CGK Times
Maximizing your opportunities for happiness
in an increasingly global world
September 2024
Contents
Preschool
Be Prepared
The Scout Motto is, "Be prepared"; it is a motto that is useful in general but especially so when it comes to disasters. The month of September is chosen to highlight disaster preparations as it is peak typhoon season as well as in memory of the Great Kanto Earthquake which struck on September 1, 1923. With the Noto Earthquake at the start of this year as well as the Nankai Trough alert announcement, it is essential to be prepared.
This month the Mountain (4-year-olds) and Sky (5-year-olds) classes went to the Yokohama Disaster Risk Reduction Learning Centre where they experienced earthquake and fire simulations. As well, they learned what to do during disasters: amongst other things, always have enough food and water for everybody, including your pets!
This field trip complements the emergency drills that we have every month. In case of emergencies the staff and children have practiced how to respond whether safely evacuating in case of fire or after a strong earthquake, or moving up to the higher floors of both campuses if there is a tsunami alert.
If we need to evacuate from our Bashamichi and Kannai campuses our designated evacuation site is Honcho Elementary School. If we have evacuated and/or cannot return to CGK, we will contact all families about picking up their children on Renraku App, Toddle, and Line. We will also leave a recorded message on the government Disaster Emergency line 災害用伝言ダイヤル. For more information on how to access this service please take a look at your preschool handbook.
Finally, the national broadcaster NHK has a lot of resources about preparing for disasters: this video quickly covers what to do if there is an earthquake. There is also this video, which the children, teaches everybody how to do the roly poly pose during an earthquake. One family recently shared that during a recent tremor they were proud that their child quickly got into the roly poly pose with no fuss. Whether it's having enough food and water for everybody or calmly getting into the roly poly, there are a lot of easy things that we can do to keep ourselves safe and ready for disasters.
CGK School Festival 2024
Mark it in your calendars and clear your schedules: CGK School Festival is back for another year on Sunday October 27!
This year's School Festival will again be at our Kannai campus from 10:00 to 14:30. We will have some scary Halloween games, and booths and exhibitions of students' works and performances. There will also be vendors offering some delicious light meals and refreshments, special guests, and raffles with some very cool prizes! Entry to the very popular 2nd floor (Halloween games) will be limited by campus for this year’s School Festival to avoid congestion. Time restrictions will only apply to the 2nd floor, and other floors can be enjoyed freely beyond the designated time slots.
① Bashamichi Campus students (Ocean AB, Jungle): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
② Kannai Campus students (Mountain AB, Sky): 12:15 PM – 2:15 PM
School Festival is open to everyone so bring your family and friends for the fun! Please check the Toddle Announcements for more information.
Book Club is Coming
Another one to add to your calendars in October: book club! For those who don't know what book club is, you will receive a catalogue with a wide variety of books which you can order for your child at a discounted price. At the end of book club, we will receive and organize the books for your child to take home, making it an easy process for every one. As well, CGK receives a percentage of all orders placed through book club which is then used for books to add to our library. Your children should be taking home the book club catalogue soon so do make sure to keep an eye for it. Happy shopping!
CGK Awards
Welcome to the world renowned, highly respected, and much revered CGK Awards! Each month we would like to highlight the children from each class who have displayed qualities that are part of the IB Learner Profile. These are qualities that we want our children to have and to share with the world. With that, the recipients of this month's CGK Achievement Awards are:
Jungle (3-year-olds)
R. - for being a risk-taker and demonstrating strength by not crying when she gets a minor injury.
T. - for being a risk-taker and communicator by trying her best to speak with a clear voice and being brave when coming to school.
Mountain A (4-year-olds)
B. - for showing a good understanding of how to look after herself and take care of others.
K. - for his invaluable questions and always trying to learn more about the world.
Mountain B (4-year-olds)
R. - for participating in the discussion and being respectful by listening well.
R. - for being kind, caring, and showing a positive attitude towards his learning.
Sky (5-year-olds)
A. - for using English a lot more and having fun sharing stories during Circle Time.
H. - for being responsible by taking care of others and also his belongings every day.
Congratulations to this month’s recipients. Keep on sharing your awesomeness with the world!
