Celebrating your child's accomplishments is an important part of their growth and development. If your child has completed the Haiku Adventure workbook, you may be wondering how to celebrate their achievement in a fun and memorable way.
A Haiku Gathering is a great option, and with a little preparation, you can create an authentic Japanese-inspired celebration that your child and guests will love. In this article, we'll provide a checklist of things to do and buy, an easy quick-bite recipe, invitation message templates, and tips on how kids can help prepare for the party. Let's get started!
Checklist for Your Busy Brain
- Decide on the date, time, and location of the gathering
- Create a guest list and send out invitations
- Decorate the space with a Haiku theme
- Plan the menu and purchase ingredients
- Prepare the Haiku poetry reading activity
- Plan additional activities, such as a Haiku writing workshop or a Japanese calligraphy lesson
- Set up a photo booth with Japanese-inspired props and decorations
- Prepare a thank-you gift for your guests, such as a small packet of Japanese candy or a hand-written haiku poem.
Invitation Message Template for Busy Parents:
Dear [Guest Name],
We would like to invite you and your family to join us for a special Haiku Gathering in honor of our child's completion of the Haiku Adventure Workbook. We will be celebrating with Japanese-inspired food, drinks, and activities, including a Haiku poetry reading.
Date: [Date] Time: [Time] Location: [Address]
Please let us know if you can make it, and feel free to bring a Haiku poem to share!
Best, [Your Name]
Decorate Your Space with Origami Boat
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Start with a square piece of paper, with the colored side facing down.
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Fold the paper in half diagonally, crease it well and then unfold.
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Fold the paper in half diagonally the other way, crease it well and then unfold.
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Fold the paper in half vertically and horizontally, crease it well and then unfold.
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Now, take one corner of the paper and fold it towards the center. Do the same with the other corner.
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Take the top edge of the paper and fold it down towards the bottom, creating a crease at the top of the previous folds.
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Fold the paper in half along the center crease you made in step 4, so that the folds you made in step 5 and 6 are now on the outside of the fold.
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Pull out the sides of the paper, and press down on the center fold, so that it pops out to form the boat.
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Adjust the sides to make sure they are even and the boat can stand up straight.
Your origami boat is now complete and ready to use as decoration or as a fun toy.
Japanese Quick-bites Recipe for Party Time
Kara-age, or Japanese fried chicken, is a popular dish that's enjoyed all year round in Japan. It's often served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish and is a staple of Japanese cuisine. The secret to kara-age's crispy exterior and juicy interior is the use of potato starch, which gives it a unique texture and flavor.
To make kara-age, you'll need:
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1/4 cup potato starch
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sake, and mirin.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Coat the chicken in potato starch, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Kara-age is a great addition to any party or gathering and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
How Kids Can Help Parents to Prepare the Party:
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Help with decorating by making origami boat
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Assist with preparing the kara-age
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Create handmade invitations or thank-you notes
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Help set up the photo booth by choosing props and arranging decorations
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Practice reading Haiku poems aloud to share with guests
