Hinamatsuri and Aurora's Hina Ningyo

In the month of March is a special day for Japan, known as Hinamatsuri. Hinamatsuri, or girls day,  celebrates the health and happiness of the lives of Japanese girls. Each girl gets  a doll, called a hina ningyo.

I learned about this holiday from my partner in Aurora, who planned a craft and lesson to teach the children about it. Working in an international school is amazing because not only do I have an opportunity to share my own culture and experiences with my partner and class, but I also get to learn about Japanese traditions and celebrations and learn the language and customs. 

For Hinamatsuri, the kids all made paper dolls using origami, and pasted them to a paper with sakura in the background. Each set of dolls turned out unique and I love how each child interpreted the project and made it their own. 

Their favorite thing to do right now is to hold up whatever art we are working on, and all shout, "like this? Miss. Allie, like this???" And it doesn't stop until each and everyone of them gets my approval and a compliment on what they've done thus far.

Dear Santa…..

Dear Santa,

       

        For Christmas I wish that I had the ability to understand everything my students say to me. Although their English and my Japanese are both improving, there is so much lost in translation that I miss out on everyday. For Christmas, I want to understand what they whisper to one another right before they burst out in laughter, what they are saying as they cry and reach to be picked up, and what they are saying as they tug on the bottom of my shirt, excitedly telling me a story where I only pick up a few words here and there. I know it's too late for you to grant my wish by this Christmas, but can you please work on it for next Christmas? Thanks Santa, and enjoy the cookies!

Love,

       Allie