Teaching culture in schools isn’t only about language, holidays, and traditions. It’s about teaching the lived experience as an individual! Get your students to learn about Japan through these unique, hands-on cultural activities that will instill an interconnectedness among every student.
1. Tea Pots
Teach your middle school students about Japanese culture and have them create their own teapots of honor! Then they can use these pots to invite a guest of honor and complete the ceremony!
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2. Hiroshima and Nagasaki Editorials
After learning about Hiroshima and Nagasaki, challenge your students to put themselves in the eyes of the people affected. In these social studies writing activity, students will have to create an article for the newspaper, showing everything, they have learned.
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3. Haiku
This lesson is perfect for learning about types of writing in Japan. Haiku is a special form of poetry that originated in Japan. Have your students choose a topic and write a Haiku! This creative writing activity is short and sweet but will challenge your students to use their imagination.
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4. Book Making
Middle school teachers love this art-based activity, as it allows students to apply their knowledge of Japan’s culture in one project. This activity should be completed over extended periods of time to ensure the quality and beauty of each book.
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5. Kamishibai Theatre
Japanese children and adults have a special way of telling stories: Kamishibai! Have your students create their own Kamishibai story and then they can do a whole school performance! These creative stories are perfect for middle school education, especially for reluctant writers.
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6. Which Way Do We Go?
Which way do we go? is a great activity for upper elementary school students or lower secondary schools. Students will learn about geography and measuring distance through the use of maps and globes to determine which way would be faster to arrive in Japan!
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7. Gyotaku or Fish Printing
Gyotaku is a perfect art activity that can engage elementary to high school students. Coming from the Kimono as Art collection of lesson plans, students will be amazed at how creative and beautiful they can make a piece of art.
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8. Japanese Gardens
Japanese Gardens are a great calming activity for students that may have behavioral issues or disabilities. All students will benefit from this useful activity, as they can use it to calm down or help them focus throughout the day.
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9. Japanese Kites
Children’s day is widely celebrated across Japan in their everyday lives. Have your middle school students participate in the tradition by creating their own Japanese kites! Then, as a whole school, you can celebrate children’s day!
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10. Travel Brochure
Your middle schoolers will learn all about the different places in Japan by creating a travel guide! This activity ties into every elementary curriculum with its writing and research standards. Ensure that your students include facts, landmarks, and things to do!
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11. Shibori Pillow
One special form of art in Japan is known as Shibori. Your middle school or elementary students will learn about the history of Shibori and the importance of art through this creative activity. You can even change this activity from a pillow to a shirt!
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12. Silk Painting
Students will showcase their artistic abilities in this hands-on activity. They will learn the history of silk painting in Japanese Education as well as how to create their own.
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13. Make Ramen
Ramen is a wonderful and tasty activity that almost all students will love! Get your kids involved in the kitchen and have them create their own Ramen recipe! Japanese students may also share their experiences in creating ramen to make it even more authentic.
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14. Create a Kimono
Creating a kimono is an excellent way to teach about the traditional way to dress in Japan. Have your student create a Japanese version or they can create their own design! Female students will love this activity as they design something they actually get to wear!
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15. Dancing Fude
Secondary students will practice their calligraphy skills and creative expression through this activity. They will learn to recognize the importance of equality and equity and respect others in this moral education lesson.
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16. Chanoyu the Art of Tea
After learning about the art of tea, have your children use their teapots and participate in a tea ceremony. This is perfect for middle school graduates as they continue their education. This tea ceremony can show them that they are a guest of honor, and they should be proud of their accomplishments.
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17. Printmaking
Printmaking is a wonderful activity to teach about the origin of paper and books in Japan. Students can apply their knowledge of the Japanese language, art, or various cultural aspects in creating their own print block.
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18. Make an Uchiwa Fan
Create an Uchiwa Fan in a 50-minute period that highlights Japanese culture. This activity is perfect for homeroom classrooms or after-school activities to keep your kids busy and cool at the same time.
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19. Japanese Market and Book Markers
Teach about the daily and family life in Japan by creating bookmarks or other artifacts from Japan, then have your middle school students have a Japanese market and analyze how much they sold and why. This could be extended into an economics lesson for ninth-grade students, or it can be used for lower secondary classes.
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20. Make a Kendama
Your middle school students will love learning about the country of origin of the Kendama as they create their own! This middle school activity will motivate students to finish so they can use and master their Kendama techniques!
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