This document summarizes an interdisciplinary teaching project that integrates storytelling, visual art, and music based on the Japanese folktale "Momotaro." It provides details on sample lessons that use music and art to teach students about the story and Japanese culture. The lessons engage students in singing, playing instruments, crafting character headdresses, and acting out the story. The document also compares illustrations of "Momotaro" in American and Japanese books and describes how the story is celebrated through food, art, and festivals in Okayama City, Japan.

1. Storytelling through Visual Art and Music: An Integrative Approach to Teaching the Arts Dr. SHEI-CHAU WANG [email_address] School of Art, Northern Illinois University Dr. JUI-CHING WANG [email_address] School of Music, Northern Illinois University Illinois Art Education Association 2008 Conference, Galena, Illinois October 24, 2008

7. Concept Mapping and the Lesson Framework Based on the Japanese folk tale Momotaro (the Peach Boy)

8. Art Music Literature Culture Education Drama History Momotaro Japan Beliefs and Social Values Folklore

9. Visual Art Education Drama History Literature Japanese Culture Folklore Beliefs and Social Values Momotaro Illustration Craft Iconic Characters Costume Design Acting Kabuki Song Instruments Accompaniment Music

10. A Music-Based Lesson

21. An Art-Based Lesson

22. Momotaro Performance by the class of ARTE 344 Fall 2008 @ NIU School of Music Courtyard, Oct 2, 2008 6:03

24. Book Covers

25. Birth Scene

26. Momotaro and his warriors

27. Momotaro and his warriors (ii)

28. How culturally authentic should we be? Japanese Akita Inu (dog)

29. Fight Scene

30. Fight Scene (ii)

32. Readers Older Children and Teens Young Children

33. A Cultural Study of Momotaro Okayama City, Japan Food and Entertainment Graphic Design and Illustration Art and Crafts

34. Okayama City

35. Okayama City

36. Momotaro Shrine Mailbox

37. Momotaro Festival An annual three-day event in early August in Okayama City

39. Food White Peach Kibi-dango

40. Food Kibi-dango

41. Food Lunch Box

42. Hand puppets and computer games

43. Statues and Clay Bells (Action Figures)

44. Commercial Use

45. Illustrations

46. Traditional Art

47. Contemporary Art: Isamu Noguchi Momo Taro, 1977-78, Storm King Art Center, Mountainville, New York 5:40

54. Onstage musicians Offstage musicians

59. Thank You Art Education: scwang@niu.edu Music Education: jcwang@niu.edu