Monday, November 17, 2008

Kindergarten (Early Childhood)

In Japan, Kindergartens are private and not connected to the school system. The center is more like our preschools with 3,4,&5 year old classes.

These students are making origami.


The kids were cleaning up after stamping with vegetables.


There are two 2 year olds in a special class. The little boy was quite taken with me. They were doing their own stamping activity.

Then they went "fishing" with their new art creations. I used to do similar activities when I taught Kindergarten and Early Childhood.


The kids were amazing with the parachute. They were so young but so in sync.





After reading Hansel and Gretel the three year olds made origami houses. They were amazing, but the teacher said they used to come to school knowing how to fold origami and now they have to be taught. I was surprised because their work was so impressive. It just goes to show everyone worries that they are doing the best they can for their kids.





In Japan kids and adults have bento boxes. They can be very elaborate with a wide variety of food. Parents spend a lot of time trying t make them fun.



Once a week an exercise specialist comes to the school to instruct all of the kids. Here they are clapping and walking across the balance beam. They have yearly "Sports Days" when they perform for parents an the community.


The whole school meets together to start the day. They sing, record the weather, and do other group activities.


Before school starts they have free play time. Here some kids were using teamwork to change the balance beam configuration.


Kids loved jumping over the boxes.



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