Same Animals, Same Stories? How Animals Are Labeled in Different Countries, Cultures, and Communities

Noriko Abe, Social Studies, E.E.Waddell Language Academy

Curriculum Unit (pdf)

Synopsis

In this unit, students in 1st grade will identify diverse nations and compare two or more cultures, within those nations, by examining how animals are labeled and identified in different countries, cultures and communities. The students will explore the similarities and differences that exit between the real versions of the animal characters and the setting of picture books that they will read in class. A fox story that is set in Japan and a story focusing on eagle in Native American society will be used. The students will discover the common and different factors understanding each culture is special and unique. The lesson serves as both an assessment of the students’ comprehension skills and their competency with respect to group work skills.