Little Guys

Today we had instruction in the Mizuma method of teaching go to beginners. He explained in detail how he introduces the game to new people. It's very simple for them on a 6 by 6 grid. Gradually, you make the board larger and the rules a little more sophisticated. The key is to let the kids play and enjoy themselves, and even discover sensible ways to score and count up. After lunch we headed to a nursery school. It's sad because we were not allowed to take photographs. The kids were colorful and excited and bouncing around. They even had a tarp on the floor and kids played go with paper plates that they had decorated. We played teams with two Americans with about five little kids. Then we switched and played another team. Everybody clapped and hooted. Then they could ask us questions. I was asked what is your favorite animal, and I answered hippo. They asked me how I got there. I said I swam and moved my arms. They all giggle. These kids were all happy and relaxed compared to the university students. Mr. Mizuma is 9P and teaches all over. We will hear him again in a few days. His words were translated by Yumi Redmond, Michael's daughter.