Craft Projects

Motoki has been making fun things at his after school program.

Second Dance Performance

Elementary School Begins

There is a formal opening ceremony at Japanese elementary schools. We all got dressed up to attend.

In front of his School.

His School has two classrooms for first year students. In total there are about 45 new students split between classroom A and B. We were surprised to learn that there are 30 boys.

Motoki's class.

Because of his name he is number 1 and will sit at the front of the class.

Listening to the teacher explain the ceremony activities.

We all went to the gymnasium for the ceremony. The Sixth grade students lead the new students in.

The new students were seated at the front of the gym.

After the ceremony there was a group photo.

The following day Mo began his first real day of school. All the neighborhood kids walk together.

Off he goes.

Spring Break Activities

Kindergarten is finished and Elementary School hasn't begun, so Motoki had a few weeks to relax and enjoy Spring activities.

We had a barbecue with friends from our old neighborhood in Kumayama.

He invented a new treat, roasted marshmallows and strawberry!

He has a new friend who is also bilingual, they really hit it off and enjoy playing together and speaking English.

Having Hanami (cherry blossom picnic).

Making crafts.

Watching Movies.

Making Star Wars cookies.

When Elementary school starts Mo will go to an after school program for a few hours in the afternoon.

He started going there a week before Elementary School begins and really enjoyed it. He made this elaborate, flying car which he wanted to bring home.

Graduation

Motoki graduated from Japanese Kindergarten. It was a special day and a wonderful ceremony.

On the way to School all dressed up.

Walking down the aisle to his seat.

The students were seated in order of age, which meant that Motoki and his best friend were next to each other, so there was a lot of giggling and chatting going on during the ceremony.

Motoki receiving his diploma.

Proud parents.

With his buddies.

After the ceremony the students sang songs to their teachers and said their goodbyes.

Hip Hop Dance Performance

Motoki joined a really fun dance studio last year.
They have been practicing a 3 minute routine for the last couple of months. His class was really working hard for their performance last weekend.

After rehearsal they all went to the park and had lunch and practiced some more.

Then it was time for the show.

Class Picture