Parent-and-Child Picnic 2019
Preschool
July 7, 2019
A little time has passed, but we would like to look back on CGK’s parent-and-child picnic, held under sunny skies at Negishi Forest Park on May 25, 2019!
The forecast had predicted a very hot day, which made us concerned about the temperature. Fortunately, pleasant breezes and shady areas helped everyone enjoy the event right through to the end.
After the opening gathering and photographs, we separated into classes for activities. Circle time with introductions was followed by games and races, giving children and parents a chance to interact with friends and other families.
Jungle class (age 3) played an animal-card race. Children turned over cards and traveled to the finish with their parents, pretending to be the animal they found: kangaroos, koalas, rabbits, turtles or penguins. It was a lovely, affectionate game, and children delighted in being carried or given piggyback rides. On the walk to the toilets afterward, they were excited to discover turtles and ducks in a nearby pond.
Mountain class (age 4) played a numbers game and a tail-tag game. The numbers game is a classroom favorite: John showed a number card, and participants held hands and sat down in groups of that size. The children thought carefully, counted and called, “One more, please!” as they worked together. For tail tag, children first played against one another, then challenged their parents. Although they looked a little nervous at first, the children’s team won the second match and celebrated enthusiastically!
Sky class (age 5) played a hoop-passing race and rock-paper-scissors train. They raced in boys’ and girls’ teams and in classroom groups. Everyone held hands in a circle while passing a hoop around without letting go. It seemed especially challenging for parents, but everyone skillfully moved their feet and heads through the hoop. The rock-paper-scissors game became an energetic contest and ended in a very long train. Playing with parents for the first time made a familiar children’s game even more exciting.
After all that activity, everyone was hungry! Lunch began with cries of “I’m so hungry!” Delicious homemade lunches brought plenty of smiles, and some children even shared side dishes with teachers. Snack time followed, with children exchanging treats with friends and generously sharing with teachers too. Thank you for so much kindness!
After lunch came free play: bubbles, skipping ropes, pretend trains, crawling through tunnels and chatting with teachers and friends. Everyone smiled and said a cheerful goodbye at the closing gathering, although some energetic families stayed to play afterward. Moving our bodies in pleasant weather, enjoying delicious lunches and spending time together made this a wonderful day of memories. We received many happy comments about the event. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
The forecast had predicted a very hot day, which made us concerned about the temperature. Fortunately, pleasant breezes and shady areas helped everyone enjoy the event right through to the end.
After the opening gathering and photographs, we separated into classes for activities. Circle time with introductions was followed by games and races, giving children and parents a chance to interact with friends and other families.
Jungle class (age 3) played an animal-card race. Children turned over cards and traveled to the finish with their parents, pretending to be the animal they found: kangaroos, koalas, rabbits, turtles or penguins. It was a lovely, affectionate game, and children delighted in being carried or given piggyback rides. On the walk to the toilets afterward, they were excited to discover turtles and ducks in a nearby pond.
Mountain class (age 4) played a numbers game and a tail-tag game. The numbers game is a classroom favorite: John showed a number card, and participants held hands and sat down in groups of that size. The children thought carefully, counted and called, “One more, please!” as they worked together. For tail tag, children first played against one another, then challenged their parents. Although they looked a little nervous at first, the children’s team won the second match and celebrated enthusiastically!
Sky class (age 5) played a hoop-passing race and rock-paper-scissors train. They raced in boys’ and girls’ teams and in classroom groups. Everyone held hands in a circle while passing a hoop around without letting go. It seemed especially challenging for parents, but everyone skillfully moved their feet and heads through the hoop. The rock-paper-scissors game became an energetic contest and ended in a very long train. Playing with parents for the first time made a familiar children’s game even more exciting.
After all that activity, everyone was hungry! Lunch began with cries of “I’m so hungry!” Delicious homemade lunches brought plenty of smiles, and some children even shared side dishes with teachers. Snack time followed, with children exchanging treats with friends and generously sharing with teachers too. Thank you for so much kindness!
After lunch came free play: bubbles, skipping ropes, pretend trains, crawling through tunnels and chatting with teachers and friends. Everyone smiled and said a cheerful goodbye at the closing gathering, although some energetic families stayed to play afterward. Moving our bodies in pleasant weather, enjoying delicious lunches and spending time together made this a wonderful day of memories. We received many happy comments about the event. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Yuka