Issun-Boshi: Main Ideas and Settings

A Japanese Folktale Adventure Grade 2 English Language Arts

What Do You Think?

Look at the cover of our story What do you think this tale might be about? What clues do you see in the pictures?

Meet Issun-Boshi

A boy only one inch tall Born to parents who wished for a child Very small but very brave Dreams of becoming a great warrior Learning Target: Students will be able to identify the main character and describe key traits and setting in a folktale.

The Setting: Ancient Japan

Issun-Boshi's Journey

Travels down the river in a rice bowl Uses a chopstick as his paddle Sails to the big city Wants to serve a great lord

Find the Main Idea

What is the big lesson in this story? Draw a picture showing the main idea Write one sentence about what Issun-Boshi teaches us

Setting Details We Discovered

{"left":"Ancient Japan long ago\nTraditional Japanese village\nA flowing river\nThe capital city","right":"A beautiful palace\nCherry blossom trees\nRice fields and gardens\nWooden houses with curved roofs"}

Remember This

Being small doesn't mean you can't do big things! Pictures help us understand where and when stories happen Every story has an important message to share