Sky (5-year-olds)
Family Time Travelers: Exploring Our Roots!
Sky Class has been diving into the world of family trees, learning about who's in their family and all the special traits that make each of us unique and important! We're exploring how families come in all shapes and sizes: no two families look or behave the same. Everyone’s family is different, and that’s what makes us so wonderfully unique! To celebrate this, the kids got creative and made their own abstract family trees using a mix of fun craft materials. From colorful pom-poms to pipe cleaners, each tree turned out as unique as the families they represent!
Our lines of inquiry also touched a bit on family history, allowing us to explore the past and how our families have grown and changed. In Japanese time, they've been taking a deeper look at Japanese ancestry and history, learning more about how their own roots connect to the bigger picture. It's been a meaningful way to help them understand the importance of where they come from!
Mapping Our Magical Journeys
Additionally, we've been having a blast learning all about different kinds of journeys—whether it's a timeline of someone's life on earth or a trip to a familiar or new place! To put this into practice, the class split into teams and worked together to create their own maps of Yokohama. Each map had a start and finish, with fun stops sprinkled along the way. They used lots of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills to find popular spots on the map. The best part? They got to add their own landmarks, people, and modes of transportation, too! From race cars and hot air balloons to unicorns, each team created a unique way to travel and marked their maps with their favorite ride—real or imaginary.
Understanding your family history and their journeys is like uncovering a treasure map of your roots! It helps us appreciate where we come from and the experiences that shape our identity. Celebrating our unique backgrounds enriches our sense of belonging in the world.
The World Through Their Eyes
Did you know that cameras were invented in France? As part of our UOI, Sky has been learning about innovations from different countries. Recently, we focused on cameras. For a hands-on experience, we went to Yokohama Park to take pictures of the world around us.
Capturing the world through the eyes of Sky class can be a delightful experience, especially when they’re armed with cameras at the park! As these young photographers explored their surroundings, they unleashed their creativity and curiosity, framing everything from the vibrant flowers to the playful antics of their friends. Each click of the shutter is a chance for them to express their unique perspectives, fostering not only artistic skills but also a deeper connection to nature. Watching them giggle as they capture their friends mid-laugh or focus intently on the details of a leaf reminds us of the joy found in simple moments. This playful exploration encourages mindfulness and boosts confidence, making a day at the park not just a walk, but an adventure in storytelling through images.
Enjoy some of the photos that Sky friends took while at Yokohama Park!
Exploring the Impact of Immigration Through Japan’s Cultural Opening
This month in our Japanese language class, we focused on the theme of immigration—a part of the UOI topic "Where We Are in Place and Time"—by learning about the history of Yokohama, which the children are familiar with. Specifically, we explored Japan's cultural opening in the Meiji era.
Using a panel theater, we explained the arrival of the Black Ships and how this led Japanese people to transition from traditional kimonos to Western clothing. The children were fascinated to learn that the clothes they wear today were introduced from America long ago. Questions like, “Wasn’t it scary to switch from kimonos to Western clothes after wearing them for so long?” and “What other new things came from America?” showed their deep engagement and empathy for the experiences of people from that time.
Next, we examined a world map and tried to predict the ports and routes the Black Ships may have taken, and then verified the actual journey. The children asked insightful questions, such as, “How long did it take to travel from Norfolk to Japan?” and “How many people were needed to operate a big Black Ship?” They enjoyed a lively discussion as they explored the map together. In another activity, they compared paintings of Edo before and after the Meiji Restoration, observing changes in pairs. One child commented, “If Perry hadn’t come, would we still be wearing kimonos today?”
Observing the transformation from straw houses to brick buildings, rickshaws to horse carriages, and the arrival of steam engines from America, the children shared their observations enthusiastically. Finally, they illustrated items and cultural influences brought from America and attached them to Perry’s Black Ship to visually represent how Western influence was absorbed and evolved in Japan.
