Pupils continue their examination of modern Japan and its culture. Using a map, they locate various cities and landforms in the country and watch a video on related topics in which the make a timeline of key events. In groups, they...

Students read and analyze a short story by Koda Rohan. They conduct research, read and discuss a biography of the author, identify examples of Japanese and Buddhist symbolism in the story, and write an original story.

Students explain music in relation to history and culture. They explore "Tanko Bushi."

Students explore the culture of Japan be creating a traditional Japanese game called Karuta. They conduct research in order to find the rules for the game and to make cultural connections. The content of the game is modified according to...

Students compare and contrast puppet theater traditions. In this cultural traditions activity, students watch film clips of bunraku puppet theater in Japan and then research the art of puppet theater in the world. Students share their...

Young scholars improve their motor skills through cafeful folding, a discipline necessary in the practice of origami. They develop multicultural awareness by exploring Japanese history. Students improve their ability to follow...

Students identify formal elements that characterize the scroll, work in a variety of media, from traditional to digital, to create their own scrolls, work into digital printout with at least two media, and engage in meaningful critiques...

Students listen to a recording of "Sakura" and determine where it is from. In this global sound instructional activity, students view pictures of cherry blossoms and connect its significance to Japanese culture. Students sing the score...

Students analyze artist's themes and means of communication, think critically about their sources of information, and weigh claims of national security against the civil liberties of diverse groups.

Upper elementary and middle school learners study Manga cartooning and create a Japanese character based on their own features and personalities. This style of cartooning is easily-accessible for most young scholars. With a little...

Young scholars perform inquiry into the ancient art of Kirigami. The research provides a context for the lesson plan and how it is related to History. Pupils also appreciate the art for the sake of its contribution to culture.

How well do your kids know key terms from Shizuko's Daughter by Kyoko Mori? Have them review a list of words that they will encounter in the novel, and mark which words they know well, which words they've seen before, and which...

Students examine the Japanese folktale, Monkeys Grasp for the Moon. In this multicultural literature instructional activity, students discuss the theme of the folktale. Students choose animal folktales from other Asian cultures for...

Students are introduced to Japanese bookbinding techniques. In groups, they compare and contrast the western style against the Japanese style. As a class, they make their own book binding to present the material in a more interesting way.

Students read and analyze the story "The Hell of Mirrors," by Edogawa Rampo. They watch a video excerpt, answer discussion questions, construct a periscope, complete handouts, define key vocabulary terms, take a quiz, and write a book...

Students examine and discuss the many decorative elements in the Japanese garden. They learn about Japanese gardens and lanterns and create their own model out of clay.

Students read and analyze a play that examines a cultural defense case. They analyze case studies, formulate an argument, write about the Japanese Festival of the Dead, and answer discussion questions about the play.

Students write descriptive paragraphs of characters after reading a Japanese folktale in which characters represent by good and evil.

Sixth graders explore haiku poetry and the works of the Japanese poet Basho. They review characteristics of haiku poetry and other forms of poetry. After they write three or more haiku poems, they illustrate one of them and share with...

Students examine the art and history of Japan and use it to help them conceptualize and create a work of art that reveals something about their own culture. They examine, interpret and analyze Noguchi's work and reveal information...

Students examine an art object and gain information from it. Students examine how artists provide important information to convey a narrative.

Students compare and contrast American and Japanese social and cultural values, attitudes, characteristics, and patterns of behavior. They identify problems that North Americans have in doing business in Japan. They appreciate the...

Students examine Asian American culture through the analysis of the poem, 'Aerogrammes.' They watch a video, read and discuss the poem, take a field trip to Chinatown, and write a poem about their Chinatown experience.

Learners study the Japanese holiday Hina Matsuri and its traditions and celebration. They explore the history, location and cultural significance of Kokeshi dolls.