Exploring the Code and Culture of the Samurai: Bushido Virtues and Costumes for Kids / Activity Analysis

Core Skills Analysis

Social Studies

• Alexa learned about the Bushido, the code of honor and ethical guidelines followed by Samurai warriors in Japanese culture.
• She gained an understanding of key Samurai virtues such as loyalty, honor, courage, and discipline.
• Alexa explored the traditional costumes worn by Samurai, including their armor and symbolic garments.
• She touched upon the historical and cultural significance of the Samurai’s role in feudal Japan.

Tips

To deepen Alexa's understanding of Bushido and Samurai culture, encourage her to create a visual timeline of Samurai history, highlighting key events and changes in their societal role. Organize a mock 'Bushido code' activity where she can write modern-day virtues inspired by the Samurai code, helping her relate these values personally. A field trip to a museum with Japanese cultural exhibits or watching a child-appropriate documentary on Samurai could also make the learning more tangible. Finally, integrating arts and crafts by making simple paper armor or samurai hats could foster both creativity and historical connection.

Book Recommendations

• Samurai and the Bushido Code by Beverly Birch: An accessible introduction to the customs, virtues, and lifestyle of the Samurai for young readers.
• Bushido: The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe: A classic work presenting the principles of the Bushido code, adapted for middle-grade readers in some versions.
• You Wouldn't Want to Be a Samurai Warrior! by John Malam: A fun and engaging book that explores the life and challenges of being a Samurai, through humor and facts.

Learning Standards

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.3 - Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.7 - Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources to locate an answer or solve a problem.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2 - Write informative texts to examine a topic and convey ideas clearly.

Try This Next

• Draw and label a Samurai outfit highlighting each part of the armor and its purpose.
• Create a quiz about Bushido virtues, such as asking which virtue corresponds to bravery or loyalty.

Growth Beyond Academics

This activity likely fostered Alexa’s curiosity about different cultures and helped her develop a sense of respect for values like honor and discipline. Working through the concepts of virtue may encourage her to reflect on personal ethics and build empathy. The creative aspect of exploring costumes could boost her confidence and attention to detail.