Unit Title: A Visit to Japan

Unit Author:  Kathleen Liskowsky, ASOP Participant,1999 Institute on Japan.

Grade Level:  1/2 multiage

Unit Overview
This unit consists of ten, one or one and a half hour lessons.  It was created  for students in a multiage
classroom.  Students are introduced to very basic facts regarding the geography of Japan and the largest
focus of the unit is for students to develop an awareness and appreciation for Japanese culture.

Essential Questions
What are the cultural expressions of Japan?

Culminating Activity
The students will work with partners on a charting activity that addresses several aspects of Japanese
culture. They will complete the chart with words, phrases, sentences, and pictures to indicate their
knowledge of each topic.  The students will then participate in a whole class interactive writing process
that will allow them to share the information that they have generated about the Japanese culture.  The
information that the students acquire will include these areas:  geography and population distribution,
education, games, the arts, food, homes, and holidays and celebrations.  The interactive writing activity
will culminate with a "class produced" book about Japan, with a copy for each student to share with their
families at our Japanese cultural celebration.

Vermont Standards
Vital Results
1.1  Students use a variety of strategies to help them read. This is evident when students use a
       combination of strategies including:
            a. sounds, syllables, and letter patterns
            e. self correcting when subsequent reading indicates an earlier miscue.
1.13 Students listen actively and respond to communications.  This is evident when students:
            b. restate
            c. respond through discussion, writing, and using art forms.
3.3   Students demonstrate respect for themselves and others.
Fields of Knowledge
6.7 Students use geographical knowledge and images of various places to understand the present,
      communicate historical interpretation, develop solutions for the problems, and plan for the future.
      This is evident when student:
            b.  Develop a mental map and make a representational map of the major global physical
                 divisions.
6.13 Students understand the concept of culture, including the cultures of indigenous peoples, in various
        times in their local community, in the United States, and in various locations world wide.  This is
        evident when students:
            a.  Identify the cultural/ethnic groups in the world and describe by using characteristics of
                 culture (e.g., food, housing,customs, beliefs)
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