Ms. Kathleen M. Jensen, special education teacher at Harristown Elementary School, recently had the honor of participating in the Fulbright Foundation teacher exchange program. She went to Japan in the summer of 2003 to learn about the Japanese culture, schools and arts. She has brought her fascination with learning about Japan home to her Illinois students and has eagerly invited all students at the elementary school to join in the excitement of learning about things Japanese.

When you enter the school, do not be surprised if you are greeted with "ohayô gozaimasu" or "konnichi wa" (depending on the time of day you visit, of course). The students are learning conversational Japanese phrases, and they are fascinated with brushing kanji. You will find kanji around the school in classrooms and the hallways.

When you enter Ms. Jensen's room, you will find yourself surrounded with posters, maps, books, games, dolls, toys, educational materials and many other things from Japan—even bonsai, theatrical masks and a small koi pond. Most important, you will find the excited faces of her students eager to learn more about life and play and school in Japan.

It was within this context that I was invited to share the art of reading, writing and painting haiku with the students at Harristown Elementary School. What a wonderful opportunity to share my own joy of this Japanese art, haiku, and related haiku painting, haiga.

Dr. Randy Brooks
Millikin University

I was selected to receive a Fulbright Memorial Fund scholarship in the spring of 2003. I spent three weeks in June and July 2003 in Japan observing Japanese education, culture and the people. As part of my follow on plan I wanted to have the entire student body of my school, Harristown Grade School (grades 1 to 5), collaborate to write a book of original Haiku and paintings.

I was fortunate to enlist the direction and guidance of Dr. Randy Brooks, Professor of English and Chair of the English Department at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Dr. Brooks encouraged and instructed the students to author some creative and memorable works of haiku. I wish to also thank Ms. Jennifer Griebel, student and art major at Millikin University, for helping instruct the students in sumi-e style water color painting and for her invaluable help with book design. Additional thanks goes to the Harristown PTO for providing the funding for this enormous project.

Kathleen Marie Jensen
Special Education Teacher
Decatur Public Schools, Harristown Grade School