The children were intrigued to realize that many foods they see or eat daily actually originated from overseas. Eager to connect their learning to real life, they visited food courts and restaurants to identify the origins of different cuisines as a mission. Walking around and spotting logos, they guessed the origins of various foods, sharing excitement with their friends: “Which country’s food do you think this restaurant originally came from?”
The Sky class had an excellent opportunity to understand how diverse cultures influence our lives, gaining a broader perspective and deepening their appreciation for different cultures.
Mountain A
(4-year-olds)
Collaboration is Key!
Collaboration plays a crucial role in your children’s learning, and we’ve seen firsthand how it helps develop important life skills like teamwork, communication, negotiation, and even how to have fun while learning! This month, we’ve been thrilled to see Mountain A and B classes come together for shared learning centers and UOI lessons. Working together as a team not only strengthens their social bonds but also deepens their understanding of the topics we’re exploring.
During these joint sessions, children were able to engage with new perspectives, exchange ideas, and work through challenges together. By collaborating, they learned to listen to their peers, share their thoughts, and problem-solve in ways that they may not have done individually. These interactions promote critical thinking, empathy, and flexibility, helping the children grow both academically and socially.
The benefits of collaboration don’t stop with the children! Teachers from both classes also found that collaborating together increased the flow of creative ideas and teaching methods. By combining our approaches and sharing insights, we’ve been able to create richer, more dynamic learning experiences. We’ve noticed how this has led to a broader exchange of ideas not just between the students, but also among the teaching staff.
This collaborative environment encourages children to take more ownership of their learning, understanding that their contributions matter in a team. Whether they are negotiating who will take on which role during a project or sharing feedback on each other’s ideas, children are building the social and communication skills that are so important for future success.
We are incredibly proud of how well the children have embraced collaboration, and we’ve seen them grow in confidence as they engage with their peers in meaningful ways. Moving forward, we will continue to emphasize the importance of working together as we explore new lessons, ideas, and challenges. We can’t wait to see what more they will achieve by learning as a team!
Save the Planet for Me and You!
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The students have enjoyed a wide variety of experiences over the past month ranging from inspecting insects in the classroom, traveling to the home center to buy plants for the classroom, learning about worms, bees and other habitat helpers, and even making our own little aquarium for some medaka fish that were donated to us by a classmate.
But with every extra member of the classroom that we add, our responsibilities to take care of them increase as well. Whether its feeding and watering them, or being careful not to hurt them when we interact with them, the children are learning that other living organisms have needs as well. The better we take care of our classroom, the better our classroom will take care of us too!
Seed Planting Experience: Learning About Nature and Life Connections Through the Senses
Continuing with the theme of "Sharing the Planet," the Mountain class focused this month on discussing what living things on Earth, such as animals and plants, need to survive. The children learned that nearby insects play an essential role in helping plants grow and that plants and animals alike need air, water, and a suitable environment to live.
On the 20th of this month, the children experienced seed planting firsthand, using all their senses to engage with the environment plants need to thrive. In the field, they felt the soft, rich soil, discovered small insects living there, saw how the field was covered with a plastic sheet to protect it from the upcoming cold, and noticed that even big plants like daikon radishes grow from very tiny seeds. The visit to the field sparked many new observations for Mountain A’s children.
Through experiences like this, the children began to feel a sense of connection with the life around them in nature, gaining an appreciation for the importance of sharing our planet. Moving forward, we hope to continue nurturing their curiosity and deepening their understanding of the world.
Mountain B
(4-year-olds)
How Living Things Help or Harm Each Other
As we continue our exploration of the UOI, we are actively applying our learning by investigating how various plants and animals impact us and the environment, both positively and negatively. Driven by the children’s curiosity about insects, we explored the roles of butterflies and dung beetles and their contributions to our ecosystem. The children were particularly intrigued by how dung beetles use dung not only to their advantage but also to enrich the soil, highlighting their important role in nature.
