That's me with Mr. Satoshi Kato's 12th grade "International Problems" class. Our lesson involved the concept of "interdependence", how the actions of one nation or culture effect others, and how we are all tied together. Understanding interdependence is an important step towards building a more peaceful world...when nations and people act only seeking their own benefit, they might not even realize they are hurting themselves as well as others by disrupting the whole balance...
The lesson was carried off thanks to some excellent translation by my Kato-San and of course the experience of retired Concord Middle School Social Studies Teacher Dr. Sue Curtin.
Speaking of translation, I am committing to learning more Kanjii (Japanese pictograms, one of three alphabets they use)...
Here, Concord elementary school teacher Katherine Stanley meets with her Japanese counterpart for their own lesson:
The middle schoolers welcome us:
Wherever you go, in any culture, kids are kids!
Making new friends:
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Sharing and explaining cultural symbols...from Concord's North Bridge...
...to the elementary schoolers' performance of traditional Hokkadio-style dance!
We left behind some souvenirs to be remembered by...until our next visit!
