Lessons

Students sew drawstring bags using a simple backstitch in preparation for the mala they will string in a future class. This lesson was created by Noa Jones at the Middle Way School for third grade students preparing for Rites of Passage. 

Students are introduced to the concept of harmonious speech from the Buddhist tradition and explore how it arises in their own lives. The lesson includes group work, pair sharing, charting, and discussion.

This lesson plan includes everything you need to help children make an origami representation of the Buddha sitting on a lotus. Students will learn about and reflect on their significance and set intentions to make them as offerings.

Hosting tea parties is a fun way to engage children in the practice of serving and being served. This role-playing activity does require quite a bit of preparation and a minimum of 2 teachers/guides.

This simple lesson about the three ways of listening, based upon the classic "Three Defects of the Pot" teaching can be adapted for students of many ages as a playful way of exploring the connections between attitude and learning.

From the Rubin Museum: An art project aimed at measuring your own existence and reflecting on how you define yourself

From the Rubin Museum: An engaging art project in mandala making with the aim of exploring our emotions

From the Rubin Museum: An art project aimed at exploring hybrid creatures and deities.

From Middle Way School a lesson from the first thematic unit of the year, Taking Your Seat, students walk the boundary of the campus.