1. Where did you go for your volunteering? What did you do?

2. What were two challenges?  (Two Difficult things about volunteering?)

3. What did you enjoy about volunteering?

2, It is diffficult for me to comunicate with children. They can not speak English well and I also can not speak English well.

It was hard to entertain the kids. I do not have young brother and sister, I do not know how to play with children.

3,I enjoyed watching the kids dance and singing. And I sang for the kids.

reading picture books, eating snacks, playing in outside. Children were so fine, I'm tired... but I spent fun time.

2.Taking communication and making children happy. I didn't know how do I speak children. And children were nervous too because it was first meet so I felt scared.

3.Children were so cute and I enjoyed playing with them. I was so nervous but I had good time. Until next time, I'll practice some sentences that I can use for children.

It was very difficult to interact what we think each other. I am surprised to that almost American children was shy. When I arrived there, I said "hi!" and also "do you like the snack?", but I was ignored by them. I was sad a little, but it is what it is. I never give up, so I tried to speak to them and let them to drive car toy. Finally, some children got attached to me. They made me happy. I had a challenge to address matter that children have conflict with other children. I could not find solutions but I noticed teacher warned direct, and they stopped to fight. Loud voice is important when someone want to get attention.

Honestly, I enjoyed to talk with teacher caring them. There is freedom for teacher too. That is impressive. The Spanish teacher asked me question about Japanese, it can improve communication skill. It is also enjoyed to hold them. These are my first time including in Japan, so it was wonderful opportunities for me.

2. First, it was difficult for me to contact with preschool teacher. The second is that it was difficult to understand what the children said.

3. Everything is new for me, so all of time was fun. For example, I didn’t talk with American younger people before coming here.

2.The first challenge was that I didn’t know how much I was allowed to help. When I tried to carry something like the children’s beds, the teacher told me, “They can do it by themselves.”

The second challenge was that I was very nervous because it was my first time. I didn’t know what to do at first, so I just stood there for a while.

3 I was happy when the children started to rely on me. When we were playing outside, one girl gave me a pink stone, and that made me really happy.

I visited the springhouse for my volunteering. First, I introduced myself. And we remembered that elderly people’s name and the word that they know. Second, we chatted with them.  For example, I talked about favorite food, animals, countries and family. We also made a turkey out of paper.

2. What were two challenges?  (Two Difficult things about volunteering?)

I was conscious of empathy with them. First, I kept smiling when I talked with them. I would like to give peace of mind. And I thought the atmosphere felt good then. For instance, I complimented elderly lady because she was doing her nails. I was happy that she smiled. Second, I was conscious of communicating with them. I had a simple conversation with them and communicated through physical gestures like high-fives.

3. What did you enjoy about volunteering?

I was happy when I was able to communicate. Also, when I spoke actively, they smiled at me. I hope that communicating with me becomes a good stimulus for you.

2. It was difficult for me to communicate with the staff, so I was confused at first.

I didn’t know what to say or what to do when I arrived.

Also, I was in a class with children who cannot speak yet, so it was hard to know how to play with them and how to tell them what to do.

3.I enjoyed playing with the children.

After some time, we became closer, and they even hugged me. That made me want to try harder.

Also, it was fun to watch how the teachers communicated with the children, because I think it helped me improve my own skills.

I played outside with there kids and helped them eat snacks.

2. I couldn't hear the children's names.

I couldn't express what I wanted to say. Next, I want to remember phrases and be able to say them.

3. When I was able to communicate what I wanted to say in English.

When a child spoke to me with a smile.

I really wanted to become closer and talk to them, but I was frustrated that I couldn't do it. because my English skills were not good enough.

I went British school of Boston. I played with children. First, we went to outside. After that, we went to inside.

2. What were two challenges?

First challenge is that sometimes I can’t understand what they want to do. I asked them several times. It was difficult for me. Second challenge is that I try to talk some staffs. I ask their name and I asked them what should I do. I don’t have confidence my English skills. But I try to talk with them.

