Click on the embedded link above to read the article, watch
a video, see photos, and listen to or download the audio file on the NPR
website.
This article is about a small village in Japan with a long
tradition of kabuki theater. Word count: 777
Before reading:
General Knowledge:
·Can you find Japan on a map? How about the village of
Damine?
·What are some of the advantages that might come with life in
a small village? How about disadvantages?
Speculate:
·In Japan, the populations of many smaller towns and villages
are shrinking. What might be causing this?
After reading:
Review and discuss:
·Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your
summary with "This article is about…".
·Why might large cities be more attractive to young people
than life in a small village?
·Why do you think Damine's remaining families have stayed? In
addition to kabuki, what might be a reason for choosing to stay even though
many others have left?
·Imagine that you are part of the Damine community. What could
you do to help save your village?
·In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned
in this article? Why?
Reflect and evaluate:
·If the government where you live offered incentives like
cheap land and thousands of dollars for home furnishings, would you consider
moving to a rural area?
·In your culture, what are some traditions that children are
encouraged to participate in? Is there anything similar to the kabuki tradition
in Damine?
·Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic?
Do you have any questions that weren't answered in the article?
·What vocabulary words were new to you in this article? Make
a record of what you have learned.
Beyond the page
·Search online for information about or videos of the
traditional Japanese performing art of kabuki.
What is your impression of it?
Join the conversation: add your thoughts about this article
in the comments section below!
