Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will learn about Japanese food culture and how to make a simple and delicious Japanese dish.

Materials and Prep

• Ingredients for making sushi (rice, nori seaweed, vegetables, and protein of choice)
• Sushi rolling mat or a clean kitchen towel
• Knife and cutting board
• Bowl of water for wetting hands
• Apron or old clothes to wear while cooking
• Wash your hands before starting

Activities

• Sushi Making: Learn how to make sushi by preparing the rice, cutting vegetables, and rolling them into delicious sushi rolls.
• Japanese Food Tasting: Try different Japanese snacks like rice crackers, mochi, and green tea to experience the flavors of Japan.
• Origami Fun: Fold origami paper into fun shapes like a crane or a fish to decorate your dining table with Japanese art.

Talking Points

• Japanese Food: "Japanese food is known for its fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation. It often includes rice, seafood, and vegetables."
• Sushi: "Sushi is a popular Japanese dish made of vinegared rice, seaweed, and various fillings like fish, vegetables, or egg."
• Origami: "Origami is the art of paper folding that originated in Japan. It's a fun way to create beautiful shapes using just paper."
• Respect for Food: "In Japanese culture, there is a strong emphasis on respecting food and the effort that goes into preparing it."