Today, the beginner class learned directions! They took a stroll outside and into one of Randolph-Macon's classroom settings, where they got to see actual historic items. One of the items was かけじく(kakejiku: which are Japanese scroll art). We also continued our Oshibai, and Digital Storytelling projects, the students have made amazing progress!
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Today, we attended a guest lecture on psychology by Susan Parker. We learned about the psychology behind parenting in America and Japan. Later on, we continued to work on our digital storytelling projects to present to students from Japan; two more groups presented topics on clubs and elective classes.
Today was a day packed full of fun! After classes, the whole Academy dressed up in yukatas (traditional, Japanese, summer robes) and celebrated Tanabata. Tanabata, the star festival, celebrates the one day each year that the lovers, weaver princess Orihime, and the cow herder Hikoboshi, can cross the Milky Way and be together. It is celebrated by writing wishes on slips of paper and hanging them on a bamboo tree.
We had a demonstration on how to wear a yukata, followed by the opportunity for students to choose a yukata to wear! Yukatas were worn at dinner, followed by songs, pinatas, games, taiko drums, and pictures. Everyone really enjoyed wearing their yukatas. Today, students in the beginner class learned to construct basic phrases and questions. We also had another guest lecture on Biology, given by Jim Forster which included his experiences in Japan. Later on, we worked on our mini group projects, which will be presented to students in Japan on Sunday!
We had an action-packed day of activities---after sleeping in a little, which was nice. After breakfast, we worked on our play projects. Then we played a variety of games with the Latin Academy students including a balloon toss. We had a pizza party for dinner, and a movie night to finish the holiday.The Academy learned two new dishes, Onigiri (Rice ball) and Gyoza (Fried dumpling) and got to make it! Although not shown through pictures, students got to further work on the plays that will be performed for the family reception! The two plays received constructive criticism and advice from the Randolph-Macon College theater professor, Dr. Janet! Students react to their first taste of Umeboshi, a Japanese pickled plum!
It was a hot but fun day in Washington, D. C. First we visited the Japanese Embassy's Japanese Cultural Center. We were able to talk to graduates of the JET program (Japan Exchange & Teaching) and receive instructions in ikebana (flower arranging Japanese style). Next, we headed to the Smithsonian Freer-Sackler Asia to America Museum, where we were treated to a docent's tour of the Japanese exhibits. Finally, we made our way to the National Arboretum. The Japanese bonzai exhibit was amazing!
Today, we started differently: We had options. We had three hours of time to study, go to church, or sleep in! After lunch, we had our first ever undokai (sports day). We participated in different events: Hands across the world, triathlon, six people legged race, and a watermelon smashing game. Tonight we'll be making keshigomu hanko (hand-carved rubber stamps).
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