It’s Never Too Young to Learn Responsibility and Care
Being responsible, caring, and appreciative of the world around us are qualities that last a lifetime. At YBS, we believe it’s never too early to begin nurturing this mindset. Small, everyday experiences can shape children’s values, habits, and the way they see their role in a community.
One of the Beautiful Lessons of Japanese Education
In Japan, cleaning the classroom is an important part of school life. Children take responsibility for tidying their own spaces, not because they are told to, but because it is seen as a shared duty. This practice goes far beyond keeping a room clean—it teaches responsibility, teamwork, gratitude, and respect for the environment and for one another.
We deeply value this philosophy and proudly incorporate it into daily life at YBS.
Cleaning Time at YBS: Little Hands, Big Lessons
At YBS, caring for our environment is a natural part of our daily routine. Our children and students work together to look after their classrooms, toys, and learning materials.
Even our youngest learners—children as young as 2–3 years old—take part in cleaning time. Putting toys away, wiping tables, and helping to tidy the room are all done in a hands-on, age-appropriate way. What’s truly special is how seriously they take this responsibility and the pride they feel when their space is clean and organized.
As an end-of-year activity, our 2–3-year-old class experienced “Oosoji,” a traditional Japanese deep-cleaning practice. Oosoji is a time to clear away the dust of the past year and welcome the new year with a fresh, positive mindset. This activity became a wonderful team effort and a meaningful opportunity for children to experience an aspect of Japanese culture firsthand.
At YBS, cleaning is never a punishment—it is a shared responsibility. By working together, children naturally develop cooperation, communication skills, and a strong sense of belonging.
What Children Are Really Learning
While it may look like simple cleaning, these moments are rich with learning. Through daily routines, children develop:
Responsibility – understanding that they are capable and trusted to care for their space
Caring and empathy – respecting shared environments and the people who use them
Appreciation – recognizing the effort it takes to keep things clean and organized
Mindfulness – being aware of their actions and their impact on others
These experiences help form positive habits that children will carry with them for years to come.
YBS Is More Than Just a School
At YBS, we are about more than learning a new language, academics, or play—though all of these are important parts of childhood. Our mission is to support each child’s growth emotionally, socially, and responsibly.
By teaching children to care for their surroundings and their community, we help them grow into thoughtful, mindful individuals who appreciate what they have and take pride in contributing to the world around them.
At YBS, small daily actions lead to a lifelong impact.