About 88% of parents say they value respecting their child's individuality. Small class sizes, praise-based teaching, and a challenging atmosphere are desired for the learning environment.

How Do Parents Deal with Children's Individuality and Learning Pace?

In children's education, there is growing interest not only in how to improve academic ability but also in how to nurture 'the child's uniqueness.'

Personality, strengths, and points where they tend to stumble differ from child to child.

So, to what extent do parents consider their children's individuality and learning pace in daily parenting?

This time, in collaboration with Little Bird Preschool Classroom (a school for kindergarten and elementary school entrance exams), we conducted a survey on 'Consideration for Children's Individuality and Pace' targeting 50 parents nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they have children up to elementary school age.

* When citing the content of this press release, please comply with the following:

- Indicate that the source is 'a survey by NEXER Inc. and Little Bird Preschool Classroom (kindergarten and elementary school entrance exam prep school)'

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Survey Overview: 'Survey on Consideration for Children's Individuality and Pace'

Survey method: Internet questionnaire

Survey period: May 27, 2026 – June 3, 2026

Survey subjects: Parents nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they have children up to elementary school age

Valid responses: 50 samples

Questions:

Q1: How much do you value 'respecting individuality' in your child's education?

Q2: Please tell us the reason.

Q3: Which do you find more attractive: 'group instruction that proceeds with the same curriculum for everyone' or 'small-group instruction that proceeds at each child's own pace'?

Q4: Please tell us the reason for your choice.

Q5: Do you think there is a 'teaching style that suits' or 'a teaching style that does not suit' your child?

Q6: Please tell us specifically about the teaching styles that suit or do not suit your child.

Q7: What do you think is necessary for a 'learning environment where children can grow freely'? (Multiple choices allowed)

Q8: Please tell us the most important factor and the reason.

* Note: Figures are rounded to the second decimal place, so totals may not equal 100%.

88.0% Say They 'Value' Respecting Their Child's Individuality

First, we asked how much they value 'respecting individuality' in their child's education.

As a result, 28.0% said 'value it very much' and 60.0% said 'value it somewhat,' totaling 88.0% who said they value it. Meanwhile, only 10.0% said 'do not value it much' and 2.0% said 'do not value it at all.'

It appears that 88.0% of parents are paying some attention to their child's individuality.

So why do they think that way? Here are some of the reasons.

Responses from those who said 'value it very much' or 'value it somewhat':

- I don't want to force studying; I want to let their individuality grow. (20s, Female)

- I want to nurture my child's strengths. (30s, Male)

- I think individuality is important, but in a world where everything is labeled as 'individuality,' I sometimes feel it's a bit off. (40s, Female)

- I'm not confident in my own education, so I trust my child's way of thinking and try to value that. (30s, Female)

- Even siblings have completely different personalities and preferences. (30s, Female)

- Children have their own personalities, and each individuality is important, so I respect it. (40s, Male)

Responses from those who said 'do not value it much' or 'do not value it at all':

- I've never really thought about it. (20s, Female)

- Because it will get in the way when they become adults. (30s, Male)

- Because there's no end to it. (40s, Male)

Voices like 'I want to develop their strengths' and 'I respect them as individuals' stand out. Some mentioned noticing differences in personality when comparing siblings.

On the other hand, there was also a sense of confusion about the term 'individuality' taking on a life of its own.

Even if they want to value it, parents are unsure how far to respect it. This reveals the real feelings of parents.

78.0% Are Attracted to 'Small-Group Instruction That Proceeds at Each Child's Own Pace'

Next, we asked which they find more attractive: 'group instruction that proceeds with the same curriculum for everyone' or 'small-group instruction that proceeds at each child's own pace.'

The result was that 'small-group instruction that proceeds at each child's own pace' received 78.0%, far exceeding 'group instruction that proceeds with the same curriculum for everyone' at 22.0%.

That means 78.0% are attracted to a style that accommodates each child's pace.

We also asked for reasons; here are some.

Responses from those who chose 'small-group instruction that proceeds at each child's own pace':

- Because they can focus on improving each individual's ability. (20s, Female)

- Because I think a study method tailored to the child's pace can improve academic ability. (30s, Female)

- Because children have different strengths and weaknesses. (30s, Male)

Responses from those who chose 'group instruction that proceeds with the same curriculum for everyone':

- Because there's no particular problem. (20s, Female)

- Because groups have higher momentum. (30s, Female)

- Because if you can't keep up with the group, you won't be able to function in society at all; no one will help you. (30s, Male)

Those who chose small-group instruction expected a hands-on approach, saying 'learning tailored to pace improves ability' and 'they can focus on individual abilities.'

However, the voices supporting group instruction cannot be ignored.

Some parents value learning gained in groups, such as 'the ability to keep up is necessary for society' and 'being together with others boosts motivation.'

It's not about which is right; approaches may differ depending on the child's personality and family's philosophy.

88.0% Say There Is a 'Suitable' or 'Unsuitable' Teaching Style for Their Child

Next, we asked whether they think there is a 'teaching style that suits' or 'does not suit' their child.

88.0% answered 'yes,' far exceeding the 12.0% who said 'no.'

Many parents feel that children have compatibility with certain styles.

So, what specific styles are considered 'suitable' or 'unsuitable'?

Here are some of the specific answers.

Please tell us specifically about teaching styles that suit or do not suit your child.

- Even if there are things they don't understand, it's meaningless to keep pushing forward with the group. (20s, Female)

- For my child, one-on-one instruction tailored to personality, ability, and level suits them. What doesn't suit is group instruction. (30s, Female)

- Forcing them to do what everyone else is doing doesn't suit them. Teaching based on what the child wants to do and is interested in is the suitable style.