Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 11, 1993 TAG: 9302110301
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JESSICA MARTIN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
TEACHER'S VISIT TO JAPAN GIVES CLASS A CULTURAL BONUS
Charlotte Strickler's recent trip to Japan started as a visit with her daughter, but ended as an educational experience for her Roanoke school pupils.Strickler, a first-grade teacher at Grandin Court Elementary School, decided she wanted to visit a Japanese school when she started making plans to visit her daughter and son-in-law, who live at Sasebo Naval Base. The base is on the island of Kyushu, the southernmost of four main islands that make up Japan.
Although she was not sure the school visit would be possible, Strickler was optimistic as she collected gifts to carry to Japanese pupils.
To say that Strickler enjoyed her trip is not sufficient. She used the word "wonderful" to describe her visit at least 50 times in a 1 1/2-hour interview.
And, she's determined about the future: "I am definitely going back."
The next time, she'll be more familiar with the language, geography and traditions.
Her daughter, Karen Jacobs, arranged for Strickler to spend a day at a school for the deaf. "I never dreamed I would have had the welcome I did," Stickler said.
Strickler, her daughter and a translator entered the school, removed their shoes and went to the principal's office. He served them green tea and cookies, a Japanese tradition.
The group toured the school, which had 30 students - only three of them in the first grade. Strickler said that even though she couldn't tell what the Japanese were saying, she could understand what the teacher was doing.
Strickler observed classes, after which eager kids ran to her as she distributed gifts. She handed out "a little of this and a little of that," including coloring books, football cards, candy, Mickey Mouse hats and cards made by her 23 students at Grandin Court.
The Japanese students also had gifts for the visiting teacher. They gave Strickler some of their artwork and made cards for her students.
Strickler also brought back gifts for her students. Each got a set of chopsticks and Japanese snacks that were used to have a party.
Her first-graders are continuing to learn about Japanese culture. In addition to studying the geography of Japan, Strickler's class is learning about Japanese traditions, including food, clothing and entertainment. Some students have been allowed to wear her silk "happy coat," a Japanese clothing tradition, as a reward for good behavior.
The two schools also are setting up a pen-pal program. Strickler's class is making and sending holiday cards and a video which shows a typical day in a Roanoke Valley elementary school.
Although there is a language barrier, Japanese students are required to take English and say they welcome practicing, Strickler said.
Strickler's students are copying Japanese characters from posters to show that the effort is being reciprocated.