Japan

This ninja theme draws inspiration from the picture book “Wink, The Ninja Who Wanted To Nap”, written and illustrated by J. C. Phillipps. The book is filled with energy, wisdom, and tidbits about Japanese culture. For young children, the story is a captivating read. The illustrations provide inspiration for multicultural story extensions.

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In the story, a little ninja named Wink is excited that he is a famous circus performer.  But he cannot get in a much-needed nap because his fans follow him everywhere!  He walks through a garden of cherry trees, and moves through and hides in different parts of town, but his followers persist.

Back at Summer Moon School For Young Ninjas, he comes up with a plan inspired by Master Zutsu’s mentoring. With help from his fellow ninja students, his fans are detoured so he can nap. His stuffed panda is along for the adventure.

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“Wink” Inspired Ninja Activities

Cherry Blossom Tree Small World

Offer children accessories to create a small world on a decorative cloth-covered table with

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For the ninjas, take apart Wall Crawlers, available at dollar stores. Remove the jelly-like insides, glue the upper and lower body parts together with a hot glue gun, and glue in pipe cleaner hands and feet.

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Ninja Dress Up

Collect ninja-themed props for dramatic play and photos ops. Include

• Ninja masks  (Dollar Tree)

• Throwing stars (Dollar Tree)

• Ninja vests  (Dollar Tree)

• Foam swords  (Dollar Store)

• A stepping stool to stand on and pose

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Pretend Play Printable

Download this free printable to inspire ninja-themed pretend play. It works best printed on cardstock paper.

The mask can be cut out and decorated with crayons or felt pens. It can also be traced onto and cut from colored paper. Attach an elastic string so the mask can be worn.

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World Landmark Geography Center

Create a center inspired by Wink’s circus performer travels and his sleeping area at home.

Display pictures from around the world on a wall above a table. Add a rice sensory bin with:

• Safari Toob “Around The World” landmark figures

• Ninja figurine

• Panda bear figurine

• Loose parts  (gems, beads. bells, and shells)   

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Tree Placemat

Set out ninja figurines, panda bears, pink gems, and a tree placemat so children can create a cherry tree garden scene.

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A similar scene works with eraser figurines and gems.

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Other Book-Themed Accessories

Keep your eye out for accessories that complement a ninja theme.

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A Little Ninja History

Ninjas …

• were spies/warriors active from the 12^th century to the early 1600s.

• were specially trained. Their skills were handed down from father to son, and from teacher to a small group of trainees.

• were exceptional students. Only top students were picked for training in schools.

• were extremely physically fit.

• were skilled at using swords and throwing discs.

• were good at keeping secrets. To this day little is known about their training.

• were great actors. They pretended to be someone else in their daily lives and were good at making surprise attacks.

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“Wink, The Ninja Who Wanted To Nap” is a follow-up story to the delightful picture book “Wink, The Ninja Who Wanted To Be Noticed.” To view a video of the first book read by author J. C. Phillipps, click here.

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To see how to make a toilet roll ninja craft featured on the website www.kidsactivities.com, click here.

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