Second Graders Prepare, Roll, and Eat Their Own Sushi Rolls

During their 6-week study of Japan, second graders explore the culture, history, geography, and language of the Asian country. At the beginning of the unit students also get the opportunity to share what they want to learn about Japan. “Their questions and thoughts lead the direction of the curriculum design of this inquiry-based unit,” says teacher Rachel Klein. One of the topics students wanted to know more about was the foods of Japan, so they learned about the importance of rice as a staple of the Japanese diet, as well as fish and vegetables. After learning about important foods, parents and students came together to work in small groups to prepare and create their own sushi.

 

“What a pleasure to see our students have the experience of creating something in the Japanese tradition for this unit,” adds Ms. Klein. “Each student dyed fabric in the Japanese way, braided yarn in the Japanese style, and now they have prepared, rolled, and eaten their own sushi rolls.” MORE PHOTOS