Resource: A Look at a Japanese Classroom
Media Type:
QuickTime Video
Length: 3m 02s
Size: 8.3 MB
Japan has one of the most successful school systems in the world. It is also one of the most demanding school systems. In this video from Wide Angle, Ken Higashiguchi, a first grader in a Japanese school, started preschool when he was only one year old. In the video, Ken is experiencing his second day of first grade. He has no problem reading the words of the school song with all of the other children. Ken’s teachers and parents have high expectations for him to be independent and to work hard. They also want him to grow up to be happy.
Alternate Media Available:
Transcript (Rich Text Format Document)
Teachers' Domain, A Look at a Japanese Classroom, published August 26, 2008, retrieved on ,
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/vtl07.la.rv.text.japanclass/
- Frame and Focus
- Follow Up
- Connections
- Standards
The following Frame, Focus and Follow-up suggestions are best suited for elementary or middle school students using this video in an English language arts or social studies lesson. Be sure to modify the questions to meet your students' instructional needs.
What is Frame, Focus and Follow-up?
Frame (ELA) What do you remember about going to school for the first time? Describe yourself on that day.
Focus (ELA) Focus on these features in the characters: their facial expressions, body language, their clothing, their behavior, and what they say. How do these features tell you what the characters are like?
Frame (SS) What do you already know about going to school in your country and how it compares to going to school in other countries?
Focus (SS) Listen to learn about the education system in Japan. Think about how it is similar to and different from your own.
Source: Wide Angle: "Time for School"
Resource Produced by:
Collection Developed by:
Collection Funded by:
Funding for the VITAL/Ready to Teach collection was secured through the United States Department of Education under the Ready to Teach Program.




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