Little Scientists (at Kids Plaza)

The kids in Japan are (finally) out school here and boy, did that change Kids Plaza!  It was 10 times busier than usual..and we were never "almost the only ones there."  It was a completely different experience (and honestly, I'm not sure if I would have bought a membership pass had it been like that all summer).  But, because I had been there all summer I easily noticed they were staffed for it.  There were suddenly 2 staff members working in the "grocery store" where there was usually one.  Last week we had noticed about 15 extra tables set up where we usually eat lunch...and they were full this week!  We actually sat on a bench for lunch instead of at a table (and it was fine!).

So, we've never been to the "Craft Room" at Kids Plaza because it's on the floor that we go to to exit.  They call it a craft room, but I think it's more like science and learning.  Perfect!

First all the kids sat in a semi-circle for a lesson about colors and how when you mix them together you get other colors.  I was so proud of the girls - sitting there so intently listening to the "teacher" talk to them in Japanese.  As I sat and watched them, I realized (how lucky I was) how good they were being...watching and listening to this guy teach them and not be able to understand.  Although, the teacher was also demonstrating and Grace was able to answer a few questions even though they were asked in another language.

The lesson was on the color wheel (and I think that is what the lesson is all of the time).  They were to put a drop of yellow, blue and red in each of their little tubes.  Then add another drop of color to change it to green, orange and purple.  Here they are.

 

At the end, after all the kids helped clean up, the teachers then had all the kids sit around the table and spin some tops that had 2-3 colors on it to again show them that things change color.  This is visit six to Kids Plaza and we are blessed to have always found at least one new thing to do during our visit.

Grace assures me this device above is new.  I can't believe with where it was located that we could have missed it all summer.  But this is a little coloring screen in which you get to color in the pattern on an old (Aztec??) house.  This photo shows their teamwork so that Sarah could color all the little blocks!