To further extend our learning, we shared our discoveries with our friends in Mountain A, who had been studying worms and bees. This exchange allowed us to practice our public speaking skills while broadening our understanding of other vital creatures. Together, we created a vibrant visual display of our "Habitat Helpers," celebrating the insects that help maintain balance in nature.
Next, we will explore how humans fit into these interactions and examine the ways in which we can either help or harm the world around us. We look forward to this next step in our inquiry journey!
Food Chains: From Beetles to Veggies!
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As part of our UOI, we’ve begun an exciting exploration of food chains! We’ve been learning about the relationships between animals, plants, and people—discovering who eats what and how animals play a crucial role in providing us with the food we eat. This learning comes to life as we prepare to plant our very own vegetables during our annual visit to the farm—a much-anticipated experience for everyone!
The children have shown a keen interest in food and the diets of different animals. A highlight was conducting an experiment with our class pet beetle, Mr. Earth, to find out which fruits he prefers. This curiosity also led us to explore pollination and seed distribution, as mentioned above by Ms Renae, learning how dung beetles contribute to the health of our ecosystem.
As we continue this inquiry, we’ll dive deeper into what happens when food chains are disrupted and the effects we have on our planet and environment. We’re excited to share our discoveries with you in the coming weeks!
Learning Gratitude and Responsibility Through Plants
The Mountain B class has been exploring the theme of "Sharing the Planet" through an inquiry into plants. They learned about photosynthesis through interactive games, gaining an understanding of the roles light, water, and air play in plant growth. The children were fascinated by how sunlight gives energy to plants and how green leaves use that energy to grow. This experience sparked a sense of gratitude for plants, as the children realized that plants produce the air they breathe.
Recently, the children had hands-on experiences planting seeds and repotting plants. The activity of handling soil and carefully transferring seeds and roots to new pots was a valuable learning moment. Through these tasks, the children gained an appreciation for the importance of treating plants with care and felt a connection with nature.
Following the activity, questions like "Why do plants also have babies?" and "Will it grow big?" arose from the children, encouraging deeper understanding as they explored these answers with their teacher. This process nurtured not just knowledge but also a mindset of curiosity and continuous learning.
As their inquiry progressed, the children began to recognize the essential role plants play in our lives. They discovered that many daily necessities—wooden furniture, paper products, and even food—come from plants, helping them appreciate the importance of natural resources. These realizations are fostering a sense of gratitude for nature and the environment.
Looking ahead, the children will continue to nurture and observe their plants' growth, deepening their relationship with nature and cultivating a sense of environmental stewardship. This inquiry journey in Mountain B has been a wonderful experience of growth and discovery for the children.
Jungle
(3-year-olds)
Around the World in 80 Days - A Journey Through Nature
Where do various animals live? Scroll for more pictures.
Living things go through a process of change. As we close out our current UOI, this is the central idea for the UOI we will be moving into, "How the World Works."
Our main focuses for this unit will be, living vs non-living, how plants and animals change over time, and the impact of the environment on living things. However, we will have the children to lead the learning by primarily engaging their curiosity and tuning them in with questions to draw upon their prior knowledge. This will lead to them discovering the aspects of the unit that they are most interested in and facilitating a better learning experience for everyone.
The previous unit involved a lot of content around living things. This should give the students a solid base heading into the unit and encourage plenty of student-led inquiry. We're all excited to see where our journey into the world of living things takes us.
Toy Story : The Jungle Edition - Building Strong Minds and Tiny Muscles!
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Playdough/Clay
Threading Block Beads
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Kapla Blocks
Wammy
Within the PYP, we understand the value of integrating games and activities into our curriculum to support holistic development, as seen in our 'How We Express Ourselves' UOI. Playdough, threading, Kapla blocks, and Wammy's are some of our Jungle class's favourites. These toys are more than fun, they are essential for physical and mental growth. Some of their benefits include:
- Physical Development: These activities enhance fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity.
