Japanese Elementary School Life

In this lesson, KS2 pupils will learn about what life is like at a typical elementary school in Japan.

Some aspects of Japanese school life are unique, and not seen in many other places in the world. For example, everyday after lunch or at the end of the school day, children clean and tidy their classrooms and around the corridors and hallways. Another unique aspect is that children serve each other their school dinners at lunch time, and eat together in the classroom! Pupils will learn more about these unique aspects within this lesson.

But whilst there are certainly unique aspects, there are also many aspects that are similar to a typical British primary school too. Pupils will compare the similarities and differences by creating a comparison chart, and evaluate what they like and dislike about these aspects of Japanese school life.

This resource pack contains a PowerPoint presentation, worksheets and extension activities, as well as background notes for teachers who may wish to learn more about what Japanese elementary schools are like before teaching the lesson.

An editable version of the PPT is available on request - please contact us at education@japansociety.org.uk if you are interested.