This guide for elementary school teachers provides a general background of the history and contributions of Japanese Americans and their current status today. Emphasis is on helping educators understand and appreciate the values of the diverse American population. Topics covered are the Meiji period of Japan, Japanese immigrants in California, concentration camps, Japanese Americans in the armed forces, three generations of Japanese Americans, the family, education, culture, holidays, religion, language, ethnic newspapers, institutions, and employment. Coverage of each topic includes a narrative history of background information; instructional aids such as a short list of books, films, or tapes; and suggested student activities. For example, the section on ethnic newspapers includes discussions and listings of established presses; four translated Japanese poems for illustration; a suggested book; and three student activities. One activity proposes that students read a Japanese-American newspaper and then discuss its editorial content, unfamiliar words, distribution of articles, and people advertisements. Other sections list useful multi-media library materials and resource and organizations in California that teachers can contact. Also included are a glossary of Japanese words with English definitions and a bibliography. (ND)