macrocosm

It is my privilege to participate in the International Understanding Educational Support Program in Shinobugaoka Elementary School. Even though the main objective was to share Thai culture through PowerPoint presentation and traditional game with students, I also learnt many new things despite my three-year studying in Japan.

During my slide preparation, I was surprised that Japan and Thailand share many similarities e.g. monarchy system, respect for seniority (Sempai-Kohai values) which reflects in different forms of greetings and languages, and importantly ‘rice culture’ which regards rice as staple food in both countries. Nonetheless, the nuances of details truly reflect the beauty of cultural uniqueness and diversity which I sincerely hope to inculcate in the minds of the young.

During the teaching session, I was amazed by the attentiveness and curiosity of the students. Concerning an intercultural experience, we played a game called “Morn sorn pha (Hiding the cloth)” in Thai which was similar to "Hankachi Otoshi (Dropping handkerchief)" in Japan. I believe we had a great time not only by learning and questioning, but also by playing and laughing out loud together.

Moreover, it was my first occasion to have a school lunch served by 10-year old kids; the food was tasty, while the Japanese way of training discipline was notable.

Someone noted that sharing is caring, and caring is sharing. I am glad that this programme fosters this notion and allows foreign students to be a part of. Thank you, indeed.

I was very excited and nervous to be asked to volunteer at Shimizudai Elementary School; excited because I love children and being a foreign in Japan (or anywhere in the world) it is always important, but sometimes difficult, to contribute to your new society in a meaningful way outside of your job. Nervous, because you are given the task of teaching/entertaining small, cute, and energetic little humans!

Despite the nervous, I arrived to the school on Saturday morning determined to do a good job. I am still learning Japanese but am not very good, so I knew the best tool to teach would be energy and movement. I was glad to know they had allowed me the use of the school’s gymnasium to conduct my lessons. Then it started and I had a class of first and then second graders. It was so much fun! We played games from my childhood in New Zealand called “Duck, Duck, Goose,” “Numbers Run,” and “Hei Tama, Tu Tama.” I would not say it went 100% smoothly, but Masami san and the staff at Shimizudai Elementary School were very supportive. At the end of the lessons there were smiles all around from the children, parents, and the staff. I hope to participate in something like this again soon!

My friend, Hoani Hakaraia and I received a very rare opportunity to be guest teachers at an International Understanding Educational Support Program in Shimizudai Elementary School. According to the schedule, Hoani was in charge of 1st and 2nd graders and I was in charge of 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders.

At first, I introduced myself and my culture to students. I explained some general facts of Sri Lanka, its location, food culture and especially the school system. Besides that, I did a singing activity of a Sinhala kids’ song for 5th and 6th graders. When preparing for it, my objective was to give them an idea of the difference between /la/ and /ra/ sounds. Later, I found that it is really difficult for them to pronounce /ra/ sound as it is not in the Japanese phonetic syllabus.

Moreover, for 3rd and 4th graders, I introduced one of our traditional New Year games, ‘Aliyaata esa thebiima.’ I witnessed that the students were really enthusiastic to do the game. It seemed that they couldn’t wait for their turn when they lined up for the game. Students even helped their friends by giving hints to draw the missing eye of the elephant as the competitors eyes were covered, so that they enjoyed it very much.

Finally, attending the program was a great inspiration for me as well. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who offered me this wonderful opportunity.