Our second graders visited the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden as part of their Japan unit.

During our visit, our students learned how this house was built in Japan and transported to New York City. Then, Japanese building techniques and materials were used to relocate the house to West Fairmount Park in 1958. The children got an opportunity to experience a typical 17th century Japanese home and got a sense of how people used the space efficiently. We were able to compare and contrast the architecture and use of space between Japan and the West.

The tea ceremony was of special interest to the children. We learned how the tradition originated and how the Matcha tea became part of Japan's culture. The excitement grew when the students learned that they would be whisking their own tea and preparing it for their partners. Without hesitation, they started whisking away enthusiastically. They were all smiles when they proudly saw their tea bubbling - a sign of good tea!

The field trip was complete with an outside lunch while enjoying a story teller, walking around the beautiful and peaceful gardens while listening to the calming sound of a waterfall, and even feeding the koi fish! On the way home, the excitement continued…laughter, conversations, and singing a Japanese song were heard. It is rewarding to see how our second graders absorbed so many new experiences with joy!