THE YEAR OF

WELCOME ASSEMBLY VOLUME 1

Dear Cornerstone parents, Last Friday, the children were introduced to this year’s cultural studies focus at the Welcome to the Year of Japan Assembly. After each Year of Japan activity, we will send out an email that HIGHLIGHTS the day’s events, provides some extended learning opportunities, and includes ANNOUNCEMENTS for what’s coming up. DOMO ARIGATO (thank you very much) for reading on!

HIGHLIGHTS We Are the Same. We Are Different.

We started the assembly by examining some of the similarities and differences in American and Japanese cultures. The children watched a short video of a typical elementary school day in Kyoto and identified some ways that Cornerstone is the same, and different. Then, the students were treated to a special performance of a traditional Japanese dance by Cornerstone 5th Grader, Airi Shinozaki.

Rewatch the video, A Day at an Elementary School in Kyoto from the Boston Children’s Museum here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkqXTHhK7l8

In Japan, when someone wants to apply him or herself to a serious task or problem, she/he wears a traditional headband called a hachimaki. These symbolize focus and concentration, as well as physical and spiritual strength. Important words and phrases are often printed on the hachimaki. Genki is a common word in Japan, but it is difficult to translate. It is the state of being fine, motivated, energetic, inspired, and healthy. When you put on a hachimaki, you are focusing yourself to become genki, and take on difficult tasks.

The children reviewed a map of the 4 main islands of Japan, and saw how together they resembled a sea horse.

We took a closer look at the symbolism of the Japanese flag. WHITE: The white stands for, honesty, integrity and purity. RED: The red circle represents the sun, and a bright future for Japan.

After we received our hachimaki headbands, students practiced their bow, and said “arigato”(thank you).

Hokkaido

Honshu

Shikoku Kyushu

THE FLAG & GEOGRAPHY

GENKI means: Fine Motivated Energetic Inspired Healthy

HACHIMAKI HEADBANDS – JAPANESE THINKING CAPS!

“Genki” in Japanese Kanji Script

We learned about how non-verbal communication can say a lot! Bowing is one of the most important methods of silent communication in Japan. In fact there are at least 7 different ways to bow depending on the situation. Some functions of bowing include:

• Saying hello or goodbye to someone • Starting or ending a class, meeting, or ceremony • Thanking someone • Apologizing to someone • Congratulating someone • Asking someone for a favor

or their goodwill

SILENT COMMUNICATION - BOWING

ANNOUNCEMENTS DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASU TO THE ASSEMBLY VOLUNTEERS! – Whether you attended planning meetings, or made thoughtful suggestions, worked on making hachimaki at home, decorated the bulletin boards, loaned your valuable belongings, took photos, tied hachimaki on the children, served as models, and/or offered your services in other ways, your efforts and contributions were greatly appreciated. Many, many thanks for sharing your time and talents with the Cornerstone family.

OCTOBER MINI LESSON – Sports in Japan: 10/23 (kinder) 10/26 (1-5)

VISIT JAPAN! – An exciting, child-oriented trip to Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) 3/31-4/8 is being offered this Spring Break! Ridgecrest Science Teacher, Scot Oschman, who has many years of organizing school travel, has opened up this opportunity to all of our Cornerstone families. Dr. Oschman will be hosting an informational meeting on October 25th at the library at Ridgecrest, and will be at our November GPM to answer questions. More info to come! This opportunity is not associated with Cornerstone PTA and/or Booster Club.

HELP THE YEAR OF JAPAN – If you like the cultural studies program at Cornerstone, please consider helping as a volunteer! You DO NOT have to have any prior knowledge of Japan, just an interest in cultural studies, and a willingness to get involved! Email Nina Ota at ninaota.cs@gmail.com or Tricia Tamashiro at triciashop@gmail.com.