Seikoh Nursery School "Pikapika room"

【Seikoh Nursery School "Pikapika room"】Ice Painting?! Teachers Interview!!

Scarlet

「Last few years, I have seen many nursery schools opened in Chiba New Town district.」

Ai

「Yes. It's because the number of children is steadily increasing in Inzai city. I wonder when a nursery is enough for the children who want to go to. 」

Scarlet

「New houses and condominium apartments are being built more and more, so the scenery of the areas will change soon. I would get lost easily. 」

Ai

「really… Chief, I didn't know you have no sense of direction.」

Scarlet

「Instead of that, I have BIG ears to survive.」

Ai

「o...okay Chief! Why don't we go to an interview the childcare support room in Chiba New Town district. 」

Scarlet

「Good idea! Where do we start?」

Ai

「How about the support room in Star Rainbow First Nursery School? I heard there is a huge room there.」

Scarlet

「The childcare support room is popular. Ah! There is an event called Ice Painting! What is that? 」

Ai

「What are we waiting for? Let's go Chief! Are you lost already?」

Today's reporting location is:

Seikoh Nursery School Pikapika Room

It's a nursery school in a residential area near Chiba Newtown Chuo Station, Hokuso Line.

There are two teachers in this "Pikapika room"

On the day we visited for an interview, there was an event called "Pikapika Art Ice Painting" . This event was perfect for the hot sweaty Summer day.

In a huge room,

5 big drawing papers on the floor!

This is the mysterious "Ice Painting"

oooh, I see!!

the colorful paint liquid was frozen in jelly molds and stabbed a straw in each.

Straws are made out of paper. Paper straws are getting popular wherever we go for ecological environment protection, aren't they?

There is also less harm for little ones if paper.

HOWEVER,

where and how are we supposed to use and start?

Children are already excited beyond curiosity

but at the same time, they’re wondering whether it's really okay to start and what to draw.

I understand.

The first touch is always the hardest one.

They made up their minds and started painting!!

Wow!!! pretty colors!!!

Melted paints have beautiful colors.

Family who slowly and carefully draw, discussing with mom

Family who doesn't talk at all, just focusing on drawing

Children who get scared of touching ice cube

Everyone enjoys it in their own ways.

Great ideas from big brothers! They are also joining today's event with their little ones because they're out of their kindergarten/nursery schools during summer vacation!!

They put ice on their palms and here comes Hand Art!!!

There are overflowing stamps of cute little palms, loving big palms, and all different sizes of palms on the drawing paper.

Children are focusing on their painting, feeling nice and cool with ice.

what?! It looks like Innovative painting technique has begun!

They're sticking their feet in a painting cup...

Here we go!!

whenever children find what catches their eyes, they can't help trying the same.

Feet painting is now getting popular！

Girls' families use lots of bright colors like pink and orange.　

Is that...? Do you see a dog?

Mom drew the dachshund waiting at her house.

Teacher comes and helps the girl.

Let's check their big projects!

I'll show you their paintings！

Each gorgeous painting with a bunch of colors is the only one in the world!!!

We can just sit and look at them, imagining what the kids drew.

They can take them home, if wanted.

Teachers dry those paintings for each family.

Scarlet

「Really? Do they really take them home? Where can they put them up?」

Ai

「if it's me… no where to put it up at home…」

Scarlet

「How about your living room? You can decorate it there!」

Ai

「What? Are you serious? It'll get messy ...」

Talking to myself "what would I do if I take it home?"…

Teacher told us a brilliant idea: " You can cut it into small pieces of square as Origami paper. They would be the one of kind Origami paper"

You're brilliant!!!

Everyone play freely in the room till drying

Is that… empty milk cartons? Toys children play with there are made out of milk cartons.

Milk carton toys are more popular than any other toys!

We may be able to create not only toys, but also desk and chair with milk cartons, knowing how to use them.

