Abstract
It is now required in the Course of Study that elementary school home economics class provides
students with an opportunity to experience interactions with children of different ages. In this study,
the elementary school home economics curriculum involving interactions with 1st and 6th graders was
conducted. The purpose of this study is to examine whether 6th graders increase their understanding
toward 1st graders, and that they can develop better relations with younger children through this
curriculum.
We analyzed the data consisting of 32 6th graders. The method of analysis was the categorization of
narratives written by 6th graders after the curriculum was completed.
As a result, more than half of the 6th graders thought that they were able to better understand about
the 1st graders, and were positive toward the 1st graders.
Most of the 6th graders responded to the categories of “How to get involved with 1st graders” and
“How to cook” for which they were able to devise so that the 1st graders could enjoy. These different age
exchange classes, including pre-classes, increased the 6th graders’ understanding toward the 1st graders,
and improved their interactions with the younger children.
