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Gyotaku: Fish Impression Art of Japan
New on Outschool
In this Theater, Sailing Song and Art Enrichment Workshop/Club the art form called Gyotaku is explored by participating in collective theater and fish impression making. I have used this theme in elementary schools in both NJ and VA.
Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 5
This Club/Class is a mixture of music and theater used to explain the origin of Gyotaku art form in Japan in mid 1700's. A child is settling an argument between two fishermen in my version. If you can sing "row, row, row your boat" you can be part of the theater chorus. After the theatrical portion we move into making some Gyotaku fish prints. This is akin to "ink block printing" and Zoom learners can do their own hands on if parents elect to visit a store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby and...
- Learner will understand origin of a Japanese art form that was a fad during time of emperors and still exists today. He or she will make their own for hanging on refrigerator or wherever...
I have always mixed my science and math focus with music, art, language arts, etc. I go for the full engagement and try to make the learning objectives by accident more than by design. This just happens to be an actual art form with an interesting historical reference point that really lends itself to spinning a sailing yarn to explain how it is a child created the form when settling an argument between two adult family members when fishing. It is great fun.
The ink rolling on fish body and impression making on newspaper is easier when using fake rubber fish, but getting the supplies I use could get pricey so I encourage ink block printing using stamps readily available at stores like Michael's or Hobby Lobby. The coloring of the impression print is a post class assignment since the impression needs to completely dry before being colored.
Joined April, 2024
New on Outschool
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
NewJersey Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Hands On Science, Math, Music and Art are my specialties. I worked as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff at Bell Labs; the R&D arm of the once Bell Telephone System. After retiring early from Bell Labs I pursued my interest in...
Group Class
$15
per classMeets once
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-4 learners per class
