Journey to Japan

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be live in another country? What would be different? What would be the same? What would you eat for breakfast? What games would you play?

Our class is going to journey to Japan and find out how Japanese children live. You will become a Japanese child, choose a Japanese name, and tell us about your family, your school, and your favorite things to do.

The Task

Your task is to create a book that will tell about the daily life of a Japanese child; a book about "you." Your writing, research, and product will be from the viewpoint of a Japanese elementary school student. You will "be" your Japanese character.

The cover of the book will have a picture that you have created of your character and your Japanese name. Each page in the book will tell about your daily life and about your favorite things. You can illustrate your book with your own drawings.

The Process

Decide whether you are a Japanese boy or a Japanese girl. Pick a Japanese name for yourself.

Write about your life as a Japanese student.

1. What is your favorite food?

2. What is your favorite class at school?

3. What after-school club do you belong to?

4. What is your favorite holiday?

5. Who is your favorite cartoon or movie character?
6. Which endangered animal of Japan would you most like to help?

Answer each of the questions with information you will find in Internet web pages or in books.

Make sure you record your information in your booklet. On each page, write at least one sentences describing your answer to the question. Tell what your favorite is and why. Remember! you are a Japanese child in your book, so write in that "voice." You need to use the term "I." Draw a picture that shows what you are describing on each page.

Resources

1. What is your favorite food?

Is it miso soup, sushi, soba, shabu shabu, udon, or okonomiyaki?

Japanese Foods
Japanese Main Dishes

2. What is your favorite class at school?

Japanese children study much the same subjects as American kids. Math, reading, writing, computers, science, history, physical education, art, and music. How would your favorite subject be taught in Japan?

A Day in School

3. What after-school club do you belong to?

Do you like sports? Is music your thing? Or do you like arts and crafts?

After School Activities

4. What is your favorite holiday?

New Year's Day, Girls' Day, Boys' Day (now known as Children's Day), and many more make Japan a fun place for festivals.

Holidays in Japan

5. Who is your favorite cartoon or movie character?

Did you know that many popular cartoon shows and movies come from Japan?

Famous Japanese Characters

6. Which endangered animal of Japan would you most like to help?

Rare Animals of Japan