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TAIP Fall Annual Conference

By on December 12, 2018

TAIP Conference participants pose with presenters Tanya Batt and Peter Forster after their workshop on “Storytelling in the Preschool Classroom” on November 17, 2018 at Summerhill International Preschool.

The Tokyo Association of International Preschool’s Fall Annual Conference was held on Saturday, November 17th at Summerhill International School. Teachers from over twenty five member schools as well as administrators and outsiders joined together to learn more about becoming better educators through presenters brought in from both near and far. The event was an opportunity not only to learn, but to connect with others from the industry and share ideas, seek advice and ask questions. Participants talked with each other, presenters and the organizers over a cup of coffee and a smile. It was a Saturday well spent.

The one-and-only Tanya Batt traveled all the way from a remote island of New Zealand to discuss storytelling in the preschool classroom. In addition to sharing a plethora of her favorite stories, she gave many tips and tricks that she’s picked up over the years for using storytelling with this age group in a fun and effective manner. Over 75 participants joined Tanya across two workshops and every last one left with a smile and a new idea to try in the classroom on Monday.

TAIP Conference participants dance and sing with Tanya Batt during their workshop on “Storytelling in the Preschool Classroom” on November 17, 2018 at Summerhill International Preschool.

Kathy Kampa from Seisen International School gave a fun and unique workshop on music in the preschool classroom. She showed a group of 50 participants how to use song, dance and every inch of the classroom to engage children with the magic of music. Organizers glancing in saw all manner of dance movements, instruments and strange poses indicating that those who joined got a real workout. Kathy is very special and her unique brand of energy helped get things moving in the right direction.

A course was also held to certify participants in CPR, AED and First Aid for children, which was accompanied by a valuable discussion about child safety in schools and classrooms. 16 teachers passed the certification course with flying colors, leaving the event feeling more knowledgeable and ready to make a safer environment for all the children.

Several Associate Members were on hand to introduce their products and services to conference participants, connecting directly with those who work at schools and building connections. This conference and other TAIP events provide an excellent opportunities for people like this to connect.

We received overwhelmingly positive feedback about all workshops, the location and the day as a whole. We’d like to thank all those who joined and encourage other to attend in the future. We have even more special events lined up for 2019!

 

History of the TAIP

 

Current TAIP President Alex Batten of Komazawa Park International School

The Tokyo Association of International Preschools was established on March 1, 2005, with the mission to support international preschools in the Tokyo area in terms of networking, staff development, parent education, and publicity.

TAIP started with 17 schools. By 2010, it had grown to 27 Member Schools and in 2018, we have climbed to over 50 schools. Along with our Member Schools we have increased our Associate Members and Individual Members as well.

TAIP Activities
Annual Conference

One of the founding members Steven Parr from New International School speaking at the TAIP 10th Anniversary Celebration in 2015.

 

2015 TAIP President Bruce Gomez speaking at the TAIP 10th Anniversary Celebration in 2015.

 

Students from New International School performing at the TAIP 10th Anniversary Celebration in 2015.

Throughout the years TAIP has organized annual training conferences for teachers. Topics of past workshops include; storytelling, vocabulary instruction, phonological awareness, music and movement, arts and crafts, CPR and AED training, drama for children, early childhood development, language development, classroom management, self care, and working special needs students.

Noted presenters included: Diane Frankenstein, Elaine Yandeau, Brenda Sargent, Peter Cassidy, Shiho Wadabayashi, Marsha Grey, Connie Shimizu, Tokyo International Players, Francesca Chan, Kathleen Kampa, Darren Peter Cowlbeck, Ai Kokunugi, Reiko Yoshida, Robin Coe, Johnathan Owens, Royce Jacobs, Jenny Mosley, Daniel Hodgins, Lisa Murphy, Covenant Players, and Tanya Batt.

Teacher Workshops

TAIP also organizes smaller workshops at schools to foster communication in the early childhood education community.

Other Events

Since 2012 TAIP has sponsored an annual bowling tournament for member schools. TAIP Members compete for a trophy to display in their schools.

In 2010, TAIP commemorated its 10th Anniversary with a special party highlighting the work of the organization.

TAIP’s current board of directors. Secretary Joanne Nakamura of New International School, Publicity Director Mayumi Murata of Hoikueiken, Program Co-Director Shelley Sacks of Ohana International School, Publicity Co-Director Ken Szczepanski of Joy to the World, Treasurer Puteri Zailan of Ayla International School, Advisor to the Board Bruce Gomez of Tokyo Children‚Äôs Garden, and Program Director Ann Nishigaya of Tokyo Children‚Äôs Garden.

 

Some of the teams who bowled at our latest Bowling tournament.

 

The wining team from Joy to the World American International School at our 6th Annual Bowling Tournament.

 

 

 

 

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