- Mental Development: They stimulate creativity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking. Children learn to plan, execute, and modify their ideas, building cognitive flexibility.
- Social Skills: Cooperative play fosters communication, teamwork, and social interaction.
- Emotional Growth: Completing tasks or overcoming challenges boosts self-esteem and confidence.
Specifically talking about the students' favourite games, following are some of the ways that these toys can be of help to the students' growth:
Playdough - Rolling, squishing, and shaping playdough strengthens hand muscles and stimulates creativity.
Threading - Threading beads or laces improves hand-eye coordination, precision, patience, and concentration.
Kapla Blocks - Building with Kapla blocks teaches balance, symmetry, and spatial awareness, and fosters teamwork.
Wammy's - These flexible building toys promote cognitive development, fine motor skills, and spatial reasoning.
Incorporating these games into our routines makes learning fun and supports essential developmental milestones. By engaging in these activities, children gain the physical and mental tools needed to thrive in their educational journey and beyond.
With Cherished Friends, Moving Forward...
Through the broad theme of “our planet,” the children have been exploring the rich diversity of life and the natural environment. They’ve learned that not only humans but also animals, marine life, insects, and plants all share this Earth as our home. Engaging in hands-on projects and physical activities has deepened their understanding, helping them see that we are all connected to nature. Beyond recognizing these connections, the children have also started to understand the importance of following rules and taking responsibility to coexist harmoniously.
In Jungle class, the children are nurturing social skills within a small community. For example, they learn that when someone doesn’t follow the rules during a game, it can make others feel sad or even lead to someone getting hurt. They also realize that if trash is left around, the room becomes messy, making it uncomfortable for everyone. In our current UOIs, "Who We Are" and "How We Express Ourselves," the children are not only discovering more about themselves but are also thinking about how their actions and words impact those around them.
One of the most touching things is seeing the children show natural kindness and compassion towards each other. When a classmate is crying, they gently ask, “Are you okay?” or bring a tissue to help wipe away tears. These simple yet meaningful gestures show how much they genuinely care for one another.
Moreover, the children approach every challenge in front of them with determination, resilience, and a spirit of perseverance. This mindset contributes to the strength and warmth that Jungle class embodies. I am truly excited to watch them continue to grow.
My Family
To wrap up our UOI theme, “Who We Are,” we focused on family. We began by asking the children questions like, “Do you have siblings?” “Do you have any pets?” and “Who do you live with?” Their hands shot up eagerly as they shared about their families. We also asked about grandparents, inspired by the recent Respect for the Aged Day, and received various responses about whether they live together. The children listened attentively to their classmates and noticed the differences in each other’s family structures.
Next, the children selected and colored pieces to represent their family members and placed them on a house drawing. They chose features such as body size, hairstyle, and colors that closely resembled their family members, enjoying the opportunity to share their families with friends and teachers as they completed their projects.
Lately, family conversations have increased, and the children are becoming more curious about their friends’ siblings. During pretend play, they take on family roles with enthusiasm, fully immersing themselves in character. When Grade 1 students from CGK’s elementary school visited, our students admired their creativity and kindness, expressing a sense of pride when interacting with younger children from Ocean class by treating them gently and thoughtfully. These experiences with different age groups are showing them new ways to interact and express themselves.
This month marks the end of the “Who We Are” unit, but understanding “who we are” is a lifelong journey. Through daily experiences, we aim to help the children recognize what they love, what they excel at, and what they find challenging. By supporting them in deepening their self-understanding and awareness of differences, we hope to foster an environment where everyone can connect with mutual respect and comfort.
Ocean A
(2-year-olds)
The Wonders of Insects
Exploring the world of living things! Last month, we bid farewell to our beloved beetle and grasshopper, sparking a newfound curiosity about the fascinating world of insects and the living things around us. This curiosity has blossomed into an engaging exploration, with Ocean A friends diving into various interactive activities that uncover the incredible diversity of insects.
