Pre-KG 2025/ 26 Blog 4 Exciting Rokko Island Unit Discoveries

 Pre-KG 2025/ 26 Blog 4

Exciting Rokko Island Unit Discoveries

Even though it is still early in the school year, we were amazed to witness that the Pre–Kindergarten children already showed good understanding of the classroom routines and collaboration skills, so we thought them ready to broaden their horizon.

I am a big believer of extending the children‘s learning beyond the classroom and the Pre–Kindergarten class is known for making visits all around Rokko Island which brings a lot of smiles to people’s faces. Moreover the children have the possibility to display many of their learner profile attributes like caring, thinker and risk–taker and of course new challenges give them added opportunities for self –management and social skills ( ATL‘s for this unit). 

Before the outings I make a connection through books, visual reminders and explanations, so the children understand the purpose and are well prepared. 

So off we went on all 5! days this week to different destinations exploring Rokko Island and what a wonderful, enriching experience it proved to be ! 

1) Monday:  Potato Field & Dekapathos Water park 

After looking at a variety of books with outdoor scenarios and parks, the Pre–Kindergarten children walked to the Dekapathos water park by the river crossing the bridge to the potato field. 

They were keen to spot some fish, but marine life is sparse on Rokko Island. We then checked on the sweet potatoes and they seem to be growing nicely! We are looking forward to a bountiful harvest! 

On we went with a unit related mission for the Pre–Kindergarten children at the Dekapathos area:  find shapes on the ground ( circles and squares) and a green and blue slide! The shapes were spotted easily, but the slides needed a bit of detective work. 

In the end, everything was found and our Pre–Kindergarten class showed that they are making great progress in recognizing colours and shapes ! 

2 ) Tuesday:  Kiitasu Wooden Toy Shop

Rokko Island is home to a fabulous toy shop, called Kiitasu that has an abundance of toys , games and play structures, all made of wood, my favorite material ever. My grandfather was a master craftsman and furniture maker and he handcrafted not only furniture and miniature buildings but doll houses, pull toys and many beautiful items for the family and community. 

So I was extremely happy to have found this amazing toy shop with a Japan – Germany– China connection through their design, usage of wood and craftsmanship. 

The Pre–Kindergarten children went there on a discovery trip with their friends from K1 and all the children absolutely loved the toys, the atmosphere and the enriching play experiences. I am much indebted to the Family Yamaguchi for their warm welcome and their amazing generosity in becoming a sponsor for the EY section and the Tombola at the Oktoberfest.

Thank you so very much, dear Yamaguchi family and we are sure you will have many new fans using your fantastic wooden toys and cube puzzles ! 

3) Wednesday: Traffic lights / Mini park by the round water area

In another collaboration walk with K1, we made a purposeful stop at the traffic lights / street crossing nearest to the school. We have explained the importance of stopping at a red light and looking out for cars before, but this important rule can not be repeated often enough as it might become a life saver. The children seem to understand this and also diligently raised their hands once the pedestrian light turned green to make themselves appear taller to be seen better.

At the round water area we stopped to talk about a tree that was covered in green leaves. As K1 is learning about seasons, Ms.Miho explained about green leaves in summer and bare branches in winter and then everyone got to touch the tree trunk and feel the bark. 

The Pre–Kindergarten children then moved on to explore the mini garden and discovered red flowers while K1 explored the water features.

It was a memorable outing for all of us and everyone learnt something new. 

4) Thursday: Emergency Drill– Fashion Museum and Rokko Island Elementary School

With Japan being a country prone to Eathquakes and our school being located close to the sea, we take not only fire drills , but also Earthquake and Tsunami drills very seriously at DSKI.

After the drill alert, we ducked and covered until the clear to evacuate came and the whole school assembled on the school yard, where a Tsunami alert was given. We then proceeded to the second floor of the fashion museum where the children sat in line for a head count and further instructions. 

The final destination was the Rokko Island Elementary School where we will receive shelter and essentials in case of a disaster. Kindly familiarize yourself with the location as this will be the pick up point for your children.

All DSKI children did an awesome job and the Pre–Kindergarten children being the youngest ones astonished everyone with their patience and understanding. Please help us with bringing your children to safety in a smooth way by providing inside shoes that fit properly ( as we will walk in these and not change shoes in an emergency) and have your children bring a bottle with strap plus a hat in summer.

5) Friday: Kobe Play Center / Rokko Island

Kobe City provides great services for families with children including the NobiNobi passport that allows children to enter many attractions, zoos etc. for free. They also operate various play centers around town, with one being on Rokko Island.

The Play Center is free and fabulous with a lot of high quality toys, great activities and very friendly staff.

This time the Pre–Kindergarten children spent most of their time in the huge ball bath, walking through the rope tunnel, coming down the slide and diving and swimming among the many, coloured balls. And yes, again it is a great way to learn about colours while having fun! 

With so many exciting discoveries throughout the week, the Pre–Kindergarten were all smiles at the end of the week and were keen to share their adventures with their families! 

Wonderful job, dear Pre–Kindergarten children, please enjoy a good long weekend and see you next Tuesday! 

Kind regards, mit freundlichen Grüßen, 

Anita Ursula Mönch

DSKI Pre-Kindergarten homeroom teacher 

Playgroup / EY GFL & Deutsch

German Saturday School homeroom teacher