MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Students and faculty from Matthew C. Perry Elementary School welcomed Kono Elemantary students from Otake into their classrooms Tuesday as part of a cultural exchange program.
During the visit, 14 Japanese students were assigned to several first and second-grade classrooms where they participated in the day’s normal lesson plans, lunch and recess.
A few Japanese-speaking American students helped teachers communicate with the Japanese students and guided their guests through classroom activities.
“When the Japanese students visit, our students really take pride in their class,” said Billie Dysinger, M.C. Perry first and second-grade teacher. “It provides a unique opportunity for them to fulfill a teacher role.”
The students in Dysinger’s class went to different learning centers where they wrote stories, listened to audio tapes and played educational games. The students were courteous and friendly to each other and said the time spent together was mutually beneficial.
“The Japanese help us learn Japanese and we get to help them learn English,” said Camden Anderson, M.C. Perry second-grader. “It’s fun for both of us.”
Learning the English language as well as experiencing a foreign culture are the main reasons the Japanese students visit the school, said Eiko Saiki, Kono English instructor.
“Experiences are the best way to improve your language skills,” said Saiki. “Students will know there is a difference from the (language) they’ve grown up with. It’s also good to experience (the culture) firsthand.”
The school visit is just one of several cultural exchange events that is enjoyable and educational for Japanese and American students, said Saiki.
“They enjoy it from the bottom of their heart,” said Saiki. “They’re recognizing they’re able to enjoy a broader world if they’re able to speak other languages and understand different cultures.”