What a wonderful digital collaboration project we had at school! Our tamariki were thrilled to connect with children from Katoh Kindergarten in Tokyo, and it turned out to be a rich and meaningful cultural exchange.
Our friends in Japan shared delightful pictures of matcha and strawberry cakes, introduced us to their Tomica race cars, and even taught us how to say “I love you” in Japanese — Aishiteru.
From here in Aotearoa, we were proud to share parts of our own culture and everyday life. We introduced hāngī as a traditional cooking method, talked about soccer as a popular sport, and explained the meaning of the whare, our traditional house. The tamariki also showed their kākahu and poi and performed Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi with enthusiasm and pride.
This experience marks a beautiful beginning to learning about cultures from around the world. Opportunities like this nurture curiosity, deepen understanding, and help our tamariki develop respect and appreciation for others. We are grateful for this connection and look forward to many more global learning experiences in the future.