Daily Life of Children in the Classroom and the Meaning of Zukō

—Examination of the Episodes from the Perspective of the Co-Evolution of Community and Art, and the Insideness of Place—

Abstract

This paper examines the meaning of Zukō and the children’s attitude toward it based on the five episodes described from the point of view of the classroom teacher. The episodes were examined from the perspective of the co-evolution of community and art, and theory of the insideness of place. Through the examination of the episodes, we found that they would aid in the creation of a common area, where children are equipped with the materials, time, and space to encourage free interaction and exploration of every single individual. This environment supports the development of arts and crafts and classroom activites that would provide a platform to children to actively participate and explore unique stories and themes. The children’s attitude toward Zukō reflects their trust in the creation of a common area and anticipation of engaging in events that encourage exploration. The discussion of the episodes suggests that engaging in Zukō is more than just an academic activity and is deeply related to the formation of a classroom community and exploration of the children’s life experiences.