THE THIEF IN CHINATOWN
TEACHERS GUIDELINES

RESEARCH TOPICS (check out your library or the internet, or ask kupuna)

1) Chinese immigration (p. 47) When did Chinese first come to Hawaii? When did they come in large numbers? By 1896, most Chinese in Hawaii were no longer working on plantations. What were they doing?
2) Japanese plantation workers in 1896 (pp.23, 29) Why did the Japanese come to Hawaii? What was their life like on the plantations? After their work contracts were up, what did they do?
3) Foot binding (p. 29) Why did women in China bind their feet? Did Chinese women in Hawaii bind their feet also?
4) Kite making (pp. 36-38) How are different kinds of kites made? What countries have kite-flying celebrations?
5) Sailing ships (pp. 53, 54) What kinds of sailing ships were common in 1896? Where did they go? What did they carry?
6) Chinese theater (pp. 70-78) What different sorts of costumes and makeup did the actors wear? You might attend a Chinese opera at UH Kennedy Theater.
7) Honolulu, 1896. Find pictures of old Honolulu. How was it different from today? Take a walking tour in Chinatown. Which buildings were there in 1896? Find out what happened to some of the original buildings.