Fourth Graders Enjoy Japan Day At Middle Gate School

By Susan Coney

The fourth graders at Middle Gate School recently experienced a day in the life of a Japanese child when all five of the fourth grade classes participated in hands-on activities designed to help them learn more about Japanese culture. Japan Day was a culmination of the learning experiences the children have recently participated in comparing the similarities and differences of Japanese culture with American culture.

Fourth grade teachers Linda Baron, Dina Mastroni, Michele Parker, Josie Schmidt, and John Sullivan and student teacher Melissa Dorish pooled resources to provide their students with a wide variety of hands-on learning experiences.

The lessons took on a whole new meaning when the students were encouraged to dress the part. Colorful and beautifully ornate Japanese-style costumes helped to capture the enthusiasm of the day. Mrs. Mastroni commented, “Some of the girls even sprayed their hair black for the day. They really went all out; they are so excited.”

Each fourth grade teacher selected a topic of study to share with the children. The students then rotated to different classrooms each set up for the particular activity to be studied. Parent volunteers helped to make the day a success by lending helping hands when necessary as the students busily worked on projects.

Mrs Mastroni taught origami, the ancient art of paper folding. The children were very attentive and on task, having to use careful listening skills in order to properly master the paper folding technique. Several children commented that “one wrong fold and the whole thing gets messed up.” Everyone in the group agreed that origami is a lot harder than it looks, but is awesome to do.

Mr Sullivan taught the children Mon Kiri, which is intricate paper cutting. Again the students had to remain focused and concentrate to successfully complete the project. When completed, the paper cuttings resembled snowflakes. All were different and mounted on colorful construction paper.

Other activities that students engaged in were the ancient art of calligraphy, paper lantern making, and the opportunity to make a large paper carp windsock. As the day progressed the children continued to make connections and observations comparing the Japanese culture with their Western culture.

During the course of the day the children had the opportunity to gather in the gymnasium to observe physical education teacher Laura Cooper demonstrate karate. Karate is a Japanese system of unarmed combat using the hands and feet as weapons. Ms Cooper stressed that she practices karate for the health benefits it provides. She enlisted the help of several fourth graders to instruct the group on different moves and kicks.

In addition to the karate demonstration and the many hands-on workshops, the children were treated to a Japanese-style lunch. Trying to be as authentic as possible the students enjoyed lunch while sitting on tatami mats on the floor. The menu consisted of soup, cucumber salad, teriyaki chicken and rice, chicken wings, sesame sticks, California rollsm and an orange blossom basket dessert, giving the children the opportunity to try different types of foods.