In June, we began to offer the KIS Buyten store. Each day at the end of school, students are able to choose from a wide selection of fresh-made bread for consumption during snack time. All items are made fresh of natural ingredients with minimal preservatives by the the local bread shop, March.

March happens to be located almost adjacent to our Picasso preschool division, which means that many items are still warm when the students eat them. Melon bread, cheese bread, sausage bread, and the rice balls with chicken are current favorites among students (and staff).

All items cost ¥150 (including tax) and allow students to purchase nutritious, fresh snacks of their choosing. In addition to making life easier for our busy parents, we are excited to offer the Buyten because of the opportunity it provides to all students to learn about the value of money and making intelligent shopping decisions.

In June, we began to offer the KIS Buyten store. Each day at the end of school, students are able to choose from a wide selection of fresh-made bread for consumption during snack time. All items are made fresh of natural ingredients with minimal preservatives by the the local bread shop, March.

March happens to be located almost adjacent to our Picasso preschool division, which means that many items are still warm when the students eat them. Melon bread, cheese bread, sausage bread, and the rice balls with chicken are current favorites among students (and staff).

All items cost ¥150 (including tax) and allow students to purchase nutritious, fresh snacks of their choosing. In addition to making life easier for our busy parents, we are excited to offer the Buyten because of the opportunity it provides to all students to learn about the value of money and making intelligent shopping decisions.

On June 12th, both Grade 1 and Grade 2 classes went to the Aso Milk Farm for our first field trip of the year. It was a great day to go, with temperatures nice and cool for most of the morning. It was a long bus ride but the students were very patient.

Our first activity was inside in a classroom. Students were taught about how humans raise cattle. They were especially surprised to hear that cows would eventually become beef!
Next, the students were able to feed some of the cute cows stationed on the farm, and even see a large pregnant cow. She was massive indeed!

Our next stop was the sheep race where we all got to bet on which two animals would place first and second. We had a couple of winners in our group!

Before taking lunch, students had a Kokugo activity to complete that required them to pet animals. There were a lot to choose from including some sleepy dogs, skitty marmots, fluffy rabbits and a short-tempered pony!

So far, the day had been packed, with very little downtime. Lunch should have been a nice relaxing respite. However, it was interrupted by a bold, persistent crow.
After lunch and a little bit of play, the students got the chance to finally milk a cow. Student reactions were mixed: some were really fascinated and some thought it was a little gross. However, everyone agreed that it was worth doing!

Finally, we made ice cream and this was many students’ favorite activity by far!
All students listened and cooperated well during this session. Perhaps it was because failing to do so would mean that they wouldn’t get to eat ice cream?

The students were completely exhausted by the end of it all; some students slept on the bus ride home, but they really enjoyed the experience without a doubt!

On June 12th, both Grade 1 and Grade 2 classes went to the Aso Milk Farm for our first field trip of the year. It was a great day to go, with temperatures nice and cool for most of the morning. It was a long bus ride but the students were very patient.

Our first activity was inside in a classroom. Students were taught about how humans raise cattle. They were especially surprised to hear that cows would eventually become beef!
Next, the students were able to feed some of the cute cows stationed on the farm, and even see a large pregnant cow. She was massive indeed!

Our next stop was the sheep race where we all got to bet on which two animals would place first and second. We had a couple of winners in our group!

Before taking lunch, students had a Kokugo activity to complete that required them to pet animals. There were a lot to choose from including some sleepy dogs, skitty marmots, fluffy rabbits and a short-tempered pony!

So far, the day had been packed, with very little downtime. Lunch should have been a nice relaxing respite. However, it was interrupted by a bold, persistent crow.
After lunch and a little bit of play, the students got the chance to finally milk a cow. Student reactions were mixed: some were really fascinated and some thought it was a little gross. However, everyone agreed that it was worth doing!

Finally, we made ice cream and this was many students’ favorite activity by far!
All students listened and cooperated well during this session. Perhaps it was because failing to do so would mean that they wouldn’t get to eat ice cream?

The students were completely exhausted by the end of it all; some students slept on the bus ride home, but they really enjoyed the experience without a doubt.

In math, Grade 1 students have mastered the concept of comparing numbers and being able to tell which of two numbers is bigger or smaller.  With practice, they have become faster and more proficient with number bonds, and we were able to tackle the first major math milestone: addition of numbers up to ten, and how to use it to solve word problems.

Currently, we are working on developing speed in addition and understanding that the order of the numbers in a math problem doesn’t change the result. For this unit, we are gradually moving away from using physical manipulatives to solve problems in order to foster abstract thinking skills in the students and focus more on solving real-world problems.

In math, Grade 1 students have mastered the concept of comparing numbers and being able to tell which of two numbers is bigger or smaller.  With practice, they have become faster and more proficient with number bonds, and we were able to tackle the first major math milestone: addition of numbers up to ten, and how to use it to solve word problems.

Currently, we are working on developing speed in addition and understanding that the order of the numbers in a math problem doesn’t change the result. For this unit, we are gradually moving away from using physical manipulatives to solve problems in order to foster abstract thinking skills in the students and focus more on solving real-world problems.

In our first Grade 2 TDL theme, “Role Models”, we studied about how our choice of role models and their good and bad traits mould our character.

During the theme, students really enjoyed analysing the traits displayed by different characters in the stories and videos we studied in class. We also reviewed what we learned with games and quizzes, and as our study progressed, students were able to look back on old content with a new perspective and with some more precise vocabulary.

As the final part of our study, students worked together in small groups to plan and perform a skit about personality traits in front of the class. Most groups decided to depict signs of the positive trait “devotion” in their performance. All students really put in a big effort preparing props and presenting in a professional manner.

