KAMISHIBAI . . .

Paper Theatre
An overview of a unit that promotes reading and arts integration
Monique Poldberg & Dr. Nancy Andrzejczak
Arts LINC: Arts and Literacy Integrated in Nebraska and California
Lake Elsinore Unified School District
Funded by US Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement
Grant Award #U351D060141
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Background Information: Kamishibai, a Japanese tradition of picture storytelling began
in the late 1920s, with origins going as far back as the 9th or 10th centuries. Almost
disappearing in the 1950s with the advent of television, it is now being used as a way to
bridge cultural barriers and promote storytelling.
English Language Arts
English Language Development
Visual Art Content Strands
Content Strands
Reading comprehension
Artistic Perception
Oral Language Conventions
Creative Expression
Written Language Conventions
Historical and Cultural Context
Listening and Speaking Applications
Aesthetic Valuing
Literary response and Analysis
Learning Objective/Goals/Essential Understandings:
To explore the connections of history, story, storytelling and the arts
To create an original Kamishibai story using art and language arts
conventions
Vocabulary: Kamishibai, Storyboard
Art, Language Arts and content vocabulary
Materials:
Kamishibai Man by Allen Say ( 2005: ISBN: 0618479546)
Familiar fairy tales or other content or literacy support
Paper and Pencil
Graphic Organizer for Storyboard
Poster Board (pre-cut): traditional Kamishibai is 15 x 10.5
Blank writing paper and tape
Art Materials for pictures:
Possibilities: Colored pencils, sharpies, watercolor paint, crayons
Optional: Kamishibai stage and hyoshigi (wooden clappers)
Resources: www.kamishibai.com
(for history & online resources and catalog of Kamishibai supplies)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEId2SFRezY and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6URceEr_zc&feature=mfu_in_order
&list=UL (films by Dr. Jeffrey Dym, Cal State Sacramento about Kamishibai)

Kamishibai

Arts LINC: Poldberg/Andrzejzcak

Page 1

Sequence of Lessons
Stimulus
Read aloud Kamishibai Man by Allen Say
Share a Japanese Kamishibai story, using a stage and hyoshigi
Share traditional fairy tales, including different versions of the same tale.

Vocabulary and Content Instruction

Orally retell fairy tales in small or large group setting.
Storyboard a familiar fairy tale together to identify the main parts of a story and
sequence of events, including characters, setting, problem, and solution
Assign fairy tales to small groups.
Collaborate to summarize fairy tales in small groups, and place the sequence onto
a storyboard with sketches and key phrases.

Art Production
Transfer art to the appropriate Kamishibai story card (pre-measure to fit the stage
or frame that you are using.) Encourage varieties of viewpoints and emphasis to
complement parts of the story.

Oral & Written Expression

Oral rehearse the story with art cards.
Write the story to coordinate with each picture card, possibly using conversation
or a script format
Carefully place printed story segments on the back of the back card of the stack.
Provide instruction on prosody (voice and expression)
Provide opportunities to rehearse, share and exchange roles.

Assessment and/or Evaluation:

Create grade appropriate rubrics with the students to assess standards you are teaching
Separate rubrics can be created for
o Art (reference state visual arts standards);
o Story (reference state English Language Arts and English Language Development
standards);
o Oral presentation (reference state English Language Arts, English Language
Development and Theatre standards).
Extensions or Alternate Ideas:
Create original art and fables following a study of fables
Create original art and stories
Create a storyboard, art, and text to highlight lives and accomplishments of
important people in content areas as or historical time periods
Create storyboards, art, and text to convey the steps in a process.

Kamishibai

Arts LINC: Poldberg/Andrzejzcak

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