— A Note from the New Kindergarten Manager

The kindergarten’s garden is almost ready. Probably. At least from a distance, it certainly looks that way. A wise predecessor once told me that “almost complete” is the sweet spot for gardening—because perfection simply doesn’t exist. And even if it did, nature would swoop in and shake things up in no time.

With the chill of Daikan behind us, we are now moving toward Setsubun. Time truly flies.

As many of you might know, Suwa Kindergarten has been officially recognized as a Gifu Prefecture Food and Agriculture Education Model School. This year, we are brainstorming ideas for new activities. If you have any groundbreaking suggestions, we would love to hear them!

In the meantime, the younger children have already embarked on their own agricultural mission as part of what we fondly call the “Plastic Shovel Squad.” Picture a group of highly motivated toddlers, equipped with plastic shovels, diligently digging up soil.

The key themes for this year would be Hokkaido, organic vegetables, and sustainability. These terms sound impressive, but at their core, they simply mean growing and enjoying delicious food. The joy of watching plants bear fruit, the excitement of nurturing growth, the satisfaction of getting one’s hands dirty. And, of course, the unpredictable challenges—crows making off with our crops, typhoons sweeping them away, rot, decay, and the occasional failure. Such is life.

That’s exactly why I believe children need to experience the analog world of uncontrollable variables. A reality where success isn’t always guaranteed, where disappointment and triumph go hand in hand. Where trying, failing, and trying again is part of the process. No smartphone or tablet can replicate that. And perhaps, through these experiences, something invaluable will take root in their hearts.

Suwa Kindergarten is blessed with an abundance of nature. And sometimes, when I will watch the children tending to the soil, I can’t help but think of Heidi, Girl of the Alps. The wooden cabin, the crisp mountain air, the goats’ milk, the simple but fulfilling meals of bread and cheese. There is something truly magical about watching young minds connect with the land—something that reminds me of the beauty and wisdom of a simpler way of life.

And so, another year begins in terms of agriculture. Or perhaps, it has already begun.

幼稚園の整備はほぼ完了した。たぶん。少なくとも遠目にはそう見える。畑仕事というのは「ほぼ完了」くらいがちょうどいいと先輩が、、、完璧なんてものは存在しないし、存在したとしてもすぐに自然がそれを台無しにする。

大寒を越え、季節は節分へと向かっている。気がつけばもうそんな時期ですね。

諏訪幼稚園は「岐阜県食農教育実践モデル園」に認定されています。今年は何を企画しようかと検討中です。アイデア募集中。特に画期的なものがあればぜひご提案ください。

ちなみに、年少組の子どもたちはすでに「プラスチックの喋る隊」に参加済みだ。まるでミッションを遂行する特殊部隊のようにに。彼らはすでに食農体験の最前線にいる。

キーワードは「北海道」「有機野菜」「持続可能」。響きはカッコいいが、要するに「おいしいものを作って食べよう」ということに尽きるかもしれません。実がなる喜び、成長を見守る楽しさ、土にまみれる充実感。そして、カラスにさらわれる、台風に吹き飛ばされる、腐敗する、枯れる、という不確実性。人生にはそういうことが付きものです。

だからこそ、子どもたちには「コントロール不可能なアナログの世界」を体験することが大切かと思われます。スマホやタブレットでは再現できない、生の自然。落胆したり、喜んだり、あきらめたり、もう一度挑戦したり。そんな経験が、彼らの中で何かを芽吹かせるのではないかと思います。

諏訪幼稚園は自然にあふれている。だからこそ、私はふと「アルプスの少女ハイジ」の世界を思い出します。あの山小屋での暮らし、澄んだ空気、ヤギの乳、パンとチーズ。そして今、ここで子どもたちが畑を耕す姿を見ながら、スイスの風景を重ねてみることが楽しみです。