Educational Programs - Japan America Society DFW

Mayumi McDonald showing students traditional Japanese clothing The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth places a special emphasis on education. Through Japan‑in‑a‑Suitcase—a traveling, interactive educational program—the Society reaches approximately 4,000 schoolchildren per year, opening young minds to another culture. Further, the Japan‑America Society sponsors speech and essay contests, and participates in local international festivals.

Education photos

Japan-in-a-Suitcase
2008-2009 Flier
Japan‑in‑a‑Suitcase is a traveling educational program that introduces American children from Pre-K to 3rd grade (or higher by request) to Japanese people, cultural traditions, and contemporary life. A native Japanese person will come to your classroom with a suitcase of Japanese objects. Students will experience Japan beyond books and the Internet. The Society offers four topics designed for different grade levels.

Choose among these topics:

Kamishibai: Traditional Japanese Storytelling (Pre K–3)

Includes Japanese folktale with picture cards, clothing

demonstration, and origami activity

Daily Life in Japan (K-3)

Compare/contrast homes, food, entertainment,

transportation, money; learn to use chopsticks

School Life in Japan (K-3)

Compare/contrast a typical school day - class schedule, lunchtime, chores; see a Japanese backpack,

textbooks, and "indoor shoes;" write in Japanese

All presentations include:

Introduction to Japan’s geography

Basic Japanese words & greetings

Oral presentation with photos & objects

Hands-on activity

Teacher resource materials

The program encourages students to; 1) Learn the geographic location and features of Japan and its relation to the United States; 2) Practice simple words and phrases in Japanese; 3) Compare and contrast Japanese and American lifestyles and traditions; and 4) Develop an awareness and appreciation of a different culture and inter-cultural relations.

ArtsPartners
Japan-in-a-Suitcase is an approved program of Arts Partners, an initiative of the City of Dallas Cultural Affairs Commission and the Dallas Public Schools to facilitate schools’ participation in educational programs offered by local arts and cultural institutions.

Guidelines:

$25 per presentation
Maximum class size – 25 students per class
Designed for a 45-50 minute per class period
Maximum of 3 presentations per school visit
Start time no earlier than 9:30 a.m.
Teacher must be present at all times during the presentation.

Reservations:
Call 214.342.2022 or email us.

Additional Resources