For many students, subjects such as Social Studies are confined within their textbooks, with nothing actually experienced firsthand. However, on May 27th, after weeks of learning about the Ainu and their traditions, the fourth graders studied the Ainu tribe and were able to meet them in person, ultimately helping them understand the culture that surrounds them, but also their understanding of the topic.
The Ainu are an indigenous tribe in Japan, who mainly originate from the Hokkaido region. They have their own language, which is completely different from Japanese. They believe in animism, a belief that everything has a soul in it, but they also believe that they should live harmoniously with nature.
The Ainu teach the students about their culture.During their meeting, one of the 4th-grade teachers, Mr. Clarkson, noted that the Ainu came to St. Mary’s to “tell the students about their history, culture, language, and traditional customs”. More importantly, he also pointed out that this interaction was essential for the students because it helped “make Social Studies more real for the students,” which helped make their understanding of the subject into a real physical experience that they can remember.
Ultimately, the May 27th visit was not just a break in the normal classroom routine, but it was a lesson that helped students understand their material better in a memorable way. By directly interacting with the Ainu people face-to-face, the fourth graders gained a deeper understanding of Japan’s indigenous heritage, walking away from the experience with not just facts, but an experience to remember.