3. What did you enjoy about volunteering?

I enjoyed to play with children. Children are always full power. They are very cute, so it was very fun for me. And I felt happy when I can understand what they want to do.

1] I went to Brookline Schools Staff Children’s Center. I took care of children with teachers.

2] First challenge is thinking what I should call them. They are little, so I have to use easy words and question them. It was difficult. Second challenge is when I ask a question for them, some children didn’t respond. I guess it is because someone looked shy or they were too focused on playing and didn’t hear my voice. So, I watched teachers how to talk to and I tried many times.

3] I enjoyed when a boy was playing alone, I played with together. It is because before he played alone, he looked sad, but after I played with me, he began to smile. So, I this experience is the best.

What did you do ?

I went to volunteer at British school. We played in the sand and read books together.

2What were two challenges? (Two Difficult things about volunteering?)

I was shy, but I tried my best to talk to him I took him to the bathroom

3What did you enjoy about volunteerin

I enjoyed playing with the children. And I tried my best to calm the crying kids down

I was also in charge of a youngchildren class. We played outside and had snacks with the kids.

2. There were two problems with volunteer work.

The first is that it is difficult to understand children's English.

Second, there is no response, so I don't know if communication is working.

3. It was fun going down the slide and playing in the sandbox with the kids.

2.The first was that the teachers didn't give us any instructions, so I didn't know what to do.The second was that it was hard to play tag out side while watching them around the playground, because I was worried they might get hurt.

3.The children were very cute, and I enjoyed talking and playing with them. I also liked singing a birthdaysong with them.

2, I could take commuication with children bettter. I used some phrases that I learned in the class. Some children remenbered us, it made us happy. Thier name are diffrent from Japanese, but I wanna remenber them in next time.

2.       I think this time’s volunteering was easier than last time’s volunteering. It is because I could communicate with children better than last week. Last week, most of them didn’t answer my question, but this time some children seemed to remember for me, so they answered question more! In addition, when we played outside, someone smiled. So, I was very happy and fun this time. And also, when their parents came to pick them up, their parents said “Thank you.” For us, too. So, I want to more communicate and play with children next time.

2.     To compare to the first time, I can ask easy question for them. For example, when they read a book, I asked them “what is this animal?”. They answered the question. I was so happy. So, I try to make some easy question for them. I think that compared to the first time I can make good communication with them.

2.This time felt a little easier for me. When I volunteered for the first time, I couldn’t really understand what the kids were saying in English. But during the second time, I started to understand some of their words and phrases. I noticed that they often said the same things when playing, so it became easier to guess what they meant.

This day,we saw Jazz concert with eldery people.I enjoyed to see and join in the concert. This concert played many old American music. For example, We listened "army navy air force" because this day was before veteran's day. In addition, we danced with eldery people while holding hands. They looked so happy.

However, we couldn't chat with many eldery people compare to before.

We often went to see a concert.

2.What was different about volunteering this time?  Was it easier?  Was communication better? Explain

To compare to the first time, I couldn't communicate with them. But, I invited them to dance. Even if i don't say it, I can change it with my actions.

And then, I asked some questions about American songs for them. They answered me the meaning of song.

It is important to understand their country.

Next time, I prepare questions.

2.Compared to my first volunteer experience, I felt it was easier to play with the youngest children. They can’t speak yet, so I used my body to communicate with them.

The older children can say some easy words, but it was hard for me to understand what they were saying. I also still don’t know what kind of games they enjoy.

The second time I volunteered, I was in charge of the youngest children, about one year old. What I enjoyed the most was playing with them and seeing how cute they were. What was difficult was that they often fought with each other, so I had to pay attention to them every moment. For example, during snack time, some children would grab others’ snacks or put toys in their mouths.

2. What was different about volunteering this time? Was it easier? Was communication better? Explain

Communication with the teachers went well. They explained things clearly, so I could quickly understand what I needed to do. However, communication with the small children was still difficult because they cannot speak yet. I had to understand them by their cries or smiles. For example, when a child wanted water, they would cry while looking at a bottle, but I was confused because I didn’t know which bottle was theirs.

