Cross-cultural Experience for Children

Sunday, September 10, Sano Community Center Multipurpose Room


The yearly event Let’s Play with Foreigners was held for elementary school aged children and their parents.? The event was a pleasure for the children as it is every year. And again, this year, the planning and management were handled by the mothers of World Fun, an intercultural exchange circle for child rearing.

「ボリビアってどこにあるのかな?」

Where is Bolivia?

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A first look at characters of foreign languages!

A spark of interest in foreign countries

On September 10th, 9 foreigners from 6 countries and 14 children along with their parents attended the international exchange event called Let’s Play with Foreigners. The event planning was done by members of World Fun, a parent-child organization.

Foreigners explained the differences between Japan and their home countries. For example, expressing animal sounds and?the method for cutting a?cake, were demonstrated. It was discovered that Bolivians?have a unique way to cut a cake, that even parents were surprised to hear.

In the Question Corner children asked questions such as, “Do you have vending machines in Bulgaria?”. The children’s?eyes gazed in anticipation?of the response.

Foreigners wrote names and greetings in their native languages such as Korean and Tagalog, on a shrinkable plastic. Following,??participants heated up their creations and formed key rings. At the end everyone made a circle and moved to?a Bolivian dance. Everyone left with a grin from ear to ear.

My grade 1 son suddenly had a new-found interest in foreign countries. When we arrived home my?son asked questions like “Where’s Taiwan?” and “What do Chinese people eat?”. I was so happy to participate in the event. Next year please come to World Fun Event! Bring the whole family! (S.T.)

I was surprised by the way?Bolivians cut their cakes!

1.Cut in a circular shape.
2.?Cut radially from the?center.
Using this method for large gatherings and celebrations,? family, friends, and neighbors can all enjoy a piece of cake.