Harvard East Asian Program at Boston Children’s Museum
The Harvard East Asian Program is a unique collaboration between Harvard University’s Asia Center and Boston Children’s Museum. Established in 1978 and located at Boston Children’s Museum, the program is dedicated to increasing understanding of China and Japan.

The Harvard East Asia Program at Boston Children’s Museum serves K-12 teachers and students, families, and community organizations through a variety of services and programs:

• Interactive exhibitions
• Multimedia curriculum kits featuring artifacts
• School group visits
• Professional development for educators
• Public programs and festivals for families

Professional Development Seminar: Children’s Life in China
Saturday, April 10, 2010
9am-3pm
Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress Street, Boston

China is in the news nearly every day, but what do we really know about the people in China and their daily lives? In this seminar, we begin to explore contemporary Chinese life and culture. Through expert presentations and hands-on activities, participants will expand their knowledge and appreciation of life in China today. And you won’t have to take our word for it! Boston Children’s Museum will introduce their nwest teaching materials: a DVD-Rom with media diaries and curriculum activities based on the traveling exhibit Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China. “Meet” four teens from the city of Hangzhou and learn directly from them about their lives.

This seminar is appropriate for elementary and secondary school teachers and for Mandarin teachers. All teachers, care providers, home schoolers, and after school staff are welcome.

10 PDPs available (upon completion of assignment)
Fee $85.00
For details call (617) 426.6500 ext. 235 or
Email: Farkas@BostonChildrensMuseum.org

My Japan: Home, School, and Daily Life for Japanese Children
Saturday, March 20, 2010
9:30am - 3:30pm
Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress Street, Boston

This seminar offers a special lecture by Dr. Catherine C. Lewis of Mills College. Dr. Mills is the author of the book, “Educating Hearts and Minds – Reflections on Japanese Preschool and Elementary Education”. A discussion on Japanese education will follow. The seminar will also introduce many resources, including a new video “Visits to Homes in Kyoto, Japan Today,” filmed in Kyoto last November, and hands-on activities on daily life in Japan. This seminar is presented with Primary Source.

10 PDPs available (upon completion of assignment)
Fee $85.00
For details call Akemi Chayama at (617) 426-6500 x295 or
Email: Chayama@BostonChildrensMuseum.org

Feedback from past seminars:

“This was a wonderful experience. I was nervous to attend because I work with young children and thought I would not be able to use anything I learned in the class. I am wrong! I can use [this] in my own room plus share with my co-workers.”

“The workshop vastly expanded my understanding of Chinese culture, the family, the government, the philosophy.”

East Asian Cultural Programs at BCM
Exhibits and Public Programs The Japanese House: Kyo-no-machiya, an authentic town house from Kyoto, Japan, Boston’s sister city. Visitors take off their shoes and enter this 19th century silk merchant’s home. Experience daily life for children and families and try out seasonal hands-on activities. Click HERE to learn more about the Japanese House.

Annual Public Programs
Free with general museum admission

January: Japanese New Year
February: Chinese New Year
April: Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival
June: Dragon Boat Festival on the Charles River
July: Tanabata - Japanese Star Festival
August: Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Memorial
September: Mid Autumn Moon Festival

Resources on East Asia for Educators

TEACHING RESOURCES
Multimedia Curriculum Kits
Educators may rent kits on China and Japan through the Museum’s Kit
Rental Department. Titles include:

• Ancient China
• Chinese Celebrations
• Chinese Games
• Chinese Shadow Puppets
• Fine and Folk Arts of China
• Japan Getting Acquainted
• Japanese and Chinese Calligraphy
• Japanese Children’s Day-Kodomono Hi
• Japanese Families
• Japanese New Year-Oshogatsu
• Travels of Marco Polo: 13th Century China

For more information on Kit Rentals click HERE.