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.

New Year is the most important holiday in the Japanese calendar and celebrations are very different to those in the UK. This lesson introduces the festival’s main foods, decorations, customs and vocabulary to KS2. Teachers will find background notes, a PPT with images to inspire students and a comprehensive lesson plan and activity materials. Also included is a PDF Activity Pack (containing information and tasks, kanji writing practice and a traditional game) which can be printed out and used by students independently or during extracurricular activities such as Japan club. An editable version of the PPTs are available on request - contact education@japansociety.org.uk. More resources related to Japanese culture are available from The Japan Society website.

This lesson about Otsukimi, the Japanese Moon Viewing festival, can be used to teach KS2 about Japanese culture, the harvest moon, and the diversity of beliefs and stories about the moon around the world. The PPT includes information about the customs and traditions associated with Ostukimi and an illustrated version of The Rabbit on the Moon story. There is also a version of the story with key vocabulary in Japanese for those wishing to teach Japanese language. After listening to the story, students will recall key locations, characters, and events in the story and summarise them on their own story plate. Also included is a PDF Activity Pack (containing origami rabbit instructions and a kanji practice worksheet) which can be printed out and used by students independently or during extracurricular activities such as Japan club. An editable version of the PPTs are available on request - contact education@japansociety.org.uk. More resources related to Japanese culture are available from The Japan Society website.

The Setsubun festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring and is celebrated annually in Japan on 3 February. This lesson gives students the chance to learn how children in Japan celebrate the arrival of spring. Included is a Powerpoint presentation, lesson plan, and activities including: a Japanese vocabulary challenge, true or false quiz, an oni (demon) mask template. Also included is a PDF Activity Pack which can be printed out and used by students independently or during extracurricular activities such as Japan club. An editable version of the PPTs are available on request - contact education@japansociety.org.uk. More resources related to Japanese culture are available from The Japan Society website.