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In an effort to make both Japanese students and their families feel welcome and part of the community, elementary schools in Peachtree City offer Origami Clubs where members learn the ancient Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures.
The clubs provide an avenue for Japanese parents to volunteer and share their unique skills and talents, and for Japanese students to showcase their expertise with their classmates, giving them a boost of confidence and a way to connect with American students.
The clubs also bring Japanese culture into the schools, allowing students involved to learn about the country, its language, history, and way of life.
The first Origami Club started at Oak Grove Elementary in the 1980’s and has since expanded to include five more schools, for a total of six, including one outside of Peachtree City: Braelinn Elementary, Huddleston Elementary, Peachtree City Elementary, Kedron Elementary, and Inman Elementary (Fayetteville).
The clubs meet once a month after school, and most are open to students in grades three through five.
“Origami Club has provided an avenue for my Japanese parents to volunteer and help out at their child's school. It has allowed my Japanese students to shine in the spotlight as they are the experts in the room showing others the beautiful art of origami. Most of all, it has brought the Japanese culture into our school and has allowed all of our students to experience a taste of Japan,” says Susan Gillard, ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) teacher at Kedron Elementary.
With several large Japanese-owned companies located in Peachtree City, schools in the area serve a number of Japanese students and their families.
The clubs provide an avenue for Japanese parents to volunteer and share their unique skills and talents, and for Japanese students to showcase their expertise with their classmates, giving them a boost of confidence and a way to connect with American students.
The clubs also bring Japanese culture into the schools, allowing students involved to learn about the country, its language, history, and way of life.
The first Origami Club started at Oak Grove Elementary in the 1980’s and has since expanded to include five more schools, for a total of six, including one outside of Peachtree City: Braelinn Elementary, Huddleston Elementary, Peachtree City Elementary, Kedron Elementary, and Inman Elementary (Fayetteville).
The clubs meet once a month after school, and most are open to students in grades three through five.
“Origami Club has provided an avenue for my Japanese parents to volunteer and help out at their child's school. It has allowed my Japanese students to shine in the spotlight as they are the experts in the room showing others the beautiful art of origami. Most of all, it has brought the Japanese culture into our school and has allowed all of our students to experience a taste of Japan,” says Susan Gillard, ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) teacher at Kedron Elementary.
