ASK - After School Kids

Our After School Kids classes welcome children ages 6 to 11 and provide the perfect foundation for English growth. In our fun and dynamic international school environment, students naturally develop the speaking, reading, and writing skills they need for EIKEN success. Through engaging, hands-on activities led by experienced ESOL teachers, children build confidence, strengthen literacy, and enjoy learning English in a way that feels both meaningful and exciting.

Growth and development

SMIS-English offers English education at its very best. Every class is taught by experienced native teachers and supported by a comprehensive, carefully planned curriculum. Students also benefit from the unique advantages that only an international school environment can provide.

Our innovative, hands-on approach helps children from first through sixth grade build strong literacy, communication, and thinking skills. By combining engaging activities with high academic standards, SMIS-English gives students the head start in English they need to grow with confidence and succeed in the future.

SMIS-English holds classes from 5:00-6:20 Tuesdays and Thursdays with students placed by age and English ability.

What makes SMIS-English After School Kids exceptional?

The After School Kids programme stands out because it delivers international school–level English education after regular Japanese school hours. Students learn with Oxford textbooks, build EIKEN skills naturally, and enjoy hands-on activities that make language real and meaningful. With access to St. Michael’s extensive children’s library, computer assisted learning, and international school classrooms, ASK offers a rich, immersive environment that strengthens literacy, confidence, and communication. No other after-school programme in Kobe provides this level of English education.

After School Kids Curriculum

The core of SMIS-English is a carefully crafted curriculum designed to give every child a strong, lasting foundation in English. Our approach blends the structure of Oxford’s trusted textbooks with the creativity of hands-on learning, allowing students to build vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through engaging, meaningful activities. This balance of academic and practical English ensures students learn with purpose and confidence.

Literacy is at the heart of every class. Students develop phonics, reading fluency, comprehension, and writing skills through a progressive programme that also weaves in essential EIKEN requirements. Teachers bring each unit to life with short videos, reading passages, writing tasks, arts, crafts, and interactive projects that reinforce new language and show students how to use English in real situations.

Reading plays a central role in our curriculum. Every week, students visit the St. Michael’s International School library to check out age and level appropriate books to read at home. With access to thousands of titles, students discover the joy of reading while strengthening the literacy skills that support their overall growth. Additional home-study materials support weekly review and help students continue learning even outside the classroom.

Across all year levels, SMIS-English takes a holistic approach. Our curriculum is designed not only to teach English, but to nurture confident, curious learners who can communicate effectively and apply their skills in both academic and everyday contexts. We aim to empower students with the tools they need to thrive today and lead tomorrow.

SMIS-English welcomes new students throughout the year. To learn more about the After School Kids programme or to arrange a week of free trial lessons, contact us today.

email: english@smis-mail.org

tel: 078 221-8028

SMIS-English, 80 years of English excellence in Kobe!