Teacher brings Japan to Rosewood Elementary School
By Jackie Perrone jacper@juno.com

Janet Swigler,music teacher at Rosewood Elementary, with her new friends in Tokyo last fall.

The purpose of Rosewood teacher Janet Swigler's trip to Japan last fall was to broaden and spread understanding between that country and the U.S.

Now, back on home turf after a whirlwind tour, she is gearing up for a full semester focused on all things Japanese.

At the end of the semester, Rosewood Elementary's spring festival, "Rosewood Celebrates Japan," will be designed like a Japanese Bon- Odori. The students will demonstrate to the community what they learned about Japanese culture.

"We have a festival every spring. This year it will be May 2, 2008." explains Swigler. "This year, the month of April is designated as Japan month. And I am delighted I was able to obtain a grant of $1700 from Richland One's PIE (Partners in Education) for materials and expenses," said Swigler.

Swigler teaches music to grades K- 5, but her plan for Rosewood Elementary is to have all disciplines participating, at all levels. One teacher per grade level has already been designated to coordinate projects.

Janet Swigler tries on a kimono in obi shop.

"Our students will sing songs, dance dances, listen to traditional instruments, hear stories, play children's games, write haikus, discuss and create art work, learn basic Japanese phrases, and create origami objects. We'll make available books, audio and video recordings, maps and Web sites for their enlightenment."

In addition, Swigler is planning to self- publish a book and create a Webpage devoted to Japan.

"My trip to Japan was simply wonderful," she says. "It was awarded by the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund and fully funded by the Japanese government, to foster greater understanding between Japan and the U.S. We visited with local dignitaries and local schools. Now we have the opportunity to introduce our students to the things we learned."

By the end of the semester, Rosewood's children will be able to educate their parents on hogaku (traditional Japanese music), and instruments called shakuhachi, shamisen, koto, and taiko drums. "Sakura" is the Cherry Blossom song and dance. "Tanko Bushi" (The Coal Miner's Dance) will include discussion about work traditions.

"The tradition of the kamishibai (traveling storyteller) is one I would like to portray in my classes complete with story cards, bicycle, costume, and candy," says Swigler.

"Festival- goers will fold origami, paint koinobori, listen to the kamishibai, play with kendama and water yo- yos, and tie a wish on the Tanabata tree. They may never have heard of any of this, but they will be very familiar with it by May."

Swigler's interest in Japan will not end with this school year. "I will continue to teach a unit about Japan and its culture in my music classes and integrate new material as I can. I intend to share my experiences with my students and others in ways that will enable them to appreciate, understand, and value our connection with Japan for many years to come."