Lesson I: The Bracelet
Objective: To help students understand the expulsion and incarceration experiences of the Japanese Americans during World War II through the eyes of a child internet.
Materials:
The book, The Bracelet by Yoshiko Uchida
Chart paper for small groups and magic markers for writing
Procedure: This lesson can be taught most effectively in three parts or periods.
1. Read the book, The Bracelet to the class.
2. Divide the group into smaller groups of 4 to 5 students. Distribute a question to each group to discuss and answer together. The questions should be written on separate slips of paper. The questions are as follows:
Emi's house was empty. As she looked around one last time, what were some of the things that she remembered being there? In addition make a list of things you would miss most from your house if you had to do what Emi did. List at least 10 items.
In what ways were Emi and her family like other Americans in her neighborhood? Also explain why Emi was taken away. Do you think this was fair or unfair? Explain your answer.
List the ways that told Emi and her family that they were prisoners and not just at summer camp.
If you could only take what you could carry in two suitcases, what would you take?
What did Emi treasure about her friendship with Laurie? Also list those people you would miss if you had to go to prison camp, and what you would miss most about them.
If there are more than 5 groups, 2 groups can answer the same question. After the questions have been distributed, tell the students you will read the story again. This time they should pay particular attention to the questions they have to answer.
Reread The Bracelet.
Divide the class into smaller groups with their questions, chart paper, and marker. Tell them to designate a recorder and a presenter. They should discuss the question and come up with a group answer. Give them about 20 minutes to write up their responses. Reconvene the class. Ask each group to have their presenter come to the front, read their question, and present their answer.
If there are other responses from the class that they want added, these comments can be noted.
3. After the presentation of the answers assign this letter composition. Write a letter from Emi to Laurie one year after she has left Berkeley. Tell what life was like in the camp what she missed and what her hopes and dreams were. You might also make the letter personal by telling what her feelings are about losing the bracelet, the lesson she learned from this loss, and what she wants to know about Laurie's life.
