,Learning about other cultures is important! Why? because it gives kids an understanding, appreciation, and respect for cultural differences. It also shows that no matter what language you speak or the traditions you celebrate,  people have the same needs, love, food, water, and a place to call home. We all laugh the same, learn from our mistakes, play for fun, and shed the same tears of sorrow. We are all created by our Heavenly Father, in His image, with an innate desire to know Him. This is why we are doing a Japan Unit Study this year.
We chose the Japanese culture because my 11 year old has been asking to do a ninja unit study for years. He has also been asking to learn about origami, samurai warriors, and Pokémon. Then a light bulb went on.....all of these things are from the Japanese culture.....and because of my obsession this means a Japan unit study!

Last week we learned about ikebana, Japanese floral arrangement. The simplicity was difficult to wrap my mind around since I'm used to the American version where numerous flowers are bunched together in a symmetrical bouquet. Once you grasp the concept of ikebana it is a beautiful way to display nature where you can enjoy each individual flower, branch and leaf that is thoughtfully and artistically displayed in a meaningful way. 

I am in the final stages of writing my Japan Unit Study. The student workbook is done. I have one more project to do for the teacher manual then I will be in the editing phase which means that I am about one week away from publishing. Below you will find some sample pictures of what you will find in my newest curriculum. I hope you walk away from this post inspired to add cultural studies to your homeschool or classroom. 

That would be my 13 year old's hand holding his ikebana since he is too cool for my blog photos now!