303-921-4064
CHIBI NO GAKKŌ
A Japanese American Heritage School
Chibi No Gakkō is a Denver community-based program that provides children the opportunity to explore their Japanese American heritage in a fun, "hands on" way through a variety of activities.
A Japanese American Heritage School
Sessions are held every two years; next session to be held in Q1 of 2024
Students currently enrolled in grades 1-8
Teachers are certified through the Colorado Department of Education
Opportunities are available for those in 9th-12th grade (who were previous Chibi No Gakkō students) to mentor incoming students
ACTIVITIES
FAMILY HISTORY
Students learn the value of their oral histories and their own history through interactive grade level specific activities.
COOKING
Students learn the basics of cooking simple Japanese American foods from udon to SPAM musubi. Many students love to share these recipes with their family at home.
MUSIC, DANCES, & GAMES
Musunde Hiraite, Tanko Bushi, and Hana Fuda are samples of the folk dances, music and games students learn as part of their Chibi experience. Traditionally they perform what they've learned at the end-of-session celebration!
ARTS & CRAFTS
Students express their creativity by making noren, taiko drums, furoshikis, hagoitas, maneki nekos, darumas and more.
READING & WRITING
Students learn about Japan, Japanese culture and the Japanese forced incarceration through a variety of literature (including books, internet resources, etc.) and videos. Lessons are designed for appropriate grade-levels developed by certified teachers.