Special Interest Pathways

• 430BFour Noble Truths Overview

  Retell the Buddha’s first teaching at Deer Park and explain how his four discoveries help people understand disappointment; connect the four truths to familiar experiences like not getting what you want or losing something important; and demonstrate compassionate responses to others’ suffering.
• 410BMindful Listening Practices

  Execute structured partner listening exercises where one person shares while the other demonstrates complete attention without interrupting; show how to give the gift of listening in classroom situations; and complete listening challenges that help solve problems between classmates.
• 439BRight Motivation

  Identify your intentions before everyday activities and notice how different motivations affect your actions and feelings; practice checking your motivation during the day and adjusting when you notice selfish or harmful intentions; and demonstrate understanding that the same action can have different effects depending on your intention.
• 411BRight Speech

  Explore Buddhist stories and parables about the power of speech, identify lessons about wise and unwise speech from these narratives, and create your own stories or drawings showing characters who practice mindful speech.
• 422BThe Paramita of Dana/Generosity

  Design and implement a classroom generosity project, track acts of giving in a personal journal, noting how it feels to give and receive, and practice the “stone exchange” meditation to understand the feeling of letting go.
• 304ASacred Space and Objects

  Experience sacred objects through multiple senses by touching, arranging, and caring for altar items; create personal sacred spaces using natural materials; and demonstrate respectful behavior in special places through gentle movements, quiet voices, and careful handling of precious objects.
• 503AContemplative Arts

  Explore different art materials through the five senses by touching, smelling, and observing colors and textures; create simple artworks while paying attention to how materials feel in their hands; and practice “mindful making” by moving slowly and noticing what happens when they press hard or soft, use different tools, or mix colors together.
• 237ARituals for Personal and Group Practice

  Demonstrate simple daily rituals by practicing altar care and classroom ceremonies; show respect for sacred objects through gentle handling; and participate in group rituals like songs and bowing while explaining what makes something special or sacred in simple terms.
• Right Motivation in Leaders

  Practice making kind choices in classroom situations by identifying when someone needs help, demonstrating gentle ways to guide friends during play, and explaining how helping others makes everyone feel better.