2.This time I took care of younger kids, so it was harder to communicate and I didn’t know what to do sometimes. But I was more active in talking and playing with them than last time.

I enjoyed talking and playing games with them.

They told me about their families, books, and game rules, so it was fun to communicate with them.

But it was also a little difficult, because they could do many things by themselves, and I didn’t know how much I should help them.

There was one child who didn’t listen to the teacher, and I could only say “No,” so I felt I want to improve my English more.

② This time, the children could speak, so we communicated was very different from before.

Last time, I had to guess what they liked by watching their actions.

But this time, I can just talk with them and learn what they like, so it was easier and more fun.

One child liked K-pop and told me some famous songs.

I felt I got closer to the children than last time, and it was a really fun experience.

The communication was easier than before. It is easy for children to understand if I say simple words or repeat their words. For example, color, cars and animals etc. Therefore, my communication with children is better. I can feel it, so I was pretty glad!

2.Two difficult things were talking to elderly people.Some people were very enegetic and could talk to me.I talked to some people but i couldn't understand what they talking about or they couldn't talk because they're very old.Another things,elderly people were thought interested about us and they asked us about future dream and work.I haven't dicided yet what i want to do in the future but they asked about it deeply so i tried to think a lot.

3.Lastly, my first time volunteering was very nervouse because everything's new for me but i want to see and talk to them more!

2.     I think the biggest difference between Japan and American childcare is that the children are from different countries. In Japan, most children are Japanese. However, children’s parents are from many countries in America. I was surprised when children’s parents come to pick up them. And a map of the children's nationalities was posted in the classroom. I thought it would be impossible in Japan.

I found difference style about teacher attitude. In Japan, teacher care them strictly, and make something using origami together. It is common to teacher wear apron. In U.S, teacher care less than Japan, but I feel it show trust relationship each other. At gym time, some teacher play with them. Teacher's clothes are not decided. Just freedom.

2.I think the teacher's atitude toward children is completely different between Japan and America. It mean, American teachers are so strict to children. When the child cried, the teacher got angry and didn't pay any attention. Japanese teachers are kind to children. So, I though that was different.

2. I think children play and act together in Japanese child care, but there are a lot of toys and children play with toys each other in American child care. In addition, I think in Japan, teachers tell the children’s parents about children’s event in detail so it looks formal, but in America, not only teachers and parents but also other children seem to enjoy communicate so it looks fun.

2.I think the biggest difference between childcare in Japan and the U.S is the way people work. I felt that childcare in the U.S. was more free. The teachers used their phones and talked with each other, and I felt it was different from Japan. In Japan, parents and rules are very strict, so the teachers always look serious. But I think the American style is better because both the caregivers and the children have less stress.

When I sang songs and called the children’s names, they looked very happy.

I enjoyed seeing their smiles.

The difficult part was keeping their attention because they moved around a lot.

2.I saw a big difference between Japan and America in childcare.

Japanese children are usually quiet and wait for the teacher.

American children speak their opinions clearly and talk more.

Because of this, the classroom atmosphere feels different.

1. How was volunteering this time? What did you enjoy and what was difficult?

This time, my volunteering was a good experience because I could talk with the teacher and the children more than before. I asked the teacher how old the kids were, and I also talked with the children. One boy was reading a book about fish, so I asked him if he liked fish and what animals he liked. He said he liked lions, and that made me smile.

The difficult part was when two children started fighting. I wasn’t sure what I should do, so I felt a little confused in that moment.

2. What are some differences that you have seen between Japan and America in childcare? Explain.

I noticed some differences between childcare in America and Japan. In America, the teachers give the children more freedom, and sometimes they speak loudly when the kids don’t listen. In Japan, teachers usually stay calm and try to guide children gently.

I also saw a difference in how teachers talk to parents. For example, one teacher talked to a mother in a very casual way and told her that her child took another kid’s toy. In Japan, teachers usually speak more politely to parents, almost like talking to customers. Because of this, the American style felt very different to me.

