折り紙からの国際交流
　To America・Origami Greeting ・From the heart

NAOMI OTSU　　５th Grade Class

●文化の交流
"International Cultural Exchange"

*折り紙　Origami　

*木版画　Woodcut

*手紙　Greeting card

*こま　Top

*お祭り　Halloween

中青戸小学校５年生ＰＴＡ学年活動　

学年委員長　大都シャーロット Charlotte Otsu

Nakaaoto Elementary School 5th Grade PTA Activity Report

○この報告は平成１０年度に５年生のPTA学年委員が企画し、学校側と協力して行った活動記録です。アメリカで美術と言語学を学び、オレゴン大学でAmerican English Instituteの教師をしていた大都さんをはじめ、国際理解学習を主体的に推進した、学年PTAの皆様に深く感謝いたします。－子どもたちに素晴らしい体験と思い出を与えてくれました。平成１１年度の３月まで交流が続きました。

[クロスカルチャー美術の教育的な価値]

日本の子供達に * 自分の手で、創造的に作り出す作品を通じて、線、形、色などの造形的美しさを表現し、その作品によって、日本文化、個人の興味と好みなどを外国の子供達に伝えることができる。 * 制作する喜び、完成する喜び、お互いに教え合う喜びの体験ができる。 * 完成作品を活用する喜び、共同制作の喜びの体験を味わうことができる。アメリカの子供達に * 多くの子供達にとって、初めての美術的日本文化の出合いになる。 * 美的情操と造形感覚を向上させる。 * 想像力や形体認識力を育成する。　　大都シャーロット

Riverdale Country School

5250 Fieldston Road	Bronx,NY USA 10471-2999

＜学年だより＞　平成10年10月9日 　中青戸小学校６１人の５年生は、Ｎｅｗ Ｙｏｒｋリバデール小学校６１人の６年生と文化の交流をすることになりました。 　国際的な交流をするなら、どのような挨拶が良いでしょうか。お互いに言葉と習慣が違いますけども…。大丈夫です。一つのコツがあります。心を開いて、自分の文化を紹介することです。新しい経験ですが、親子と先生方のご協力で、日本の伝統的な手芸である折紙をＮｅｗ　Ｙｏｒｋに贈ります。アメリカでは　折り紙というのはあまり見たことはなく、作ったことのない魅力がある宝物のようです。その折り紙は言葉と同じように素晴らしい国際的なグリーティングになります。 ◇日時：１０月２２日（木）２：３０～３：３０ ◇場所：図書室

---

みんなで楽しくつくりました 1998,10,22

●折紙の制作にあたっては、日本折紙協会の大橋皓也先生（上越教育大学名誉教授）、田中陽子先生（山梨県女子短期大学教授）から、たくさんの資料や本をに送っていただきました。ありがとうございました。この折り紙の資料を中青戸小の子ども達が使い、又その資料をリバデール小の子ども達に送りました。お二人の先生方の感想ですが、「日米の子ども達の心の交流に少しでも役立つことが出来たとすれば、こんな喜びはありません」とは大橋先生のお言葉です。「日本とアメリカの子ども達のお互いに印象に残る活動であったことを嬉しく存じます」とは田中先生のお言葉です。

同じような夢を持っています
We have the same dream

○中青戸小学校とリバデール小学校は飛行機で、何時間もかかる距離で遠く離れています。しかし、先生方と子どもたちの親はお互いに同じ心と夢を持っています。PTA学年活動を企画しながら、その共通点を発見しました。皆さんの夢は他の国の文化を学ぶことと国際的な交流の素晴らしさを子どもたちに伝えたいことでした。ですから、この折り紙での挨拶のことに理解と関心を持ち、色々なアイデアと自分の力と夢を合わせ、協力して下さいました。中青戸小学校とリバデール小学校ではこのような国際的な交流の前例がなかったのですが、皆さんと心を合わせる機会ができて、良かったです。Thanks to: 中青戸小学校：山口校長先生、菅沢教頭先生、5年1組の中沢先生、5年2組の栄先生、図工とコンピュータの川島先生、荻野先生、大喜先生、と吉井先生
中青戸小学校の5学年のPTA MEMBERS
Riverdale Country School： Lower School Headmaster, Mr. Sandy Shaller, Assistant Head, Ms. Teri Hassid, Grade 6 Teacher, Ms. Antoinette Quarshie Grade 6 Parent, Ms. Yuko Niizuma

国が違いますが、先生と親の想いは同じ
Our Common Thoughts

この活動を企画するとき、両方の国の先生方と親の意見を聞かせていただきました。

他の国の言葉ができなくても、親しい心のコミュニケーションができる
We want to communicate

○自分の国の文化の親しいものによっての表現なら、きっと中青戸小の5年生達は心の気持ちを遠慮なく、他の国の子供たちに伝えられると思っていました。その文化的な交換と交流の機会を与えられたら、子供たちが立派な心のメッセージを送り、その上に喜んでくれると信じていました。
"Give the children a chance,
　　give them a dream to hold onto,
　　　　and see what they can do."
子供たちにチャンスを与え、
　　彼らがずっと持てる夢を与え、
　　　　そして、彼らが何ができるか見守ってみよう。

中青戸小学校の5年生たちのことば
Nakaaoto Elementary School 5 th Grade Class message

○中青戸小学校の5年生達は折り紙の作品と自分の名前のしおりを作りました。全員が漢字とローマ字で名前を書きました。アメリカの子供達と同じ言葉ができなくても、自分の思うことを伝えてみたい子供たちの数人がいました。どのようにそれを表現すればいいでしょうか。子供たちの工夫した解決は日本語と英語をあわせた心のコミュニケーションでした。そして、一番人気のある言葉はやはりHELLOでした。

絵のメッセージ
"A picture is worth a thousand words."

○子供たちの数人が名前のしおりにマンガと、人気のあるキャラクター（CHARACTER）と、好みの絵を（スポーツと動物など）描きました。そのパーソナル・メッセージの考えは自分の興味があるものを向こうの子供たちに紹介したいという気持からでしょうか。他の例は日本のイメージとシンボルもありました。日本の地図と旗などです。みなさん、素晴らしいメッセージでした。そして、当日、中青戸小５年生全員の笑顔はもう一つの素晴らしい作品と暖かいメッセージだったのでは…。楽しかった。
Thanks to: 中青戸小5年1組 と5年 2組
Written by PTA 5学年委員長 大都 シャーロット ・Mrs. Charlotte Otsu
January 29, 1999

October 1998

This year a new theme has been created for the 5th grade PTA activities. The theme "International Cultural Exchange" will be the main focus of our 2nd term parent/child/teacher PTA activity. This activity will promote cultural exchange between one Japanese elementary school and one American elementary school. The cultural exchange will take the form of 61 Japanese 5th grade students making origami to send to 61 American 6th grade students. The goal of the activity is to open a door of communication between two countries on the level of the elementary school age. The medium of communication will be the art of paper folding called origami. Our hope is that although a language barrier exists, through the opportunity of sharing a Japanese art/craft, children from both countries will have an opportunity to learn about each other and share a new educational experience which will enhance their international understanding.

Goal of the cultural origami sharing. 1. Create a wide variety of different shapes and designs of origami. (animal, fish, people, etc...) 2. Fold traditional as well as newly created origami designs. 3. Allow each individual child to freely choose his or her own origami subject matter to send to America. 4. Recognize the individual origami ability levels of each child. Prepare various levels of origami instructions ranging from easy to difficult. 5. Provide the children with an interesting variety of origami paper to fold. (Japanese washi, chiyogami, traditional Japanese printed paper, irogami, colored origami paper, and modern print origami paper. 6. Have parents and teachers join in making origami with the children.

