Wow it's almost a year to the date I left this classroom in 2020 that I return. This past year has been an unforgettable year. I am hoping for the return of "normal". We are now one step closer!

During the hot summer months, kakigōri is sold virtually everywhere in Japan. Especially at summer festivals and fairs, it is as popular as yakisoba, takoyaki and cotton candy. kakigōrii is one of the summer features in Japan. Some shops serve it with ice cream  and sweetened red beans or tapioca pearls.
Now those of us fortunate enough to live in or near Columbus, Ohio can enjoy this delicious Japanese summer favorite!  Try it! You'll love it!! I sure do!!! ;-)

 EXTRA CREDIT: TRY IT AND LEAVE A COMMENT!

Where to find it:
Belle's Breads Bakery
1168 Kenny Centre Mall
Columbus, OH 43220

It really is the small things that make me happy! Last night I joined an advanced Japanese class offered by the Japan America Society of Central Ohio!! I not only learned new vocabulary and about current events in Japan but also got ideas for my program! A double win! The class is taught by Ohio Wesleyan University's  Jun Kawabe whom I absolutely adore.  I feel fortunate to live in Ohio with such an active Japanese community! There are so many opportunities to learn!!! I will continue to strive to be the best I can be!!

It's always fun to work 'outside the box'! This exercise reinforces stroke order and memorization of the various writing systems. Students like it because it's different, environmentally friendly and they can take it home to practice!

I'm excited to begin my 19th year at Fort Hayes!! I can not believe how quickly the years are flying! We have a lot of fun scheduled for this year.  I attended several conferences over the summer and this fall so far that have stretched my teaching practices into a whole new category! Our goal is to SPEAK more! I'm over-the-moon excited to share with my students what I have learned!! It's going to be a spectacular year!!!

The exchange students got to taste REAL Ramen and they loved it!! I am guessing that their taste for good Ramen is forever changed!-no more soggy noodles in broth!

Students had the opportunity to read authentic Japanese children's books that Ms. Ima brought in!