CLASS 1 (allow approximately 50 minutes)

1. Introduce YOKO'S PAPER CRANES. Tell the students that the story is about a girl who was born in Japan but moved with her parents to America. She misses her grandparents and writes to them often. Ask the students to recall if they have ever received a letter in the mail or written a letter to a friend or family member. (5 minutes)

2.Divide the students into 3 groups. The groups will research the following information and then report back to the class with the information they have found. The LMS, classroom teacher and art teacher should each assist a group:

Group 1: Locate Japan on a world map.

Group 2: Locate the Japanese flag in an encyclopedia using the index.

Group 3: Locate information about cranes in an encyclopedia using the index. (20 minutes)

3. The art teacher will explain what origami is and show the students samples of origami animals. (10 minutes) 4. Read the story aloud and discuss.(15 minutes)

CLASS 2 (30-60 minutes)

1. The classroom teacher will review the different parts of a letter.

2. The students will write a short letter to a friend or family member who lives a distance away.

3. If time allows, have the students read their letters aloud or display them.

Class 3 (30-45 minutes)

1. The art teacher will model how to fold a paper crane.

2. Older students (who already have been taught how to make paper cranes) will assist the younger students to make 2 paper cranes.

3. The students will display one of the paper cranes and mail the other one with their letter. Enrichment Ideas Invite a Japanese person into the classroom to speak to the students about Japan and/or origami. Read other stories about Yoko by Rosemary Wells. Ask the art teacher to explain how Japanese paper is made. Invite guests to view displays and eat Japanese food. Make other origami animals.