Submitted photos From left, Stadium Drive Elementary second graders Maks Moga, Kahmaree Bush, Michael Stahura and Jaylell Shorter learn about different kinds of sushi during a recent “Japan Week” at the Boardman school.

BOARDMAN — Classrooms at Stadium Drive Elementary School were transformed recently as second-grade teachers Jessica Kohler and Brittany Krestel hosted an immersive “Japan Week” for their students.

With the help of beloved classroom volunteer Shirley Matula — affectionately known as “Miss Shirley” — students were given a firsthand look into Japanese culture, language and daily life. Matula helped arrange a special visit from Noriko Silver, principal of the Japanese School in Cleveland, after connecting with her through Facebook.

From the moment students walked into the classroom, they were immersed in a new environment. Name tags were written in Japanese, and the rooms were decorated with traditional elements such as lanterns, cherry blossoms and origami.

Students even followed a key Japanese custom by removing their shoes before entering the classroom. A Japanese number line further reinforced the week’s cultural focus.

Silver, who was born and raised in Japan before moving to the United States in 1996 and becoming a U.S. citizen in 2019, shared her personal experiences and insights with the students. After practicing basic greetings in Japanese, students learned a variety of fun and surprising facts about the country.

One of the most impactful parts of the visit was learning what a typical day looks like for a student their age in Japan. Students were surprised to hear that many Japanese children walk to school, as transportation is often not provided. They also learned that students in Japan serve lunch to one another and take responsibility for cleaning their own classrooms — something Kohler and Krestel’s students practiced throughout the week by keeping their classroom tidy.

Silver praised the experience, saying, “This is really good. This mirrors the educational experience of Japan. In Japanese culture, they are trying to incorporate more English at a younger age — sometimes even as young as first grade.”

The cultural experiences of the week extended beyond the presentation. Students were able to enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch that included sushi, with many trying it for the very first time. Students also watched a live martial arts demonstration from Justin Taylor of the Junior Tae Kwon Do School, bringing another aspect of Japanese culture to life through movement and performance.

Krestel summed it up well. “After four years of incorporating Japan week, I have learned that young students need to experience different traditions and cultures in order to really understand them. I am always so surprised to see the questions that they come up with. I am constantly looking up new information and learning alongside them, which is one of my favorite things about being a teacher.”