KOKAGE
Under the big tree

The guide of Homeschooling in Japan

1　Equal Relationships
 There is no need to feel ashamed. There is no need to be afraid. Parents are the experts on their own children. The school teacher is not a parenting trainer, nor is he or she a superhero who can understand and agree on everything. An equal relationship is one of respect.
 
 
2 Tell them what you want them to do and what you don't want them to do.
 Public schools can provide public education. Social education activities are carried out by government and private organizations. Home education is naturally determined by family policy. Not all suggestions from public schools are correct. Cooperation will be smoother if the family takes the initiative. Suggestion, confirmation, and course correction, while going at the child's pace, will lead to the child's happiness.
 
3 Make a list of where to get support.
 It is to be aware of what environment and resources can be prepared at home. Take advantage of the resources and support provided by all external public and private organizations and the community.
 
4 Screening proposals from teachers in the schools of public education.
 Family peace of mind should not be threatened. Conditional permission or grading from your school is not requested. Home schooling is a free family activity and does not require application or permission.

5 Willingness to cooperate.
 Together, we will build a relationship of trust based on our shared belief in supporting children.

6 Families take active role in information gathering.
 Public schools can only provide limited information that works with public education, public information, and enrolled schools. Families inform schoolteachers that they are willing to be informed on their own. School teachers are concerned when they believe that parents know nothing about education and career paths.

7 Providing peace of mind.
School teachers always have anxiety regarding students who do not attend school. You can clarify each of these anxieties and carefully do the work that will give them peace of mind. Being able to smile is the basis of peace of mind. Parents should take the initiative to create a place where they can talk with ease through humorous conversation.
 
8 The child has the right to make decisions about his/her own life.
 If the individual does not want to go to school (even if this is manifested as an attitude or symptoms) and the parents decide that the individual is in no condition to go to school, this should be respected. The school teacher will check the student's willingness and condition and the parent's ability to make a decision. Parents should take a firm stand. Both parents and the school will protect the child's rights, support the child's decision-making, and advise and cooperate if necessary.