Kyosei Elementary School
Today we went to Kyosei Elementary School. The principal is a wonderful lady whose passion for children, especially students with disabilities, is clear.
We were able to see the students as they arrived for school. First graders wear a yellow hat so that pedestrians can spot them more easily.The principal wanted to meet with me to discuss administration. We had a good conversation.
We observed the morning teacher’s meeting and student meeting. Then, we spent most of the day in classrooms. Kyosei has 301 students from first through sixth grade.
I had the opportunity to try calligraphy with the students in sixth grade. It is very difficult! The kanji I wrote means “hope.” I think that both Japanese and American teachers all have the same kind of hope for their students.
We ate lunch with the students in the lunch room. After lunch students clean the school. They did a great job! What do you think about starting this tradition in the U.S.?!
In the afternoon, students had an assembly for us. The students did an amazing job. Fourth and Sixth grade students performed songs using many instruments – including recorders! It was wonderful!At the end of the school day, we met with the teachers and asked them questions. They said their biggest challenge is differentiating instruction to best meet the needs of students.
Finally, a very nice woman taught us how to do ikebana (Japanese style flower arrangement). It was a lot of fun. The instruction had more than 50 years of experience! We were very lucky to have this opportunity.
posted by Tattle @ 3:18 AM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Jennifer,
I've finally had a chance to read all of your descriptions of your incredible experiences. It certainly makes me want to visit Japan. They have very nice ways of treating visitors it sounds like. The pictures you've taken are beautiful. We miss you.
Mrs. Allen
Do all of the grades in Japan have different colored uniforms? We would also like to know if they have Kindergarten in Japan?
Mrs. Allen,
From the pictures on your blog, it looks like elementary school children don't have to wear uniforms. Do they only wear them in junior high and high school?
Also, what is a kendo? Is it the big sticks that the two people were holding in one of your pictures?
We hope you are having a good time in Japan. We are looking forward to hearing more about your travels when you get back to Sunnyside.
Mrs. Allen,
What are the forth graders in Japan learning about? Do they have other classes like walk to read or music, library or p.e? Also what kind of science do they do? I also want you to know all my friends are saying they miss you and so do I.
Thank you for the comments and questions.
Each school decides if they will have uniforms or not. Generally most junior high schools and high schools have uniforms. Most elementary schools do not have uniforms - except for the yellow hats the first graders wear.
There is no kindergarten in Japan. School begins in first grade when students are six years old. However, almost 100% of students attend preschool before they enter elementary school. Most students begin preschool at three years of age.
Yes, the kendo picture is the one with the large sticks. It is a Japanese martial art.
Fourth graders in Japane are learning a lot about writing, science, music, and Japanese history.
Most elementary students attend special classes (like specialists) for music, art, P.E., home economics (cooks, sewing, etc.), and science. At the elementary school I visited students walked to math (similar to Pioneer's walk to read). I observed a science class at the junior high were students were boiling water to see minerals.
I miss everyone and look forward to sharing more when I return.
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