Hey everyone! We hope you are having a fantastic Spring Break so far. While we all take a little time off from the daily routine, I wanted to recap some of the fun we have been having over the last couple of weeks.
Visitors from Japan
Recently, a group of Japanese exchange students living and studying in Portland came to Aftercare to visit the students and teach them all about their native country of Japan.
After introducing themselves and reading a traditional Japanese folk story, the exchange students broke off into our different areas and introduced our students to different aspects of their Japanese culture.
In the lounge, the kids learned Japanese calligraphy and were presented with a parchment bearing the Japanese form of their names.
In the cafe, students were able to try on traditional kimonos and learn cool new origami techniques.
In the auditorium, the children practiced with chopsticks and played with traditional Japanese toys.
We want to thank all of our new foreign friends for sharing with us their culture, language, and pastimes.
Letters to the President
After learning about Japan, our students took a special interest in their own country as well. A large group of our students wrote letters to President Obama, asking him questions and telling him about their own lives here in Portland. Many asked about his daughters, and some suggested new laws he should try to make, and a few days later we received a response!
There are many more fun things planned for after Spring Break, but until then, enjoy the time off and we will see you when school returns!
