Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Since I am going to Japan to learn all about this wonderful country and people, my students and I have been learning all about some of the basic facts that I will need to know. With that in mind, we are trying to learn how we are alike and how we are different. While I will be talking with the children and teachers about their hopes, dreams, and concerns - my students have a real desire to know about the people as people - the kinds of things that make up their daily living.

The fifth grade students at Prairie Vale have come up with 40 questions ( and 1 request!) that they would REALLY like answered. They would like me to email information and pictures about the following:

1. What board games do Japanese children like to play?
2. What kind of candy to Japanese children like?
3. What kind of clothing do 5th graders wear?
4. What are the favorite stores of Japanese children?
5. What are their favorite video games?
6. What kinds of bikes and motorcycles do they ride?
7. What kinds of pets do they have?
8. What do Japanese children like to do for fun with their families?
9. What are Japanese children's favorite kinds of shoes?
10. Who are their favorite movie stars?
11. What are their favorite hobbies?
12. What is a normal school day for a 5th grader?
13. What do 5th graders eat for lunch?
14. What do students write with?
15. What is an average class size?
16. How much homework do 5th graders do each evening?
17. What subjects do 5th graders study?
18. What do 5th graders talk about with their friends?
19. How big is the average elementary school?
20. What is a typical Japanese breakfast?
21. What is a typical Japanese lunch?
22. What is a typical Japanese dinner?
23. What kinds of restaurants are in Japan?
24. What kinds of new foods will Mrs. S. try?
25. What kinds of instruments are uniquely Japanese?
26. What is Kabuki?
27. What is Noh?
28. What is Kyogen?
29. What is Bunraku?
30. What is Anime?
31. What type of music do Japanese teenagers listen to?
32. What type of clothing are Japanese teenagers into?
33. What different buildings are in Japan?
34. What do Japanese homes look like?
35. What do Japanese schools look like?
36. What do Japanese churches, temples, and shrines look like?
37. Compare Gifu ( the small town I will be in) and Tokyo.
38. What forms of transportation will Mrs. S. be traveling on?
39. How are Japanese children SIMILAR to 5th graders at Prairie Vale?
40. How are Japanese children DIFFERENT from 5th graders at Prairie Vale?
41. Try to take a picture of a SUMO WRESTLER!!