Cultural Snapshots of Daily Life in Japan for Elementary Students   Tags: bento, culture, daily life, elementary, food, haiku, japan, primary source world, trains  

Examine the relationship between food, nutrition, and art through Bento boxes.

Explore the significance of seasonality with haiku poems.

Use the sounds of trains to learn about the role of public transportation in Japan.

Sushi, anime, Hello Kitty – these are a few of the most well-known products that have become symbolic of Japan. However, sushi is a delicacy and therefore not something that most Japanese eat daily, the popularity of anime varies across the country, and not everyone is a zealous Hello Kitty fan. The purpose of these activities, then, is to go beyond the stereotypes often associated with these popular products and examine aspects of Japanese culture that reveal fundamental values in Japanese society. Specifically, the primary sources chosen here all reflect careful attention to detail and presentation as well as efficient, thoughtful, and creative use of limited time and space. The classroom activities that go along with the primary sources have been designed to help young students recognize similarities and differences between Japanese culture and their own.