Ferndale Second Graders Take Virtual Trip to Japan

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 25, 2013)

Second graders from Roosevelt and Kennedy Elementary Schools in Ferndale boarded an imaginary plane bound for the far off land of Japan for a “virtual trip” Thursday.  In this annual tradition, teachers and volunteers plan a day’s worth of cultural lessons where the students can explore like tourists.  Trips in the past have included Italy and Hawaii.

Shannon Nagaj, a teacher at Kennedy, explained the virtual trip.  “Students and parents began their day with a plane ride, a morning of kimonos, carp kites, post cards, and origami, and an authentic Japanese lunch. In the afternoon, teachers, parents, and students welcomed women from the Detroit Japanese Women’s Business Club for Furoshiki, Karate by Sensei Jaye, meditation by Amy Tarrent, a souvenir shop and photo shoot.

“Because the event had to end, Roosevelt and Kennedy students, parents, and teachers used ‘our mind’s eye’ to fly back to Kennedy where we said, ‘Goodbye,’ bowed, shook hands, and gave hugs.

“We hope our memories of this day will last forever as well as the new friendships that have started.”  Nagaj’s class was joined by Linda Somers  and Toni Trolinger and their 2nd grade classes.

Kennedy Principal Derek Adams said, “Learning about other cultures is an extremely important aspect of a child’s education… Students participated in learning activities throughout the day that reinforced the material that they had been learning in their Social Studies classes.  This culminating trip, on top of being educational, was a celebration of the effort students had invested in their class projects of the last month.”

For more on Ferndale Public Schools visit their website at www.ferndaleschools.org.