今年で３回目となるHerstmonceux小学校の児童たちの訪問。今回は３６名の小学生が来校し、EC (English Communication) の授業に参加しました。
「文化交流」を正に地でいくこの行事の様子を、本校EC主任のシャープ先生が報告します。
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Herstmonceux Primary School visit Rikkyo
Herstmonceux Primary School came for their third visit to Rikkyo on Tuesday 28th January. Each year their Year 4 children do a project on Japan and then come to Rikkyo to experience Japanese culture firsthand. Their initial trip was so successful that they asked if they could come every year; of course, we were happy for this to happen as it is a great opportunity for both sets of students.
We spent the first part of the morning in the library where our students had set up various activities: counting to 10, writing to 10, drawing Manga, writing your name, Kendama and Koma. Outside we gave Double Dutch displays and helped the children to try some basic skipping, and when the weather turned to rain, we came inside and taught them how to do the Rikkyo morning exercise routine.
After a snack break, we all went to the Kendojo and watched a short Kendo exhibition. The Herstmonceux pupils then had a chance to try on the Kendo uniform and talk to our students about the sport. Fukuwarai, Hashi, Ayatori and Origami were also on offer for the young children to experience.
We finished the morning with a group photo of smiling faces; both sets of students had spent an enjoyable morning with each other. There was plenty of talking and laughing and, after lunch, the Herstmonceux students thanked us for our hospitality, but were sad to leave.
We look forward to their next visit in January 2015.