Time: October, 22, l998 2:30-3:30 Location: Nakaaoto Elementary School Library Activity Theme: To America : an Origami Greeting from the heart. Use of PTA Funds: Postage costs will be covered by 5th grade PTA budget Required Art Materials: PTA will supply origami paper. Please have children bring pencil box, scissors, and glue.

WHAT IS ORIGAMIという英文章について説明させていただきます。この資料を送る理由ですが、折り紙を見たことはなく、作ったことはないアメリカの子ども達に折り紙の世界へどうぞいらっしゃいという招待を差し上げるなら、ご案内が必要だと思いました。「WHAT IS ORIGAMI」というものは折り紙の歴史、伝承作品と現在日本の日常生活で使われている折り紙の例についての説明です。折り紙というのは「手から手へと折り伝えられてきた」文化のことを理解をすれば、アメリカの子ども達にとって、中青戸小の子どもの贈ってくれた作品と自分の作った作品ももっと鑑賞し、楽しく味わうことが出来るではないかと思いました。それは本当の国際的な理解のはじまりでしょうか。　大都シャーロット

WHAT IS ORIGAMI In Japanese, origami literally means paper folding. Origami is folding paper to make concrete shapes. One perfect square shape of paper can be folded to make many forms like animals, birds, fish, insects, flowers, etc... Sometimes several sheets of square paper are folded and combined to make one particular origami shape. What are the different types of origami paper? * Japanese washi （和紙） paper was developed hundreds of years ago and is made with native Japanese plant material. The paper is strong and resists tearing, yet is soft in texture. * Chiyogami (千代紙) is printed with traditional designs and colors that remind you of lovely silk kimono prints. * Irogami （色紙）is simply origami paper colored on one side. The list of origami paper goes on and on because new modern prints and textures are invented all the time. Try to discovery all the different prints, textures, and colors in the various origami examples that we have made for you. ORIGAMI TO USE Who made the first origami? Unfortunately we do not know.

How did origami become a Japanese cultural tradition? 和紙 In the early 7th century the technique of paper making was introduced to Japan from China. Following the invention of Japanese paper washi （和紙）, people began to fold paper in designs. From long ago, letters and paper which was used to wrap items, were specially folded. Later people began to make elaborate folded shapes to wrap and decorate items given as gifts (food, money, spices, fans, etc...). Also origami was made to be practical. Today we use plastic containers, card board boxes, and paper bags to contain or carry items, but years ago people used folded paper to wrap their belongings like writing brushes, paper for drawing and writing, cloth for kimonos, bouquets of flowers, coins, and even medicine. Do some of these uses still exist today? Yes, even today, part of Japanese nurse training is to learn how to wrap some types of powdered medication in paper. At the department stores you can find a special type of sushi sold in beautiful paper containers shaped like a flower. In fancy restaurants and at holidays and celebrations, you can find chopsticks specially wrapped in decorative origami paper. (We have sent you an example.) Money given as gifts for weddings, birthdays, etc... are presented wrapped in traditional origami folded envelopes. *Modern times have made convenience and saving time a priority, as a result, most of these practical origami items are manufactured by machine. Long ago, people used to fold these items by hand. ORIGAMI TO ENJOY When did origami start being used for fun? Some two hundred years ago, paper became mass-produced and reasonably priced. Paper became widely available. People began to fold paper for enjoyment. Origami became entertainment. New origami creations were created. One hundred years ago, all kindergarten and elementary school children began to be taught how to do origami. Grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren learned to fold paper. As a result, today everyone shares the experience of origami. At home grandparents and parents pass on their origami knowledge to their grandchildren and children. At kindergarten children continue to learn from teachers. In elementary school children make origami to decorate their school rooms for special events and holidays. Favorite origami shapes are the origami jumping frogs, hopping grasshoppers, windmills, wrestling sumo fighters, origami balloons, and pretend Ninja daggers-the list goes on and on. Origami entertainment is not just limited to children, adults also discovery great entertainment in finding many challenging forms to fold. All the time, new origami forms are invented. Some shapes are very complicated and require many folding steps until completion or require more than one folded square. Traditional shapes remain popular, however every year new forms are created which show the cultural interests of the Japanese people. (We send you our favorite shapes.)
ORIGAMI TO SHARE Can everyone learn to do origami? Is origami difficult? Yes, everyone can learn. Start out easy. You can begin folding simple designs. As you gain confidence and experience, you may want to move on to more challenging forms. Learn the different symbols in the folding instructions. Discovery the different types of folds. Follow the steps precisely. Soon you will be able to fold with great enjoyment.

What type of paper should I use? For most designs you can use most any type of origami paper. You can make your own origami paper out of newspaper and wrapping paper. Also construction paper is great for making origami hats. One popular hat made from construction paper is the samurai helmet called kabuto. ( Look for the miniature samurai helmet in the examples we send to you.) One hint for making beautiful origami shapes is that if possible, when you are folding many times on one piece, use Japanese washi paper. Washi （和紙） is strong, and will not rip or tear, yet is soft and pliable. Also chiyogami（千代紙), traditional Japanese prints, gives beautiful designs to origami shapes.

How can I learn more origami? Local libraries have origami books available. Book stores sell origami instruction books. Paper can be bought at certain toy shops or Japanese import stores. In America, origami associations exist which can help you learn more origami. If you want more information let us know. Origami is part of our life. We love sharing our tradition with you. Have fun with origami.Sincerely, Nakaaoto Elementary School

Written by Mrs.Otsu

参考・引用図書：Bibliography
　WHAT IS ORIGAMI?
１．Origami in English by Yamaguchi Makoto 2．だれでもできる伝承包みを生かす折りみ紙教室 by 桃谷 好英 3 ．紙 と おり紙 by 笠原 邦彦 4．創作おりがみ by 大橋 皓也 5．ORIGAMI OMNIBUS by Kunihiko Kasahara
6．おりがみORIGAMI４か国語テキスト by 佐野康博（日本折紙協会）
７．アイデア いっぱいおりがみシリーズ・おりづる変奏曲」ｂｙ笠原 邦彦

中青戸小５年生クラスの自己紹介の手紙

＜向こうの学校に出した企画書＞ Mrs．Otsu

Katsushika Ward Nakaaoto Elementary School
24 - 1 Aoto 4 Chome
Katsushika-ku
Tokyo, JAPAN 125-0062
October 19, 1998

Ms. Antoinette Quarshie and the 6th Grade Class
Riverdale Country School
5250 Fieldston Road
Bronx, NY USA 10471-2999

Dear 6th Grade Class:

Hello from the 10-11 year-old students of Nakaaoto Elementary School.
For just one day, wouldn't it be fun for all the Riverdale sixty-one 6th grade students to come to Japan and visit our school? We would gladly share our day, our class, and our school with you. However, what jet could fly you in a flash to our land and then bring you back to Riverdale just in time to catch your ride home from school. An impossible dream, right?

All of us would love to make a field trip to visit New York and come to say hello to you at Riverdale. However, we would need to ride a train many times faster than our speedy bullet train which zips in between Tokyo and Osaka in record time.

In just one day, within a moments time, zipping between two countries is still a dream of the future. But wait...maybe...just maybe a way exists in which we could invite you to share in a day of our Japanese school.

Coming to visit one another may be physically impossible, but perhaps something which represents our country, our school, and our lives could be wrapped in a package and sent to you. And when that package is opened up in your class room, and the contents disclosed for all to see, within a split second, your whole class could step into our world here at Nakaaoto Elementary School.

What could represent a portion of our lives that would allow all of you to share a class with us? Well, we do have a treasure from our culture and our land. We have learned this bit of culture from our teachers, parents, grandparents, and our ancestors. We practice this colorful culture at our school. And we would like to share this tradition with you at Riverdale. We make this culture with our hands and minds and include with it a special greeting of goodwill from the heart. Our greeting comes in the form of a traditional art/craft called "origami." The Japanese word 折り紙 "origami" literally means paper folding.

