Last December 23, the young students of Katoh Kindergarten put on a wonderful performance for their families and friends in a big concert hall at the Numazu Culture Center. The children were thrilled to be performing on such a big stage! Many a tear was shed, as proud parents watched the students trying their best in the show, and reflected on how much their children had grown and learned.
Every year, the teachers and students choose a central theme and work as a team to put together their performance as they make props and costumes, choose songs and dialogue, and practice dances … all integrated into the daily kindergarten activities.
The three English immersion classes each had unique and interesting themes. The younger K1 class created an original story about a powerful cookie—a fun and magical story that taught the children about sharing, helping others, and good health.
The K2 class shared their interest in colours and how new ones can be created by mixing others. Through their performance, the K2 class learned about how people are different, yet all are beautiful.
The older K3 class enjoyed learning about the cultural beauty of New Zealand, focusing on a traditional Maori folktale, which they performed in both Japanese and English. They also performed an impressive Haka dance that wowed the crowd. It was a great way to end the second term and the year, and, as always, both students and teachers learned so much while preparing for this special event.
Katoh Kindergarten is part of Katoh Gakuen, a Shizuoka-based school established in 1926 for students aged 3–18 years. The school aims to create bilingual and biliterate students who are global citizens, academically prepared for Japanese and international universities.
— MIKE BOSTWICK
