This collection of materials is designed to help educators teach about Latin American culture more effectively. The introduction offers a rationale for studying about Latin America. Six chapters cover: (1) Key Ideas; (2) Concept Papers; (3) Lesson Plans and Writing Skills Development; (4) Games and Student Activities; (5) Arts and Crafts; and (6)…

Intended to be a culminating activity after seventh grade social studies students have studied India, this week-long lesson features autobiographical sketches of six teenagers from India. The lesson has three objectives: (1) to provide actual life stories of teenagers as a springboard for further research about the customs and culture of India;…

This annotated bibliography focuses on recent children's literature that deals with other cultures. The books in the bibliography are set in or about Africa (29 selections), Ancient Egypt (3 selections), East Asia (20 selections), India (7 selections), Latin America (3 selections), Middle East (5 selections), and Russia (9 selections). The…

This collection of essays, curriculum units, and study guides on Latin American art and musical traditions is designed to help interested teachers take a comprehensive approach to teaching these subjects. The introduction features the essay, "Media Resources Available on Latin American Culture: A Survey of Art, Architecture, and Music…

This document is a revised version of a teaching unit originally published in 1980 and designed to familiarize both elementary and secondary students with the Chinese language and thus lessen the strangeness often attached to it. The goal is not that students "learn Chinese;" rather the hope is that, through a series of exercises that…

This workbook is divided into 17 topical sections containing student readings and classroom activities designed to supplement standard textbook presentations and to bring China "alive" for students. The organization of the materials and the background notes for teachers stress central themes that are distinctive and recurrent in Chinese…

One of the problems one encounters in attempting to learn about another culture is the possible distortion brought about by one's own cultural biases. The overall purpose of this unit is to help students understand perceptions: how they can differ and how cultural biases are acquired and transmitted. Indian culture is an appropriate vehicle for…

The two lesson plans presented here are designed to be used as teaching resources in presenting India to high school students. Lesson one focuses on "India and Cartoons" and uses contemporary Indian political and social cartoons for student analyses of social commentary. Lesson two examines "British Architecture during the Raj"…

This teaching unit is designed to introduce elementary school students to traditional Chinese celebrations in Taiwan. An introductory activity asks students to distinguish between various kinds of celebrations (traditional or modern; religious or secular), and to identify U.S. and Chinese examples of each kind. The body of the unit concerns four…

Journal entries of a secondary school teacher visiting Japan are presented in this document. Observations about entertainment, food, customs, prices of goods, and other aspects of Japanese culture are made. Discussion questions, an activity for 7th- to 12th-graders, and copies of several photographs also are included. (DB)

This document is a revised and updated version of two publications: "Modern Japan: An Idea Book for K-12 Teachers" and "Resources for Teaching About Japan." These lesson plans were developed by teachers who participated in a summer institute on Japan, sponsored by the East Asia Resource Center at the Jackson School of…

This activities unit for teaching about Japan is designed for use with elementary students. The activities reflect the growing importance of Japan in today's world, and the belief that the social studies curriculum should reflect principles of global education. The unit is intended to explore seven major goals included in the social studies…

An overview of the histories and cultures of the Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe is provided for K-12 teachers in this guide. The guide is not intended to serve as a comprehensive history, nor as an in-depth analysis of the political and economic systems of these countries. It is hoped that teachers will share the information with…

This document presents a series of essays on the relations between Australia and its neighboring Asian countries. Several of the essays focus on the history of particular groups of Asians who have lived or still live in Australia. Reasons for, and effects of, migration to Australia are analyzed. Five essays are included: (1) "Australia and…

The Dias de los Muertos is a celebration of Mexico that is a recognition of mortality, transience, and death, and a celebration of life, hope, and resurrection. This curriculum activity book begins with a general introduction to the festival followed by sections of explanations and activities intended to engage the learner in various aspects of…