Our First Family Outing: Nogeyama Zoo and Park

On a sunny May 29, Cosmo Global Kids held its first family event: a family outing to Nogeyama Zoo!

Some children initially seemed puzzled to see their teachers on a day off, but the animals soon captured their attention. They spoke Japanese with their parents and English with teachers, showing their development. They may not yet consciously distinguish every word by language, but learning to notice and use the distinction naturally is part of CGK’s bilingual education approach.

At the zoo, children discover more than animal names by watching living animals move.

A bird scratching itself with its beak prompted us to introduce itchy, which the children then used whenever they spotted the action. Another child became interested in ants in front of an enclosure. It was lovely to see the parents acknowledge that discovery rather than redirect attention only to the larger animals.

Adults may arrive hoping children will notice certain things, but their interests do not always follow our plans. Sharing their curiosity, explaining and thinking alongside them may be one of the most meaningful ways to teach.

After seeing and touching animals, we went for lunch at Nogeyama Park. Despite the strong sun, the breeze in the shade made it an ideal picnic spot.
The outing also gave us valuable time to talk with families beyond our usual brief exchanges.

After lunch, the tireless children chased bubbles, repeatedly asking for more. Parents then joined in energetic play, talking not only with their own children but with others too. Children, parents and staff all shared plenty of smiles.

It was endearing to hear children ask their parents to carry them, when at school they usually manage their own routines and walk independently. It reminded us how hard they work at school. Their happy expressions with their families showed how much love they receive, and we want to offer the same warmth and care during their time with us.