Today was a holiday, and we held our traditional joint class! A group of 10 friends from Infant to Kinder gathered to learn about the New Year and experience traditional New Year games. 🗻🦅🍆

🎍 Today’s Menu

📚 Learning About New Year Through Picture Books
① Kaiun Ehon
② Omochi no Kimochi
③ Shumi Doki! Mystical Power of Lucky Charms

In 『Kaiun Ehon』, we explored New Year decorations like kagamimochi, kadomatsu, and shimenawa. The children learned that New Year preparations start in mid-December, involving cleaning the house to welcome the Toshigami-sama (New Year deity). We also touched on customs like the first shrine visit of the year. ✨
『Omochi no Kimochi』, created by the author of the Daruma-san series, humorously depicts New Year from a mochi’s perspective. The kids laughed out loud at the mochi’s amusing expressions and movements. 🌟
『Shumi Doki! Mystical Power of Lucky Charms』 is a beautifully illustrated guide to Japan’s traditional good luck charms. Even the infants kept flipping through the pages, captivated by the stunning photos.

🐍 Traditional New Year Games
① Kendama
② Otedama (beanbags)
③ Daruma Otoshi
④ Bouzu Mekuri

Kendama: The Japanese teacher gave a demonstration, though it turned out to be a bit challenging after the holiday break! It remained a showcase only. 😅
Otedama: The Infant class teacher gave a simple example, but everyone ended up creating their unique ways to play. One friend hilariously stuffed all the beanbags under their shirt, transforming into a sumo wrestler. What sumo name should we give them? 🤔
Daruma Otoshi: Kinder friends, who attend Japanese lessons, impressed us with their precision, knocking blocks down with satisfying strikes. The younger kids eagerly imitated them!
Bouzu Mekuri: The children were introduced to an authentic set of Hyakunin Isshu cards, featuring samurai, noblewomen, and monks from the Kamakura period. After a brief lesson on traditional attire and hairstyles, everyone joined the teachers in a fun game of Bouzu Mekuri. Kinder friends emerged victorious!

🥣 Snack Cooking
Pancake Dumplings Inspired by Kagami Biraki
Ingredients: Store-bought pancake mix, canned sweetened azuki beans

As always, Pre-K1 and Kinder friends took on the role of cooking assistants. In line with the Kagami Biraki custom, they made pancake batter into takoyaki-like dumplings and served them with sweet azuki beans, resembling ankoro mochi.

The plates were empty in no time.
“More, please!”
“Let’s stop here, or you won’t have room for dinner!”

We learned about the New Year, played games inspired by it, and enjoyed a delicious New Year-themed snack.
Stay tuned for our next joint session on the holiday! 🎉

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