「Guest Interview」

・we usually join the physical events here, so it was our first time joining the ice painting. It was nice and cold to touch the ice, so my daughter did enjoy the drawing. We visit other childcare support centers as well, but we always look forward to visiting Pikapika room for fun events, checking the monthly calendar. (mother)

・My older son was very into ice painting! On the other hand, my daughter seemed to feel uncomfortable touching the paint. So later on, she drew a bit, holding the straw. (mother)

・We've visited here regularly, but it's very helpful that teachers always listen to my concerns and worries. Especially during summer vacation, there are support centers that we can't take my older child along. I appreciate that Pikapika room allows us to bring my older one together during the school vacation. (mother)

「Teacher Interview」

Q. What is the recommended feature of Pikapika room?

We have a huge room so that children can do lots of physical activities inside without being affected by weather and climate. Especially under the current situation, we have to have social distance, but there is enough room to make family have peace of mind.

Q. How do you choose the activities for Pikapika room?

We usually choose the activities that "children can't do at home easily". Today's event, Ice painting, was one of those activities that parents may not let their children play dynamically at home, thinking of cleaning up the mess afterwards. We don't want mom/dad to worry about such things here, just fully enjoy and let children play as hard as they want!

Q. Is there anything the teachers are particularly focused on here?

We do plan the events not only for children but also for parents called "Pikapika mommy time". Letting children play asides, their mothers can learn some crafts like "Hair Accessory", "Handmade the Feast of Dolls with Japanese fabric", "Scented Soap" and more. Those events were well received. It seems to be a lot of fun for moms because it's hard to make time for themselves and concentrate on one thing when children are still young. We want moms to take a break and enjoy mommy time.

Q. Is there any advice for those who haven't visited the childcare support room yet?

It must be nervous and might require a bit of courage to visit new facilities like here, but once going through that, you can have fun. Please try once!

Many people who just moved into Chiba New Town district and/or Inzai city visit Pikapika room for their first visit. Please don't hesitate and visit our room. You may meet people who have similar thoughts, and/or circumstances.

Q. Is support in English available?

We unfortunately don't speak English… however, you can still enjoy playing here. We'll try our best to communicate with every visitor anytime. If you really need us, we have staff who can speak English in the school, so we can arrange the time for you.

Q. At last, please give parenting family a message.

We always welcome you with smiles. We want you to feel "I'm glad I came here" for every visit. If you struggle with something, please let it out, playing here. If you have worries and/or want to share things, we are always here for you.

We used to be able to have people drop by casually, but because of the situation under Covid-19(Corona Virus), phone reservation is required in advance. We also limit the number of people who can play in the room.

However, we also set days people can visit without reservation called "Gororin Art - little one lies down on the seasonal background artwork teachers made and you can take pictures of it ", " Open House" and "Open Playground". Again, we have to limit the number of people for those events as well but we always welcome you!!!

「Teachers Introduction」

Teacher Kimura

Birth Location: Matsudo city, Chiba

Favorite Food: Sweet red bean

Dislike: Bugs

Hobby: Baking bread

Teacher Kato

Birth Location: Saku city, Nagano

Favorite Food: Meat

Dislike: Cleaning and organizing

Hobby: Watching TV shows recorded

Everyone, thank you very much for your cooperation！

※Photos we post are approved by all participants.

Ai

「Ice Painting was not only visually beautiful, but also practical, so it was great experience! I want to try it again at home.」

Scarlet

「I see teachers are gentle, polite, and kind in every way. How could they even speak gracefully like that?」

Ai

「It was lovely that the teachers wore the socks with cute characters. Nursery teachers may be particular about their socks.」

Scarlet

「I like my pair of socks to be simple. 」

Ai

「It was lucky that we had ragged socks on today, don't you think? I didn't have to worry about paints on the floor. I just walked on them anyway.」

Scarlet

「WE…？WE? …I don't think I have ragged socks on. Are you making fun of me? Are you? I know you mock me too often. 」

Ai

「Of course not!! ... Did I? ...Really? I don't think so...」

Scarlet

「Don't forget I have big ears!!」

photo：Ai

writer：Scarlet

Translated by Umi