Spring in Japan

Each week, first grade students learn about a different country through making art.  For the next two weeks, we will focus on JAPAN.  There are so many fun things to learn about Japan that we can't fit them into just one week!  

We will begin with some activities about Children's Day!  On May 5, families raise the  koinobori, which are fish-shaped windsocks.  There is a legend that a carp (fish) that swims upstream becomes a dragon and flies to Heaven.  Each member of the family is represented by a carp.  By hanging them where they can be blown by the wind, it looks like they are swimming!  

This week, begin by watching this short video about Children's Day.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEqsHt1lIZ0

Then follow along on this video to do a fun koinobori craft with Ms. Ammons: 

Here is a fun read-aloud about life in Japan:  I Live in Tokyo

Here are some other (optional) art activities if you would like more!

• Make cherry blossoms from a soda bottle!  https://www.instructables.com/id/Cherry-Blossom-Art-From-Soda-Bottle-in-11-Easy-Ste/
• Make a self-portrait in a kimono! https://cassiestephens.blogspot.com/2014/01/in-art-room-self-portrait-in-kimono.html

Don't forget to share your work!  

Enter this code:  WCCP-WSTF

Here:  www.artsonia.com/class