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AnonymousCourtney I'm excited to see my idea is sparking others! My students are working on their chap books about themselves right now. I also made a sample - only a few pages so far cause I want to make it along with them so we can participate in the creative process together. Ours will not involve technology. It's a lot of cutting and formatting and layout, but it's fun so far. One of my hobbies is bookmaking so I am so excited to share this with the kids! And they are having a blast putting together something that represents them, their family, their school, and their city. We've done a lot of talking about what someone from China or Japan might find interesting to know about them mostly by discussing the things they would most want to know about a student in China or Japan. When we're done we will print them, fold them, stitch them and cut them into fabulous little chap books. I plan to have the kids make one color one for themselves to keep and then we'll do multiple black and white printings so that I can give out class sets at each location.
And my kids immediately asked about being penpals or e-mailling or chatting on My Space. They are really excited! I decided to also do the assignment with my 9th graders so they can see what I bring back next year and participate in that experience as well.
AnonymousI spoke to my PTSA and they gave me a great list of financial resources. What the president instructed me to do is outline a specific proposal of what I want and how much it will cost so that when I request the funding I have something concrete to show them. She also said aim high - ask for more than what I would need and then I will get something similar to what I really will spend.
I am in the process of polling teachers to see if they have any specific requests and to talk up the trip, etc for curriculum purposes (i.e. if you include this topic in your curriculum I could bring you back _______ to use for it). I have had a pretty good response so far; three teachers have come to me with items they would like for their curriculum units.
Next I am going to ask for a spot on the agenda of the next faculty meeting to make the announcement, take questions, etc. I'll keep you updated.
AnonymousAsking your colleagues for curriculum requests is a great idea. I went to my social science colleagues and asked them if THEY had any resources regarding China. (I've already done extensive studies on Japan) I was amazed at the results. They had articles on topics I hoped to read up on before the trip just for historical background such as Tianamen Square. This is an area of my curriculin that is lacking. One teacher had a film entitled Moving the Mountain with first-hand testimony from revolution participants. It was very enlightening.
AnonymousFoud two picture books for our collegues in China and Japan. Both at a used bookstore in mint condition. One is on the missions in California, and one is on the San Diego North Coast (really beautiful). They ran $25. plus change, total, and when I told him what I was doing with them he gave me both for $20. including tax. I was thrilled.
AnonymousThose are great books, and I'm sure the used store appreciated the business.
AnonymousDoes anyone remember what the former study tour teacher on the forum said about peace cranes in Japan? I thought I wrote it down but didn't. I remember her saying if you brought a certain amount you will get the opportunity to sign a book. I would like more detail.
Also, any new ideas for gifts beyond books?
AnonymousThere is a monument in Hiroshima where you can hang folded cranes. If you can make/hang 1000 cranes, this is considered good luck. I believe the teacher said that she brought cranes over and then photographed herself hanging them as a memento for her students.
Courtney Lockwood
AnonymousRegarding books for teachers...I believe Clay said we needed less than 16...that we didn't each have to bring books. It sounds like everyone is buying 2 books to bring (myself included). Perhaps we should slow down or get an confirmation from Clay about what is needed.
CLAY?
Courtney Lockwood
AnonymousWe each need two. I for Japan and one for China.
AnonymousWe need two "picture" books. One for a teacher in Japan and one for a teacher in China.
AnonymousLike Courtney I think I remember that we all don't need to have a book/gift. It sounds like many of you have already bought a few. I would be happy to chip in some money for the purchase. I don’t think we needed to have 16 books.
Also Kyle and everyone else thanks for all the great ideas for gifts that my students can make. I think I am going to have them make personal bookmarks. I wanted something compact with a personal touch.
About Cranes -- do we want to try and all bring about 100 and that way as a group we would have 1000? I know that I could do 100, but 1000 is a stretch.
AnonymousMaking the cranes might be a good activity for students one day in the last week of school. Actually, during one day at the end of testing, I had a boy in one of my periods show the class how to make a couple of the origami things he is always making. So, I now have about 50 mini samurai helmets, and about 30 seals that I plan to take with me. I also learned how to make these things myself. I'm sure you all probably have some kids who know how to do some origami, so maybe you can do the same. Of course, he wasn't too great in giving instructions, mostly, "you fold it like this...," so I had to give more specific directions as he was doing it.
AnonymousI would be happy to split the costs and the carrying of the two books I purchased, Portia. Total cost was $!9.50 for two.
I mentioned cranes to my students and one said, "You bring the paper, we'll make the cranes." I brought in a couple packets and put them on the counter. Now I have to tell some students to put the birds aside so they can take notes. Yesterday we were done with lit circles about five minutes early and everyone jumped at the chance to make cranes. At least they are making use of those little snippets of time in class. I have a few dozen now, but will have no problem contributing 100+. The problem may be in reining in their enthusiasm so I can carry all this paraphenalia.
Courtney Lockwood
AnonymousHey there everyone!
Would it be possible for me to get in on the book sharing as well?
I would greatly appreciate it and of course be willing to share the weight/cost. 
-Julia
AnonymousUpdate: My PTSA has awarded me $200 to purchase materials, etc. on the trip. I haven't quite had the barrage of requests that I anticipated, but I have had enough to warrent the request of UNI High Foundation funding for a digital camera, etc. I have asked several departments on campus to lend one and none are willing. Oh well.