ブログ BLOG

As part of the ongoing unit with the central idea, “Living things and people interact in different ways in different contexts,” the children in Sky Class engaged in planning a sōmen-nagashi (flowing noodles) activity using bamboo from the hill behind the preschool. First, the class reflected on how to use the cucumbers they had planted and harvested. They brainstormed different types of food that could be made, and sōmen appeared on the list. Making meaningful connections to the bamboo trees from the hill, the children came up with the exciting idea: “We want to eat the cucumbers together with flowing noodles!”

With the guidance and support of their teachers, a large bamboo stalk was prepared, and the children actively participated by helping to clean the bamboo nodes. This hands-on preparation fostered anticipation as they imagined how the noodles would flow for them to scoop and enjoy. On the day of the activity, the children eagerly watched the noodles flow, taking turns to scoop, dip, and taste them with their cucumber slices. The joyful laughter and refreshing sense of wonder showed how play and inquiry come together in real learning moments.

So far, the children’s ideas have sparked many rich experiences from using bamboo leaves as paintbrushes for art exploration to trying their hand at rolling sushi with cucumbers. Each of these child-initiated engagements not only celebrates creativity but also builds upon prior experiences, leading to new inquiries, deeper learning, and future action.