"Ichi Uno One": Bringing language and culture to local schools

Michel, a FIUTS Student Board Member from Chile, introduces himself to students at Bright Water School

UW students from Chile and Japan teach language and lead cross-cultural activities at a local elementary school.

On February 27, a group of FIUTS students from Chile and Japan visited Seattle's Bright Water School as part of a program called Ichi Uno One. Created by a Bright Water School parent, Ichi Uno One creates opportunities for elementary students to learn about the world and for FIUTS students to spend time in a school, sharing their language and culture with local kids.

Pupils at Bright Water School study both Japanese and Spanish, beginning in the first grade. The Japanese students worked alongside the school's Japanese instructor to teach students how to make mochi and tea, all the while immersed in the Japanese language. Likewise, the Chilean students, together with Bright Water School's Spanish instructor, led the children in a celebration simulating Chile’s Independence Day, speaking Spanish the whole time!

The visits were a great experience for FIUTS students and Bright Water School students alike. Naoko, a UW student from Japan, said about the experience: "I am going back to my country next Sunday.  It'll be my good memory."

The next "Ichi Uno One" will be this Friday, at 3 Cedars Waldorf School, with a Zaru Soba noodle making demonstration for Japanese Immersion.

Want to teach students in the Seattle area about your country, language, and culture? Sign up for Global Ambassador Day! This program offers UW students the opportunity to visit a local classroom and lead activities for elementary school students on April 12 and 26.

The students at Bright Water School so enjoyed their experience with the Ichi Uno One program that they made thank-you cards. Here are some of them!