Japanese Workshop for the 'Principal for a Day' Event in Brooklyn!

By: Samira Anfi, Global Classroom Intern

Once again this October, Global Classroom had the great pleasure to participate to the ‘Principal for a Day’ event at P.S 241 in Brooklyn. For this special occasion, two Japanese graduate students at Teachers College Global Guides, Toshiko Takahashi and Makiko Yoshino, delivered workshops on the culture of their home country to three different classes of 5^th graders.

After introducing themselves to the class and locating Japan on a colorful map, they led a hands-on activity around traditional Japanese paper folding, origami. Toshiko explained the signicance of this art as a symbol of peace and good luck, and the students’ eyes shined when she told them that a Japanese popular belief says that if they make one thousand paper cranes, their dreams will come true!

Since folding a crane is not easy to do and required concentration, it was a challenge for students, but they were great in helping each other.

Makiko made also a big impression on to the students by wearing a colorful kimono, the Japanese traditional dress. Makiko explained that her kimono would be considered a formal design in Japan, worn for a special occaision. Many of the accessories she wore belonged to her grandmother.

All of the students had a great time learning about Japan and the significance of origami. They were excited to take home their paper cranes. Makiko and Toshiko suggested the students give the cranes to “someone they love.”