Introduction
How My Parents Learned to Eat
by Ina. R. Friedman
Author of Webquest: Cathy Marketos
Grade: 3
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Introduction
Do you ever feel that your family's culture, traditions, and ways of life are different from other people you know? The book How My Parents Learned to Eat tells us the story of Aiko and John. Aiko is a Japanese young woman and John is an American sailor. Aiko and John find ways to become familiar with each other's way of life. The story is told from the perspective of their daughter. Let's take a journey back in time, probably in the 1940's, after World War Two, and learn just how her parents "learned to eat".
Background Information: World War Two lasted from 1939 - 1945. Over 30 countries fought in that war. At the time, Japan was our enemy. After 1945 the United States set up military bases in Japan. We have been allies (on the same side) ever since.
Task
Let's begin your journey. Click on the link to find Yokohama, Japan.
https://kids.britannica.com/students/assembly/view/55205
Did you know.....? It takes 14 hours and 15 minutes to fly to Tokyo, Japan from New York and tickets cost approximately $1, 200. That would be ¥,130,197 yen.
The currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen.
Process
1. Vocabulary Definitions - click on each word to preview some of your story words. Once you click on the word, X out and continue to the next word. When complete, read the directions below.
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2. Complete the vocabulary worksheet.
3. Click on the video to listen to the story read online. Use your headphones.
4. Answer the comprehension questions worksheet.
4. Good manners show respect and consideration. Write one action in America that would be considered good manners while eating. Write one action that would be considered bad manners while eating.
Evaluation
Complete the Evaluation of Content worksheet by completing the activities below.
1. Look through the illustrations in the story. List at least three Japanese cultural markers that connect to Japanese culture. For example, the illustrator paints a food court decorated with signs in Japanese characters and traditional ornaments.
Click on the link to see a picture of a food court in Japan.
2. List one thing you have learned about Japanese people, Japanese food, Japanese clothing, and Japanese furniture.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed learning about how people from different cultures come together by showing respect and consideration for each other's way of life.
- さようなら (Sayounara) This actually means Good bye forever.
- またね (mata ne) – See you soon!