Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Integrating Japanese Folk Tales into the Classroom Using Japanese Kamishibai

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Pupils study Japanese folk tales focusing on the traditional values and key elements. They compare the Japanese values with their own. They discuss Japanese art before designing a set of kamishibai on which they write a summary of a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Being in the Noh: An Introduction to Japanese Noh Plays

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed
Students analyze the conventions used in Noh plays and write an introduction to a Noh play of their own. In this Noh play lesson, students identify the conventions of the Noh form and analyze the realizations the main character achieves....
Lesson Plan
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Taiko Drumming and Folktales - Activity 1

For Teachers K - 11th
Students discuss how sound has been used throughout history and cultures, including present day in their own lives, through the study of Taiko Drums in this introductory lesson. Resource ideas are provided.
Worksheet
Curated OER

New Year's Eve

For Students 5th - 10th
In this New Year's Eve worksheet, students complete activities such as read the passage, match the phrases, fill in the blanks, choose the correct word, multiple choice fill in, correct the spelling, put text in correct order, unscramble...
Lesson Plan
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Uchiwa Lesson Plan

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Learners view images from Japan's Summer Festival celebration. They create a uchiwa fan to use while doing the Kuma River Dance.
Lesson Plan
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New Year Celebrations

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils study the universality of many New Year celebrations. They present traditions associated with New Year celebrations and explain why New Year is at different times for different people.
Lesson Plan
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Noh Theater

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students compare Noh drama to western drama and trace the influence of Japanese theater on modern western drama.  In this Noh drama lesson, students read the play Black Tomb (Kurozuko) defining the elements and conventions of Noh...
Interactive
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Breaking News English: Supermarkets

For Students 5th - 10th
In this supermarkets worksheet, students read the article, answer true and false questions, complete synonym matching, complete phrase matching, complete a gap fill, answer short answer questions, answer discussion questions, write, and...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Breaking News English: Susan Boyle to Star in Japanese Show

For Students 5th - 10th
For this English worksheet, students read "Susan Boyle to Star in Japanese Show," and then respond to 1 essay, 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.
Website
Other

Puppet Theater of Japan: Bunraku

For Students 9th - 10th
An introduction to bunraku--the traditional puppet theater of Japan. Find clear explanations of the history of the art form and details of the music, props, and puppets used. Illustrated with beautiful pictures. Includes several video...
Website
Other

Columbia Music Entertainment: Japanese Traditional Music

For Students 9th - 10th
A concise account of the history of Japanese traditional music. Included is an interactive timeline and descriptions of Japanese musical instruments.
Website
Other

J Music: Shakuhachi (Bamboo Flute)

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides information about Japan's traditional bamboo flute, the Shakuhachi. Includes a movie of the instrument being played.
Article
Other

Medieval: Japanese Traditional Music

For Students 3rd - 8th
A very brief overview of Japanese traditional music. Includes links to a few selections.
Graphic
Other

Mandala: The Symphony of Friendship

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site illustrates the history behind the tradition of playing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at Christmastime in Japan. This story is written and illustrated for children. Includes a sound file of a portion of the ninth symphony.
Article
Other

Anything but Quiet: Taiko in America

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the development of Japanese Drumming, called Taiko in America from 1960 to the present.
Handout
Other

Kanzaki: Traditional Performing Arts in Japan

For Students 9th - 10th
This site succinctly explains the terminology of Classical Japanese theater. Good source for direct reference.
Article
Other

Personal Site: What Is Koto?

For Students 9th - 10th
A personal site with a description of the Koto, a large traditional Japanese zither-like instrument. Includes pictures.
Graphic
Curated OER

J Music: Shakuhachi (Bamboo Flute)

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides information about Japan's traditional bamboo flute, the Shakuhachi. Includes a movie of the instrument being played.
Graphic
Curated OER

J Music: Shakuhachi (Bamboo Flute)

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides information about Japan's traditional bamboo flute, the Shakuhachi. Includes a movie of the instrument being played.
Graphic
Curated OER

J Music: Shakuhachi (Bamboo Flute)

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides information about Japan's traditional bamboo flute, the Shakuhachi. Includes a movie of the instrument being played.