In this article, five different traditional activities from Chile, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and South Korea will be shared. For each traditional activity, the following four questions will be addressed: (1) What is the culture and language background of the activity? (2) How is it played? (3) What modifications can be made to be inclusive of…

This workshop presentation offers an introduction to and suggestions for a multicultural approach to teaching through music experiences. Experiences presented include: (1) "Funga Alafia," a welcome song from Liberia; (2) "Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree," an American traditional game song; (3) a Japanese version of…

The cultural diversity of Japan can provide a rewarding learning experience for children of all grade levels. This teaching unit includes resources and ideas for the study of Japanese society, art, folklore, and poetry. Included among the instructional objectives are: (1) children will compare U.S. lifestyles with Japanese lifestyles by reading…

Describes the use of an extended problem-solving assessment task with a Japanese secondary class. Argues that extended problem-solving tasks have the potential to illuminate a much wider range of student performance and to offer learning opportunities almost never realized with more traditional--albeit often quicker--forms of assessment. (ASK)

Asserts that the Pacific Rim nations of Asia are neighbors to California and that teachers should use that concept as an instructional device. Presents six teaching activities that are linked to the California History-Social Science Framework. Includes step-by-step instructions for implementation. (CFR)

This book, appropriate for use in grades 3-6, presents information about nine regions of the world: Malaysia; Costa Rica; Taiwan; New Mexico, United States; Japan; India; Nigeria; Thailand; and China. Each region is presented in a three part format: (1) Background information provides a look at the geographical location, the flag, and the social…

Describes a CD ROM created by three co-authors which presents a multimedia exposition and comparison of three parallel productions of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by a single director staged sequentially at the Tokyo Globe in 1994. Provides specific suggestions as to how secondary English teachers could use this material.…

Providing students with the opportunity to study different cultures increases their global understanding and helps foster tolerance of cultural differences. In this lesson, grade 3-5 students read folk tales from Japan, Wales, and Africa and depict the stories visually for purposes of retelling. Students also research the countries and share a…

This unit, designed for grades 9-12, includes a teacher's guide and 30 accompanying slides. Teachers don't need special knowledge of Japanese history; sufficient background information is provided. The activities can be adapted for other grade levels. The unit is intended for five class periods of 50-minutes each with supplementary activities to…

A workbook for learning about Japan, its people, and its culture through a broad exploration of the Japanese language is presented. The aim of the book is not to teach the student to speak Japanese; language is used primarily as a vehicle for teaching about Japanese culture. The book is divided into six chapters: (1) A world of words: imports and…

Cultural learning kits designed by Evansville, Indiana teachers, supervisors, and community advisory groups were compiled to provide information about Japan to community organizations and students. This document provides a key to the contents of the kits. The kits contain teaching materials and information about food, school materials, language…

Discusses an international art exchange project designed to teach fifth-grade students that the culture of a country is reflected in its art and that art is a universal language. Describes the contributions from Scotland, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Japan, and India. Points out ways to use materials in schools. (KO)

This idea book of supplementary lessons on Japan is a compilation of lessons produced by elementary and secondary teachers (K-12) at a 1983 summer institute. Lessons offer teaching strategies, factual information, and teaching tips, focusing primarily on writing skills; visual arts; games, music, and other arts; and social studies. The writing…

This 3-week teaching unit on Japan is designed to promote inspiration and motivation for teaching about Japanese culture to elementary students. The booklet contains course objectives, teacher instructions, a list of instructional materials and films, and a daily outline consisting of class activities and teacher guidance instructions. The first…

This packet was developed to demonstrate for Illinois educators the integration of fine arts with foreign languages and social studies. The model may be adapted for use by instructors of a variety of language, social studies, and fine arts courses. Following a descriptive overview of the fine arts, the packet includes: (1) "Introductory…