The process of gaining knowledge happens very quickly in the early years of childhood. Experts actually refer to the early years as the “golden window” when children’s brains develop at a very high rate, and they can easily absorb new information and form beneficial habits.
Some parents are afraid that they might be starting late and depriving their children of crucial experiences. They find themselves unable to select from the enrichment programmes available in Singapore.
This is where the Shichida Method in Singapore comes to the rescue, as it offers whole-brain education, emotional development, and bonding among other features.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Shichida Method in Singapore?
- Why the Early Years Matter So Much
- What Shichida Classes Actually Look Like
- Key Benefits of Starting Before Age Three
- Shichida vs Other Early Learning Approaches in Singapore
- What About Heguru Singapore?
- How to Know If Your Child Is Ready
- FAQs
What Is the Shichida Method in Singapore?
This method originated in Japan and emphasises holistic brain development. Professor Makoto Shichida argued that children acquire knowledge effectively if both the left and right brain hemispheres cooperate.
In contrast to conventional teaching techniques, the program does not stop at reading and arithmetic. It encourages:
- Improving memory
- Concentration
- Creative thinking
- Emotional intelligence
- Visualization abilities
- Rapid data processing
The program is usually introduced at age six months. It sounds unbelievable, but neuroscience studies have proven that the experience of infancy influences the ways children think, learn and interact with the environment later in their lives.
Why the Early Years Matter So Much
Neuroscience proves this. In the first three years of a child’s development, the brain makes about one million neural connections every second. This is not an insignificant statistic.
By the age of six, the brain of a child would have grown up to 90% of the size of his/her adult brain. What happens in the first six years will decide the way the brain thinks, learns, and perceives the world forever.
This, therefore, is not a case of whether but a matter of when.
What Shichida Classes Actually Look Like
If you have never been in a Shichida class before, the following will provide an overview of what goes on in the class.
For Babies (0-1 Year)
Parents attend the class. Sensory training, music and visual training are taught. The babies learn much more than we can actually see.
For Toddlers (1-6 Years)
Flashcard sessions start. They are introduced to memory games and other brain-stimulating exercises. Classes are fun without being stressful.
For Pre-Schoolers (4-6 Years)
More advanced activities are carried out. Speed reading and basic mathematical concepts are taught. Children tend to surprise their parents through their learning.
The classes usually last for an hour. The tempo at which these lessons are taught is fast to stimulate the right side of the brain.
Key Benefits of Starting Before Age Three
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
| Right brain activation | The right brain is most receptive before age three |
| Stronger memory | Early stimulation builds long-term memory pathways |
| Language absorption | Young children pick up language far more easily |
| Emotional development | Classes involve parent-child bonding activities |
| Confidence building | Positive reinforcement shapes how children see learning |
| Focus and attention | Fast-paced activities naturally train concentration |
These benefits aren’t just theoretical. Parents across Singapore report noticeable differences in their children’s ability to focus, remember, and engage — even after just a few months of classes.
Also Read: Brain Training for Toddlers: 5 Everyday Activities to Boost Learning Skills
Shichida vs Other Early Learning Approaches in Singapore
There are many different kinds of Early Childhood programs in Singapore. How about Shichida?
Montessori promotes a curriculum based on self-learning using practical tools that stimulate cognitive abilities. While the Montessori system promotes self-reliance and fine motor skills, it lacks intentional right-brain development activities.
Playgroup settings promote socialisation and are effective at stimulating cognitive development within the early window, but not as much as Shichida.
Shichida’s uniqueness lies in the fact that it is based on a certain developmental approach which aligns with brain development patterns.
The important thing about the Shichida program is that all activities have an intentionality behind them related to brain development theories.
What About Heguru Singapore?
If you have been studying about early education in Singapore, you will surely know about Heguru too. The right-brain education methodology adopted at Heguru in Singapore is also inspired by the Shichida teaching philosophy.
Heguru started as an initiative by some ex-Shichida educators and has similarities in philosophy, such as the use of flash cards, memory training, and stimulating the right brain. Some parents send their kids to both programmes and find out which one works better for them.
What is common to both philosophies? They believe that childhood years cannot be ignored, and kids are capable of much more than we can imagine.
How to Know If Your Child Is Ready
If your child is aged 0 to 6 years old, he or she is ready.
Your child doesn’t need an educational background; there’s no exam, nor a specific personality type that is required in order to participate in Shichida.
Indicators That You May Be Ready as a Parent
- You would like to be an active participant in the development of your child
- You’re seeking something other than traditional playgroups
- You consider your child to be more capable than his or her actual age
- You prefer a programme based on research and continuity
It’s not the child that needs to commit the most; it’s the parents.
Conclusion
The Shichida Method in Singapore, which parents believe in, is not just another enrichment course. The method is designed as a well-researched process that will help your kid achieve his/her full potential when he/she is given the right conditions.
Early intervention should not be confused with stress or performance issues. Early intervention should be seen as providing your baby with the right opportunities to maximise his/her potential.
If you’d like to find out whether Shichida is the right fit for your child, feel free to Contact us with Heguru. We’re happy to walk you through the programme, answer your questions, and help you take the next step with confidence.
FAQs
When should I begin the Shichida Programme?
The sooner, the better. Classes may be attended by children as young as six months old. Birth to three years old is the optimal period, but even older children, till six years old, will gain a lot from the programme.
Is the Shichida programme for everyone?
Definitely! The programme is developed for all kids and is tailored to the individual needs of each child. There is no element of competition – classes are nurturing, enjoyable and based on positive reinforcement.
What can I expect after enrolling my child in Shichida classes?
Usually, many changes may occur already in a few months – improved concentration, better memory and interest in education.
Is my presence mandatory during Shichida classes?
If your child is a preschooler, definitely yes. Your class participation is crucial and additionally allows you to become familiar with the activities and extend your education at home.
