?
Children are generally grouped by grade in the Japanese school system, though other factors are considered, including classroom space and teacher availability.
How much do lessons cost?
Yoyogi Chapters is an informal group operating as a “co-op” in which costs are divided and shared among members. Tuition is calculated in part by the number of class sessions held and the number of students enrolled and is approximately 18,000-30,000JPY each term and is subject to change. Additional fees for learning apps and teacher-specified course materials may apply.
We are committed to paying our teachers competitive rates, arrange to meet at a local facility, and cover teaching-related materials. Because of this we have a "no-refund policy" which states that if a child starts a term but has to stop attending for any reason we will not be able to offer a refund for any missed lessons.
As a parent, how much do I need to be involved?
While a handful of parents serve as admins or liaisons, the majority of YC parents are active participants. This includes:
Arranging for your child to attend YC classes and social events
Encouraging your child to complete YC assignments
Attending General Meetings
Providing feedback and information to admins and liaisons in a timely manner
Organizing additional individual or group literacy activities to support your child’s learning
Maintaining the condition of shared YC materials and space
Is Yoyogi Chapters only for children enrolled in Japanese public schools?
No. Children in private Japanese schools are also welcome, in addition to homeschooled children. We do occasionally accept children from bilingual schools or schools with additional English programs.
Don’t many Japanese schools have lessons and activities on Saturdays?
Yes. Planned absences due to special events in the child’s school, such as for Sports Day, should be relayed to the class liaison. There are no make-ups or refunds for missed YC lessons.
Does Yoyogi Chapters prepare children to attend international school?
No. YC is focused on keeping up literacy for children in Japanese schools in a fun manner. As such, it doesn't concentrate on requirements to pass exams or enter an English-speaking school.
How can my child be added to the waitlist?
Because we are a community of families, we give priority to siblings of currently participating children. Preference is also given to Shibuya ward families to ensure the rental of the Yoyogi Fureai Kaikan facility that is managed by the ward and only available to local residents.
To be added to the waitlist, email a brief introduction to yoyogichapters.info@gmail.com. Please include your child’s:
Name
Age
Grade
Prefecture/ku of residence
Application / Contact Us
If you’d like your child to attend, become a teacher or simply have some questions, please reach out to us using the form below.