Children Full of Life is the 2003 documentary directed by Noboru Kaetsu and produced by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK). First broadcast in Canada, CBC’s Passionate Eye.

“Kind, tough, funny.” That is what the students describe their teacher Mr. Toshiro Kanamori. If only we had more teachers like him these days.

The cheerful group of 4th graders in Kanazawa, northwest of Tokyo.  Image source.

I’m sure this does not represent the entire educational system of Japan, but it does shine a light on what it means to be an understanding teacher. Mr. Kanamori’s starts off the school year by reminding his students, “we come to school to be happy”. The classroom has become more then just a place to learn math, science, and grammar.. but also a place that teaches compassion and empathy.

You can watch the entire 5 part section on Youtube: Children Full of Life.

“In the award-winning documentary Children Full of Life, a fourth-grade class in a primary school in Kanazawa, northwest of Tokyo, learn lessons about compassion from their homeroom teacher, Toshiro Kanamori. He instructs each to write their true inner feelings in a letter, and read it aloud in front of the class. By sharing their lives, the children begin to realize the importance of caring for their classmates.”

I used to always admire those in the teaching field, but I my idealism disappeared once I realized the system does not work for everyone. There has to be a better way of educating children. The American school system could use some new ideas.

One of my favorite author and lecturer on education is Alfie Kohn.  He has explored a number of topics in education, parenting, and human behavior. His ideas on education would currently be described as progressive. Alfie Kohn believes in a constructivist account of learning in which the learner is seen as actively making meaning rather than absorbing information. He also argues that knowledge should be taught “in a context and for a purpose.”

I couldn’t agree more, as my most memorable high school class was physics. It was not my favorite subject, but the teacher (Mr. G) made the class very interactive by including many science experiments.

Mr. G was not only kind, but he got us involved with the subject through many hands on project. From launching eggs to flying water rockets. We even concluded the school year with a “Boat Race Ragatta”. Teams of three were to make their own cardboard boats and race them in our indoor gym pool. Our boat sank within minutes, but it was fun and very memorable. I don’t remember much of my other math or history teachers, but I do remember Mr. G! To this day, Mr. G and his science experiments live on in my heart. Thank you Mr. G.

Additional awards for Children Full of Life:

Children Full of Life was awarded the Global Television Grand Prize at this year’s 25th Anniversary Banff Television Festival, the festival’s highest honour. It was the first time Japan took the top prize. As well, the documentary won the Rockie Award in the Family and Youth Programs category.