We are honored to have NPO Almond Community Network as an external contributor to our My Box of STEAM project. Based in Japan, NPO Almond is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing social welfare challenges through the principle of ‘active listening’ and fostering community well-being. Over the years, they have innovatively used cultural and artistic activities to tackle societal issues, making a profound impact in their communities. Their participation has provided invaluable feedback and expertise for our project, and we are pleased to share the direct testimony of Mrs. Hiroko Mizutani, Representative Director of NPO Almond.
“As an instructor, I participated in the My Box of STEAM workshop using TANGRAM and made many discoveries. By cutting paper into small geometric shapes like triangles, parallelograms, and squares, children can creatively assemble animals, people, and buildings while crafting original stories around their creations. Through this collaborative storytelling, children learn to support and understand each other, and they engage more deeply in creative activities. Additionally, by simply folding a square piece of paper and cutting its corners, the paper quickly transforms into a pinwheel. By taking it outside and letting it catch the wind, the children can see the pinwheel spin and are introduced to the principles of wind energy. In these workshops, I found that geometry and experiential learning are closely connected, and I realized how these activities can blend science, history, and even traditional Japanese practices like origami. Both TANGRAM and origami focus on transforming basic geometric shapes into diverse, imaginative creations. While TANGRAM emphasizes assembling separate pieces into new forms, origami focuses on folding a single sheet of paper into intricate designs. Together, these methods offer unique ways to explore both geometry and creativity, providing learning experiences rooted in tactile and visual engagement. The My Box of STEAM workshop offers numerous beautiful learning activities that combine art and geometry in exciting ways.
For Japanese children, who are familiar with origami from an early age, the My Box of STEAM project’s focus on TANGRAM provides an easy introduction to new learning methods. Moreover, I believe this approach has great potential for children with learning disabilities, offering them new ways to understand and engage with concepts. Through experiential activities, they can grasp the principles of geometry, energy, and even the history of technology. These activities foster creativity and problem-solving skills in ways that differ from traditional educational methods.
In this latest My Box of STEAM workshop, the instructors who participated were able to share the exciting learning experiences that come from working with these beautiful illustrations and colors, making the process enjoyable and engaging for everyone involved.”
To learn more about NPO Almond Community Network and their impactful initiatives, please visit their official website: NPO Almond Community Network