Not only do we say hello, we also would like to invite you to come and join us in this
wonderful and amazing world of Japanese Origami. We will send you some origami examples which we will make at our school on October 22.

Finally, we will enclose some origami paper for your class. We invite you to use the colored paper and try for yourself the Japanese custom of origami. You will be surprised to see what you can make from one colorful perfect square of paper.

For a day at Riverdale, may you enjoy these origami forms and have fun learning with us.

From Japan- sincerely,

Nakaaoto Elementary School

●お母さん２４名、先生方も７名参加しました。
●６１人の５年生と先生方が約６０何点の折り紙作品を作りました。お母さんたちの作品の数も加え、計１５３点の作品を作り、ニューヨークに贈りました。

贈った折り紙作品の種類

1. ３くじら 　2. １ライオンの顔　 3. １ サンタ クーロス　 4. １ ねこ 　5. １ おしどり 　6. １ 飛行機 　7. １ あざらし 　8. １ ウルトラマンの顔 　9. １ ウルトラマン 　10. １ ペンギン 　11. １ エイ 　12. １ ばら 　13. １ネクタイ　14. １ ポムポム プリン （ＳＡＮＲＩＯ ＣＨＡＲＡＣＴＥＲ） 　15. １ 花がらのリ－ス　16. １ こいのぼり 　17. １ くんしょう 　18. １ バレンタインのたとう　19. ３ゆび人形のうさぎ　20. １ 金魚 　21. １ きょうりゅう 　22. １おすもうさん　23. １ いか 　24. １うま折り紙作品の種類ＰＡＧＥ２　25. １ げんごろう　26. ３ つの香ばこ　27. １ 空想動物 　28. １ ブルーくまの絵　29. ２やっこさん　30. ４ ぴぴかえる　31. １０ しゆりけん　32. ３かぶと 　33. ２ せみ　34. ５ おりづる　35. １ ふうせん　36. １めんこ　37. ３ インコ　38. １ うぐいす 　39. ２ おりばづる　40. １ みずどり　41. ２はくちょう　 42. ３ つばめ 　43. １ ほうおう　44. ２でんしょばと　45. １あひる 　46. １五角形　 47. １ ようじ入れ　 48. １菓子鉢 　49. １ はしぶくろ　50. １ 花模様の包み－伝承たとう　51. ２花包み 　52. １額 　53. ６６封筒

＊この活動を計画、実施した学年委員のみなさん
　尾花 眞利子 、米岡 美恵子、 古谷 万里子、 竹内 めぐみ、井上 静子、関根純子、栗山純子、大都シャーロットさんです。この８人の学年さんがPlanning committeeとして積極的に色々な素晴らしいアイディアを出しました。向こうの子供達が中青戸小５年生の作品を見て、きっと自分の作品が作りたくなるので、材料も小包みに入れることにしました。その提案のお陰で向こうの学校は折り紙の授業が出来ることになりました。材料も調べ、子供達が喜ぶようなものを考えて選びました。テーブルといすのことを良く考え、子供達と親と先生方が作業しやすいところになるため、図書室を用意してくださいました。「新聞」と「かつしか広報」などには全員のお名前がでなかたけれども、実は全員の企画でした。
Written by Mrs.Otsu
E-mail :Yas_Otsu@classic.msn.com

つくった版画カレンダーを贈りました　1998,12,18
　

To America・Wood Block Print Calendar Greeting・ From the heart

H.I	E.K	K.O	S.T	K.Y

１２月に、５年生は図画工作科の授業で木版画を制作しました。それをカレンダー用紙に貼って、５枚をリバデール小学校に贈りました。　
In Ｄecember, the 5th Graders created wood block prints in their Art Education class. They glued the prints to a calendar form. Five calendars were presented to Riverdale Country School.

学年委員の大都さんが版画の説明をリバデール小学校へ送りました

Hello once again. We hope that you are enjoying our Japanese wood block print calendars. Did you know that the origami and the wood block prints we sent you have something in common? One of the important materials for both traditions is paper. The Japanese paper called washi is used for origami and printing (example 1). Since the introduction of the paper making process from China during the mid-seventh century, Japan has been a country not only rich in origami culture, but also in printing culture. Similar to the invention of paper making, the Japanese printing technique also has its origins from China. In a like pattern, the Japanese, who developed their own special paper called washi, also created their own unique method of printing called HANGA版画. The literal meaning in Japanese is impression 版 and picture画 (example 2). Last November, when Ms. Niizuma came to your class to introduce origami folding, she brought an example of the most popular origami form, the crane which in Japanese is called tsuru. The most famous form of Japanese printing is the wood block prints called ukiyoe. The origami crane and the Japanese ukiyoe have another common characteristic. They were both created some two hundred years ago. We have enclosed some pictures of ukiyoe (example 3). Some of you may have seen other ukiyoe prints at your New York museums. Our five traditional HANGA calendars represent a '"style of Japanese printing which takes you into a world of black and white. Working in this two tone dimension, we learned to sense and make color. We used various line technique and tried to achieve a Page 2 unique balance between black and white spaces. For us our printing process not only becomes an art work, but a practice in learning to persevere."'* In relationship to the beautiful ukiyoe prints, although colors, materials, and printing techniques vary, some of the same printing tools are used. Enclosed is a photograph of a special tool we used to press the paper on the ink (example 4). This round tool also was invented two hundred years ago. The name of the tool is balen and is made out of dried bamboo leaf which is carefully separated into individual single strands of fiber then twisted to make a firm cord. The cord is wound into a circular shape, backed with a hard firm paper that has been lacquered and then wrapped in a dried bamboo leaf. The pressure which is applied to the balen, the movement and direction of the pressing, as well as the quality of the ink, give our prints a special artistic effect (example 5). Our tools used to carve the wood like the balen have come down to us from generation to generation (example 6). '"The very actions of carving the wood, as well as applying the ink, and rubbing the balen against the washi teach us about the important relationship between tools and mankind-a special cultural link."'* Multicolored prints are also a part of our tradition. The lovely origami paper called chiyogami, which has many vivid patterns, was originally designed with wood block printing (example 7). Not only calendars, but postcards, traditional New Years cards, stationery, small envelopes used for monetary gifts, picture books, and coasters are just a few examples of how wood block print is used to decorate (example 8, 9, 10). If you visit Japan, you may want to see some of these items. We suggest that you look for them at special souvenir and craft shops, large stationery stores, or department stores. Passage of time, mass production, and exposure to other cultures have brought us new forms of decoration which have already begun to replace the old. This change means that you will find calendars in our home that are almost like yours in America. We enjoy modern decoration and designs, but we cannot forget the patterns of the past. Our Japanese printing art remains a close and integral expression of our life. If you look closely at our calendar designs, you may notice both modern and traditional designs. Through our prints you can see a picture of our present world. Perhaps you can imagine the Japan of today and the fun we have during our leisure time.
Can you guess what we enjoy? (answer: mountain hiking, amusement parks, nature, and cartoons). How did we learn the printing technique? '"In 1st through 3rd Grade we used paper, scissors, ink, roller, and balen to make paper prints (example 11,12). Then in 4th Grade we began to carve wood prints. The wood is made from pulp and then hard pressurized to form a strong board which when carved in any direction will yield a clean, even cut."'*(ukiyoe prints were carved in cherry wood which is extremely compact.) Last fall we invited you to experience some of our history. You learned to fold paper balloons called fusen. Japanese children a hundred years ago have folded the same form. We sent you some wood block calendars. Our parents grandparents have grown up using calendars like these. Furthermore, when you look at the ukiyoe prints, you will step into a world which existed some two centuries ago. And finally, when you look at the origami crane and see how it is folded, you can experience the entertainment that our people have enjoyed for over two hundred years. Was it fun to go back in history with us? Do you begin to feel and understand how in our culture our lives are entwined with the old as well as the new? From Ms. Quarshie we heard how you made history by making a bulletin board display with two of the calendars and some of the origami which you and we folded and shared together. Did you know, you may be the very first American 6th Grade class to ever create such a cultural bulletin board. You may want to keep a record of your class history with a photograph. If you have an extra photo, could we have one too? We had fun sharing our origami and wood block tradition with you. In exchange, would you be willing to share about your own culture with us? Do you have any cultural traditions that you celebrate at your school? We also would love to learn about you and the life you enjoy. Sincerely, From Nakaaoto Elementary School sixty-one 10-11 year old children Japanese Cultural Information compiled and written by Charlotte Otsu PTA 5 Gakunen *Nakaaoto Elementary School Art Education Information provided by Makio Kawashima Art Teacher and Computer Teacher.

