Learning about Noto and Taiko

A rainy Tuesday to everyone!

Petals had a special visitor today, Marina! She led a fun and energetic dance class. We couldn’t contain our excitement as we mirrored her movements. The class had more to celebrate as Marina integrated Halloween into our dance class. We jumped like little monsters. Some friends were a little surprised when Nimo turned off the lights but in the end we enjoyed going on a “ Monster Hunt”. We sure would remember to ask for a treat from the monster next time!
R: It’s scary
L: Yeah (when asked if he was surprised)
After eating our snacks, we gathered in our library. Evita asked the class how they are doing today. Each one took turns in sticking their “ Feelings Faces” on our door. Petals are getting better at identifying their feelings!
D: surprised
L: sad
K: happy
D: happy
P: happy
J: sad
E: sad
B: happy
M: happy

She then read, “Everything A Drum” by Sarah Warren. This book tells the story of a child who turns his world around him into a drum.
Evita: What did we make yesterday?
L: drums! We were doing it
D: Drum!
Evita: What did the boy use as his drum?
R: frying pan, garbage (can)
L: it’s magnifying glass
R: Boom! Boom!
E: Drum!!
M: Pot ( referring to the pot the boy used)
L: Metal ( when asked what material for the pots, pans and garbage can he used)
Evita: what sound does this produce(pillow)? Small or big sound?
L: small
E: How about this one? (tapping the wall)
Evita: If you stomp your feet, will it produce a small or big sound?
M: small
E: Big

Then Evita discussed what “Penny Wars” is and why it is important for all of us to take part in. We even made a video as a class appealing for support for Noto with the message, “ Coins for Noto!” Please remember to bring your spare coins, no matter how small- it can make a big difference for them.
K: It’s broken( when asked about the houses in the picture)
Evita: What do you think happened to the houses?
R: Jishin! Earthquake
Evita: If your house is broken what are you going to feel?
M: sad?
Petals: SAD!
Evita: Why do we have coins here? (Penny Wars Jar)
R: To buy food in the supermarket
Evita: Do you want to help them fix their houses?
Petals: Yes!
Evita: We need to put coins here so we can help them. Tomorrow, can we bring coins?
L: Yes! One coin
D: NO ten coins!
K: twenty-one coins
E: so many coins!!(I’ll bring)

In preparation for tomorrow's event, we watched clips of Moko-san playing Taiko and Tamagawa Taiko’s performance. The class were in awe of the performance they did. Evita asked “What does a drummer do when they play?” We noticed Moko san and the taiko performers used big arm movements to tap the Taiko and positioned their feet in line with the beat.
L: Big(movement)
L/B: (copying Moko-san’s arms and feet while playing the Taiko)
For the last activity for the day, We tried out the drums we made yesterday! Nimo demonstrated and encouraged the class to play simple rhythms. Everyone was tapping their drums and trying to copy Nimo’s rhythm. Petals friends took turns leading a short rhythm for the others to follow.

Today we didn’t let the rain dampened our mood, our classroom was filled with laughter, creativity and music. We’ll be seeing you all for our Taiko Drumming Workshop tomorrow!
Love,
Petals