A Student’s Work (3rd Grade)
Purpose/ Rationale
Daruma dolls are traditionally used as good luck symbols. Not only children but also adults use a Daruma doll when they want a wish to come true. People fill in one eye of a Daruma doll when they have a wish, and they fill in another when the wish comes true. Through knowing the legend of Daruma as well as creating and using a Daruma doll, students will become familiar with the meaning and use of a Daruma doll.
Objectives
Students will:
(1) know the legend of Daruma and how Japanese use a Daruma doll in the society.
(2) create a Daruma doll and use it by filling in one eye and setting up a goal.
Time Allotment
1 class session
Materials
Visuals
Culture: Daruma, Mingei (Folk Art)
Art: Symbol, Folk ArtProcedure
Preparation
A teacher will:
1. Prepare a whole eggshell with a weight on the bottom.
• Empty an egg (5 min.)
• Dry the egg (one night)
• Put three pennies on the inside bottom of the egg and glue them together (3 min.)
Setup (5 min.)
A teacher will:
1. Set up a slide projector and slides or VCR.
2. Put painting materials, brushes, markers, and glitter glues on the table.
Look at and Talk about Art (10 min.)
Students will:
1. look at a Daruma doll and talk about what it is used for in Japanese society.
2. look at how a Daruma doll is used as a good luck symbol in pictures or through watching a videotape.
3. listen to the legend of Daruma and discuss why Daruma became a good luck symbol for succsss. (See Appendix 1).
Create (30 min.)
Students will:
1. receive eggshells and try if their Daruma dolls return right side up when they are rolled.
2. Draw the face of Daruma on the eggshell with a pencil and trace it with a black marker.
*Notes:
• Ask students not to fill in the eyes of a Daruma doll.
• Ask students not to paint on the face of a Daruma doll.
3. Paint the eggshell and decorate it with glitter glues.
Assess and close (10 min.)
Students will:
1. review how a Daruma doll is used in Japanese society.
2. talk about their wishes and fill in one eye. Extension and Enrichment
Social Studies
Daruma is a good luck symbol for success. Compare and contrast the notion of success between Japanese and American cultures. Japanese "success" often emphasizes "efforts" and "patience," while the American "talents" and "luck." Discuss how such a difference would make people’s attitudes toward living.
Resources
Barnes, L. (1997). Kaizen in the Classroom. Tora no Maki II: Lessons for teaching about contemporary Japan. Bloomington, IN: National Council for the Social Studies.
Tokunaga, G. (1997). Daruma toys and games. National clearinghouse for U.S.-Japan Studies. http://www.indiana.edu/~japan/
Appendix 1: The Legend of Daruma
Daruma is a short name for Budhidharma, a Buddhist priest from India who lives in the sixth century. Daruma sat absolutely still and mediated for nine years. He did not move at all, and after nine years he had lost the use of his arms and legs. In fact, they had withered away. So, Daruma is made with no arms and legs. They have weighted bottoms so that no matter how you roll them, they will always return right side up. It is said that it symbolizes the spirit of patience necessary for success.
Appendix 2: Drawing of a Daruma Doll
Last updated: 04/06/2004
URL: http://www.indiana.edu/~easc/resources/
Comments: 
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Indiana University