Name: Kimberly S. Winters

School: Saint Monica School

Unit Title: Exploring Japanese culture through children's literature

Unit Abstract:

These lessons are used to introduce elementary students to Japanese literature and traditions.

Content Standards Targeted/End of Cluster Benchmarks:

RL.3.2 RL.5.3 W.3.3 W.4.5

Content Area(s):

Social studies - geography, language arts, art, and technology

Targeted Grades:

Grades 3-5

How Will This Unit Be Integrated into Your Curriculum:

This unit will be taught in conjunction with an integrated language arts curriculum, specifically during the study of literature genre.

Time of Implementation (how and when will the unit be implemented):

There is flexibility in implementation according to the order and timing of the study of literature genre. The unit will be taught over a one-week period with 1-2 lessons of 60 minutes each day.

Big Idea:

Students will understand that cultures and traditions are often captured in children's literature. Artists and writers alike are drawn to creating stories and images that explain those cultures and traditions.

Essential Questions:

1. How are Japanese cultures and traditions identified in children's literature?

2. Can children's literature be used effectively to identify and explain Japanese traditions and culture?

3. Can children's literature be a catalyst for learning and development of ideas?

Procedures:

1. Read Little Oh by Laura Krauss Melmed and research the ancient art of origami.

2. Use research to make a doll in the likeness of Little Oh.

3. Read Japanese Fairy Tales Volume 4 by Keisuke Nishimoto. Compare and contrast Japanese fairy tales with American fairy tales.

4. Write your own fairy tale utilizing the style of Japanese fairy tales.

Culminating Lesson/Activity:

Hold a reader's tea. Invite parents and staff to listen to the children read their individual fairy tales. Present each guest with a "Little Oh" doll of their own with a personal message written on the back.

Assessment:

The completed fairy tale and oral presentation at the reader's tea as well as the completed "Little Oh" doll.

Resources Needed:

Little Oh by Laura Krauss Melmed

Japanese Fairy Tales Volume 4 by Keisuke Nishimoto

http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/origami/origami01.html

http://winged-pigs.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-make-origami-paper-dolls-version.html