rhyt[hmics [ˈrɪðmɪks]
n
(functioning as singular) the study of rhythmic movement – more common definition to do with educational approach/method.
n.Music(used with a sing. verb)
The study of rhythm
Rhythmics” is defined above – is a concept that is incorporated into education and is fairly commonly used in Japan – (though not mainstream yet). It is an especially common approach used in preschool circle activities, infant groups, and in various yochien/kindergartens that are usuallyfamous for it. Such groups or schools will incorporate into their education these approaches which involve incorporating the use of music, rhythm and body movement into daily and learning activities for children.
More properly known overseas would be the established concept of Eurhythmy, which tends to have associations with Rudolf Steiner/Waldorf education. There are Steiner schools in Japan and the local press features them from time to time, as well as EDU magazine. Eurhythmy is a very central feature of Waldorf education and rhythm, chants, are used to help students learn stuff.
Enki curriculum (a classroom as well as homeschool curriculum) (see http://www.steiner-australia.org/other/Wald_faq.html) is an offshoot of Waldorf philosophy that is not unknown among Japanese as well.
Rhythmics is also increasingly employed in the instruction of English in conversation schools and music schools like Yamaha Music School. Mayumi Murata (the director of RBR Arts Center in Tokyo) has written the following book expounding the concepts and approach.
The book perfectly emphasizes the sing song nature of English intonation (compared to Japanese) by offering piano note accompaniment to English phrases. It comes with a CD.
EDUCATION IN JAPAN COMMUNITY Blog 