Resources for March and Spring Term!

Hina-Matsuri (Doll's Festival)

Hina-Matsuri, which means Doll's Festival in Japanese, celebrates the health and happiness of girls on 3 March every year. Families with daughters will usually display a set of ornamental dolls at home which represent the Emperor and Empress, and members of the imperial court from 1000 years ago!

Bring the festival to life in your classroom with our resources, which include all the materials you need to teach a lesson on Hina-Matsuri, and more! Suitable for Key Stages 1, 2, and 3. Click for more info.

Extend your learning with our kamishibai story, Momoko and Hina, which follows the story of a young girl and her hina dolls!

The History of Samurai

The samurai were a warrior class that existed in pre-modern Japan, whose origins can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185). They were an extemely powerful group of people that ruled over Japan for hundreds of years.

Explore the rise and fall of the samurai and uncover some of the many myths that still surround this iconic group of people in this resource perfect for upper KS2 - KS3. Click for more info.

The History of Samurai has been designed as part of a wider unit of lessons called The Japan Project. Visit the resource page to find out more.

Ekiden

Introduce pupils to the exciting Japanese tradition of ekiden relay running—where teamwork and tenacity are key. UK Ekiden encourages schools to be a part of the special race and supports them by providing a free mini-ekiden box with everything they need to host their own mini-ekiden. Email info@ukekiden.com to apply for your free mini-ekiden box and to find out more.  

Visit the UK Ekiden website for more information.

Journeys with Haiku: Beyond 5-7-5

This spring, inspire pupils to get creative with our Journeys with Haiku: Beyond 5-7-5 resource. These three introductory lessons aim to introduce pupils to the true essence of haiku through the theme of journeys, and will encourage your class to get outside and draw inspiraiton from the natural world. 

Most suitable for Key Stage 3, but could be adapted to suit Key Stage 2 pupils. Click for more info.

Religion in Japan - Shrines and Temples

Shinto traditions and Buddhist rituals are a fundamental part of life for people in Japan, even if they may not consider themselves particularly religious, and you can find shrines and temples all over the country.

Explore Japan's two main religions, Shinto and Buddhism, and their associated places of worship in this resource for Key Stage 2. Click for more info.

Comparing Localities - Rural and Urban Japan

Japan is often known for its bustling cities packed full with towering skyscrapers, trains, and people, but of course, not everywhere in the country is like this. Much of Japan is covered with lush forests and grand mountains, where there are many small communities of people living in towns and villages.

Discover and explore the duality of Japan's landscapes in this resource, perfect for Key Stages 1 and 2. Click for more info.

Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations

Japan has many unique festivals and seasonal celebrations all throughout the year. We have a range of resources for every month of the year, through which you can discover and explore some of these special celebrations!

Perfect for pupils of all ages! Click for more info.