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Japanese Tea and Teacups

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Upper graders use the potter's wheel to make Japanese style tea cups, which they will use in a Japanese style tea ceremony. They hone their sculpting techniques while exploring Japanese cultural and the history of tea. There are two...
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Lesson: Dongducheon: A Walk to Remember, A Walk to Envision: Interpreting History, Memory, and Identity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Cultural discourse can start through a variety of venues. Learners begin to think about how our minds, memories, and identities shape our attitudes toward culture and history. They analyze seven pieces from the Dongducheon art exhibit...
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The Art and History of Japanese Calligraphy

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Chinese and Japanese calligraphy is beautiful and significant in both culture and tradition. Engage your class in this expressive fine art form through a lesson on using, holding, and creating brush strokes common to Japanese writing...
PPT
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Music of Japan

For Teachers 7th - 9th
My, how Japan has changed! From Hogaku to karaoke, this slide show provides an overview of the culture, instruments, and periods of transition through Japanese music. Here you will find 21 text-rich slides which are great for note taking.
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Japanese Music Study

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Gagaku is music traditionally played in the Japanese imperial courts of long ago. Learners listen to this and other traditional Japanese music to gain an understanding of culture and music history. They work to identify Japanese...
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Japanese Fan

For Teachers 1st
First graders learn about the traditional purpose of Japanese fans. They practice using two new brush strokes as they create nature-inspired fans, similar to those seen in Japan. A web link and basic background information is...
PPT
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Asian Art

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed
Art from early China, Korea, and Japan is historically significant. Present these stunning images to your class, while you explain art movements that define traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese time periods and culture. Note: This...
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Traditional Japanese Dance

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study introductory history and cultural purposes of selected Japanese dance forms. They analyze the philosophical beliefs, social systems, and movement norms that influence the function and role of Japanese dance in the lives...
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Lesson: Soapin' It Up

For Teachers K - 5th
A Japanese Shinto deity from the early 900s inspires youngsters to think symbolically. They analyze the carved sculpture, the techniques used to create it, and its cultural or symbolic meaning. Then, they design and carve a symbolic...
Activity
Japan Society

The Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905: A Turning Point in Japanese History, World History, and How War is Conveyed to the Public

For Teachers 9th - 12th
The big question: How did Russo-Japanese War imagery and the press influence Japanese perception of the war? Learners consider this big question as they compare and contrast various artistic media from the period. The lesson is...
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Lesson: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: Attention to Detail

For Teachers K - 5th
After a quick warm up activity, learners get ready to use their keen observation skills to examine an ornate Japanese pencil box. They discuss the artistry, skills, and story of the box, paying close attention to details. They then...
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Lesson Plan: The Tour Starts at Noon

For Teachers 6th - 12th
The Eleven-Headed Bodhisattva is a piece that represents characteristics, meanings, and ideals common to those who practice Buddhism in Japan. Learners fully analyze this piece, then take a virtual trip to examine the Buddhist...
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Global Music Lesson Plans: Britten and Japan – Japan and the UK

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Learners explore the links between Japanese and British culture. In this Japanese music lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding Gagaku music and then perform "Te Lucis Ante Terminum" with Japanese...
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Demystifying Stereotypes and Understanding Contemporary Cultures

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders compare and contrast folk songs from different cultures. In this music lesson, 4th graders listen to and list the attributes of selected Japanese and American folk songs. Students discover the customs, foods, and culture...
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The Finer Things in Life

For Teachers K - 5th
Momoyama and Edo are periods in Japanese history that can be defined culturally and artistically. Learners explore and discuss how the samurai used sword guards and grip enhancers. Pupils read the story "The Inch-High Samurai," examine...
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1,000 Cranes

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students improve motor skills through careful folding, a discipline necessary in the practice of origami. They develop multicultural awareness by exploring Japanese history.
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In Perfect Harmony: Teaching the World to Sing

For Teachers 1st
First graders listen to music as the impetus to learn about the concept of Japanese harmony as it is understood in Japanese culture. They use the New Seeker's song, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing," to compare America and Japan...
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Lesson: Creating With A Purpose

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Discovering the creative process can be done through critical analysis. Upper graders examine a hand -carved Shinto Deity, discussing purpose, technique, and artistic expression. They then read a poem about the creative process. and...
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Multimedia Lesson on Japan and Paper Cranes

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students explore paper cranes. In this Japan and paper cranes instructional activity, students discuss Japanese culture and history prior to creating their own paper cranes. 
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JAPAN, IMAGES A PEOPLE

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students interpret Japanese and American paintings; evaluate paintings as sources of cultural and historical information
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Letters from the Japanese American Internment

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students examine letters of Japanese-American children during internment in World War II. They discover what it was like in the camps and how they were treated once they were released. They also view photographs of the camps.
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Being in the Noh: An Introduction to Japanese Noh Plays

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students read a Japanese Noh play and discuss its structure and traditional characters. They choose a short myth and write a Noh play based on it.
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Word Play

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the history of Chinese American artist Xu Bing. In this multicultural instructional activity, students collaborate in small groups to identify letters in the artist's work, and brainstorm how they would create their own...
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Japanese Fan

For Teachers K - 6th
Students discuss Japanese culture and the functional and artistic uses of fans and create paper fans using watercolors, popsicle sticks, and tape in this Art lesson for the elementary classroom. Can be used as an introduction to...