February 24

Sugar Cane Farm

Save the Date:

Tedako Preschool Newsletter

On January 21st, our children participated in mochitsuki, a Japanese New Year event. Teachers cooked

rice and made preparations to make mochi, a Japanese dessert. The children used wooden mallets pound

the cooked rice while a teacher turns and wets the mochi. After all the pounding was complete, the

children ate the mochi that they worked so hard to make. They added Kinako (soybean flour), and soy

sauce to add to the flavor of the rice cake. They really enjoyed this afternoon snack and look forward to

this event each year. Special thanks to Chieko Sensei for organizing the event and to the voluenteers,

Tedako parents: Ishikawa-San and Aoki-San and OIST Drivers: Hanashiro-San and Kina-San! We could

not have done it without you.

Birthdays

February 17

Book Bus

February 11

Children can

enjoy activities

and their friends

from 4:00-8:00 at

Tedako.

Kugani/ Shinka Field Trips

February 2 See Cherry Blossoms

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

Party at school for

all the children

celebrating a

birthday in

February at 3:00.

February 23 Strawberry Picking

Art Exhibit Parents

Night Out

A children’s

library on

Wheels and a

story tellerwill

vist the CDC

@3:30

February 6 February 16

“Little Artist of the

World” in the

OIST Center

building opening at

4:30

Mochitsuki

TEDAKO PRESCHOOL FEBRUARY 2017

2

Kukuru Class Tanka-yu-e 1 year old Celebration

Classroom Updates

Meet Umusan and Kafuu Class

Tanka-yu-e is the celebration of one’s first birthday in Okinawa. In this game it is said that the first item

the child reaches for will predict his or her future. Similar events take place for one year old birthdays in

China and Korea too. No matter what is chosen, all the children enjoy his or her first birthday cake.

We would like to introduce you

to the Umusan class, formerly

known as the Yui Class. Since

the other two toddler classes have

the -san suffix, a teacher

proposed a name change for

contintuity.

Previoulsy there was one 3-year

old class at Tedako, but since the

Shinka class moved out of the

CDC main building, there was

room for the 3 year olds to spread

out. For now, Aika, Chelsea and

Ayumi will lead these 2 classes

with the days partially combined.

There has been a request to OIST

to hire a new Full time teacher to

join the 3-year olds in the next

fiscal year.

TEDAKO PRESCHOOL FEBRUARY 2017

3

From the toddler class, children start circle time and group activities. They become able to sit in

chairs, copy each other, and start to match colors and shapes. Around 2 years of age, children become interested in letter and numbers and start to recognize shapes. When they become closer to 3 years old, children can start to count in the correct order and read their friends names! Teachers

use a variety of things to engage the children such as pictures, music, instruments, dance, toys, books to engage children. Iraida above is using a magnetic board with numbers, Sanae is doing a

baking soda vinegar science experiement and Cheiko is reading a book. You can see children are concentrating, listening carefully and feeling various things from the pictures.

Circle Time Fun in the Churasan, Kansan, Umusan Classes

TEDAKO PRESCHOOL FEBRUARY 2017

4

Nuuji/ Kafuu Class Science Fun!

This month Nuuji class had some fun

creating their own play-doh through

scientific sensory discovery!

We mixed cornstarch with dish soap to

see how the substances react! Nuuji

class were amazed at how the “powder”

and dish soap could congeal and create a

fun material for them to play with. This

sensory – scientific activity was great

fun, and the Nuuji class students had a

lot of sensory fun playing with the end

substance. We added food colouring to

make our dough even more exciting. Our

little scientists did a great job!

Nuuji and Kafuu Class Frees the Toys!

This month Nuuji class also learned about “freezing” and “melting” substances. We sang a lot about five little snowmen, who melted in the sun and turned to water. In one activity, we demonstrated how solid ice, melts into liquid and what causes

this to happen. The students were given a sensory box filled with frozen balls that contained little fizzy balls trapped inside. The students had to creatively come up with ways to free their fuzzy balls the fastest from the ice; they used warm water, cold water, paint, and methods of separation before they discovered that that heat caused ice to melt. We discussed this in circle time and the children learned that out snowmen melt away due to the hot sun, and stay frozen when it is very cold. Good job 3 year old

class!

TEDAKO PRESCHOOL FEBRUARY 2017

5

Kugani and Shinka’s Field Trip to Nakagusuku

Last month the Kugani and Shinka classes continued to work on their English and Japanese literacy skills. In the above picture the children practicing their sight word recognition during a game that we play during our English circle time. The teacher says one of the sight words, and then circles that same word on the opposite side of the board. The children must then come up and circle the sight word that the teacher previously said. The teacher then turns the board and reveals if the words match or not. The children love playing this game and it also boosts their sight word recognition through play! In the other picture one of our oldest children is showing off his kanji writing skills, very impressive! The kanji characters that he wrote are quite difficult for a child his age. Keep up the amazing work everyone!

