Date: February 16, 1998

Grade Level(s): 1

Subject(s):

• Social Studies/World History

Description:

During a unit on Japan, students will participate in an activity to assist them in understanding a segment of Japanese culture.

Goal:

Students will learn about a traditional Japanese practice.

Objectives:

1.  The student will create a kite.
2.  The student will discuss the story their kite is representing.

Background Information:

This lesson combines brief lecture information and a hands-on activity and discussion period.  Through the lesson, students will learn about the very popular Japanese tradition of kite flying.

Concepts:

Students will be able to:

• Comprehend a Japanese tradition;
• Apply the knowledge learned by creating a kite of their own; and
• Translating the pictures into a oral story presentation.

Materials:

1.  Kite designs (pre-cut on stiff white paper/any size)
2.  Markers or crayons
3.  Kite string
4.  Hole puncher and scissors
5.  Examples (pictures) of authentic Japanese kites, laminated if possible for durability, or book illustrations
6.  Tape or other hanging/display material

Procedures:

Input:

1.  Japanese kites have always been created for specific purposes - some for sports and others for souvenirs and gifts.  It is an honor in Japan to receive a kite as a gift.  Japanese children receive kites as a New Year's present and celebrate the day with them.

2.  Japan's kites are among the most beautiful in the world.  They are used at festivals and special occasions.  They are even said to protect you from evil or fire.

3.  (Pass around pictures of kites) Most Japanese kites tell a story through their decoration.

4.  The kites can be very small or very large.  Some are so big that it takes five or six people to fly them.  Some are no bigger than a postage stamp.

5.  The Japanese kites are usually made of paper or cloth over a wooden frame, but sometimes they are made out of plastic.

6.  Many Japanese children design and build their own kites.  They make them look like:  butterflies, dragons, fish, birds, bees, dragonflies, and insects.

7.  (Continue to pass around the kite pictures) As a group, let's name the colors you see most often in the Japanese designs:  red, purple, green, and yellow.

8.  As we look at the Japanese kites in the pictures, what story/stories do you think they are telling with the shapes and designs?

Activity:

      "As part of our study of Japan, we are going to design our own kites.  Of course these will not be able to fly outside, though.  Before you begin to decorate your kite, think about a story that might go along with your design.  Remember, Japanese people tell stories with their kites.  You may look at the pictures of real kites I have brought in, but I don't want you to copy them.  Use your own imagination just like the Japanese children do.  I know you have some wonderful ideas."

1.  Let the students pick-out a kite design.
2.  Have students decorate their kites with markers.
3.  When the kites are finished, attach the kite string so it will hang nicely from the ceiling or wherever possible.
4.  Have each student describe their kite and the story it is telling to their classmates.

Assessment:

Successful completion of a kite and oral presentation of the story it is representing will be the basis for assessment.