リバデール小から・New York Holiday Greetings ・中青戸小へ

1999　Riverdale Country School Greeting

　２月にリバデール小学校から小包が届きました。クリスマスカードの１９枚とハヌカカードの１３枚とクリマスとハヌカ両方の模様のカード１４枚とＮＥＷＹＥＡＲＳＣＡＲＤ１７枚を送って下さいました。

グリーティングカード　Greeting Cards

Chrismas.jpg	Hanukah.jpg	Holiday.jpg	New Year.jpg
クリスマス	ハヌカ （ユダヤ人の祭り）	ハッピーホリディ	ハッピーニューイァー

Understanding culture/ history through the medium of traditional Greeting Cards

○中青戸小学校の５年生にとって、ニュー ヨークはとても遠いところでしょうが、２月１８日５校時に不思議に向こうのクリスマスとその季節の風景が日本を訪れることになりました。じつは２学期の学年活動で送った折り紙の返事が届きました。リバデール小学校の先生からカードを送るというお話しがありましたので、時期的にクリスマスカードでも届くのかと思っていましたところ、４種類ものカードが届きました。そしてアメリカの６年生のクラスのお陰で、そのグリーテイングカードの意味を理解する機会になり、アメリカの文化、その歴史的・宗教的な背景を少し味わうことが出来ました。

Creating a cultural message which brings two worlds together has meaning.

大都さんの行った、外国の文化を理解するための、国際理解教室です。

1999,2,18

　リバデール小学校の生徒達は、自分の文化を日本の友達に紹介してあげるため、共通のことばがなくても、作る目的とその努力に意味があるので、手づくりグリーテイングカードメッセージを伝えてみようという気持ちがあったそうです。コミュニケーションをとるため、どのように自分の親しい文化と習慣を伝えたらよいかということと、どのような「ホリデイ・シンボル」を表現したらよいかということに取り組み、心を込めたメッセージをつくりました。相手がはじめてその文化を見ることと、触れ合う機会を持つので、自分の表現と伝えたいメッセージをよく考える必要があるということを理解しながら、楽しく自分の表したいことを決めたそうです。手づくりホリデイカードの活動に参加したリバデール小学校の人数は男の子３２人と女の子２８人と先生一人です。受け取る中青戸小学校の人数は男の子２７人と女の子３４人と先生方二人です。
　
　グリーテイングカードの意味がわかるためにそのホリデイの意味も理解する必要もあります。
ホリデイ（HOLIDAY）のことばは「聖なる日」という意味です。同じようにそれぞれのホリデイの名前は意味があります。

What is the literal meaning of "holiday"? Holiday means "Holy Day". What are some examples of holiday greetings expressed in the cards?

○メリークリスマス 「イエス キリスト の 日」 Merry Christmas
○ハヌカ 「もう一度捧げる Happy Hanukah
○ハッピー ニュー イァ 新年おめでとう Happy New Year
○ハッピー ホリデイ 季節のホリデイ ・ おめでとう Happy Holidays 文化と伝統的な習慣とその意味を表現するため、それぞれのカードの特徴がありました。
All the greeting cards gave special messages of life, thought, culture, history, and religion that reflected each individual American student. Particular cards presented new information to the Japanese students. Examples are as follows:

＊ 絵とシンボルは歴史的と宗教的な意味があります。カードの表現とその伝えるメッセージが歴史とイベントを思い出すための意味があります。(例：クリスマスツリーの星・イエスキリストの誕生とダビデの星・ユダヤ教)。
Japanese students learned the meanings of the Christmas tree star decoration, the Hanukah Menorah, and the Star of David.
＊ グリーテイングカードの色はメッセージと表現でした。 (例：青と白 というハヌカのカードの色はイスラエルの旗の色です)
Traditional holiday colors were used in the cards. Red and green colors representing Christmas are familiar in Japan, however, the blue and white colors of Hanukah were a new holiday accent to learn. The blue and white represent the colors of the Israel flag.
＊ ニュー ヨーク の歴史的なイベントを記念するため、シンボルが描かれています。
Some card pictures and drawings portrayed the two famous historical holiday celebrations specifically belonging to New York City. For the Japanese students, this introduction to the New York City holiday season was a very special first experience. (ex. Rockefeller Center's Christmas Tree and Times Square New Years Eve Ball Lowering Ceremony). Information from Internet was used to give Japanese students more historical details on the events.
＊ 回りのホリデイの風景と季節の雰囲気が描かれています。(例：都会のクリスマス・高層ビルとクリスマスツリーと、黄色いタクシーなどニューイァイブ・風船と紙ふぶき)
Other pictures were drawn to express "Christmas in the city" and the New Year's Eve party atmosphere. Pictures of decorated Christmas trees against the background of skyscrapers with the rush of cars gave the Japanese children a glimpse of the holiday festivities seen in New York. Also pictures of balloons, confetti, party hats, and party accessories etc... gave an expressive hint of the American tradition to usher in the New Year.
＊ 三つのホリデイを合わせた絵もありました。その絵とシンボルはクリマス ツリーとハヌカのろうそくと年月(例：１９９９)
The idea that some of the holidays were chosen to be celebrated and some were not, while at the same time acknowledging all the holidays was a unique idea to the Japanese students. The Happy Holiday greeting cards opened an opportunity to explain the importance of recognizing diversity and individual culture; and the uniqueness of the history of America which reflects the rich culture of many people. Pictures of a Christmas tree, the Hanukah Menorah or the dreidel, a Jewish traditional toy top, the word Kwanza, and the New Year Date 1999 were just a few of the images combined on one card to represent all the seasonal holidays.
＊ アメリカの子供達と日本の子供達にとって、共通の親しいイメジも描かれていました。(例：サンタクローズと、クリスマスツリーと、プレゼント)
Some of the images depicted in the Christmas cards were familiar to the Japanese students. Santa Claus, the decorated Christmas tree, and the presents are Christmas symbols widely seen in Japan during December.
But one familiar image brought a new sensation-a new message. On seeing one Happy Holiday Card decorated with one popular Japanese cartoon character, the Japanese children expressed keen interest and excitement.
The fact that their own cartoon was exported to America and was an interest shared by American children was a nice cultural surprise that said "We live on two separate sides of the world, but we share each other's lives and culture." What a wonderful holiday greeting.
Written by Charlotte Otsu Katsushika Ward Nakaaoto Elementary School 24 - 1 Aoto 4 Chome Katsushika-ku Tokyo, JAPAN 125-0062 March 2, 1999