Through crafts, games, and activity stations, Ocean A friends have been actively learning about these tiny creatures. They've particularly enjoyed creating their own representations of insects, focusing on enchanting fireflies, vibrant butterflies, and cheerful ladybugs. Each learning experience not only fosters creativity, but also deepens their understanding of insect structure and behavior. This hands-on approach has not only made learning fun but has also inspired a sense of wonder about the natural world. As we continue our exploration, we look forward to uncovering even more about the living things that surround us. Our journey into the world of insects is just the beginning, and we can't wait to see where it leads us next!
Scarf-tastic Moves: Dance Your Way to Fun!
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Ocean A friends have recently taken a leap into the exciting world of scarf dancing, a colorful and lively way to move and express themselves. This fun activity not only sparks creativity but also helps develop important skills like coordination and body awareness.
With scarves in hand, Ocean A loves to sway, twirl, and glide to the music, exploring how their bodies can move in all kinds of ways. This fun and playful time helps them discover their physical abilities while having a blast!
One of the best parts of scarf dancing is the chance to express emotions through movement. Ocean A friends can showcase their own unique style, allowing creativity to shine and building confidence along the way. So grab a scarf and join the fun.
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Interest and Observation of Familiar Creatures
As part of our “Who We Are” theme, the Ocean class focused on exploring insects and animals, the small creatures we encounter in our daily lives. The children showed growing curiosity, awareness, and understanding of these tiny beings around them.
In Ocean A, the children have learned the joy of exploring together. During outdoor play, they excitedly call to one another, “Look, a dragonfly!” and chase insects with all their energy. When they find unfamiliar bugs, they gather in a circle, hesitating slightly yet eagerly observing together. In the classroom, if one child starts imitating a grasshopper or butterfly, everyone joins in, jumping and moving their arms up and down like wings. They even showed interest in magnifying glasses, gathering around to closely observe.
The children also noticed the different colors and patterns on butterflies, dragonflies, and spiders. Inspired by these observations, they enjoyed creative activities like designing butterfly wings using stickers, colored paper, crepe tape, and crayons. They sang along to the song “Dragonfly Glasses,” each choosing their favorite color for lenses and creating their own glasses with joy. It was wonderful to see them exploring their preferences and expressing themselves through color and creativity.
Their growing interest in observing and appreciating the lives of small creatures around them reflects the “Who We Are” concept, particularly the idea of “Understanding Oneself and Others.”
Helping Each Other!
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In last month’s article, I shared how the Ocean A children are expanding their communication skills. Alongside this growth, they’re showing progress in many other ways each day.
For instance, whether it’s tidying up toys, waking up from nap time, or getting ready for a walk, they call out to one another and help each other with genuine enthusiasm. Mimicking the teachers, they say things like, “Wake up! It’s snack time!” or offer to help a friend put on socks and shoes, saying, “Let me help you!” They even hand over water bottles with a cheerful, “Here you go!” They’re so proud of themselves, feeling like teachers or older siblings as they lend a hand. This pride seems to come from a growing ability to do things on their own and express themselves in words.
There are moments when their desire to help clashes with their need to do things independently. We cherish both impulses—the desire to care for others and the drive to take on challenges themselves. During these times, we act as mediators, expressing each child’s feelings and suggesting alternative solutions. It’s inspiring to see the children learn new methods and phrases from these experiences and apply them the next time.
The children’s capacity for inquiry, practice, and positive influence on one another is energizing for all of us!
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Ocean B
(2-year-olds)
Mooo... Baaa... Meow... Woof!
Exploring the Animal Kingdom!
Ocean B friends have engaged on an exciting learning journey into the fascinating world of animals. Through interactive and engaging activities, they have explored diverse habitats, including the sea, sky, and jungle. Each week, we focused on different animals, learning about their unique characteristics and how they grow, just like us. These also facilitated everyone to understand the basic concepts of growth, decay, and changes. Storytime has been particularly enriching using picture books that ignites simple discussions among our students and inspire them to imagine more about the lives of the animals.
