Lesson Plans and Worksheets
As the International Teacher for Miina Härma Gumnaasium in Tartu, Estonia, I teach classes in English that include children from Estonia, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, and even Pakistan besides Britain and the United States. Lesson Planet helps me find many worksheets and lessons that feature hands-on activities, good graphic organizers, clear, simple language and diagrams, step-by-step math explanations. It is basically very useful for helping a teacher with a largely ESL population. Moreover, I must develop my own teaching materials since I follow the Estonian national curriculum PLUS the national standards of the students, which can be difficult to reconcile together -- never mind, trying to find a textbook that suits (and, I might add, English-language texts are not easily obtainable here).
- Wakefield, RI
- 04-06-12
Samurai Lesson Plans
Find teacher approved Samurai lesson plan ideas and activities
Students complete a research project. In this Japanese culture lesson, students complete a KWL chart on the Samurai and then work with a partner to research their specific topics related to the Samurai. Students share their information with the class once it has been gathered.
Seventh graders study the life of Japanese samurai. In this world history lesson, 7th graders define and apply 5 terms that are consistent with a Samurai’s life as they write letters from a samurai's point of view.
Students design shoes for a samurai. In this Japanese historical culture lesson, students study a sculpture, Suit of Armor, to learn about the Japanese samurai. Students apply their knowledge to design shoes for the samurai.
Sixth graders explore Medieval Japan. In this Samurai lesson plan, 6th graders describe life in Japan during the Medieval Period, explain the code of the samurai (bushido,) compare and contrast life for a son and a daughter of a samurai, explain the training necessary to become a samurai, and compare Medieval Japan to the Age of Chivalry in Europe.
Sixth graders compare and contrast Japanese samurai with European knights. In this world history lesson, 6th graders study the weapons and armor of the knight and the samurai as well as chivalry and bushido.
Students study the history and culture of 17th century Japan by examining samurai. They review the format of haiku poetry and examine renga poetry. They examine Kamishibai, the Japanese storytelling form and apply it five facts they discover.
Students create origami. In this visual arts lesson, students design and create origami samurai helmets that feature Japanese patterns and textures in the style of those worn by samurai.
Students examine the Samurai tradition in Japan and its lasting cultural impact. They watch a video, discuss the values of the Japanese culture, list the characteristic traits of Bushido, and develop a personal code of ethics for themselves.
Students engage in a study that is concerned with the origin and purpose of the samurai warriors. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The information is organized with help of creating a KWL graphic organizer.
Young scholars brainstorm a list of symbols that represent our cultural values. They research symbols of China and Japan. Students create a timeline showing how symbols have evolved in these two countries. They view the video "Showing the Behind the Great Wall and Secrets of the Samurai." Young scholars discuss the symbols identified in the segments.
