I have always been fascinated by world currencies and love studying different kinds of money as part of our world country studies. My oldest is only three, so is not able to fully understand the concept of money, but she likes to compare, contrast, line them up by size/shapes/color. I also find that comparing coins … Continue reading Japan Unit: Learning About Japanese Yen
Category: Japan Unit
Japan Unit Study: Life Cycle of the Macaque Monkey
The macaque or "Snow Monkey" of Japan is a colorful monkey that lives in the colder regions of Japan, thus earning it's name. I thought it was the perfect animal to make a life cycle spinner to compliment our study of Japan. I sketched some simple drawings of various stages in a monkey's life and … Continue reading Japan Unit Study: Life Cycle of the Macaque Monkey
Japan Unit Study: Japanese Geography
Our study of Japan would not be complete without a study of the geography of the country. I love using foam paper to make cut-outs of the different countries. My three year old loves comparing the different shapes of the countries during our units and I find the visual helpful as we learn. You can … Continue reading Japan Unit Study: Japanese Geography
STEM Activity: Balloon Powered Japanese Bullet Train
The Shinkansen or "Bullet Train" is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan. Initially, it was built to connect distant Japanese regions with Tokyo, the capital, in order to aid economic growth and development. Today the network has expanded to currently consist of over 1700 miles of lines with maximum speeds of 150–200 miles … Continue reading STEM Activity: Balloon Powered Japanese Bullet Train
JAPAN Unit: Kata – Gross Motor Martial Arts Activity
When I was in college, I studied Zen Do Kai, a form of martial arts based on Shotokan, which originated in Japan. Both in practice and in testing, we performed "Kata" which are simulated fights. With the strong ties to Japan, I thought this would make a perfect gross motor activity for my daughter. Kata … Continue reading JAPAN Unit: Kata – Gross Motor Martial Arts Activity
Japan Unit: Pouch Top “Sushi” Transfer Activity
I love activities that require little to no prep and use upcycled materials I have lying around the house. Over the past few years between my two girls, I have collected a lot of baby food pouch tops, and thought they would be perfect for this activity! For our Japan unit, I wanted to show … Continue reading Japan Unit: Pouch Top “Sushi” Transfer Activity
Japan Unit: Counting in Japanese [FREE Printable Cards]
Years ago when I took martial arts, I learned to count in Japanese. I thought it would be fun to make some counting cards to teach my oldest how to count up to 10 in Japanese. With other country units, my salt tracing bin has been a big hit, and I decided to use it … Continue reading Japan Unit: Counting in Japanese [FREE Printable Cards]
Japan Unit: Water Painting with Soy Sauce Fish Bottles
I love to use my creative side and so does my oldest, who really enjoys activities that she can be creative. I found these adorable little soy sauce fish bottles at a oriental store, and thought they would be perfect for my Japan unit! I filled them with food coloring and water in three different … Continue reading Japan Unit: Water Painting with Soy Sauce Fish Bottles
Japan Unit: Zen Garden Sensory Bin
For each of my country units, I like to have a sensory bin or small world play - I believe that imagination is one of the greatest assets of childhood and hope to instill this in my kiddos. For our Japan unit, I thought a miniature zen garden would make the perfect inspiration for my … Continue reading Japan Unit: Zen Garden Sensory Bin
Japan Unit: Preschool Origami
I've always been fascinated by origami, but haven't progressed over the years past a few basic designs. For our Japan unit, I wanted to show my preschooler how to fold a few basic designs. The Japanese word "Origami" is made of two smaller Japanese words: "ori" which means to fold, and "kami" which means paper. … Continue reading Japan Unit: Preschool Origami