School News
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 29 March 2016 20:05
The Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania provided an educational and cultural program for students enrolled in the gifted program at McClellan Elementary in West Jefferson Hills School District.
 |
| McClellan Elementary students celebrate the seasons of Japan - West Jefferson School District |
Katsuko Shellhammer, educational outreach coordinator for the Japan-America Society, taught the students about the cultural significance of the four seasons in Japan. Japan holds different festivals to celebrate the change in the seasons. The students got to experience Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) which is celebrated on March 3. They had the opportunity to dress in traditional Japanese Kimonos and learn how to sit on tatami mats. The students enjoyed wearing the kimonos so much that they decided to keep them on for the entire program.
Katsuko explained that Japanese children dress in kimonos for special occasions, and that the color and weight of the kimono fabric changes with each season. Students also learned about the art of origami and made their own paper dolls and cranes to mark the celebration of Hinamatsuri.
Click on "Gallery" to see more photos of this event.
