Did you know that Children's Day or Boys' Day is celebrated in Japan every year on May 5th?
In Japan, families celebrate Children's Day annually on May 5th. One of the most loved symbols of this celebration is Koinobori, also known as "carp streamers." These windsocks are shaped like carp fish and are flown high in the sky to represent the strength and determination of children, much like the carp that swim upstream against strong currents.
We will explore this tradition and also give you the chance to make your very own Koinobori! Get ready to showcase your creativity by colouring, cutting, and pasting to create these beautiful symbols.
Printable & Activity Objectives
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Age: 7 to 9 year olds, Activity Time: 1-2 hours, Items Needed: Colouring and writing pencils.
This printable activity teaches elementary students about Koinobori, carp streamers that are a significant part of Japanese culture. Students colour and craft their own Koinobori, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation.
Cultural Awareness: Engaging in activities centred around Koinobori introduces students to a rich aspect of Japanese culture, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Creativity: Students can express creativity by colouring and crafting Koinobori with patterns and designs, fostering imaginative thinking.
Historical and Symbolic Understanding: Studying the symbolism behind Koinobori enhances students' cultural and historical understanding, promotes critical thinking, and empathy.
Cross-Curricular Learning: This activity offers a multidisciplinary approach that integrates art, history, and geography, reinforcing connections between different subject areas.
Let's get started!
Classroom Resources
Simple steps to start:
Research and find out more the history and tradition of Kodomo no hi (Japanese Children's Day) and the custom of decorating koinobori (carp streamers). Here's a fascinating video about the origins of Kodomo no hi (Boy's Day) and the tradition of Koinobori:
Let's started on the printable worksheets!
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What's in the Printable Worksheet Pack
This printable activity pack consists of 2 creative printable worksheets. Here's what it consists of:
1 x Printable Family Koinoburi Set Sheet
1 x Printable Cut and Paste Koinoburi Sheet
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