I learned a lot from this volunteer experience. I talked about love with the elderly woman, and we had a great time talking about things like, “There was a handsome guy in Boston.”

However, when I tried to get her to talk about her own love life, the conversation turned more in-depth and focused on life as a whole, which made it a little difficult.

While the love talk itself was fun, the topics that elderly people talk about often become heavy, so I felt I needed to be mentally prepared.

There was also a time when a staff member denied the elderly’s mistake in something they said, which made them angry. Seeing this, I learned that rather than correcting their mistakes, it is important to first listen and accept what they have to say.

Another memorable anecdote was that one elderly person would walk off on their own at the time it was time, a remnant of the habit of picking up their child from daycare every day when they were younger.

2

In Japan, many elderly caregivers suffer from advanced dementia, so the first priority is to calm them down and provide support.

In contrast, in the United States, it seems that interacting with them through dialogue is valued, and staff and elderly people appear to converse on an equal footing.

2. In my view elderly people are more freedom compaired to japan.And they don't say "i want to get out here" "I want to go home".When i go to grandma's Nursing home alot of people say it to me.They don't know me but they keep telling me.Also America's elderly care is active.Staff are make elderly people fun.Staff are prepared game activity and concert.That's why elderly people look more happier and energetic compaired to japan.

In Week 1, I couldn’t remember many names, but this time I remembered almost all of them. When I called their names, they reacted, and it made me very happy.

I could communicate with the kids more than last time. When they cleaned up and I said “Good job,” they smiled a lot and cleaned up again. When we read books, I didn’t know which book to choose, but I asked “This one?” and we could communicate with simple words. That was nice.

At the end, the kids gave me hugs, and I got a lot of energy from them.

②I think there is a difference between Japan and the U.S. in how the staff talk to children.

For example, I felt that American teachers speak to kids more strongly than teachers in Japan. When they have to tell children “no,” they say it clearly and firmly.

I worked with the oldest kids in the class, so we could talk more and they answered my questions. I also had fun playing outside with them, like playing with balls and sand.

b.

In America, teachers and parents are very close, almost like friends. They are also stricter with children. In Japan, teachers are more careful, but in America, they are more direct and sometimes rough. The way they get angry is scarier than in Japan.

2.It was difficult to understand what the children wanted to do and what they wanted me to do. Also, I couldn’t tell a child not to spit in an effective way, so I will study how to  warnings in English before the next time.

2. Yes, my listening and vocabulary skill is improved. At first, the children's English was so fast that it was difficult to understand. However, gradually, I started to be able to understand. Also when I didn't know a word, the children would teach me. Today, I learned the words 'sand' and 'metal fittings'.

2.       I think speaking and listening skills are improving through this volunteering. It is because the children’s English ability is using easy and short sentences and they speak slowly, so I was able to understand what they speak. In addition, if I ask them a question, they answered and they taught me about something so I enjoyed conversation and I could speak more English.

This was my second time volunteering in the class with the youngest kids. Because it was my second time, I already knew their personalities and how they play, so everything went more smoothly. One child brought me a book and asked me to read it, so I had a chance to practice reading aloud.

What was hard was that the kids fought with each other a lot this time, and many of them cried, so I wasn’t sure how to handle it. We also sang many songs, but I didn’t know most of them, so I want to learn the songs next time.

2.

I think my listening, speaking, and cultural understanding improved.

For listening, I could understand the teacher’s instructions and rules better. For speaking, I tried to use simple and clear words when talking to the kids, and I also improved a little by talking with the teacher.

For cultural understanding, I noticed that the way children are taught here is very different from Japan, and I felt that it was very American.

2.     I think my English skill is improve by volunteer. Especially, speaking and listening skills are improving. When I talk with children, I try to talk all English. And I try to use the word which both child and I know. It is little difficult things. When I listen children’s talking, the listening skill is improved. Children don’t understand that we are Japanese. So, they don’t change their speaking speed and pronunciation. Our teacher changes the speed and pronunciation to make it easier for us to understand. So, in volunteer time, I try to listen their talk in normal speaking. For these reasons, I think my English skills are improving.

