Join us as we learn about Japan for the May 2023 Global Children’s Book Club! This Japan virtual field trip is a perfect way to explore the world from home. Be sure to check out the full 2023 Global Children’s … Read More
This post is sponsored by REI. All opinions are my own. Camping can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming in terms of all the gear you need. Camping with kids adds a whole other dimension. Here are some of the best … Read More
I love putting together kids Easter baskets and also my husband’s Easter basket – it’s always a great chance to find a few useful items for the upcoming summer season. I try to stick to things I know they need … Read More
We try to pack fairly minimally when traveling as a family, but we always like to have a few first aid items for travel on hand. Here’s everything we include in our traveler’s first aid kit for kids. I hope … Read More
When my oldest was in kindergarten, a mom friend who lived in a different part of the country mentioned inviting her kids’ teachers over for a dinner each year. I thought it was such a special and fun idea, but … Read More
For the last 5 or 6 years, I’ve participated in a really fun adult Easter basket exchange. My friend has hosted one for about 15 years and it’s truly so so fun. She didn’t quite have the bandwidth to do … Read More
If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, you’ve come to the right place! There are so many options that it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay in Yosemite. Here are some different options for where to … Read More
Join us as we learn about Ghana for the March 2023 Global Children’s Book Club! This Ghana virtual field trip is a perfect way to explore the world from home. Be sure to check out the full 2023 Global Children’s … Read More
We recently returned from 3 weeks in the South Pacific and had an incredible time. We feel so grateful to have seen the natural beauty and visited our 63rd (out of 63!) US National Park! Here are some South Pacific … Read More
There are some deals that don’t come around very often and so they really take you aback with how good they are when they do. This is that deal. What is the Audible 3 Free Months Deal? Right now, you … Read More
I’ve been considering a way to better connect with this amazing community on a bit more personal level. Sometimes, it’s just harder to share what I want in a few Instagram words, but it doesn’t really merit an entire blog … Read More
Visiting Joshua Tree National Park with kids is definitely an otherworldly trip. It spans two deserts – Colorado and Mojave – with incredible diversity of landscapes, habitats, and wildlife. It is a fabulous place for families of all ages and … Read More
Join us as we learn about Japan for the May 2023 Global Children’s Book Club! This Japan virtual field trip is a perfect way to explore the world from home.
Wednesday, 5/3 (and then saved in IG highlights): Picture book read aloud on Instagram of Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites by Debbi Michiko Florence (Author), Jamie Michalak (Author), Yuko Jones (Illustrator) Wednesday, 5/31: Chapter book discussion on Instagram of Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence (Author), Elizabet Vukovic (Illustrator) Wednesday, 6/7: Recipe cook along Wednesday, 6/28: Chapter book discussion on Instagram of Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen
Here’s another great Japanese foodblog to check out!
Supplementary Activities & Videos to Learn About Japan
Here are a few activities and videos to learn about Japan. The purpose of this is to hear from those with Japanese heritage about their own culture, food, language, and more. I encourage you to also seek out many sources as you choose to learn about the history of the region.
If you’re interested in doing a further project, consider making Tanzaku wish strips and an origami lantern while learning about Tanabata or the Japanese “Star Festival”!
Japanese Traditional Dance
“The origin of many Japanese folk dances have close connections with Buddhism as they might have originated from the dances performed by the nuns and monks as well as practitioners. Japan’s most popular dance is the bon Odori, performed during Obon, the Buddhist festival is in honour of one’s ancestors’ spirits.” (Source)
Traditional Japanese Folk Music
“Japanese folk music is known as min’yō – a compound word bringing together ‘min’ (folk, or the people) and ‘yō’ (song); it’s a word that’s also found in Chinese sources as far back as the 5th century. Many min’yō are connected to specific trades, whilst some accompanying dances are part of religious rituals. As with a lot of Western folk music, min’yō have a regional flavour, with each area of Japan having its own distinct genre.” (Source)
I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about Japan and its people during this month’s Global Children’s Book Club. Be sure to connect with us on Instagram for the read aloud, discussions, and cook along!
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