Ms. Antoinette Quarshie and the 6th Grade Class Riverdale Country School 5250 Fieldston Road Bronx, NY USA 10471-2999
Dear 6th Grade Class: Hello! We have some very exciting news to share with you. First of all, we spent one class as a special workshop on International Understanding. Can you guess who were our teachers? They were fantastic. (Hint: They sent us sixty-three Holiday cards from New York).
On February 18th at 2:40 p.m. we went to our Home-Ec classroom and divided into our set groups called a "HAN". Each HAN has 5 students. At our school, we do many studies as a group. Mr. Sakae in his class has six HAN. And Mrs. Nakazawa in her class has six HAN. The teachers let us choose our groups. One of the main goals of our learning as a group is to cooperate and work together. Usually on Thursdays we study Home-Ec, but today is a special day. We will learn something new and different. When we walked into the classroom, we saw a large manila envelope on each table. We knew where to sit because on each envelope was a number of a class HAN. We sat down at the tables according to that number. We really wanted to peek inside the envelopes, but were told to wait. After Mrs. Nakazawa gave an explanation that we had received Holiday cards from the Riverdale Country School 6th Grade Class, she introduced Mrs. Otsu. Then Mrs. Otsu told us to open the manila envelopes.
We were so excited to see all the pictures, symbols, greetings, and colors. Some of the pictures were familiar. And some we had never seen before. On that Thursday afternoon, we learned a lot of new information.
First we looked at your Christmas cards. We recognized the man in the red suit. He looks just like our Christmas symbol here in Japan. We also noticed that almost every Christmas tree you made had a star on the very top. We asked what was the meaning of that star. Mrs. Otsu brought us a photograph of your famous Rockefeller Center's Christmas Tree which one of you drew for us. We looked at the very top of that tree.
As to be expected, a beautiful star shines. Next, we learned the meaning of another star which has six points. For the very first time in our lives, we saw the Menorah and heard the story of how the candle light brightly burned for eight days. We cannot imagine how happy those people felt in their hearts when they lit the candles and broke the long darkness inside the temple in Israel so many, many years ago--that must have been a great moment.
In Japan we have holidays which are unique to our people and culture. For many in America to have their own holiday called Kwanza, must be very special.
In the Happy New Year cards, we saw a glimpse of your New Years Celebration. We asked what the round ball symbol meant. We have never seen the New Years Eve Ball. Mrs. Otsu showed us a picture of the ball from the Internet. Guess what? Thanks to the message in your cards, some of us are planning to meet you in Times Square to watch the ceremony for the year 2000 via satellite television. Did you notice that your holidays have a common theme?
A special light that reflects your culture and history, brightly shines in each holiday. And because you shared some of that light with us, we can enjoy the warmth and joyful glow, too. We are enclosing two traditional square writing cards written with all our names called SHIKISHI.
One card represents Mr. Sakae's class and the other is for Mrs. Nakazawa's class. These cards are made from WASHI. For hundreds of years we have used these cards for drawing pictures and writing poems, songs, and autographs. In a token of gratitude for your Holiday Greetings, we would like your class to accept these as a thank you memento.
Sincerely, Nakaaoto Elementary School sixty-one students

アメリカへ・マイメッセージ・心から
Let's send a message to America

贈ってもらったカードに喜ぶ５年生。大都さんにお話を聞いてから、返事のカードをつくりました。

To America・My Message・From the heart

Cross Cultural Pict・Message

５年生がつくり、リバデール小学校へ送ったカード

　こちらの生徒達のことと向こうの生徒達のことも考えました。この手紙の目的はまずこちらの子供達の自己紹介のようなメッセージでした。向こうの子供達が日本の友達の好みと好きなものが分かるようになったら、もっとお互いのコミュニケーションと理解が深くなるようになるではないかと望んでいます。　まず、日本の子供達がどのような趣味と遊びをするのでしょうかという興味があると思います。日本の子供達の日常生活はどういう様なことがあるでしょうか。日本に行ったことがないだけど、回りと環境はどういうような様子でしょうかという質問が溢れるほどあると思います。中青戸小の５学年全員の手紙を見るとの子供達が日本に関しての質問の答えが分かるようになり、その上に日本の友達と共通の興味と趣味があるという発見もするかもしれません。日本の子供達が描いている「僕の好きなもの。。。私の好きなもの。。。」のテーマは新鮮な生きているメッセージでした。まず自己紹介で、それから国際的な分ち合うコミュニケションです。Mrs．Otsu

　 Introduction to the "I Like...Letters of Introduction"

These letters are not only a self-introduction of each student, but also a glimpse into what Japanese children enjoy in their every day life. Come with us and learn about Japan through these letters. If you could visualize or imagine yourself visiting Nakaaoto...where would the children take you? What would you be able to see? Surely they would give you a tour of their homes and the park close to their school. They definitely would be pleased to show you their pets. What type of food or snack would they share with you? What type of sports activities and hobbies might they invite you to join in and play? Also can you see the type of toys and entertainment they would invite you to play with? We encourage you to look at all the letters, not just your own individually addressed one so that you can see an overall picture of the life of Japanese children your age. What is most interesting is that you will find many common interests with your Japanese friends. Come and join us in our letters.
And hope to hear from you, too. Sincerely, Nakaaoto Elementary School Written by Mrs. Otsu English and Japanese Vocabulary The following vocabulary words were used to complete the phrase "I LIKE..." in the "Letters of Introduction" which the Nakaaoto Elementary 10-11 year old class sent to the Riverdale Country School 6th Grade class.
Arranged in English alphabetical order
CHILDREN'S INTEREST AND HOBBIES

1. Animals 動物 do-butsu 2. Baseball 野球 yakyu- 3. Basket ball バスケットボール 4. Bears 熊 kuma 5. Bicycles 自転車 jitensha 6. Birds とりor 鳥 tori 7. Books 本 hon 8. Cakes ケーキ 9. Calligraphy 書道 shodo- 10. Cars kuruma 11. Card games カード ゲーム 12. Cartoons マンガ manga 13. Cats ねこ neko 14. Chicks ひよこ hiyoko 15. Dogs 犬 inu 16. Doraemon (Japanese cartoon) ドラエモン doraemon 17. Flowers おはな ohana 18. Forest 森林 shinrin 19. Imagination くうそう ku-so- 20. Insects 虫 mushi 21. Japanese food 和食 washoku 22. Hello Kitty 23. Kimono きもの 24. Mickey Mouse ミッキーマウス 25. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouseミッキーマウス ・ ミニーマウス 26. Maps 地図 chizu 27. Magician tricks 手品 tejina 28. Origami おりがみ 29. Parrots インコ inko 30. Piano ピアノ 31. Pokemon (Japanese cartoon ) ポケモン
32. Rabbits ウサギ うさぎ usagi 33. Singer 歌手 kashu 34. Smiles スマイル 35. Soccer サッカー 36. Songs 歌 uta 37. Sports スポーツ 38. Strawberries いちご ichigo 39. Stuffed animals ぬいぐるみ nuigurumi 40. Sushi すし 41. Teddy bears テディベア 42. Television cartoons テレビ アニメ 43. Trains 電車 densha 44. TV games テレビ ゲーム 45. Winnie- the-Pooh 熊のプーさん

Note: Japanese words are printed in character and alphabet form. You will note many English words have been incorporated into Japanese. As that particular item or activity has come into the Japanese lifestyle, the word has also been adapted into the Japanese language. Likewise certain Japanese items or food have become available in America. In the same manner that word has been accepted into English. *hyphen after a particular vowel sound indicates long vowel sound.

