Making Faces Felt Story Set

Children love making faces! This fun-filled activity set contains 3 different stories:

1. A baby who goes from happy to hungry, sad and sleepy.
2. A pirate who chest is filled with...treasure?
3. A Japanese princess who shares about her culture.

Watch the characters come to life as you change their facial expression into different emotions!

Visit the SHOP for more on this interactive story set!

Goodbye Japan!

I left Japan a few weeks ago and it was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made.  I loved the people, culture, food, and my job so much that my two-year plan of living there turned into 5 years!  But with the recent disasters in Japan, my family asked me to finally come home...so here I am in the wonderful United States!   In all, I taught 12 schools and rotated between them once a week.  I had so much fun creating curriculum and watching my students grow and enjoy learning English.  I'll miss all the kids, teachers and friends I made and will cherish fond, fond memories of this country I love.  God bless Japan and please continue to keep them in your prayers!

Obento (lunch box)

Today was "bring your obento day" so I stopped by to join in on the fun!  Their moms packed such heathly and colorful lunches for their kids that it's no wonder they enjoyed eating up all their veggies!  Plus, they have so many cute bags, lunch boxes, napkins and utensils that it makes it extra special. 

I attempted to prepare my own but it pales in comparison!  (It's the green and blue box above...  :)   )

Don't you just love the hello kitty bag?  I love them all but my favorite is the strawberry-polka dot one.  I asked her which store she bought it from and she said her mom made it.  Isn't that adorable? 

It was so much fun to relax and eat lunch with them, instead of just teaching my English class and rushing off.  I'll have to do this more often, but next time I'll need to be better prepared with a cute bag and obento box!  :) 

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! :)

FREE Printable Christmas Activity Sheet!

The kids in my English class got into the holiday spirit making these cute, Christmas trees. It's always fun incorporating crafts into our lesson because it gives them a chance to practice USING English (I'm all about learning by experience...that's why I came to Japan to study Japanese! :) ) Our focus was on following directions, using colors and shapes, and being creative.

So after folding the paper in half and cutting out our tree...

I asked them, "Find the color RED and draw some small circles. Now take out the color LIGHT BLUE and draw some squares." (Those who needed a little help could look at the board and follow my demo.) As we went through the activity, I tried to let them locate the colors and draw the shapes before I did. It was great practice and they loved making the project.

At the end I allowed them time to add their own designs and put on the final touch....

a shining star at the top! They did an amazing job and had no problem doing this activity all in English. So proud of my students...they're all such bright stars! :)

Now it's your turn. You can download the worksheet for free by clicking here. Save the picture and when you print it out be sure to select size B5 and "fit to page". Feel free to drop a line or show us some pics of your trees. :)

Have fun and happy holidays!

Day trip to Nanjo

Yesterday, I took a trip with a small group of friends to Nanjo City. We visited a few historical sites and then headed to the beach. Tucked away in this hidden path was....
Hyakuna beach! The white sands, coral rocks, and turquoise water make it such a peaceful place. Plus, it was so secluded we had most of it to ourselves. :)

After enjoying the view, we ate at a restaurant called Mozuku Soba. I've never tasted such fresh mozuku (Okinawan seaweed) in my life...probably because it came straight from the sea. What a treat!

On our way back, we stopped by a farmer's market for some fruits and veggies. I felt like one of the locals buying my groceries for the day.

At the market, my little friend made a few friends of her own. Aren't they adorable?

It was a wonderful day and I want to say a special thank you to the "A team" for the nice memory....Arigatou!

Eisa and the Blue Moon

Children were performing some Okinawan Eisa dances today. I've never tried to
play a taiko drum before but after seeing them, I hope to have a chance someday!

Such colorful, customes!

What a cutie!

He was actually very good!

As we were walking away, we caught a glimpse of November's full moon .

It was a nice way to end the day! :)