Definition:

to be amazed at and/or curious about something that is pleasantly unexpected, beautiful, or  mysterious. 

In short:

Curiosity sparks endless discovery. 

Summary:
On her visits to Japan from America, Mayumi spends time with her ojiichan (grandfather in Japanese), creating a magical traditional Japanese home garden. Years go by and when Mayumi’s grandfather has to move into a retirement home, his granddaughter creates a miniature garden in a small box and gives it as a gift to her ojiichan. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students realize that there are many wonderful different traditions all around the world; they become curious to explore cultures other than their own. 
2. They also gain more respect for elderly people, especially those in their own families. They realize that grandparents are special; they may have stories and activities to share that would be fun and interesting.  

Guiding questions: 

1. What does the Japanese word “ojiichan” mean? 
2. Find Japan on a map. Is it far away from where you live? 
3. What does Mayumi like to do with her grandfather? 
4. How did they clip the shrubs in ojiichan’s garden? 
5. Why did ojiichan have to move out of his house? 
6. Describe the gift that Mayumi made for her grandfather.
7. Have you ever made a gift for your grandparents? If so, what did you make? If not, what would you like to give a grandparent? 
8. If you have grandparents, make them a gift or a card. Ask them to tell you an interesting story about their lives. 
9. Make a tiny garden in a small box. Use gravel, rocks, something from nature like pine cones or seed pods. 
10. Do you have any relatives who are from a country other than where you live now? If so, ask them to tell you about their country’s culture. What do their gardens look like? What kind of traditional food is prepared? What language do they speak? What do kids like to do for fun?