A few weeks ago, the students went over to Hibari no Sato to observe different creatures that had made their homes in the environment. Many students were surprised to find such a variety of creatures and they took the opportunity to discuss possible reasons as to why so many creatures have decided to call Hibari no Sato their home.

It has been getting very cold lately and with this continued weather many of the creatures that live in Hibari no Sato would have a difficult time staying there. In response to this, as well as to prepare for next year’s crop of rice, we recently took some time to clean up the Hibari no Sato area. To ensure that as many of the creatures as possible would be able to continue living in this area next year, the students took the time to collect as many of them as they could.

They first laid down a blue tarp and then drained the water from the fields. This resulted in the students being able to catch many of the creatures. They then transferred them to different containers that they will be kept in until next year when they will be returned to their original living environments.

Participating in grade activities like this, the students are able to come together to achieve a common goal that will help the future grade levels at Hibari to have the same experiences they themselves had.  Through activities like this the students are sure to feel the importance of giving back to one’s community and the rewarding feeling that comes with it.