These activities are suitable for:
- Australian Teachers of Grade 5 and 6 - Japan is studied as one of our Asian neighbours.
- Guides and Scouts, youth groups, playgroups, holiday programs or similar.
- If you are planning a staycation this school holiday, these activities are a great way for children to experience Japan without the crowds and airports (and can work well inside, out of the wet!). Staycations are a great Nana technology: reduced cost, fuel and time while relaxing and exploring close to your home. Just don't fall into the trap of feeling like you need to do lots of major cleaning/ home projects.
I have arranged the activities in a rough schedule - of course, pick and choose as you see fit!! I have conducted some of these activities as a teacher and with youth groups, so I have added some tips below.
1. Make a Japanese headband. (Click link for instructions) These are a good way to start the day and get children into the Japanese vibe.
2. You could learn to bow in greeting and some Japanese words:
Konnichiwa - G'day
Konbanwa - Good evening
Dozo - when offering something (please use these scissors) or please go ahead.
Thank you - arrigato
hai -yes
Bye bye- see ya
Sayonara- good bye (when you won't see someone for a long while)
If you like, add kun (boys) or chan (girls) to end of names and call the teacher or group leaders sensei.
3. Karaoke or Group Dance. Kids can practice a dance or song to be performed after lunch/snack. If you walk through Tokyo's Yoyogi Park you will often find large groups performing a dance. Karaoke is popular too- either inside karaoke booths or in the park at cherry blossom time.
4. Craft activity 1 (See below)
5. Make sushi and/or onigiri. Onigiri works well - less fiddly and messy. Children don't have to actually touch the rice ball- they can make it in clingwrap.
6. Picnic time. Whether you are inside or out, put a blue camping tarp down as a picnic rug. At cherry blossom time, parks are packed with people celebrating the blossoms - and presumably the end of Winter. Children can take their shoes off and place them neatly around the edge of the tarp, just as they would be expected to do in Japan.
7. Perform karaoke song or group dance.
8. Craft activity 2 (See below)
9. Active games. Baseball and soccer are popular, if you think either will work with your group. I'd also suggest tail tag using the Japanese headbands tucked in to the back of pants/skirt. Students could also follow this morning exercise video that is very common in Japan (Just over 3 minutes), perhaps try it at the beginning and end of your Japan day.
Craft activity suggestions:
- a cherry blossom-inspired activity (older children) : worked well with grade 6. We sat on the blue tarp, with Japanese pop playing, while making fingerprint (or cotton bud print) cherry blossom paintings.
-a carp activity (good for younger children): Preps loved this. I pre cut lots of circles from origami paper, but kinder squares, old gift paper/magazines would work well too.
- origami, If you choose origami, please note that it can be frustrating to teach in larger groups. If possible, teach a smaller group, let them practice and then they can be roving mentors to help others.
- manga drawing If you choose manga drawing, be aware that there are many characters online that are either suggestive at a minimum, X-rated at the other end of the scale. I'd suggest printing out images or tutorials for students to copy and follow. I am not very good at sketching, but was able to have some success with the manga tutorials online and in books (try your local library).
- or try these other ideas.
Hope you enjoy your Japanese Children's Day!
Please add other suggestions in the comments below.
Some great ideas for fun times Chotto Nanna. I love the idea of a picnic in Spring, sitting on a tarp, creating a carp. Blossom trees a must of course. I know a small person who would love to be involved. Thank you.
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