わっしょい!!! Our Own Omikoshi

We were working our first “Culture a Month” project that involved learning about Japanese culture. This was a great start to our project and the kids loved getting to learn about the events and architecture that was around them in the city.

            Throughout the summer in the Japan there are tons of little festivals throughout the neighborhoods. It is not uncommon to get out of the station and see a huge parade of people watching demonstrators hold huge portable shrines called an Omikoshi.

            Once again I had found a big box and asked the kids what we should do with it. One of the little boys mentioned making an Omikoshi. All the students agreed and everyone was instantly excited. I ended finding another large box and two large fabric rolls to use as the handles.

            The students got to design the box. They first wanted to research how they look and what are the important things they need to put on top so that we make a proper Omikoshi. We found some books, and looked at some websites online.

            Throughout our design process the kids loved looking at the books and pictures. They painted them gold, brown and a few other colors. We got some feathers, stickers, and glitter to help add some more decorations.

            Once completed we got to practice holding it up correctly and doing the correct chants, since we would do it for our celebration of learning and winter performance.

            They were all so motivated and great to see their enthusiasm, and motivation since they were in total control of their learning and ideas!