Early in 2008, teachers and artists answered the KIMONO AS ART Education Committee's call for lesson plans on Japanese art. When shared with colleagues, these lessons sparked more ideas, leading to the creation of the "ready-to-use" lessons listed below.

Each lesson includes state standards, vocabulary, background information, material lists, procedures (often with handouts and illustrations), assessments, and further resources. While all of the lessons relate to art, many connect with literature, math, science, and social studies.

Carp/Koi Kites and Children's Day
Grade Pre-K-8
Students learn about Children's Day traditions and create their own carp kite.

Categories of Animals
Grade 2
Lesson plan combining Japanese fish printing with classification of animals.

Making an Uchiwa Fan
Grades 4-7
Three variations on a fan-making lesson. Includes direction sheet and patterns for fans.

Painting a Fabric Kimono
Grades 4-8
Students create fabric kimono and decorate by stamping, stenciling, and painting. Lesson examines the importance of nature in Japanese art.

Japanese Kimono Design
Grade 5
Lesson plan involving printmaking and study of Japanese family crests and kimono.

Gyotaku (Japanese Fish Printing)
Grade 6 (adaptable for younger and older students)
Students can try their hand at Japanese fish printing, while learning about the historical background of the practice.

Shibori (Japanese Tie-Dyeing)
Grade 7
Students experiment with three different shibori dyeing techniques.

Shibori Pillow
Grade 7
Lesson in which students apply shibori techniques while designing and creating a pillow.

Japanese Book Making Unit
Grade 7-12
Unit includes three lessons: Japanese Stab Binding, Orizomegami Paper Dyeing, and Haiku. Students can make their own books, covered with hand-dyed paper and fill with poetry.

Silk Painting
Grade 7-12
Students work with resist and dye, to paint silk in vivid colors while applying elements of design. 

Dancing "Fude"
Grade 8 (adaptable for younger and older students)
Students experience and practice sumi-e brush painting while learning the traditional "Bamboo" brushstroke. 

Japanese Tea Pots (Tea Pots to Honor)
Grade 9-12
Students become familiar with the Japanese tea ceremony while developing their clay construction skills. Each student selects an individual to honor by making a special, symbolic tea pot.