Social Studies Lesson Plan: At The Table In Japan

Objectives:

After exploring Japanese seafood, and learning about the art of Japanese food preparation, students will learn about how to eat in Japan. Children will have the experience of eating 'Japanese-style.' Students will think about and discuss the similarities and differences between eating in a traditional Japanese home (ryokan), and eating in their homes in the United States. Students will look at pictures of Japanese food, and discuss how the different foods might be eaten. Students will begin learning the vocabulary of eating in Japan ("thank you," etc.), and begin learning how to use chopsticks (hashi). Students will also become more familiar with the 'table manners,' or etiquette of eating in Japan.

Materials:

To complete this activity, students will need children's chopsticks (smaller chopsticks designed for children), 'play food' (styrofoam 'popcorn' works well), pictures of Japanese foods and tables prepared for dining, a Japanese table and floor cushions, list of do's and don'ts of Japanese dining (attached).

Procedures:

  1. Begin the lesson with a large-group discussion about the etiquette of eating in Japan, including how to use chopsticks, how to hold the rice, soup and tea bowls, and the order in which foods should be eaten (rice first, pickles last, etc.), as well as what should be said when eating ("itadakimasu"--"I am about to start eating," etc.). Share pictures of Japanese foods and tables prepared for dining.
  2. Begin center work with small groups of four to five students.
  3. Help students to prepare the table with chopsticks, rice, tea, and soup bowls, serving chopsticks, and 'play food.'
  4. Allow students time (about ten to fifteen minutes) to practice their Japanese etiquette, and the use of their chopsticks.
  5. Discuss with students the similarities between eating in a traditional Japanese home, and eating in their homes. What do students do or say that is the same, or similar?
  6. Ask students explain what they would have to teach their friends and/or families about eating in Japan (how to use chopsticks, etc.).
  7. Discuss how certain types of Japanese food might be eaten.
  8. Have students clean up the area for the next small group.

Evaluation of Student Learning:

As a result of this activity, the instructor should be able to answer the following questions:
  1. Have students practiced using chopsticks?
  2. Can students discuss the order in which foods are eaten?
  3. Are students able to name some similarities or differences between eating in Japan and eating in the United States?
  4. Are students able to discuss some of the do's and don'ts of eating at a Japanese table?
  5. Do students remember some of the vocabulary that is used when dining in Japan?

Follow-Up/Extension Activities

  1. Have students who have experienced Japanese dining demonstrate how to eat a meal at a Japanese table.
  2. Invite a Japanese staff member, or resident of the community, to visit the classroom, and talk with students about eating in Japan.
  3. Prepare a Japanese meal with the students, and eat the meal at Japanese tables, using the students' new vocabulary and etiquette skills.
  4. Discuss the dining styles of other places or countries, and practice eating using the utensils, vocabulary, and etiquette of those places/countries.
Return to the 'Eating in Japan' Overview