Welcome to Japan
Welcome To My Country Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
An overview of the geography, history, government, economy, people, and culture of Japan. Traveling to a foreign country and learning how other people live can be fun, as well as educational. Through authoritative, easy-to-read text and stunning photographs that beautifully capture the spirit of each country, this exciting series invites young readers to explore the world. The colorful, dynamic presentation of each volume will be sure to intrigue and delight even the most reluctant classroom 'travelers!'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What new things did you learn about Japan’s culture from this book?
How do the landscapes and buildings in Japan compare to those in our country?
Can you imagine what it would be like to participate in one of Japan's festivals mentioned in the book?
What similarities and differences do you see between your daily life and the lives of children in Japan?
If you could visit any place in Japan described in the book, where would you go and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the book by asking them to describe their favorite part of Japan's culture as depicted in the story.
Use a world map to locate Japan and explore its geographical features to provide a visual context to the discussion.
Discuss the traditional Japanese activities mentioned in the book, and perhaps plan a family activity day where you can try some of these cultural practices at home.
Compare and contrast your child's routines with those of children in Japan, discussing any interesting or surprising differences and similarities.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture or write a short story about a day in their life if they lived in Japan.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Through vibrant narratives and illustrations, 'Welcome to Japan' introduces children to Japanese culture, traditions, and landmarks, fostering a deep appreciation and respect for cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this appreciation by showing respect and curiosity towards different cultures they encounter in their community or in their interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The Value of Curiosity
Explanation: 'Welcome to Japan' follows a character exploring various aspects of Japan, from its food to festivals, encouraging kids to ask questions and learn actively.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace curiosity in their daily lives, asking questions and seeking out new experiences, whether it’s trying a new food or exploring a new place.
Example Lesson: Importance of History and Tradition
Explanation: The book delves into Japan’s rich history and age-old traditions, showing children how the past shapes a country’s contemporary identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and explore their own family traditions and history, understanding how their unique background contributes to who they are.
Example Lesson: Learning New Languages
Explanation: As characters interact using simple Japanese phrases, the book provides an accessible introduction to learning a new language, emphasizing its importance in connecting with others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take interest in learning new languages, improving their communication skills and expanding their global perspective.