BI school celebrates Japan-inspired Spring Festival

By Staff report • March 27, 2024 1:30 am
Second-graders practice brush strokes for the Japanese symbol of ‘tree.’ The children are wearing shirts they made with indigo dye in the style of shibori, which means to wring, squeeze and press.
Second-graders practice brush strokes for the Japanese symbol of ‘tree.’ The children are wearing shirts they made with indigo dye in the style of shibori, which means to wring, squeeze and press.

Students at The Island School on Bainbridge Island recently celebrated with a Japan-inspired Spring Festival.

The school’s monthlong study of the country and culture of Japan uncovered many games that resemble ones we play in our country, such as Red Light-Green Light and Rock-Paper-Scissors.

Goals of the month-long study are to broaden students’ view of the world and appreciate and respect its diversity. The children are enthusiastic to learn from community experts, teachers and parents who provided hands-on cultural immersion.

The study introduces children to the larger community and encourages them to ask what roles they can play in caring for their world and in becoming respectful world citizens. Previous years featured Ethiopia and Ecuador.

The Island School, founded in 1977, is an independent school educating students in kindergarten through fifth grade.