ELC and Elementary School Programs

The ELC Reggio Emilia approach calls for the integration of the arts as an integral symbolic language through which young children can express their feelings and creativity. The Japanese Culture Program enhances this unique and child-centered curriculum with special hands-on learning experiences including Japanese printmaking, visual art and construction, drama, music, puppetry and shadow performance. Linking directly to the learning in the Primary Years Program, the Japanese Culture Program Coordinator collaborates directly with YIS classroom teachers to enhance IB beliefs and values in a wide array of Japanese traditional and modern arts-related classes. Students from non-Japanese cultures develop an increased awareness of host country cultural values and traditions that may be different from their own, while students with Japanese heritage have opportunities to celebrate - and in some cases rediscover - their own culture and traditions together with their classmates.