In January the Kugani and Shinka classes went on a field trip to Nakagusku park. The park is very spacious with a wide variety of play equiptment for children of all ages. The hot attractions were the long roller slide and the Tarzan rope swing. The children also enjoyed running around in the grass and playing tag after their picnic lunch. Not only was the trip fun, but it was also a great way for the children to continue developing their large motor skills.

Kugani Shinka Literacy Skills!

TEDAKO PRESCHOOL FEBRUARY 2017

6

January Guest Presentations Ishikawa Police

On January 23, we had a presentation from the Ishikawa police station that is designed to educate

children to stay away from danger. This included various story telling (puppets, read aloud, and kamishibai) to teach children about stranger danger, encourage traffic safety, and what to do in emergency situations.

How to cross the street was demonstrated and practiced with the children and the children learned 2

Japanese mnemonic to remember safe strategies. For stranger danger “ika no osushi” Ika ... "Ika nai” (Do not go) with people who do not know No ... "Nora nai” (Do not ride) in the car of the people you don`t know O…”Oh goe” (Use a loud voice) to call for help Su... "Sugunigeru” (run away quickly) from strangers

Shi…”shilaseru” (inform) tell a trusted adult

For disaster prevention “okashimo” O…”osanai” (do not push) Ka…”kakenai” (do not run) Shi…”shaberanai” (do not talk)

Mo…”modoranai” (do not go back)

We never know when earthquake or other disasters will occur but we are greatful to the Ishikawa police for taking the time to educate us about crime and disaster prevention, and add to our personal safety.

CoCo Animal Hospital

On January 25th Dr. Yamashita, a local

Veterniarian brought 2 assistants and a Bunny Rabbit to the CDC. Dr. Yamashita had

stethascopes so that the children could listen to the rabbits heartbeat and they got to hear the

heart beat of some of their friends in the Kugani and Shinka classes as well. There was a thorough presentation and a very cute video

about how to handle guinea pigs that the children loved. Through this, they learned

how to handle and care for small animals. At the end of the presentation, the children held

and petted the bunny rabbit. For many of the children it was the first time for them to hold a rabbit. We would like to thank Coco Animal

Hospital for the wonderful expierence.

TEDAKO PRESCHOOL FEBRUARY 2017

7

Tedako Announcements

Parents’ Night Out

We will be open on Saturday February

11 from 4:00- 8:00 pm. You can enjoy a

walk on the beach, or a dinner out while

your child plays at Tedako Preschool.

Tedako offers this service free of charge

to show appreciation for the support that

we receive throughout the year.

Please RSVP to tedako@oist.jp by

Wednesday, February 8. We ask that

you prepare a bento for your child`s

dinner and we will provide a snack.

Children may come in pajamas and can

rest on their nap set if they get sleepy.

4nd Annual Art Exhibit: Little Artists of the World

In February our children`s artistic talents will be showcased at our annual CDC Art

Exhibition. The Famous Artists themed art will be on display on level C of the center building. The

opening of the exhibit will be on Thursday February 16, at 4:30 (after tea time).

We encourage all parents to attend this event, but for safety reasons, it is very important that children

stay with his or her class teacher unless they are signed out of our care. If you would like to attend

this event with your child, please pick them up at the tunnel at 4:15. These children must remain

parent`s responsibility. If your child is in any of the Baby or Toddler

classes we ask that you allow your child to stay with his or her class teacher as the separation from

parents is very difficult on them unless you are able to attend the entire event with your child and plan to go home directly after the event.

TEDAKO PRESCHOOL FEBRUARY 2017

8

Due to severe allergies, no nuts are allowed. Please be aware that some

prepackaged snacks contain nuts. Please

check the ingredients on all packaging carefully before sending it to school with

your child.

PATO Tea Time

PATO: Parents At Tedako OIST

CDC’s No Nut Policy

Come mingle and get to know CDC and After-school care

families at

the next bi-monthly PATOathering!

We are organizing an Afternoon Tea with simple drinks

and

snacks with fun activities and games for kids and the

whole family!

Everyone from CDC and After-school families are invited,

you don‘t need to be a PATO member to join!

Please bring a dessert or anything you love to eat to

share!

If you don't have the time, don't worry, just come with an

appetite :)

Venue:OIST Seaside House Deck

Date:February 18th, 2017 Saturday

Time:3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Fee:500yen/Families

If you are interested, please RSVP

to oist.pato.group@gmail.com by 10th February.

We would like to have a headcount to prepare!

PATO is a grassroots group of parents seeking to support CDC and build community with other OIST

families.

If you are interested in PATO, please contact us at the address below.

