I'm so excited to share the amazing experience of our recent video call exchange between students in Taichung and Okinawa! It was a truly enriching journey filled with cultural discoveries, laughter, and meaningful connections.
The Spark of
Connection: Initiating the Exchange (and Overcoming a Glitch!)
The idea sparked from
a desire to give our students a firsthand experience of cultural exchange, even
if they couldn't physically travel. With the power of video calls, we were able
to bring Taichung and Okinawa closer than ever before. However, just before we
kicked off the session, we experienced a nerve-wracking technical problem. I
was really nervous, hoping everything would work out. Luckily, with a bit of
quick thinking and some deep breaths, we were able to resolve the issue and
kick off the session. Phew!
Cultural Guessing
Games: Breaking Down Barriers
We kicked things off
with fun cultural guessing games. These interactive activities were a fantastic
way to break the ice and encourage students to learn about each other's
traditions. We had games involving pictures of food, popular landmarks, and
even the president of Taiwan. The laughter was contagious, and it was wonderful to see
students from both sides engaging so enthusiastically.
Student Showcases and
Talent Exchange: A Glimpse into Life and Passion
The student
presentations were a highlight of the exchange, but we added a special twist: a
talent exchange! Our students prepared presentations about their school life
and hometowns, showcasing the unique aspects of Taichung and Okinawa. But then, the
real magic happened. The Okinawan students shared stories about their local sweets and basketball team, while KMJH students highlighted the
vibrant night markets and indegineous peoples. Then, the talent portion
began.
- K-Pop Fever: Students from both sides surprised us with energetic K-pop dance
performances, demonstrating a shared passion for pop culture that
transcended language barriers.
- Musical Fusion: The most unforgettable moment was when KMJH students
played traditional Chinese instruments,
performing a popular Japanese anime theme song. It was a beautiful fusion
of cultures, showcasing the power of music to connect us all.
- Class 704's Debut: What a pleasant surprise! Class 704, participating in such an event for the first time, absolutely blew me
away! They were so enthusiastic, prepared, and confident. They not only
met, but exceeded every expectation I had. Their willingness to
participate and share their talents was truly inspiring.
The Power of
Collaboration: Working with Nagisa
I must give a huge
shout-out to Nagisa, my incredible counterpart in Okinawa. Working with a
like-minded teacher made the entire process seamless and enjoyable. Her
enthusiasm and dedication were truly inspiring. We were able to bounce ideas
off each other, solve any challenges that arose, and create a truly memorable
experience for our students.
Looking Forward:
Future Exchanges and Continued Learning
This exchange has been a resounding success, and we're already expecting future collaborations. We believe that these cross-cultural connections, especially those that incorporate talent exchanges, shared passions, and first-time participation that goes above and beyond, are invaluable for our students, fostering empathy, understanding, and a global perspective. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this incredible journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment