Have the class view a Japanese television show or movie, then form small groups and ask them to discuss the characteristics and literary genre of the storyline. Invite students to illustrate or represent scenes from the story and use katakana and hiragana to write captions for the scenes. Have students in groups view age-appropriate manga and predict the meaning of the texts based on information provided by visual cues and familiar words. Invite groups to create their own short manga to share with the class, using an overhead projector or presenting large illustrations. Ask students in pairs to read a story and identify key words in hiragana to aid in summarizing the main theme.
Students then draw illustrations depicting scenes from the story.
These may be displayed in class. At this level, students are able to experience and respond to an increasing range of creative works. Students' choices, responses, and presentation of creative works to the class show their developing appreciation for the ways in which people express themselves creatively. When students view or listen to a Japanese television program, movie, or story, ask them to speculate about its meaning, theme, or message. To demonstrate their understanding, students can create original titles, describe one or two key or unique features of the story, and offer responses or opinions about the work.