This was an interesting theme for the students because they can take what they’ve learned and apply it in their own lives in their relationships with their family and friends.

In our first Grade 2 TDL theme, “Role Models”, we studied about how our choice of role models and their good and bad traits mould our character.

During the theme, students really enjoyed analysing the traits displayed by different characters in the stories and videos we studied in class. We also reviewed what we learned with games and quizzes, and as our study progressed, students were able to look back on old content with a new perspective and with some more precise vocabulary.

As the final part of our study, students worked together in small groups to plan and perform a skit about personality traits in front of the class. Most groups decided to depict signs of the positive trait “devotion” in their performance. All students really put in a big effort preparing props and presenting in a professional manner.

This was an interesting theme for the students because they can take what they’ve learned and apply it in their own lives in their relationships with their family and friends.

In Grade 1 math, we are currently studying numbers 1 – 10 and the concepts of “more” and “less”.  In Singapore math, all concepts are studied using 1) manipulatives, 2) pictorial images / models, and 3) as abstract concepts.  This three step process helps students to grasp even difficult mathematical concepts and makes math fun and accessible for all students.  Lessons are a mix of electronic whiteboard work, manipulatives, and workbook practice.  Grade 1 students are doing a great job of understanding these fundamental mathematical concepts.

In Grade 1 math, we are currently studying numbers 1 – 10 and the concepts of “more” and “less”.  In Singapore math, all concepts are studied using 1) manipulatives, 2) pictorial images / models, and 3) as abstract concepts.  This three step process helps students to grasp even difficult mathematical concepts and makes math fun and accessible for all students.  Lessons are a mix of electronic whiteboard work, manipulatives, and workbook practice.  Grade 1 students are doing a great job of understanding these fundamental mathematical concepts.

On May 15th, we did our May fire drill.  After discussing the importance of following teacher directions and leaving the building quickly and quietly without trying to get any of our things, we had a perfect fire drill.  Covered their faces with their hand towels as they left the building, all students followed all teacher directions perfectly.  In all, everyone was evacuated in under two minutes.

On May 15th, we did our May fire drill.  After discussing the importance of following teacher directions and leaving the building quickly and quietly without trying to get any of our things, we had a perfect fire drill.  Covered their faces with their hand towels as they left the building, all students followed all teacher directions perfectly.  In all, everyone was evacuated in under two minutes.

Grade 1 students are getting used to all aspects of the KIS daily schedule, including being good class helpers.  Students can eat as much hot rice and hot soup as they want each day, and students often come back for seconds.  Grade 1 students are also getting better at focusing on eating so that they can get a longer recess after eating and cleaning the classroom.

Grade 1 students are getting used to all aspects of the KIS daily schedule, including being good class helpers.  Students can eat as much hot rice and hot soup as they want each day, and students often come back for seconds.  Grade 1 students are also getting better at focusing on eating so that they can get a longer recess after eating and cleaning the classroom.

「こんなことがあったよ」の作文単元の学習の1コマです。
たくさんのメモの中から、友達に伝えたいできごとを見つけて書き、発表しました。
前日の授業では、最近経験した出来事の中で、友達に伝えたいことを5から6項目に分けて、メモを取りました。その中から、一番伝えたいことを選びました。どうしてそれを選んだのか、なども発表しあいました。2年生になり、初めての作文学習でしたが、段落分け、句読点などにも気を付けて書くことが出来ました。
1人ひとりの発表後には、友達の作文の良い点も発表しあいました。「気持ちがよく書けていますね。」「したことがよくわかります。」など、いろいろな視点から多くの良い点を見つけていました。

「こんなことがあったよ」の作文単元の学習の1コマです。
たくさんのメモの中から、友達に伝えたいできごとを見つけて書き、発表しました。
前日の授業では、最近経験した出来事の中で、友達に伝えたいことを5から6項目に分けて、メモを取りました。その中から、一番伝えたいことを選びました。どうしてそれを選んだのか、なども発表しあいました。2年生になり、初めての作文学習でしたが、段落分け、句読点などにも気を付けて書くことが出来ました。
1人ひとりの発表後には、友達の作文の良い点も発表しあいました。「気持ちがよく書けていますね。」「したことがよくわかります。」など、いろいろな視点から多くの良い点を見つけていました。

入学して1か月が経ち、国語の授業にも楽しく取り組んでいます。
「あめですよ」の詩の単元では、言葉のリズムを感じて、自分なりの表現（動作）をしながら音読をしました。挿絵の表情やしぐさもヒントに、言葉の意味をとらえ、言葉の違いを動作で表現しようと子どもたちなりに工夫をしながらの動作化ができました。はじめは、恥ずかしいと言ってた子たちが、どんどん手を挙げて、体を動かすことで、言葉に注目し、きちんと内容をとらえる学習となりました。

入学して1か月が経ち、国語の授業にも楽しく取り組んでいます。
「あめですよ」の詩の単元では、言葉のリズムを感じて、自分なりの表現（動作）をしながら音読をしました。挿絵の表情やしぐさもヒントに、言葉の意味をとらえ、言葉の違いを動作で表現しようと子どもたちなりに工夫をしながらの動作化ができました。はじめは、恥ずかしいと言ってた子たちが、どんどん手を挙げて、体を動かすことで、言葉に注目し、きちんと内容をとらえる学習となりました。

今回、色々な寄附の方法について子どもが発信するキャンペーン「寄付のイラストコンテスト」のいろぬり部門に本校の児童が参加しました。

子どもたちは、マスコットキャラクター「ふじぽん」に、個性豊かに色を塗り、素敵なイラストを完成させました。その中で、先日結果が発表され、本校から2名が大賞に選ばれました。これを機会に身近に寄附、自分にできる寄附活動のことも子供達なりに考えていけたらと思っています。