To support their inquiries and interests, we incorporated a variety of hands-on experiences and sensory play that allow them to express their understanding creatively. They enjoyed crafting colorful ocean creatures inspired by the Baby Shark song, decorating their own wings inspired by the Butterfly song, and creating tails inspired by Wag Your Tail song. These activities not only fostered their artistic skills but also encouraged teamwork and imaginative play. Additionally, we took our learning outdoors, where Ocean B friends observed different insects in their natural habitat.
We are so happy to see our students grow and learn each day at school!
Understanding Ourselves and Each Other
Communication and social interaction is the key to developing the all important qualities of empathy and care for others that we all hope to foster in our children. Here at CGK our students' growth and learning is not only a journey of self-discovery but of understanding others, as seen in our "All About Me" unit. Recently we have enjoyed seeing our students in Ocean B Class make major steps in how they interact with one another. The children have learned well the value of sharing with others in order to care for their feelings as well as provide new and exciting opportunities for playing with each other. Letting each other know our feelings also helps us to develop and expand our emotional and social intelligence.
Of note in the last month is the children's usage of English when in conversation with teachers and each other. All children have worked hard to use the English presented to them during their Circle and class times and we are seeing their inquisitive minds make great efforts to speak English in between these times as well. In times of need, children will often ask each other, "Are you okay?", or "What _ do you like?" while they are playing. The teachers are always delighted when we can have a funny or interesting interaction with our young students through conversation as well as play and dance. The road of personal development can be bumpy sometimes with our students needing time and patience to explore their understanding of themselves and each other. We are very happy that we have such a wonderful group of children in our school where we can explore our learning and have fun together.
Quick and Safe Evacuation with “OHASHIMO”
At CGK, we conduct monthly evacuation drills covering various scenarios, such as fires, earthquakes, and tsunamis. From the very beginning, the children have been able to evacuate calmly, listening attentively to their teachers without fear or tears. With each drill, their focus and responsiveness have only strengthened.
This month’s drill simulated a tsunami evacuation, where we practiced moving to the rooftop. Despite being in the middle of nap time—a challenging situation to quickly respond to—the children gathered calmly in the center of the room as instructed. They put on their hats and shoes by themselves and confidently responded during roll call. The journey to the rooftop was long, requiring them to climb six flights of stairs. Although this was no easy feat for their small bodies, they concentrated with serious expressions and made it to the rooftop safely.
After each drill, we take time to reflect on what happened. We’ll continue to practice diligently, following our “OHASHIMO” (no pushing, no running, no talking, no turning back) guidelines to stay prepared.
What is Otsukimi?
September is the month for Otsukimi, Japan’s traditional moon-viewing festival. To introduce the children to the rich culture and traditions passed down through generations, we included an Otsukimi-themed lesson. Using songs, picture books, videos, and quizzes, we helped the children understand not only how to celebrate Otsukimi but also the feelings associated with this festival. We also explored how the moon changes in size and shape, showing images to help illustrate its phases.
On the day of Otsukimi, the children shared their thoughts and imagination about what the moon would look like. We dimmed the room and used a flashlight as a stand-in for the moon, creating a tsukimi (moon-viewing) atmosphere. They excitedly exclaimed, “I see it!” “It’s so big!” and “It’s perfectly round!” as they followed the “moon” moving side to side.
To further engage them, we set up various activity stations that encouraged exploration and creativity. The children enjoyed pretending to make mochi like rabbits, crafting tsukimi dango (rice dumplings) out of clay, and creating their own shiny moons by shaping aluminum foil. They also learned the names of different moon phases and had fun making special moon-viewing juice.
Inspired by the story “Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me,” the children used magnet blocks to build ladders and rockets, imagining themselves reaching for the moon. Moving forward, we hope to continue offering activities that connect them with the cultural traditions rooted in their community.
