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This tale of one man’s love for two countries and his constant desire to be in both places captured readers’ attention and hearts.

from Grandfather’s Journey at amazon.com

The rich words of this story provide a stable foundation for many different learning activities. You’ll find various options in our Grandfather’s Journey printable pack.

Grandfather’s Journey Printable Activities

The Grandfather’s Journey printable pack includes these activities:

Social Studies: Japan
Learn about Japan and Japan’s culture. You may want to use our Japan Lapbook as a starting point. You could also check out some books from your local library.

Can you find any of the pieces of Japanese culture in illustrations in the story?

Complete the Japanese Culture Mini-book.

Social Studies: Generations
In the book, Allen Say talks about his grandfather, his grandmother, and his mother. Including Allen Say, this would be three generations. Discuss generations with your student.

Use the T-books provided to write in the names of your student’s parents and grandparents.

Geography: Map Grandfather’s Journey
Use the map provided to mark Japan and California.

Geography: Continents and Oceans
This book mentions Japan, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and California. Does your student know which continent grandfather started on? (Asia)

Take this opportunity to introduce or review the seven continents and four oceans of the world. Use the discs provided to label a map.

Use the cards provided to review the continents. An older student could write facts on the backs of the cards. Store the cards in a pocket in your lapbook.

Geography: Land Types
This goes along with the last lesson. As grandfather traveled, he saw many different types of land: deserts, farmland, mountains, and a coastline. Complete the envelope fold book.

Language Arts: Copywork
Copy the passage in your best writing. An older student may want to copy a larger passage:

“But I also miss the mountains and rivers of my childhood. I miss my old friends. So I return now and then, when I can not still the longing in my heart. The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country,
I am homesick for the other.”

Language Arts: Listmaking
Where in the world would you like to visit? Why? What about your student? Use the mini-book provided to make a list of places you’d like to travel to.

Science: Songbirds
Grandfather kept songbirds. What songbirds are considered good pets? What other birds are kept as pets? Check out books about pet birds from your local library.

Use the bird cage shape book to record a list of song birds, a list of pet birds, or pet bird facts. Be sure to draw a pet bird inside the cage!

How to Get Started with Your Grandfather’s Journey Printables

Follow these simple instructions to get started with the Grandfather’s Journey printables.

  1. Buy or borrow Grandfather’s Journey.
  2. Choose and prepare the printables you want to use with your student.
  3. Enjoy a week of reading and learning with Grandfather’s Journey.

Get Your Free Grandfather’s Journey Printables

Simply click the image below to grab your free set of Grandfather’s Journey printables.

Grandfather’s Journey Printables

More Unit Studies Set in Japan

Check out these other unit studies based on books set in Japan:

Little Oh Unit Study
Crow Boy Unit Study & Lapbook