Understanding Children Through Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window by. Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
Before you’re expecting your child to be the next Mozart or Albert Einstein; understanding, accepting, and encouraging them to be creative as well as confident simply by their existence are the best you can do as an adult.
In earlier decades, I gained a taste of the educational system by working in a bilingual kindergarten as a teacher assistant. I didn’t last for a full semester, but the experience is something I will cherish for the rest of my life, especially as a woman who eventually becomes a mother.
It wasn’t that they inspired me to educate my child the way they did in the institution; on the contrary, they improved my understanding of how to nurture my future child in the best way possible. They showed me how to protect them from the conventional education system and societal expectations.
My understanding evolved as I found “Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window” by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. It’s a memoir written by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, reflecting her childhood experiences in Japan during the early to mid-20th century. Totto-Chan, whose real name is Tetsuko, attended Tomoe Gakuen, an experimental and progressive school founded by educator Sosaku Kobayashi in 1949.
The school aimed to foster creativity, individuality, and a love for learning. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Japan, the memoir provides glimpses into the cultural and educational landscape of the time. Totto-Chan’s story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of individuals during a transformative period in Japanese history.
Understanding, Not Detacting: Tetsuko Kuroyanagi as the author didn’t tell readers ‘what to do’ or ‘what needs to be fixed’ from the conventional education system, they encourage readers to understand the most important subject here; the student, the child. “Totto-Chan” has a unique narrative presented through the perspective of a child, offering distinctive insights and reflections. Kuroyanagi recounts her childhood experiences, the emotional experiences and reactions of Totto-Chan are authentic and resonate with the readers.
It’s fascinating how Kuroyanagi successfully channels her childhood through her writing style in this memoir. It’s almost as if little Totto-Chan herself is writing a journal, using simple words, a straightforward approach, and a very simple structure, passage by passage.
The narrative captures the highs and lows of childhood, creating emotional connections that are relatable to readers of all ages. Totto-Chan’s perspective is marked by innocence and honesty. her straightforward and unfiltered observations provide a refreshing and genuine portrayal of the world as seen through a child’s eyes. After gaining a better understanding of Totto-Chan, initially labeled as a ‘troubled and difficult child’, we discover that this little girl is, in fact, inherently curious and creative. This revelation is wonderful and hopeful rather than a source of disturbance, then how Tomoe Gakuen facilitated Totto-Chan to be the best version of her.
The Importance of Nurturing Creativity and Lessons in Resilience: One of the central themes of the book is the celebration of creativity. Totto-chan, the spirited protagonist, is portrayed as a child with a vivid imagination and a unique way of perceiving the world. The school’s emphasis on fostering creativity rather than suppressing it allowed Totto-chan to flourish and discover her strengths. Kuroyanagi’s storytelling serves as a reminder of the significance of nurturing creativity in children and how it can positively impact their overall development.
“Totto-Chan” is not just a story about education; it is also a tale of resilience and perseverance. Totto-chan faces numerous challenges, from being expelled from her previous school to dealing with societal expectations. However, her resilience, coupled with the supportive environment at Tomoe Gakuen, enables her to overcome these obstacles. The narrative inspires readers to appreciate the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Despite its Japanese origins, “Totto-Chan” has achieved cross-cultural appeal, resonating with readers from diverse backgrounds. the universal themes of childhood, education, and the pursuit of dreams make the book accessible to boundaries, fostering a shared understanding of the human experience and the universal quest for a fulfilling and meaningful life. “Totto-Chan” is inspiring for younger readers while enlightening for adults.
My take on “Totto-Chan” is that, through some of the mundane events in the book, understanding and respecting the existence of individuals at a very early age is the most important thing before expecting anything from them. What do they have to offer as children other than their existence and purity? When they are born with nothing, we welcome them, accepting their existence. The next quest should be to understand them rather than expecting them to become the next genius or successful human being.