When I sang songs and called the children's names, they looked very happy.

I enjoyed seeing their smiles.

The difficult part was keeping their attention because they moved around a lot.

2.I saw a big difference between Japan and America in childcare.

Japanese children are usually quiet and wait for the teacher.

American children speak their opinions clearly and talk more.

Because of this, the classroom atmosphere feels different.

I can learn how to communicate with children who are not Japanese. I couldn't talk with them because I didn't make sense. So, I read the book easily such as repeating color, animal's name. They could understand and looks excited. I learn using simple words, and hear carefully with them.

２．I don’t think my English has improved. I mainly work with small children, so I don’t have many chances to use English.
But I learned some English phrases that I can use with children.
Also, I feel that I experienced the culture more than the language. I felt that American teachers are very active.
To improve my English, I think it is important to talk not only with the children but also with the teachers.

Today was calmer, and I felt more relaxed. I helped the children during art time. They were drawing and making small crafts, and they asked me many questions like “Is this good?” or “Can you help me?” I enjoyed talking with them and seeing their ideas. It was fun to watch how creative they are.

The difficult part was understanding their pronunciation, especially when they talked very quietly or very fast. Sometimes I had to guess what they were saying, but I tried my best to listen carefully. Even when it was hard, I still enjoyed the time with them.

2.

Yes, my listening has improved. I am getting used to many different voices and ways of speaking. Each child talks differently, so I have to focus a lot. Because of this, I can understand more English without asking them to repeat every time. I feel like my listening skills are slowly getting better, and I feel a little more confident than before.

Also, when the children talked to me, I felt I did not have many ways to react. I want to learn more expressions so I can react better next time.

The fun part was playing outside with the children. Last time, the only game I played was tag, where I was the monster. But this time, I tried many games, like passing a ball to the children and making a ring with my arms so they could play basketball. I enjoyed playing many different games with them.

②I think my English listening and speaking skills improved a little. I feel that I can communicate with the children better than before. For example, I heard many simple daily English phrases that I had never heard before. By listening to what the teachers said to the children and what the children said to each other, I learned many new words. My vocabulary grew, and I think my English skills became a little better than before.

At first, I joined a violin concert with the elderly, and I enjoyed learning songs I didn’t know before.

After that, I studied about the Beatles with them, but I didn’t have many chances to talk, which was disappointing.

2 Yes, my English improved through volunteering.

I was able to notice the differences in how Americans think compared to us, which was really interesting.

Speaking in English is still difficult for me, but I feel like I can understand what people are saying a little better than before.

I feel that my listening and speaking skills have improved.Before, the children’s words sounded connected and I couldn’t understand something, but now I can understand them little by little.

I learned the words I couldn’t say last time, and by repeating this before each visit, I slowly increased the words I can use.

By using these words, I can express my feelings better.

I will do my best again next time.

1.My third visit was a lot of fun.This time, I was able to talk to the children who I couldn’t approach before. I also talked with the volunteer students from the British school. I really like snack time because I can talk with the kids a lot. Next time, I will try my best so they can remember my name.

2.I felt that there wasn’t much sense of hygiene.

For example, before snacks, they didn’t wash their hands, clean the tables, or put the snacks on plates. In Japan, these things are done very strictly, but here they weren’t. I think Japan might be a bit too strict, so being more relaxed is also good.

2. My best memory is that a girl taught me when they wake up from a nap, you should say " Good evening". It's because I said Good morning so she taught me. I was very glad to know about it and I was surprised to teach from children. It was really good experience for me.

2. My best memory from volunteering this semester is to make cookie. My friend and I was making cookie. In waiting time, we talked a lot of things. We shared each volunteer story. And then, we talk about our love. This topic is very interesting for me. I could know about my friends more. Then we ate cookie which was freshly baked. It was so delicious. I was happy that class time. So, this class time was to become my best memory.

