Ms. Christie-Blick traveled to Japan for a three-week study tour during the summer of 2003. She was a participant in the Fulbright Memorial Fund Program. She is grateful to the Japanese government for sponsoring this trip for 200 teachers - four from each state in the United States.

Ms. Christie-Blick enjoyed visiting Chuo Elementary School, in Arao, on the island of Kyushu.

There were up to 40 children in each classroom.

Ms. Christie-Blick ate lunch with the students in their classroom, and then gave them all Tootsie Rolls. They had never had them before. They thought they were yummy!


Fourth graders work hard in Japan, just as they do in America. After their dictionary work, Ms. Christie-Blick gave them Culture Books made by her American students. The children were delighted!

Their favorite part of the day? Recess!

Japanese children send peace and friendship to American children.

Click on this picture to learn about the ancient form of Japanese poetry called Haiku.