カードのお礼と、こちらから送るカードの説明の手紙

リバデール小学校の校長先生へ・交流のお礼・心から

＜学年だより＞　平成11年3月12日 　５学年保護者の皆様 「先生。。。ただいま 帰りました!」「ただいま」と言いたい気持ちがどうも心の奥にあります。はじめのPARENT TALK、それから10月のアメリカへ折り紙での挨拶と12月の版画カレンダーの紹介、今回のマイメッセージのことで中青戸小の正門より、皆さんの心の一部が遠くNEW YORK にある小学校まで行って来たという感じがしませんか？お陰さまで、5学年の子供達全員が自分の手で作った心を込めたメッセージを無事に送ることが出来ました。皆さんのご協力ありがとうございました。「先生。。。参加していただいて、うれしかったです。」今年は国際的なテーマを企画しましたが、実はもう一つのテーマがありました。それは親子と先生方も一緒に参加するというテーマでした。5学年の子供達のために、どんなに親と先生方の協力があったかということを計り知ることが出来ないと思います。この場をお借りして感謝してお礼を申し上げたいと思います。 ＰＡＲＥＮＴ TALK 参加 ： 菅澤教頭先生 と 大喜先生 　アメリカへ 折り紙での挨拶作品：山口校長先生、菅澤教頭先生、栄先生、中沢先生、と吉井先生参加：荻野先生　写真とコンピュータのホームページ：川島先生　中青戸小学校長山口忠彦　PTA 会長 安 田 信 義 　学年委員長大都シャーロット版画カレンダーの紹介川島先生アメリカへ・マイメッセージ・心から参加：栄先生と中沢先生材料と写真とコンピューターホームページ：川島先生 最後の５学年活動についてお知らせします。 リバデール小へ・5－1と5－2組の寄せ書き ・ 心から 　各クラスが一枚ずつの色紙を書き、自分のクラスなりに心を込めたお礼を表現しました。日本では当たり前で、誰でも知っている寄せ書きとはちょっと違う雰囲気があるものを仕上げました。白い和紙の表面に漢字とひらがなばかりではなく、5学年の全員の国際的なサインも書かれています。勿論その色紙は国際的な交流が出来たためのお礼の意味ですがアメリカに色紙がまったくありませんので、日本の文化を紹介する機会にもなります。 リバデール小校長先生へ ・ 交流のお礼 ・ 心から 　それからもう一枚の色紙を一緒に送ることになりました。学校と学校とで交流をすれば、開いている正門が必要です。今回門を開けて下さった二人の方は中青戸小学校山口校長先生とリバデール小学校シャラー校長先生です。山口校長先生が描いて下さったシャラー校長先生の似顔絵はもう一つのお礼と日本の文化の紹介になります。 中青戸小学校　（山口校長先生） Principal of Nakaaoto Elementary School "From the heart" theme ・ What does it mean? As a theme for our cultural exchange and communication with Riverdale Country School, the one key phrase, "From the heart" has characterized each message that the sixty-one Nakaaoto students have created. Every effort was made to choose a piece of the Japanese culture which was an integral part of each child's life-a culture close to their heart. The method of sharing their culture was planned so that each child could choose or discover his or her style of communication-thus, a heart motivated message. To further illustrate this "from the heart" theme, the principal of Katsushika Ward Nakaaoto Elementary School, Mr. Tadahiko Yamaguchi has chosen to share his own culture and tradition with the Riverdale Country School Head of the Lower School, Mr. Sandy Stuart Shaller. To Mr. Shaller A Portrait Thank You From the heart Mr. Yamaguchi has chosen and prepared for Mr. Shaller a message of thanks which comes from his own close life and culture. This art form in Japan is called NIGAOE 似顔絵 which literally means "picture of a resembling face" or "portrait." Mr. Shaller's portrait is one of over three hundred and sixty which Mr. Yamaguchi has painted. His canvas is a form of Japanese paper called SHIKISHI 色紙 which originated many hundreds of years ago. The paper is made from WASHI 和紙 which has a strong yet uniquely soft texture. For Mr. Yamaguchi, the 21x18 cm gold framed white paper with the pale yellow backing flecked with tiny silver particles, has special meaning. This form of art is his style of communication and his unique personal tradition. Since becoming a principal, over the past six years he has painted portraits using pencil and watercolors of all his sixth grade students. Just as each Nakaaoto graduating student receives a heartfelt message of congratulations, in the same style and tradition, a sincere message of appreciation is extended to Mr. Shaller and the Riverdale Country School.

リバデール小から・DREIDEL(ユダヤのこま）・中青戸小へ1999,4,16

In the sixty-three handmade holiday cards received from the Riverdale Country School 6th Graders, we found one particular holiday image which like a key, opened a door to a new world-the culture of Hanukah.
In their greeting cards, some Riverdale children depicted one of the best known symbols of Hanukah, the four sided top called "dreidel."
The toy top inscribed with a Hebrew letter on each side, captured our attention and triggered many questions in our mind. What are the meanings of the letters?
How do Jewish children play with the top? What is the connection between the toy top and Hanukah?

We wanted to take a peek into this new world. Even after a visit to the local library, our questions remained unanswered.
So we asked one of the Riverdale students to help us. The assistance came in the form of an airmail package filled with five dreidels made from wood or plastic in various sizes and color; instructions entitled "How to play Dreidel"; Web site information on the history and tradition of deidel and Hanukah; and a warm wish saying "We hope that you enjoy playing and learning about the Jewish holidays...Hope all is well in Japan. Have fun!!"

Worldwide, every year for people who celebrate the Hanukah season, the four Hebrew letters meaning "A great miracle happened there," spin a reminder of past Jewish historical events which occurred in Israel.
Thanks to the gracious invitation and real life cultural supplies from New York, we have experienced our own meaningful historical miracle.
For the very first time, sixty-one Nakaaoto students and several teachers were able to look, touch, spin, and feel some of the actual joy that radiates from the Hanukah season.
The light of cross-cultural understanding that we have received is ours to treasure.
And in our hearts, the spinning dreidel will remain a symbol of shared cultural fun. Come next December, the Happy Hanukah greeting will have a deeper ring and bring a smile and light to our eyes, too.
March 1999 Charlotte Otsu

　3月1日 ハヌカ の ホリーデイ シンボル。。。楽しいこまが届きました！
ユダヤ人のDreidelというこまは指先で捻じって回すものです。木製とプラステイク製で、胴体と心棒のあわせた長さは（大） 7㎝（小） 3.7㎝ です。四角形に削った胴の各面に４つのヘブル語の字が書かれています。その４つの字を合わせたら、何千年前のユダヤ人の歴史的な出来事の記念のため（ハヌカ）、「そこで（イスラエル）素晴らしい奇跡が行われた!」という。
　昔のユダヤ人が幼児から大人まで、一緒にハヌカをお祝いしながら、楽しいこまゲームをつくりました。こまを回して停止した時に出た面の字が勝ちを得る賭事に用いられています。一人一人に１０個の飴を配り、テーブルの真ん中にまた１０個の飴を置いてから、一個のDreidelを順番に回します。遊べる人数は５人です。
○ゲームのやり方：４つの字にしたがって、パース・一個の飴を置く・全部の真ん中にある飴をもらう・半分の真ん中にある飴をもらうこと。飴を一番たくさん持っている人が勝者です。飴ではなく、ピーナツ、一円玉などを利用することが可能です。

回してみよう！

　 中青戸小の６年生達が楽しいDREIDELゲームを自分の体験にしました。形、色、と回転も、日本のコマと違って、子ども達の心をとられて。。。いつまでも回りつづけるのがうれしいけれども、回る結果は？その面白さにつりこまれましたよ。
　みんなの感想は：
* 「きれいに回るだけではなく、皆でゲームが出来ること。。。おもしろかった！」
* 僕は日本のこまを回すことが自慢。手の上でもできるけど、Dreidelを回した時、いつもパースだった。よく考えて、色々な回し方を試してみたけど、だめだった。ちょっと悔しかった。。。でも皆でゲームができるから、向こうのこまが面白かった。
* 金色のこまはきれい。。。楽しかった。
* よく回ります。
Nakaaoto Elementary School 6th Graders enjoy learning the dreidel game. Instead of candy for tokens, the children used pencils and erasers.

