This lesson plan falls within Cultural Anthropology and Sociology strands.

Understand how cultural values are passed on to children; identify ways in which cultures socialize their children; apply concepts such as gender and social class in describing the connections and interactions of individuals, groups, and institutions in society.

The most important factor in framing worldview in Asian societies is family. Family is the primary social institution within which individuals are born, learn, marry, work, play, and enact the main elements of worldview. Children are taught proper social behavior and to respect the values and traditions of their culture, such as being filial and worshiping ones' ancestors.

2 class periods

• Student Activity Sheet
• Compare and Contrast Graphic Organizer
• Research Report Rubric

What are the major similarities and differences in early childhood in Asia? How does the gender and social class of children affect their early experiences? How does filial piety affect children's daily lives and relationships?

Students will write a research report in which they compare and contrast the experiences of early childhood in a variety of Asian societies. Students will research the social and economic factors that shaped children's daily lives.

Have students research the topic using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer as they read the articles.

A one-year-old girl and her parents dress up to celebrate her first major milestone in life, Seoul, 1987. Courtesy of Lee Hyesok.

To start students thinking about the lives of children in Asia, have them examine the photograph.

Key questions students should answer are:

• What does the photograph reveal about the age and social class of the child?
• What impact might the sex of this child have on her life as she grows up?

Distribute the Student Activity sheet. Use the World Cultures Today external link to Life in Korea: Cultural Spotlight – Child's First Birthday . Have a student read the information. Tell students that they will read about similar experiences as they research the following topics in preparation for writing their research reports.

• Gender differences
• Class differences
• Rituals and Ceremonies
• Education
• Child labor
• Play/Leisure Time

Use the Research Report Rubric to assess students' performance.

Have students reflect on their performance and use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Ask students: What values do these societies hold as important? How are they conveyed in the way children are raised?

Have students research childhood in other regions of the world. Make a comparative poster of early childhood ceremonies, such as birthdays.