This time, I was able to talk the most compared to my other volunteer days. The children were decorating pictures of Christmas stockings, so I asked the teacher, “What are they making?” Then the teacher asked me how people spend Christmas in Japan, and we talked about the differences between Japan and the US.

One girl was wearing a green sweater and a red skirt, so I told her it looked cute and very Christmas-like. She told me the skirt was from her grandmother, who is Chinese, and that it was a traditional middle school outfit. I learned many new things and enjoyed it a lot.

The difficult part was stopping the kids when they were fighting.

2.

My best memory is my volunteer site. Every time is a new experience, but the fifth time—the most recent one—is the most memorable. I started to feel more comfortable, so I could talk a lot with the kids. They told me about their favorite colors, we played outside together, and I comforted the kids who were fighting. It was the hardest day, but also the most memorable.

This time, I sang Christmas songs with the elderly women and listened to their stories. One woman told me she had been to France and Macao, and she spoke French fluently. Another woman was trilingual and could speak Spanish, French, and English. Next time, I want to ask her why she learned Spanish.

We also made gingerbread houses together. According to the elderly women, making gingerbread houses is very common in America. When I asked why they make them, they said they didn’t know. I researched it later and found out that people make them to enjoy the Christmas season. It was interesting because this is not a common tradition in Japan.

2.

I have two memorable moments.

The first one was dancing with my friends and the elderly women during the concert. I held hands with a woman in a wheelchair and enjoyed dancing together. I learned that even if we don’t speak the same language, we can still connect through music and dance.

The second memory was talking about romance with the elderly women. I found that this kind of topic is popular in any country. Their reactions were funny and heartwarming, and it made me want to talk with them more.

2.My best memory is dancing with the children. I remember feeling very confused because they asked me to dance on the first day.I am thinking about what song to sing and dance to next time they ask me, but they haven’t asked me again. I have many other memories, but this one is the most memorable for me.

2.       I think my best memory is when I played outside with children, a boy asked me a question. It is because the question is the first time for me and I understood their English the first time, too. So, I could answer the question and I could have a conversation with them, so I was really happy. The question is “what color do you think the clouds?”, it was already evening so I answered, “I think they are orange.” Then he said, “I think they are pink.” I understand they are different with adults how to think or see about something, so I was surprised and glad I had a valuable experience.

What was difficult was when the children started fighting and one of them began to cry. I didn’t know what the best thing to do was. I stayed with the crying child for a while, but I wasn’t sure if that was the right choice.

Also, some children quickly started fooling around again, and I didn’t know how to tell them to stop in a way that would work.

2.My best memory is when the children came up to me on their own and gave me hugs. Those moments made me really happy and are the memories I remember the most.I also enjoyed seeing them focus during art time and proudly show me their work.

There were no toys, so we mainly talked, but I was able to use the words I had learned before.

Also, I used to be unable to tell children to stop when they did something wrong, but now I can do it.

One difficult thing was stopping children who were fighting.

Both of them talked at the same time, so it was hard for me to understand what they were saying.

2.This is my volunteer work at a kindergarten.

At first, I didn’t know what to do, so I felt confused. But now I can enjoy playing and having snack time with the children.

I have also learned a lot by watching how the teachers talk to the kids. For example, they ask why something happened and tell the children to say “thank you.”

I noticed some differences from kindergartens in Japan.

Japan has strict hygiene rules, but here, children don’t wash their hands and they put their bags on the floor. I was surprised, but it was fun to find these differences.

The fun part was when the kids talked to me, held my hand, and asked me to play. When I called their names and they looked at me, I felt happy to communicate with them.

My best memory is playing with the kids. Even though communication was hard, we played ball and tag, and it was very fun. When I left, the kids gave me a hug, and I didn’t feel tired anymore. At first it was hard because everything was new, but I feel sad that there is only one more time left.

Touching about volunteering was that child who is shy and looks prefer independent took distance to me at the most time. However, I did together when I noticed what he likes to do. And then, he looks happy, and I was so happy too. One more of the thing was that when younger child started to cry, I did hold up and she stopped crying soon. I was relieved.