To America・江戸こま・From the heart

楽しい伝統的なお返し

○国と文化が違うけれども、こま遊びがあるという共通点を発見し、是非、お互いに文化の交換と交流を続けて日本のこまを贈りました（江戸こま、逆立ちこまとべいゴマ）。
Reciprocal cultural sharing-traditional Japanese tops were sent to the Riverdale 6th Graders. (Edo era top, upside down top, and steel shell top.)
○休暇の伝統および文化的な楽しみを共有します。
Sharing holiday tradition and cultural fun.

中青戸小から・こま回しのビデオ・リバデール小へ1999,5,6

中青戸小のけんだま・こま名人　Spin a top!

けんだま Play at cup and ball		こま Ｔop	べいごま BEIGOMA	こま Ｔop		こんいちは Hi!

学年委員の大都さんがこま「独楽」の説明をリバデール小学校へ送りました

May 5, 1999
Dear 6th Grade Class:
Hello! As your school year draws to an exciting climax with the 6th grade graduation around the corner, here at Nakaaoto, we have just started to get into the mode of the new 6th grade routine. If we were in America, we would be graduating with you. However, our school year starts in April rather than September, so we will graduate two terms later in the following March.

In our first letter, we suggested that if only we could visit and spend a day of school together, we could have so much fun learning about one another.
In one sense during this school year, we have visited Riverdale, and likewise, all of you have come to Nakaaoto-not in person, but through a type of communication that is made with hands, minds, and hearts.

Now speaking of visits, we have one more question. In the past have you ever visited a friend and taken along a favorite possession to share (a toy, book, tape, game, etc...)? You may have received the item as a gift, and as a result, can hardly wait to show the fun. After seeing and hearing your excitement, your friend immediately rushes into their room to bring out their favorite object, and together you both revel in an exciting moment of sharing. What was discovered in that split-second when you presented your treasure? What prompted your friend to share in return? Perhaps a common interest or a related experience...?

To us, your handmade cards represented more than an introduction to your culture and traditions. Each greeting card was like a real visit from every Riverdale 6th Grade student to our Nakaaoto classroom. And just like the two friends caught in a moment of "show and tell," when you presented your holiday greetings, in return, we were prompted to share our treasure. In your many holiday symbols, we unexpectedly discovered a common cultural interest or related experience- a spinning top connected with a holiday celebration. The discovery sent us running back into our cultural room to dig into our closet filled with over two hundred years of tradition and history to pull out an item to share with you. The holiday celebration is New Years. Starting one hundred years ago, the new year rang with shouts of triumph and cries of defeat. Neighborhood children gathered in the streets to show off their handmade tops and challenge one another's spinning technique. Although the shape and material of the top differed according to each region within Japan, the way children played with the tops was similar. Most tops were wrapped around the base with a cord, then thrown into an incredible swift spinning momentum. The challenge of the game was not only to see whose top was the longest spinning, but to also knock over every other opponent's top to a dead stop. The spinning tops, driven like amusement park bumper cars, were made to bump and bounce off one another. The child's top which remained spinning after all the others had toppled was the winner. The once popular New Year top spinning tradition is now history, but the image of the top can be seen on New Year greeting cards (Ex. 1). And the top which is called KOMA (こま) is still available in toy shops and is a traditional entertainment taught through out the year at school and local children community centers.

In an irresistible impromptu visit, we have sent you three types of KOMA. However, if you look at the enclosed pictures (Ex. 2 and 3), a single glance will tell you that the Japanese KOMA comes in many shapes and styles. The story of the KOMA could fill a book with history which covers hundreds of years; spinning through the palace of royalty to the streets of the common people, traveling from the north to the south regions of Japan; moving from the city to the countryside; and passing from an adult to a child's hand. At one touch, the various tops would give you the feel of bamboo, shell, wood, steel, tin, plastic. And if you could look into the heart of the KOMA, you would see a reflection of many children's faces filled with laughter, excitement, and even tears which were shed when the spinning top came to a stop.

Come back with us in history once again to the EDO era* two hundred years ago when the origami crane TSURU (Ex. 4) and the beautiful wood block prints called UKIYOE (Ex. 5) were created. Walk with us down the streets of Tokyo which at that time was called EDO, and you will see adults as well as children throwing their spinning tops. In your package you will see a red and black striped wooden top with a thick cord. This top is called EDOKOMA （江戸こま） which means top of the EDO era. The thick cord is used to throw the top into a fast spin.

Another popular children's top during the EDO era was an actual spiral seashell used as a top. Like the EDOKOMA, the shell was wrapped around with a cord then thrown into a whirling spin. However, instead of the street surface, the shell was sent spinning on a straw mat spread over the lid of a sugar or dry noodle barrel. (Ex. 6). The shell top had a special characteristic. In order to increase the spinning momentum, sand or melted lead was put inside the shell and sealed with wax.

The shell top continued to be a popular child's toy until the 1900's. Then in the mid 1920's, a new top made of iron, which was cast into the shape of a shell, gained popularity. The shape of the top resembles a water snail shell. The name of the top is called BEIGOMA (べいごま). In Tokyo the cast iron top could be bought at any local candy store at a price within a child's allowance. The BEIGOMA is the most challenging top to spin. Unlike other tops, the heavy weight and flat shape requires a special spinning technique. Amongst the elementary school age children, 5th and 6th grade boys were the ones who could master the difficult technique. The BEIGOMA neighborhood champion was honored with high esteem. His prize was to collect every top that he could out spin. The children would spin their tops on whatever was available at the time-a thick straw mat or heavy cloth spread across the mouth of a steel bucket.**

The little round striped top called GYAKUDACHIKOMA (逆立ちコマ) which means "upside down top," has a unique phenomenal spinning motion. Like the dreidel, the top is sent into a spin with the fingers. If given a full spinning momentum, true to its name, the top will turn upside down to spin. Originating in Tokyo and spinning across several generations, the top still finds its place in present day toy shops.***

In our package, we have sent you only a few of the tops which are available today (EDOKOMA, BEIGOMA, and GYAKUDACHIKOMA), along with photos and a bit of KOMA history. However, unlike origami or wood block prints, the KOMA cannot be fully understood with written words and pictures. It is the spinning process which is the most enjoyable part of the KOMA. Japanese tops twirling like daring acrobats can be spun not only on the floor, but on the hand, on a string, or even in air. The best method of sharing would be for us to visit Riverdale to show all of you how the tops spin. Impossible...but a wonderful dream. Instead we chose the next best alternative-a video of some of our 6th graders spinning the tops. Come and join us to see for yourselves how the tops spin. And may you all enjoy a spinning voyage into the past and present history of Japan.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Otsu and sixty-one 6th Grade Nakaaoto Elementary Students.
*EDO era is from 1603 to 1867.

** The material spread over a bucket on which the BEIGOMA was sent spinning is itself a historical and cultural message. Starting from the EDO era, a straw mat called GOZA（茣蓙）taken from tatami mats was used. After WWII children used remnants of Self Defense Force tents or parachutes（自衛隊テントとパラシュート）. Today our Nakaaoto 6th grade boys used a plastic vinyl picnic spread designed with a popular children's comic character. First used during the EDO era, the lid of the empty sugar or dry noodle barrel on which the straw mat was placed, over time changed to a steel bucket. The bucket used for cleaning could be found in any home. Once again change brings new ideas. Steel buckets are obsolete, so our students use a plastic wash bowl which is a common everyday household item.

***The GYAKUDACHIKOMA is not only a fascinating child's toy, but also a study in the laws of physics. The spinning phenomenon can be explained by a set scientific equation dealing with precession. (歳差運動)

Bibliography ・ 参考
1. Encyclopedia Nipponica 2001 日本大百科全書 「こま」 ２. まわれ！ あしながごま by 小林 実文 3．こまの技 by 高梨 俊博 4．日本人形玩具辞典 by 斎藤 良輔 5．ハンドクラフトシリーズNo．55 おもちゃ館 ・ 日本の郷土玩具

リバデール小から・版画と　ことわざ・中青戸小へ 1999,7,4

1999　Riverdale Country School Greeting

リノリウム版Linoleum prints・ことわざProverbs

○リノリウム版は合成ゴムの版画で、木より柔らかくて彫りやすいそうです。リバデール小の５，６年生がつくりました。
The prints are "linoleum block prints".This material is fairly easy for students to cut.

