Aiko Shiga
Aiko Shiga, a former kindy teacher in Japan, took her passion for early childhood education to new heights when she moved to Sydney in 2007. With a desire to expand her knowledge of teaching, Aiko enrolled in children’s services studies, eager to discover the differences in education between Japan and Australia.
As she delved deeper into her studies, Aiko was struck by the unique beauty of the Japanese props and songs she used to teach young children back in Japan. She missed the way the children would light up with excitement and joy as they sang and played with these traditional tools.
Inspired by the multicultural atmosphere of Australia, Aiko had a brilliant idea – why not introduce these beloved Japanese props and songs to the children of Australia? She took the chance and tried them out at the long day care center where she worked, and was thrilled to see the children’s interest and engagement. They loved the new, authentic elements of Japanese culture, and before long, were asking for even more.
Aiko’s mission is simple – to bring a taste of authentic Japanese culture to the children of Australia through the use of traditional props, music, games, and images. She wants the children to experience the same joy and excitement that Japanese children do through these cultural activities, and have fun while learning about diversity.