Japan and Emojis

Curriculum Area

English Language Arts (ELA) — Grade 6

This lesson will help students develop skills in comprehension, creativity, and cultural literacy through reading, discussion, and writing activities related to Japan and the history of emojis. This aligns with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, particularly in Reading: Informational Text, Writing, and Speaking & Listening.

Lesson Objectives

1. Cultural Understanding: Students will gain an understanding of Japan's influence on global culture, focusing on the development and use of emojis.
2. Comprehension: Students will read and comprehend an informational text about the history of emojis.
3. Creative Expression: Students will create their own emoji to represent an emotion or idea and explain the significance behind their design.
4. Speaking and Listening: Students will present their emoji designs and engage in a class discussion about cultural symbols and communication.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed copies of the informational text "Japan and the Birth of Emojis"
• Emoji design template (simple outline of an emoji face for students to customize)
• Colored pencils or markers
• Timer or clock

Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Hook: Begin with a brief class discussion. Ask students, "Who uses emojis when texting?" and "What is your favorite emoji and why?" to spark interest.
2. Context Setting: Explain that today’s lesson will explore Japan's cultural impact through emojis, tiny symbols representing emotions, ideas, and more, originating in Japan.

Reading and Comprehension (15 minutes)

1. Read Aloud: Distribute copies of the text "Japan and the Birth of Emojis." Have students take turns reading paragraphs aloud.
2. Comprehension Questions: Pose questions to ensure understanding, such as:
   • What are emojis, and where did they originate?
   • How have emojis changed the way people communicate globally?
   • Why are symbols like emojis important in communication?

Creative Activity (15 minutes)

1. Design Your Emoji:
   • Hand out the emoji design templates.
   • Explain that each student will create their own emoji to express an emotion or idea that is important to them.
   • Students will color and decorate their emoji using colored pencils or markers.
2. Write a Description: Ask students to write a short paragraph describing their emoji and its significance.

Presentation and Discussion (10 minutes)

1. Presentations:
   • Invite students to present their emoji designs to the class, explaining the emotion or idea it represents.
   • Encourage creativity and thoughtful explanations.
2. Class Discussion: Facilitate a discussion on the following points:
   • How can emojis enhance communication?
   • Discuss the role of cultural symbols in everyday life.
   • Explore how different cultures may interpret emojis differently.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Wrap-Up: Summarize the lesson by highlighting how cultural elements like emojis can bridge communication differences, making interactions more expressive and inclusive across languages and cultures.
2. Exit Ticket: Have each student write one new thing they learned today about Japan and emojis on a sticky note and place it on the board as they leave.

Assessment

• Participation: Observe student engagement during reading and discussions.
• Creativity and Effort: Evaluate the originality and thoughtfulness of emoji designs.
• Written Description: Assess the clarity and depth of the written paragraph accompanying the emoji design.

This lesson plan fosters creativity and cultural literacy among sixth-grade students, emphasizing how symbols like emojis can play a significant role in global communication.