Theme
The theme for our kindergarten class curriculum is Festival Celebrations. Through relating personal experiences, sharing displays, telling folk tales, teaching the Japanese language and writing, singing songs and playing games, we pass on our Japanese American heritage and culture to our students. Our projects are hands on and are inspired by Japanese festivals such as Girl's Day, Boy's Day (Children's Day), New Years, and Tanabata. Most importantly, we embrace the meaning of Kokoro No Gakko, the school of the heart. We gather together for one short week to make new friends and to learn new lessons which we carry in our hearts forever.
Teacher
Debbe Hoshiyama Chan Sensei
Note from Sensei
Konnichiwa! My name is Debbe Chan. I will be teaching the Kokoro No Gakko Kindergarten class with my sister, Marcia Hashimoto. Being a proud "sansei", third generation Japanese American, I like to use my maiden name, Hoshiyama, at Gakko. You will know me as "Hoshiyama Sensei", Teacher Hoshiyama. I have been with Gakko from it's inception in 1990, however, did not start teaching until 1992. I am a retired, thirty three years, mostly kindergarten, credentialed teacher with the Pajaro Valley Unified School District here in Watsonville.
Supply List
Pencil Box (Labeled with items below in it)
- Plain pencils
- Colored pencils
- Sharpener
- Markers
- Crayons
- Watercolor set
- Elmer's Glue
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Mon (Japanese Family Crest)
4-inch Mon (Japanese family crest) â Please email this to kokoronogakkowatsonville@gmail.com before the start of Gakko. If you do not have a mon, you may choose one you like. See the Frequently Asked Questions for mon ideas.
Prefecture of Japan
Provide prefecture of Japan where family is from. If you do not know pick an area of interest.
Closing Program Performance
Shiawase nara te o tata kÅ (sung to If You're Happy and You Know It)
Costume: bright colors, multicolored, happy colors, student's favorite colors!