“Makoto” honesty goodness and respect. These values resonate deeply within the walls of Tokyo Gakugei University’s affiliated Takehaya Elementary School. Here we stand at a school steeped in history celebrating its 115th anniversary. This isn’t just any elementary school. It’s a place where the spirit of collaboration thrives. Takehaya Elementary works closely with its neighboring kindergarten and junior high. They co-research innovative educational methods. Their focus is on fostering children’s independence.
The school’s guiding principle is “Makoto”. It emphasizes honesty goodness and respect for each child’s thoughts feelings and will. The teachers provide guidance through daily instructions. They also organize various events like school festivals and field trips. These are designed to nurture well-rounded individuals. Imagine the excitement of the annual school festival. The children’s artwork lines the hallways. Their performances fill the air with music and laughter.
But Takehaya Elementary is more than just academics and celebrations. It’s a living laboratory for educational research. It’s a place where teachers and students learn and grow together. One notable project involved moral education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The school used a combination of online and in-person lessons to teach compassion. They focused on the importance of accepting COVID-19 patients and their families. This initiative wasn’t just about teaching facts. It was about shaping young hearts and minds.
Children explored the emotional impact of the pandemic through discussions and multimedia resources. They learned to consider the perspectives of others. The project revealed a shift in student thinking. Before the project the children expressed more direct behaviors like “to play” or “to say”. Afterward the children showed increased indirect behaviors like “to wish” or “to understand”. This demonstrates a growth in empathy and consideration for others.
Takehaya Elementary School isn’t just a building. It’s a community. A community that values honesty and mutual respect. A community that nurtures independence and compassion. A community that strives for excellence in education and contributes to the betterment of society. It’s a place where children learn to become not only good students but also kind compassionate adults. Leaving here you should carry the “Makoto” spirit within you. Remember the collaborative spirit. Remember the commitment to fostering independence. Remember the strength of a community working together.