Inquiry (Unit 2: Personal growth and changes)

We’ve officially launched our new unit. To kick things off, the students participated in a series of team-building activities designed to help them connect and grow as learners. One of our favorite moments was when they practiced paraphrasing each other’s weekend experiences. Working in small groups, they listened closely and restated what their classmates shared—an important skill that helped set the tone for respectful communication throughout the unit.

The real highlight, though, was our mind map activity. To start our inquiry, we brainstormed ideas together on the blackboard, gathering everything the students already knew—and wondered—about our new topic. This collective brainstorming gave everyone a chance to contribute their thinking and helped us visualize the scope of our unit.

Afterward, each student created a personal mind map in their notebook. But rather than work alone, we added a fun twist: students rotated around the room, adding one word at a time to each other’s mind maps. With only 20 seconds at each notebook, the energy was high, and so was the engagement. It was incredible to watch them think on their feet, read what others had written, and build on each other’s ideas.

This activity not only sparked their curiosity but also gave us a glimpse into how they view the world—and how willing they are to learn from one another.

With our Wonderwall of questions now growing, team posters complete, and a foundation of collaboration in place, we’re ready to dig deeper into our inquiry. Stay tuned for more student reflections and discoveries in the coming weeks!

Music lesson

This week marked a very special moment for our Grade 3 students—their very first recorder lesson! The anticipation had been building, and when the time finally came to hand out the instruments, the excitement in the room was contagious. Wide eyes, big smiles, and eager hands filled the music room as each student received their very own recorder.

Rose Festival at Ippongi Park

Our class visited the beautiful Ippongi Rose Park for a lovely afternoon surrounded by nature. We enjoyed a delicious lunch while sitting near blooming rose bushes in every color. After eating, the children had a great time playing at the playground, laughing and climbing together. We also took a peaceful walk around the park, stopping to admire and smell the many different kinds of roses. It was a joyful and relaxing day full of fun, fresh air, and flowers!