Japanese preschool

Today I went to one of my Japanese preschools that I visit once a week.  This is the 4 year old class who are hard at work.  (What is the key to them being so quiet and focused, you ask?  My secret weapon...a fun activity sheet!)

                  

As I called out the colors and shapes in English (orange circles, red ovals,etc.) the children followed directions and designed their giraffes.

A few of the boys were very creative ...they said their giraffes ate so much ice cream that it was pouring out of their noses!

The girls stuck to drawing hearts and ribbons.  :)

It's a great way to practice using what they learned and they're always so proud of their completed project.  Good job, class!

Kawaii Zakka Shop

Today was an unusual day for me because I had the afternoon off...yay! So without a second thought, I went straight to my favorite handmade/specialty shop. If you're a big "zakka" fan like me these places are like heaven!

Plush toys, books, stationary...you name it, they have it.

I love all the yummy colors and kawaii characters but how do they fit everything on the shelves? Japanese sure are professionals at being compact !

If that was not enough, they even have a bakery filled with delicious treats

and fresh flowers for the home.

With some cream cheese bread and a little shopping, it was the perfect way to enjoy my afternoon! :)

Children's Art Exhibit

One of the teachers mentioned that the children submitted their work in the annual children's art exhibition, so today I stopped by the gallery. Turns out, many of the other schools I teach at also entered their students' work in the competition and I was excited to see their art on display. The age range was from 2-5 years old, and their objective was to paint a fun memory from their summer vacation. From family outings to sports day, catching bugs, birthday parties, riding the school bus; these simple moments were the exciting adventures they enjoyed. It was awesome to see their impressions on paper!

Isn't this precious?

So many budding artists!

On the hunt for cicada.

I even ran into one of my kiddos who had his painting on display. Good job, buddy!

The vivid colors, detailed expressions, and spirit of play captured on canvas was truly impressive. Needless to say, I walked away inspired to create that same kind of magic! :)