2.     Because of this volunteering experience, I have met local people who are cute children and their stuff.

3.     I want to continue volunteering after I return to Japan. I went to childcare in this class. This experience was very important for me. I could try to talk with children in English. But sometime I didn’t know how to say in English and what topic is to match children. Through this volunteering, I think I was able to glow. So, I want to try volunteering and to speak Japanese children. If I do that, I can have more good experience. I can compare the childcare between Japan and the United State. For these reasons, I want to continue volunteering after I return to Japan.

And then we had conversation with elderly people. I enjoyed talk to them.We sang a song together.We sang “The Beatles” special. One of the lady was singing a Yesterday.Her voice was amazing!And we sang it! We enjoyed a lot.

And then we had conversation with elderly people. I enjoyed talk to them.We sang a song together.We sang “The Beatles” special. One of the lady was singing a Yesterday.Her voice was amazing!And we sang it! We enjoyed a lot.

My English skills are improving because I talk to elderly people and staff.We make a circle and talk group discussion.Sometimes we sing a song together.A staff asks about my dream or Japan so I have to speak clearly and big voice. Im getting used to speak up in a group.Also I’m good at listening these days.I think we listen a lot about elderly people’s stories so my ears getting better!

She’s raised in French and she speaks three languages. I studied French when I was freshman year.So I told to her.AND THEN SHE TALKED TO ME IN FRENCH.I can understand little bit but she is naive speaker.SHE TALK VERY FIRST.She’s my great French teacher.

My best memories of volunteering at the Spring House is diffidently today.I talked Mariè and heard her life story.She was impressive person for me. In addition, I like singing songs together.I know some of the famous songs so I can sing with elderly people.Also they dance a lot.I like their feeling behavior.

2.My best memory was that. children gave me big hugs. When I was leaving, they cheerfully said me thank you. At that time, everything that difficult that day dissapeared, and it made me smile. And I noticed that, the word ''thank you'' is great, and hug has a big power. And through this volunteering, I noticed that I love kids.

The difficult part was helping one child who didn't like wearing gloves. It was hard to help one child who didn't like wearing gloves.I had to think of a way to make it fun for them.

2. My best memory is reading books with the children. I learned that it is important not only to read the story. It is also important to ask questions that are not in the book.This helps encourage the children to speak.

What was difficult was when the children started fighting and one of them began to cry. I didn’t know what the best thing to do was. I stayed with the crying child for a while, but I wasn’t sure if that was the right choice.

Also, some children quickly started fooling around again, and I didn’t know how to tell them to stop in a way that would work.

2.My best memory is when the children came up to me on their own and gave me hugs. Those moments made me really happy and are the memories I remember the most.I also enjoyed seeing them focus during art time and proudly show me their work.

2.       Because of this volunteering experience, I have learned importance of communication with a lot of people and doing challenging about something.

3.       Yes, I want to continue volunteering after you return to Japan. It is because I learned helping each other without money is fun and necessary to connection to local people through this experience. Through this childcare volunteering I was hard and tired, but last time children and their teachers said “Thank you.” and especially, when I gave Origami present to children, they looked happy. So, I felt happy and I’m glad I had this experience. That’s why, I want to volunteer kind of communicating or helping for foreign people things. Then, I’d like to improve my English skills and tell a lot of people about volunteering is important and fun.

2. Because of this volunteering experience, I can look around more carefully and understand what people need.

Working with children helped me notice others better.

3. Yes, I want to continue volunteering in Japan.

Also, through this class, I made cookies, matcha pound cakes, and T-shirts to donate. I learned that making something for other people is a very good thing.

So I want to join activities in Japan where I can help others and make things to donate.

2. Because of this volunteering experience, I have learned to think about what I should do, broaden my perspective, take action, and gain the courage to challenge myself.

3.Yes. Next, I want to try a different kind of volunteering. For example, I would like to support foreigners who come to Japan.