○社会科の授業から、アフリカのガーナGhanaという国のことわざを学んだそうです。自分の文化とアフリカの文化を比べるため、ことわざを選び、そのイラストを想像して描いたそうです。使ったことわざは自分の文化だけでなく、３つの国　アフリカ、アメリカ、中国です。これは総合的な学習です。

○ことわざは過去の世代の人々の知恵が凝縮した姿です。たくさんのことわざには、人間について万国共通の真理が含まれています。(クオーシー先生の説明）
Proverbs are wisdom of past generations in a condensed form. Many proverbs contain universal truths about human nature.　by Antoinette Quarshie Riverdale Country School 6th Grade Teacher

リバデール小から・ハロウィーンの紹介・中青戸小へ　2000,1,26

2000　Riverdale Country School Greeting

Happy Halloween

ハロウィーン・かぼちゃ祭りの紹介・アメリカから

　１月２６日、リバデール小学校から再びホリデイ小包みが届きました。中身は、６年生手作りのハロウィーンカード、写真とお菓子でした。　
　ハロウィーンとは、１０月３１日の夕方に行われるアメリカのお祭りです。思い思いに仮装した子供たちが、近所の玄関先で「トリック　オア　トリート」（ドアを開けてお菓子をくれないと、いたずらしちゃうぞ）と言って、飴やチョコレート等のお菓子をもらって歩くという楽しい行事です。小型のバケツ１杯にもなるお菓子を子供たちは、１年かけて食べるのが理想ですが、実際には、1週間で食べてしまうそうです。　
　このお祭りのシンボルには、日本では珍しいオレンジ色のカボチャが使われていて、ハロウィーンが近づくころ収穫され、どこのスーパーや八百屋でも握りこぶしくらいのものから、一抱えもあるような大きなものまで買うことができます。子供たちは、このカボチャの切りやすいという特徴を利用して、中身をくりぬいて、お化けの顔などを彫刻します。日が沈むころ中に立てたろうそくに火をともすと、なんとも不気味なお化けが、浮き上がります。
　このように彫刻されたカボチャや、そのままのカボチャを玄関先に飾ったり、カボチャの絵を張ったりして、街中オレンジ色に塗り替えられます。
　ハロウィーンには、このようにカボチャのオレンジ色、魔女や黒猫の黒、お化けの白の3色がよく使われます。送られてきたカードには、カボチャをデザインイした作品が多く見られました。　
　アメリカでは、行事をある特定の色で表現するという習慣があり、とても興味深く、アメリカ人のまとめ方、盛り上げ方のうまさが感じられます。　Yamada，Miho
　

"A Holiday Treat From America--Halloween"

On January 26, 2000 Nakaaoto received a cultural package from Riverdale Country School 6th Graders. The package contained hand drawn and computer graphic design "Happy Halloween" greeting cards. In addition to the cards were photographs of a jack-o-lantern, a child wearing a trick-or-treating costume, and an example of a decorated Halloween doorstep. Packages of orange and yellow candy corn were also included.
At Naakaoto Elementary School we wanted to share the Halloween art with all grades. A　bulletin board was designed to display the cards and the photographs. We also translated into Japanese a brief explanation of the trick-or-treating traditions.
The very word "Halloween" when spoken in Japanese is an unusual combination of sounds and is a little difficult to pronounce. To help the children catch the meaning of the holiday, traditions, and symbols, we coined in Japanese the phrase PUMPKIN FESTIVAL or KABOCHA MATSURI (Kabocha-pumpkin) (Matsuri-festival). The orange pumpkin carved into a jack-o-lantern was an eye catching holiday symbol that was depicted in many cards. Actually the Japanese do grow pumpkin, but it is a dark green variety-an unlikely candidate for the jack-o-lantern. The skin is tough and very difficult to cut. Traditionally, the Japanese pumpkin is served as a boiled vegetable dish.

To America・Final Origami Greeting ・From the heart

２年間の交流のお礼に、親子でつくった折り紙を贈りました。2000,3,21

TRADＩＴＩＯＮＡＬ　ＡＮＤ　ＭＯＤＥＲＮ　ＯＲＩＧＡＭＩ　ＦＵＮ.

All 191 pieces of origami sent on March 21, 2000 carried a heartfelt thank you for the past two years of cultural exchange　 between Nakaaoto Elementary School and Riverdale Country Schooｌ.

リバデール小へ・折り紙お返し・ボランティア

　ハロウインカードのお返しとして、もう一度、折り紙をアメリカへ贈りました。
　クローシ先生によると、「折り紙の紹介が今年もあれば、６年生クラスにあがる子供達が喜ぶと思います。去年の事を見て、自分にも折り紙の体験を受けたいという子供達がいます。」ということです。
　その期待に応えるように、ボランティア活動として、中青戸の６年１組と２組の折り紙に興味がある子供達と親が、１９１個の作品を作りました。今度、向こうに伝えたいことは、折り紙が世界の国の文化を表現ができるという事です。アメリカのホリディにも使える飾りを作り、クリスマスリース、ハヌカの星、バレンタインデーハートなどを紹介しました。それから、アメリカの子供達が興味を持っている恐竜、くじら、本物の形に近い動物と魚作品にも挑戦しました。
　もう一つの伝えたいことは、千代紙の美しい色と模様でした。６４枚の千代紙で折った楊枝入れはその紹介でした。
　そして、遊ぶ例としては、手裏剣を一クラス分を折って、遊び方の説明も付け加え、楽しい国際交流の体験を考えました。折り紙の魅力的な特徴は、折ることだけではなく、遊ぶこともできるという―日本の子供達からのメッセージです。　　

◎文部省学習指導要領

　５　総合的な学習の時間の学習活動を行うに当たっては、次の事項に配慮するものとする。
(1)　自然体験やボランティア活動などの社会体験、観察・実験、見学や 調査、発表や討論、ものづくりや生産活動など体験的な学習、問題解決的な学習を積極的に取り入れること。
(2)　グループ学習や異年齢集団による学習などの多様な学習形態、地域 の人々の協力も得つつ全教師が一体となって指導に当たるなどの指導体制、地域の教材や学習環境の積極的な活用などについて工夫すること。
(3)　国際理解に関する学習の一環としての外国語会話等を行うときは、 各学校の実態等に応じ、児童が外国語に触れたり、外国の生活や文化などに慣れ親しんだりするなど小学校段階にふさわしい体験的な学習が行われるようにすること。


2000年（平成12年）から段階的に始められた。第５章　総合的な学習の時間… …。

１　目　標
探究的な見方・考え方を働かせ，横断的・総合的な学習を行うことを通して，
よりよく課題を解決し，自己の生き方を考えていくための資質・能力を次のとお
り育成することを目指す。
⑴　探究的な学習の過程において，課題の解決に必要な知識及び技能を身に付け，課題に関わる概念を形成し，探究的な学習のよさを理解するようにする。
⑵　実社会や実生活の中から問いを見いだし，自分で課題を立て，情報を集め，整理・分析して，まとめ・表現することができるようにする。
⑶　探究的な学習に主体的・協働的に取り組むとともに，互いのよさを生かしながら，積極的に社会に参画しようとする態度を養う。

文部科学省：今、求められる力を高める総合的な学習の時間の展開（小学校編）
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/sougou/1300434.htm

国際理解学習[International Understanding Learning]
図工と総合の学習[Period for Integrated Studies Plans]