Question 1

What is the Shichida Method?

Accepted Answer

The Shichida Method is a whole-brain early childhood education programme developed by Professor Makoto Shichida in the 1960s. It targets the developmental window from birth to age six, combining rapid visual stimulus (flashcards), memory exercises, visualisation, music, and movement to develop both left- and right-brain function simultaneously. The method builds cognitive capacity, emotional regulation, and the parent-child bond.

Question 2

What age groups do you cater to?

Accepted Answer

Shichida UK offers weekly classes for children aged 6 months to 6 years across four developmental groups: Infant (6 months–1 year), Toddler (1–2 years), Pre-school (2–4 years), and School Readiness (4–6 years). Each group follows a curriculum tailored to the cognitive milestones of that age range.

Question 3

How long are the classes?

Accepted Answer

Each Shichida UK class runs for one hour. This covers the full activity sequence including flashcards, memory exercises, sensory play, and parent-child interaction. Parents are also encouraged to do 10–15 minutes of home practice daily between sessions.

Question 4

How often do classes take place?

Accepted Answer

Classes run once a week. Consistent weekly attendance is central to how the Shichida Method works — regular, repeated exposure builds neural pathways over time. Professor Shichida’s research emphasised that consistency matters more than intensity for long-term developmental outcomes.

Question 5

Are parents required to attend the classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Parent or carer participation is required at every Shichida session. The programme uses a co-learning model where the parent participates alongside the child throughout the class. This strengthens the parent-child bond and equips parents to lead home practice sessions between weekly classes.

Question 6

What happens in a typical Shichida class?

Accepted Answer

A typical one-hour session begins with breathing and relaxation exercises, followed by rapid flashcard sequences covering vocabulary, numbers, or images. Sessions then include memory and visualisation exercises, music and movement, age-appropriate sensory play, and guided parent-child interaction. The consistent weekly structure builds familiarity and reinforces skills developed in prior sessions.

Question 7

What are the benefits of the Shichida Method?

Accepted Answer

The Shichida Method develops working memory, visual processing speed, sustained concentration, and emotional regulation — all foundational for school readiness. The co-learning model builds secure parent-child attachment, linked by neuroscience research to stronger executive function. Most parents notice improvements in focus, communication, and confidence after 8–12 weeks of consistent attendance.

Question 8

How small are your class sizes?

Accepted Answer

Shichida UK caps every class at a maximum of six children. This allows instructors to monitor engagement in real time, adjust pacing, and give direct individual attention. Small class sizes also create the calm environment the Shichida Method identifies as optimal for right-brain receptivity.

Question 9

What qualifications do your instructors have?

Accepted Answer

All Shichida UK instructors hold formal Shichida Method certification and relevant UK early years qualifications. They are fully DBS checked and committed to ongoing professional development. Every instructor has direct classroom experience working with children across the full 6-month to 6-year age range.

Question 10

How do I book a trial class?

Accepted Answer

Trial classes can be booked at shichida.co.uk via the contact form. Early booking is recommended because class sizes are capped at six children and sessions fill quickly. A trial runs for the full one-hour duration, giving parents and children the opportunity to experience a complete Shichida session before committing to ongoing enrolment.

Question 11

What if my child is restless or won’t engage during class?

Accepted Answer

Restlessness in the first few sessions is completely normal. Infants and toddlers typically need several weeks to adjust to any new structured environment. Shichida instructors are trained to work with children at varying engagement levels and never pressure a child to participate beyond their comfort level. Most parents find engagement increases noticeably after three to four sessions.

Question 12

How do I support my child’s learning at home?

Accepted Answer

Daily home practice of 10–15 minutes is recommended. Parents learn the techniques during weekly classes and receive materials to continue exercises at home. Activities include flashcard rounds, memory games, visualisation exercises, and reading. Because parents attend every class alongside their child, most families feel confident leading home practice from the outset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Give your child the definitive cognitive edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the Shichida Method?

2What age groups do you cater to?

3How long are the classes?

4How often do classes take place?

5Are parents required to attend the classes?

6What happens in a typical Shichida class?

7What are the benefits of the Shichida Method?

8How small are your class sizes?

9What qualifications do your instructors have?

10How do I book a trial class?

11What if my child is restless or won’t engage during class?

12How do I support my child’s learning at home?

Give your child the definitive cognitive edge.