Jacks Valley students bring Japan to school

"Konnichiwa," said third-grader Mariah Brooks as students entered her classroom.

Mariah was one of 19 students in Kathleen Barton's third-grade class who hosted a Japanese living museum at Jacks Valley Elementary School on Dec. 18.

Konnichiwa means hello in Japanese.

"I believe in global education," said Barton. "Comparing and contrasting cultures makes for a higher level of thinking."

Barton was one of 200 educators who traveled to Japan last summer for three weeks as part of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program. The Japanese government founded the program in 1997 to promote inter-cultural understanding. Barton was chosen from 1,700 applicants.

"They are a stunning, amazing culture," said Barton. "We're real loud, and they're polite. They speak very quietly and privately. They have a very communal work ethic, too."

Other third-grade classes toured Barton's room and found her students immersed in the culture.

"Japanese schools are different," Mariah told students. "The kids have more days of school. They serve food to each other at lunch time. They clean their own schools. They also go to Juku, or study school, at night to practice for their big tests."

In one corner, students compared American and Japanese cuisine. A plate of steak and potatoes sat next to a plate of sushi.

"Japan is known to be healthier than us because of their diet and exercise," said Alana Duro, dressed in a kimono. "They eat more fruits and vegetables and more fish."

Other students were practicing their Haiku, the traditional form of Japanese poetry.

"Their language is more creative and way harder," said Nick Green.

Nick was teaching his peers how to draw Japanese characters.

"It's really strange," he said. "They're like symbols."

Jessy Silveira was teaching classmates about origami.

"It started as an ancient way to keep children occupied," she said.

Partners Kenneth Geary and Michael Pilant had studied the geography and history of the country.

"There are four main islands that make up Japan," said Kenneth. "It's slightly smaller than the state of California."

Michael said that Japan put a picture of the rising sun on their flag because they believed the sun rose first in their country.

"It's pretty cool," said Tyler Toothman. "It's different, but it's cool."