Source: Wide Angle: "Time for School"
Funding for the VITAL/Ready to Teach collection was secured through the United States Department of Education under the Ready to Teach Program.
A Look at a Kenyan Classroom
(Video)
National K -12 Subject:
Lesson Plans Using this Resource:
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.
Download and ShareThe 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?
Follow Up (ELA) When we watch videos, we are given many clues to help us learn about characters. How is this different from the clues we get about a character when we are reading a book?
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.
Follow Up (SS) Compare and contrast your country’s system of education with what you know about the educational system in other countries.
NARRATOR: His hometown of Nara was once Japan’s capital. Home to Buddhist temples dating from the 7th century, Nara instills respect for tradition.
CHIZUKO HIGASHIGUCHI, KEN’S MOTHER: In Japan, a lot of people try to give good education to the children and we want to give Ken a lot of chances, a lot of opportunities…but the most important thing is for Ken…
CHIZUKO HIGASHIGUCHI, KEN’S MOTHER: …to be happy for his life.
NARRATOR: Today Ken joins the ranks of students who follow a long, well-planned journey through one of the most successful school systems in the world…and one of the most demanding.
HEADMASTER: For the new students, I’d like to tell you three things. Number one - do everything on your own. For example, did you get up by yourself?
HEADMASTER: Did you brush your teeth and wash your face without being told? Maybe today you had help from your mother…or maybe you had help from your father…but starting tomorrow I hope you’ll be doing these things on your own.
NARRATOR: Japan has long invested in education, and Ken’s tuition is free. The books and materials have that new smell - and each student is given his or her own enticing supply.
TEACHER: In this notebook, I’ll be corresponding with the parents.
TEACHER: Please bring this everyday.
NARRATOR: For many children around the world, this experience might be daunting - but not for Ken. He has attended pre-school since the age of one. It’s only the second day of first grade, but he has no problem reading the words of the school song.
TEACHER: Let’s all say our daily greeting.
CLASS: Good morning!
Loading Standards
Connections
Print Connections
