Language Arts（Reading and Writing）

LA1

Hi we are LA1 Class. For the first 3 days at SIJ, we first focused on the most common type of writing, Expository, and learned how to give information that explains and informs our readers about our subject. Next, we learned about Descriptive writing. Now we are good at writing using the 5 senses to describe a topic. Then, we talked about Persuasive Writing and how to give our opinions. Lastly, we worked on our final project and learnt about Narrative Writing, how to tell a story with characters, setting, conflict, and resolution. Our class all wrote so many creative and interesting stories and presented them at the Final Presentation!　　

LA2

Hi we are LA2. In just three days at SIJ, we practiced　 Expository writing, writing about topics like friends/hometown/family members/role models. Also we did an exercise to describe an image using Simile, Metaphor, Sensory and Onomatopoeia. Then, we focused on Persuasive and Narrative by creating our own　 advertisements for a product to sell. After going through 4 types of writing, we discussed topics for our final projects: Artificial Intelligence (AI),　Self-care/Wellness, Climate Change, and Gender Equity. We were then divided into 4 groups for our final presentation which was a huge success!　 　　　 　

LA3

Hi, we are LA3. We first went over themes for SIJ, including pertinent topics to help generate ideas for essays. Next, we chose one theme, developed questions, and started writing with a thesis statement and topic sentences. Reading a long-form text as a class to identify the style and structure of this writing is very helpful. After 3 lessons, we developed our body paragraph and conclusion. We then learnt how to improve our essays with Figurative language (metaphors, similes, hyperboles, symbolism), Imagery (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell), and Active voice. In the last lesson, we practiced our public speaking and presented our amazing work!

LA4

Hi, we are LA4 with Ben. After we learned about expository, narrative, descriptive and persuasive writings, we are working on our final essay that includes a title, a clear thesis or message of 5-7 paragraphs in total. Learning from Ben about how to use the different elements of the story: plot, characters, setting, conflict, and resolution as well as how to describe a person, place, or thing using touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound is such a big help for us!　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Computer Science (CS)

Hi, we are CS! In just 5 days, our class explored the world of computer science through engaging activities and hands-on projects. We kicked off with the basics of programming with Scratch and Python . We learned about concepts like loops, conditional statements, and data visualization . We also discussed modern CS topics like machine learning and cybersecurity . Throughout the week, we worked on fun activities, including making balls bounce in Scratch and creating text-based games in Python . By the end, we brainstormed and developed impressive final projects. Needless to say, our incredible creations in such a short time amazed everyone! !　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Public Speaking (PS)

Hi, we are PS! We worked hard to become the best public speakers. We explored logical arguments (logos) and persuasive techniques using commercials ; practiced emotional appeal (pathos) through games and TED Talks ; and built credibility (ethos) with show-and-tell activities . All of us had our final speeches carefully crafted with　personalized feedback from our instructors. With that, we all shone brightly in our final presentations!

 

Performing Arts (PA)

Hi we are PA! We brainstormed and worked on our performance for the closing ceremony with our final musical project. Each art group—Dancing, Acting, and Singing— contributed our talents to create this amazing show. On top of that, we mastered ballet and hip hop fundamentals ; learned the art of acappella and beatboxing ; explored voice parts and vocal ranges ; and learned stage confidence tips. On the final day, we delivered an amazing performance that left everyone astonished!　　

Special Events

The 6th Outreach Educational Program “SWIM” (Summer Workshop for Immersive Multiculturalism)
Free English lesson with Harvard College students in Oita City, Japan

Despite 70% of them being beginners, they delivered incredible speeches after just 2 hours—Bravo!

Kids are truly geniuses. Each year, students from prestigious American universities are invited as instructors to lead various programs in Oita City during the two-week summer session. One of these programs is the SWIM, a free English speech program for elementary and junior high school Oita City citizens, that consists of two sessions.

On July 20 Mari Hirotsuru took the lead teaching the basics of self introduction and logical writing supported by assistant teachers from APU, AIU, and Oita University Medical School in preparation of the second session on August 10, when seven students and graduates of Harvard and Tufts Universities, along with 14 multilingual university students from around the world, lead the sessions to encourage the 100 beginners to speak up. Sumire Hirotsuru’s 20-minute presentation sparked numerous questions from the children.

“I am proud that they were able to fluently introduce themselves, present their writing in front of more than 100 people, and most importantly, seek help from their instructors on their own. This is a great achievement in such a short span of time. ”– Ryan

Summer in JAPAN 2024
Classical Concert

Sumire performed classical masterpieces with pianist Akane Yoshida, while Chuck introduced many folk tunes on Erhu – which is rare to see live performance in Japan.

We would like to thank all of those who came out to see the concert 🙏🏻✨

Sumire Hirotsuru (Violin)
See Chung Yi（Erhu）
Akane Yoshida (Piano)

1. Salut d’Amour / Edward Elgar
2. Prelude and Allegro / Fritz Kreisler
3. The Four Seasons – II. Summer / Antonio Vivaldi
4. Romances, Op. 94, No. 2 / Robert Schumann
5. Danse Espagnole No.1 / Manuel de Falla
6. Racing Horses (Chuck) / Huang Hai Huai
7. Estrelita / Manuel Ponce
8. Zigeunerweisen / Pablo de Sarasate
9. Meditation from Thais / Jules Massenet