English Language Arts: Developing Research Skills

K-12: Standard 8

• Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

English Language Arts: Multicultural Understanding

K-12: Standard 9

Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, and social roles.

Standards for the English Language Arts, by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English, Copyright 1996 by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Reprinted with permission.

Source: NCTE/IRA Standards for the English Language Arts

Social Studies: Culture

Pre-K-12: Standard 1

• Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of culture and cultural diversity.

National Council for the Social Studies, Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (Washington, D.C.: NCSS, 1994). This book may be purchased by calling 800-683-0812. Electronic copies of it are not available. Source: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

During a unit on world civilizations, students can explore cultures to develop a better understanding of others. Students can explore native language, dress, holidays and experiences of people around the world. These reports can be featured during an Open House for International Day and students can be encouraged to dress up as a person from the country they studied.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Supplies Used: Construction Paper, Binding System, Double-Sided Tape, Glue, Scissors, Lined Notebook Paper, Map of China, Photo of China, Ribbon, Yarn

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

Cover:

1. Use two pieces of cardstock or construction paper for the front and back covers of the report.
2. Die-cut the word "China" using the Vagabond letters from black cardstock or construction paper.
3. Die-cut the word "China" using the Vagabond letters from a map of China. Internet travel maps are an easy way to obtain a map.
4. Adhere the black letters to the top of the report cover using glue or other adhesive. Layer the map letters onto the black letters to create a shadow effect. Remember to leave room on the left edge for binding (Figure A).
5. Use a photo or magazine picture of China to highlight the cover. Mat the picture and adhere to the cover. Add a thin strip of black construction paper above and below the word "China" to accent the title of the report (Figure B).
6. Die-cut one Large Chinese Character, Friendship and one Small Chinese Character, Love from black cardstock or construction paper. Adhere these to the report cover (Figure C).

Report Highlights:

1. Die-cut the Small Pagoda from multiple colors of cardstock or construction paper.
2. Leave one Pagoda whole (the red Pagoda in the sample). Cut highlights from the other colors and adhere to add interest. Mount the decorated Pagoda on a piece of white cardstock or construction paper. Trim so paper is just larger than the finished Pagoda and adhere where appropriate in the report.
3. Alternately, die-cut the Pagoda from white paper for younger children. Allow them to color and decorate the die-cuts, then adhere the image directly onto the report.
4. The Small Chinese Character, Faith is die-cut from black cardstock or construction paper and adhered directly onto a piece of white paper (Figure D).
5. Punch holes along the margin as needed for binding.
6. Use a binding system, plastic rings, ribbon or yarn to assemble the report (see Main Photo).