Buddhism

By Rachel Brown

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Theme and Description

Activity-based lessons focused on the life and teachings of the Buddha. This curriculum focuses on how to teach about Buddhism rather than on the content of Buddhism. Information about Buddhism must be found in the resources used in the curriculum. Activities are designed for people new to both Buddhism and the religious education classroom.

Goals for Participants

To develop an awareness and sensitivity to other cultures and religions;
To become aware of different religious experiences which they may use to shape their own spiritual paths.

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Age Range

Upper Elementary

Size of Group

8-10 but could be larger depending on teacher comfort level

Space Requirements

A room large enough for art activities and quiet enough for meditation.

Number and Length of Sessions

8 sessions
Length: 1 hour

Leader Training

While no special training is required, a teaching team that includes someone who practices or is very knowledgeable about Buddhism would be idea.

Leader Preparation

Someone unfamiliar with Buddhism should study the recommended resources and talk with Buddhists. Materials gathered for the first use of the curriculum will be ready for every use of the course.

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Strengths

Good introductory material on Buddhism.
Activity-based with fun and meaningful activities, addresses different learning styles.
Teacher-friendly with clearly organized lesson plans.
Easily enough activities for an hour of class.

Limitations

One session requires a guest speaker and one session requires a field trip to a Buddhist temple. The latter particularly may be difficult for some congregations.
There is always a risk when non-practitioners teach about a faith or culture not their own. A teaching team that includes one or more Buddhists would be ideal.
Activities such as dressing up as Tibetan monks could be seen as insensitive, inappropriate, or even offensive.
Buddhism takes many forms: this curriculum’s view is a broad generalization. The nature of this overview and the reality of diversity within Buddhism, should be acknowledged within the program.

Adaptability

Could be adapted for grades 7-9.

Unitarian Universalist Values

#Several sessions invite participants to evaluate the lesson on Buddhism with a specific UU Principle. #Draws on the third source of Unitarian Universalism: wisdom from the world’s religions.

Reviewed on June 30, 2004

Unitarian Universalist Association
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