Friday, May 9, 2014

Dear Families,

Did you know that the Japanese celebrate Children's Day on May 5th? This past Monday, May 5th, we made carp flags. We learned that carp flags are used to celebrate Children's Day because the carp symbolizes strength and the Japanese wish for their children strength and happiness.

We also learned about the Japanese calendar and all of the other holidays that are celebrated in Japan. The students were put into groups and each group represented a month. Check out their work on the bulletin board in my room.

In addition, we also read the story The Bicycle Man by Allen Say as part of our author study. We made a connection because during our immigration unit we read a story written by him as well called Grandfather's Journey. In that book we learned that as a child Allen Say came to America where he spent most of his life. He returned to Japan to marry and then raised his children in America. As a senior, he went back to Japan where he lives today.  In The Bicycle Man we learned that Allen Say went to first grade in Japan. He recalled a time when he was having a sports day at school when two American soldiers appeared. It was his first time seeing American. In the story he shares how he felt about seeing them.

And, finally, today was Special Visitors' Day. In second grade the students did five activities with their special guests. They included the following:

  - sharing their country study boards
  - creating pages for their country study passports
  -  learning about Japanese houses
  - sharing book report t-shirts
 - writing a story together


Shabbat Shalom,

Hamorah Caren

Everyone is wearing their book report t-shirt. So cool!!

Special Visitors' Day in second grade.

Learning together during Special Vistors' Day.