Elementary School
ES Camping Trip
Our second camping trip flew by this year. Just like last time, we went to American Camp Village up in Okutama and we had a great time. The objective of our camping trip was to present the students with a lot of opportunities to take action and develop their autonomy.
We tackled the legendary athletic course with ease. Some of our students experienced it last year and they had the chance to redo it, outperforming even some of their teachers. It was amazing to see the old struggles and fears that they fought through last year disappear, leaving behind nothing else but laughs and cheers. The students were also able to participate actively during the preparation of the meals, cutting fruits for breakfast, making their own patties and s’mores, washing their plates and helping with the general organization of the cabin. We’ll continue to improve every year, giving the students the time and space for them to develop their skills and identities, helping them to become the best versions of themselves.
Afterschool
Summer School
Hello everyone! I'm Ms. Amy, the new grade 2 Afterschool teacher. I’d like to introduce myself briefly before introducing one of our current projects. I am a British Bruneian who has been living and working in Japan, between Saitama, Tokyo and Yokohama, for just under six years now. It’s been an absolute pleasure joining CGK, meeting teachers with similar teaching philosophies and getting to know the students that go here.
I’ve really enjoyed engaging with the students and observing their remarkable drive when exploring their ideas and interests. For instance, for our Tuesday project, Grade 2 have chosen to operate food stalls for their presentation. We are exploring various aspects, including food stall and menu design, festival games, budgeting, food safety and more. Their enthusiasm so far has been truly enjoyable. It has been lovely to see how hard they are working so that they can proudly show their parents the end product at the end of the year.
I look forward to assisting students in researching their interests while providing them with guidance to the best of my abilities as well as seeing how our first projects as a group will come together at the end of the year.
Sincerely,
CGK Extra
Poster Creation Project with Professional Designers
The poster creation for this year's CGK School Festival 2024 was primarily led by students from the 4th and 5th grade elementary classes. The 5th graders took on a leading role, managing the entire process having direct communication with the designer regarding the order and completion. Meanwhile, the 4th graders engaged in practicing how to shape their ideas in preparation for next year.
[Blog] Poster Creation Project with Professional Designers
Upcoming CGK Study Abroad Information Session
CGK Study Abroad Information Session
November 9 (Sat.) Time TBD
- About study abroad in Australia (preschool, elementary school, middle school, etc.)
Details/Registration: Information will be sent via Toddle at a later date.
Currently recruiting participants for study abroad programs
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- Throughout the year (on weekends or during long breaks, either for day trips or overnight stays)
- You can experience a homestay with a foreign family residing in Japan.
- Deadline: Approximately one month prior to your desired dates
- For details/application, please contact Mayu at the Office.
Spring 2025 Elementary School Study Abroad in New Zealand
- Participate in classes at a local elementary school in Auckland.
- Mountain and Sky class students are encouraged to participate.
- Basic duration: 4 weeks [March 16 (Sun.) - April 12 (Sat.)]
- Minimum duration: 2 weeks [March 16 (Sun.) - March 29 (Sat.)]
- Deadline: October 28 (Mon.)
- Details/Application: Please check the Toddle announcement that has been sent for more information.
CGK offers study abroad programs that are also convenient for preschool students and their parents to participate in.Please feel free to contact Mayu at the Office with any feedback or questions (Toddle is OK).
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Accepting short-term international students from overseas - Wanted host families
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CGK has a positive stance on accepting international students from abroad with a view to encouraging multicultural cooperation. Students from different cultures and backgrounds can interact with and help each other at CGK, bringing rich diversity to the classroom. This environment of diversity provides each student with a valuable opportunity to learn different viewpoints and increase mutual understanding.
At CGK, we believe that diversity improves educational development. By learning and working together, students from different backgrounds will grow into leaders with global perspective. In addition, experiencing diverse opinions and values will help them develop tolerance and empathy.
In order to create an environment conducive to hosting short-term students, we are looking for host families; if you are a CGK family interested in registering as a host family, please contact Mayu at the Office (Toddle is OK).
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