Whizzing sounds fill the air. Students are cleaning their classrooms. This is Takatsu Elementary School. It is more than just a place of learning. It is a place that instills values.
Takatsu Elementary School is located in Takatsu-ku in Kawasaki. Takatsu-ku is one of the seven wards of Kawasaki. This is in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan.
Cleaning is part of the daily routine. Elementary students clean their classrooms. They also clean other school areas. This is a normal part of the school day at Takatsu Elementary School.
Japanese schools often do not hire janitors. Instead, the kids do the cleaning themselves. They spend about 10 to 15 minutes each day on this task.
Students clean desks. They sweep floors. They even scrub toilets at Takatsu Elementary School. They use a special cleaning position. It is called zoukingake. This involves kneeling. It also uses both hands to wipe the floor.
This practice teaches kids to respect their surroundings. It also helps them learn teamwork. Responsibility is taught too. These are key values in Japanese culture.
Respect and manners are key parts of daily life. Students learn to bow to teachers. This is a sign of respect from a young age.
Respect is a top priority in Japanese schools. This helps create a culture of politeness. It encourages consideration for others.
Students are taught to respect all elders. This includes older students. Good manners are practiced every day. Students clean their own classrooms. They also clean school grounds. This teaches them to care for shared spaces.
Lessons in respect and manners help prepare students. They get ready for life in Japanese society. They learn skills. These skills will serve them well beyond their school years at Takatsu Elementary School.
Many schools in Japan do not employ janitors. Instead, students clean their own classrooms. They also clean common areas. This practice teaches kids to care for their space. They also learn to respect their surroundings. Students typically spend about 15 minutes each day tidying up.
They sweep floors. They wipe down desks. They even clean bathrooms. This helps kids learn teamwork. It teaches responsibility from a young age.
Japanese parents believe this system helps students. They develop important life skills. It also saves schools money. This is because they do not need to hire cleaning staff. This approach creates a sense of ownership among students at Takatsu Elementary School.
Takatsu Elementary School is part of the city of Kawasaki. Kawasaki was divided into wards from April 1972. In July 1982, Miyamae Ward was separated from Takatsu Ward.
From cleaning to respecting. Takatsu Elementary School prepares kids for a life of learning. It readies them for being valuable members of society.