CHALLENGING, EMPHATHETIC, UNDESTANDING

2. Finish this sentence in your own words “BECAUSE OF THIS VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE, I AM/HAVE ………..”

BECAUSE OF THIS VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE,  I HAVE　the importance of understanding each other. Through volunteering of elderly people, I knew the background of their period. Because they experienced difficult situations like war, their thinkings is different for us.  This volunteer was given good impact for me.

3. Will you continue volunteering after you return to Japan? What will you do?

Honestly, I don’t know whether to continue volunteering in Japan.  Indeed, I learned valuable things through volunteering that I couldn't have experienced in Japan.

However, I found out through volunteering for elderly people. That I'm going through a lot myself, so I can't always be kind to others.    I learned I’m self-centered a little.

If I have leeway, I try to volunteer something in Japan.   Because I was glad to see elderly people smile.

In addition, Joining the volunteer, I might make new discoveries or gain more knowledge.

Anyway, when I come back in Japan, I am going to be kind for my grandmother and grandfather.

2.BECAUSE OF THIS VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE, I AM ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH CHILDREN USING SIMPLE WORDS AND BODY LANGUAGE.

3.I will continue to be involved with children. I want to get a part-time job about child care. I can make use of this experience. Of course, I want to join any volunteering also. It is good to pick up trash and so on, but especially I hope to help people using English.

② Because of this volunteering experience, I learned many ways to communicate. Even when language was difficult, I tried different ideas to talk with the children, and I could build good relationships with them.

③ Yes, I will continue.

I want to join volunteering that lets me work with children. I enjoyed this volunteering a lot, and I want to be a teacher in the future.

My friend told me about a volunteering program where we plan activities for children, talk with the staff, and do the activities together. This volunteering will help me with my future, so I really want to try it.

2

Because of this volunteering experience at the kindergarten, I have learned how to communicate better with young children. I learned how to be patient, gentle, and understanding when I help them. Playing with the children taught me how important it is to listen to them and support their feelings. I also realized that even small actions like reading a book with them, helping them with a game, or just talking can make them feel happy and safe.

This experience made me feel more confident working with kids, and I feel like I have grown as a person. Spending time with them always made my day brighter, and I enjoyed seeing their smiles and energy.

3

Yes, I want to continue volunteering when I return to Japan. Since I really enjoyed helping and playing with children, I hope to join volunteer activities at local kindergartens, after-school programs, or community events for kids. I want to keep supporting children and helping them feel comfortable, safe, and happy. I hope I can continue using what I learned from this experience to help my community in Japan.

2.Because of this volunteering experience, I learned how to communicate with children who speak a different language. By joining the activities for a long time, I could learn many things that I could not understand just by visiting once. For example, I noticed differences in early childhood education, and the culture shock was a good stimulation for me. It helped me grow.

I also felt very happy when the children smiled at me, and when my words became easier for them to understand after many visits.

The community I joined gave me a new place where I feel I belong. Living only for myself is good, but spending time for others is also very meaningful. I am very thankful for this volunteering experience, because it gave both the children and me chances to grow.

3.I want to continue volunteering after I return to Japan. For me, volunteering is like training my heart. Just like going to the gym, I want to make my heart stronger and kinder. Also, because many Japanese people are not very active in volunteering, I want to spread the good sides of volunteering. Volunteering has meaning for both the people who help and the people who receive help. It is not just “service.” I want to share this idea and understand volunteering more deeply.

2.Because of this volunteering experience, I have come to love children.

3.I want to volunteer at a preschool or community center in Japan to spend time with children. At first, I thought children were noisy, but they were so cute that I didn’t mind at all. In Japan, many parents work, so I think preschools are very important. Also, there are not enough daycare centers, so I want to help families who have trouble finding a place for their children.

2.Because of this volunteering experience, I have great opportunity to work with them and knew about elderly care in America compared to Japan.That’s interesting for me.

3.Yes,I want to tree planning volunteer work.I like to plant flowers and plants also I can help earth and reduce co2.I want to know much more about those fields.