What we value
At Crie, children learn the basics (forms) and, through their own ingenuity, discover their own unique forms of expression. In a safe and fun environment, children experiment with materials and expressions, accumulating small successes. While valuing the concept of "Shu-Ha-Ri" (learn, break, transcend), we cultivate their ability to learn the basics, be creative, and express their own ideas.
Cultivating the ability to feel
Learning at Crie begins with a child's ability to "feel." We cherish small discoveries such as "beautiful," "mysterious," and "why?" as children interact with the materials around them, such as colors, light, water, and sound.
Through the VTS (Visual Thinking Strategy) questioning method, children practice carefully observing pictures and phenomena and expressing their feelings in their own words. Simple questions such as "What do you see?", "Why do you think so?", and "Where did you feel that?" connect observation and thinking. This "feeling" experience and dialogue fosters observation skills, verbalization skills, and curiosity, which are essential in STEAM education.
Cultivating thinking skills
Instead of simply accepting what you feel, think "why?" and "how?" and try out the ideas that come to mind. Failure is also part of learning. At VTS, we don't give children right or wrong answers to their opinions, but guide them in a direction that "broadens" and "deepens" their thinking. This experience naturally fosters an inquisitive attitude and flexible thinking. At Crie, we value the thinking process more than the result. This repetition nurtures the seeds of inquiry and leads to STEAM learning at school.
Cultivating the ability to express oneself
Even with the same theme, each child's expression is different. We respect the differences in their feelings and thoughts, and help them discover the joy of expressing themselves in their own voices. In the VTS approach, the act of creating artwork itself is the "visualization of thought." They express what they feel and think through color, shape, and structure, and through that expression, they reaffirm their own thoughts. Expression is not about showing knowledge, but about conveying what you feel in your heart through form, color, and words. That is the origin of creativity as we see it at Crie.
Learning that develops through dialogue
At Crie, we value the time spent discussing and sharing artwork. Through conversations like, "How does it look?" and "How does it make you feel?", children encounter different perspectives and re-examine their own ideas.
This dialogue is the core of VTS, fostering the ability to accept others' perspectives, respect diversity, and think through language. This accumulation of experiences leads to the "active, interactive, and deep learning" that is emphasized in school education.
Crie is a place where children develop the ability to "feel, think, speak, and create for themselves." This sprout of learning expands richly through VTS, leading to STEAM education in schools and ultimately to life itself.
STEAM
At Crie, we not only allow children to draw freely, but we also value the exploratory learning process, which includes "observing," "discovering," "asking questions," "thinking," and "expressing."
Art is deeply connected to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. For example, when drawing light and shadow, children notice "light reflection," or when sketching plants, they focus on "the structure of shapes." Art time becomes a time to nurture children's thinking skills, imagination, and communication abilities.
These are the kinds of skills that develop.
This helps develop the ability to observe carefully and notice details (observational skills).
You will naturally develop the habit of asking "Why?" and "Why does it look that way?" (thinking skills)
The ability to convey one's insights and thoughts through words and works (expressive ability)
Think for yourself and try making it. This also fosters the ability to learn from mistakes (ingenuity and imagination).
Children become aware of the mysteries of science and nature, and develop a desire to "learn more!" (Inquisitiveness)
Understanding shapes, patterns, numbers, and structures is naturally fostered (mathematical sense).
VTS (Artistic Thinking)
In VTS, there is no single "right answer." Instead, you share and listen to what you see, feel, and think with others, discovering the diversity and depth of different perspectives. The fun lies in realizing, "Oh, that's another way of looking at it!" and "I never noticed that before, but it's interesting!"
These are the kinds of skills that develop.
The ability to look carefully (observational skills)
The ability to put one's thoughts into words (the ability to interpret)
The ability to listen to a friend's opinion (listening skills)
The ability to think about the reasons behind "why" (the ability to think).
A mindset that accepts various viewpoints (a spirit of diversity)
Art Thinking
Art thinking is a way of thinking that cultivates the ability to "observe carefully, feel, think, and express oneself in one's own way."
The future of society will no longer be one where you can simply memorize "one correct answer," as was the case in the past.
Information is abundant, challenges are becoming more complex, and the ability to think and act independently is being put to the test.
Art thinking cultivates the ability to enjoy living in a world without definitive answers, through the processes of "asking questions," "developing your own perspective," and "formulating hypotheses and giving them form."
We hope this can become an invaluable learning environment that nurtures children's ability to "feel," "think," and "communicate."
Staff Introduction
Chief Instructor | Nagisa Horinouchi (Sako-sensei)
After graduating from Keio University, I worked in planning and public relations at an advertising agency and a precision equipment manufacturer. In my twenties, I studied abroad in the UK (1 year) and lived in the US (1.5 years). I was exposed to diverse cultures and ways of thinking, and my interest in education deepened through raising children.
Inspired by her own child's elementary school entrance exam preparation, she gained experience as an instructor. Along with the growing popularity of STEAM education, she realized the importance and potential of VTS (Visual Thinking Strategy) in fostering critical thinking and observation skills, leading her to launch her current business. Currently, she focuses on service design, working to create spaces for learning and expression for a wide range of generations, from children to adults.
Ginza Coaching School (GSC) Certified Coach
Backend Staff | Noppo-san
After graduating from university, I worked in a wide range of business areas at several listed manufacturers, from product development and sales to IT and supply chain management. Currently, while serving as a department head at a listed company, I am involved with Crie based on my strong belief that "education is what creates the future."
Drawing on over 25 years of experience and knowledge on the front lines of business, he is dedicated to building the foundation for a "learning environment" that nurtures the next generation, supporting Crie from the backend. He is affectionately known as "Noppo-san" (Tall Guy) within the team.
MBA, PMP, NLP, CSM (Certified Scrum Master)