Oist.pato.group@gmail.com

TEDAKO PRESCHOOL FEBRUARY 2017

9

Setsubun is the day before the beginning of spring in

Japan and it is February 3rd this year. It is a festival to drive away the evil spirits that bring

misfortune and bad health with them by throwing soybeans to a demon (Oni) and eat sushi roll for good

luck. We planned to make sushi rolls as cooking activity on

Friday, February 3th.

We will put rice on seaweed, spread it out, and put cucumber on it!

We will eat them as our afternoon snack. It seems things are more delicious to eat things that are hand made.

Substitutions

Due to availability or ripeness of fresh fruits or vegetables, substitutions may occur.

Young toddlers will not be fed Senbei (Rice Crackers), Dried Fish Chips or Crackers. Especially made rice crackers for babies will be substituted.

Birthday Cake and Milk: On February 17, we will celebrate all February Birthdays and the children

will enjoy cake and milk for snack.

February 2017

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

AM （午後） Cream Cheese /

Crackers クリームチ

ーズ/クラッカー

Banana/Milk

バナナ/ミルク Tangerine

みかん

Apple / Cheese

りんご/チーズ

Berry Smoothie ベリースムージー

PM （午後） Oatmeal / Raisins

オートミール/レーズ

ン

Tomato / Soy Milk

トマト/豆乳 Cereal / Soy Milk シ

リアル/豆乳

Edamame/ Ca

Senbei 枝豆/カルシ

ウムせんべい

Rice / Furikake

ごはん/ふりか

け

Snack Calendar

SETSUBUN

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1

・Rice

・Grilled Fish Mayo Sauce

・Stir fried Bean sprouts

・Chinese Cabbage Salad

・Daikon Miso Soup

2 ・Rice

・Grilled Chicken Meat balls

・Sautéed Spinach

・Seasoned Boiled Okra

・Kouya-dofu Miso Soup

3

・Rice

・Sweet Ginger Soy

Sauce Sole fish

・Cabbage & Ume Salad

・Egg Miso Soup

6 ・Rice

・Pork Chop

・Stir fried Green Vegetable

・Hijiki Salad

・Fu Miso Soup

7 ・Rice

・Saikyou-Miso Marinated

White Fish

・Goya Champuroo

・Cabbage Salad

・Kouya-dofu Miso soup

8 ・Curry rice

・Yuzu Flavored Chinese

Cabbage Salad

・Grape Jelly

9 ・Rice

・Cooked Red Fish

w/Tomato Dressing

・Cooked Tofu & Green

Vegetable

・Stir fried Eggplant Vinegar

Soy Sauce

・Shredded Kombu Miso soup

10 ・Rice

・Okonomi Omelet

・Western Flavored

Cooked Kiriboshi-Daikon

・Nanohana Asian Salad

・Pumpkin Miso Soup

13 ・Rice

・Sweet Soy Sauce Roasted

Hoki Fish

・Simmered Burdock root

・Okra and Corn Salad

・Nameko Miso soup

14 ・Rice ・Grilled Pork w/Green

perilla ・Stir fried Bean Sprouts ・Green Beans Salad

・Onion Miso soup

15 ・Seasoned Rice

・Grilled Herb Hoki Fish

・Sweet Sour Pork

・Green Papaya Salad

・Sweet Potato Miso soup

16 ・Rice

・Gyoza Dumplings

・Thai Style Harusame Salad

・Beans Salad

・Kouya-dofu Miso soup

17 ・Rice

・Simmered Red fish in

Tomato Sauce

・Western Style Cooked

Potato

・Kuzukiri & Crab

Flavored Fish Cake Salad

・Vegetable Miso soup

20 ・Rice’ ・Sautéed Pork w/Grated

Radish Sauce ・Sautéed Chinese Cabbage

& Mushrooms

・Taro Miso Soup

21 ・Rice

・Grilled Shio-kouji

Marinated Hoki Fish

・Western Flavored Cooked

Kiriboshi-Daikon

・ Eggplant Vinegar Soy Sauce

・ Kombu Miso soup

22 ・Rice

・Tofu Hamburg Steak

・Japanese Style stir fried

Lotus Root & Pork

・Bell Pepper Asian Salad

・Okinawa Soba

23 ・Rice

・Steamed Shrimp Dumplings

・Simmered Minced Chicken

& Pumpkin

・Spinach Salad Sesame Seeds

Vinegar dressing

・Nameko Mushroom Miso

Soup

24 ・Rice

・Green Onion & Salt

Seasoned Stir fried Chicken

・Okinawan Style Stir fried

Kampyou

・Broccoli salad

・Fu Miso soup

27 ・Rice

・Yakiniku Flavored

Chicken & Mushroom

・Sweet Sour Meat Balls

・Burdock root Salad

・Egg Miso soup

28 ・Rice

・Ume Flavored Grilled Hoki

Fish

・Cabbage Champuroo

・Marinated Green Vegetable

・Onion Miso Soup

February 2017

Lunch Calendar