Activity Overview
Stories, parables, and literature allow students to visualize different people, holidays, customs, and traditions within a particular religion in a more concrete way. There are many books related to Buddhism that teachers can use to help students form a deeper understanding of the religion and the people who practice it. In this activity, students will create a plot diagram to summarize a story relating to Buddhism. This example focuses on the life of Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha, as told in the book Under the Bodhi Tree.
There are many other engaging books that introduce students to the traditional folktales and stories relating to Buddhism. Here are some suggestions:
- The Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales by Alexandra Kohn and Sherab Chodzin
- Magic of Patience (Jataka Tales) by Rosalyn White
- The Kids Book of World Religions by Jennifer Glossop
- Who Is the Dalai Lama? by Dana Meachen Rau and Who HQ
- Zen Ties (A Stillwater Book) by Jon J. Muth
- I Once Was a Monkey: Stories Buddha Told by Jeanne M. Lee
- A Pebble for Your Pocket: Mindful Stories for Children and Grown-ups by Thich Nhat Hanh
- Buddha in Your Backpack: Everyday Buddhism for Teens by Franz Metcalf
- Prince Siddhartha: The Story of Buddha by Jonathan Landaw
- The Calm Buddha at Bedtime: Tales of Wisdom, Compassion and Mindfulness to Read with Your Child by Dharmachari Nagaraja
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: After listening to or reading the story, create a narrative storyboard that includes important details from the beginning, middle, and end.
Student Instructions:
- In about 3-5 cells, write the major details of the story in order of occurrence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters, and items to illustrate each cell.
Requirements: Include events from the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images. | Descriptions do not always match the images. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Plot | Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Stories, parables, and literature allow students to visualize different people, holidays, customs, and traditions within a particular religion in a more concrete way. There are many books related to Buddhism that teachers can use to help students form a deeper understanding of the religion and the people who practice it. In this activity, students will create a plot diagram to summarize a story relating to Buddhism. This example focuses on the life of Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha, as told in the book Under the Bodhi Tree.
There are many other engaging books that introduce students to the traditional folktales and stories relating to Buddhism. Here are some suggestions:
- The Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales by Alexandra Kohn and Sherab Chodzin
- Magic of Patience (Jataka Tales) by Rosalyn White
- The Kids Book of World Religions by Jennifer Glossop
- Who Is the Dalai Lama? by Dana Meachen Rau and Who HQ
- Zen Ties (A Stillwater Book) by Jon J. Muth
- I Once Was a Monkey: Stories Buddha Told by Jeanne M. Lee
- A Pebble for Your Pocket: Mindful Stories for Children and Grown-ups by Thich Nhat Hanh
- Buddha in Your Backpack: Everyday Buddhism for Teens by Franz Metcalf
- Prince Siddhartha: The Story of Buddha by Jonathan Landaw
- The Calm Buddha at Bedtime: Tales of Wisdom, Compassion and Mindfulness to Read with Your Child by Dharmachari Nagaraja
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: After listening to or reading the story, create a narrative storyboard that includes important details from the beginning, middle, and end.
Student Instructions:
- In about 3-5 cells, write the major details of the story in order of occurrence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters, and items to illustrate each cell.
Requirements: Include events from the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images. | Descriptions do not always match the images. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Plot | Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Buddhist Parables and Stories
Introduce Buddhist parables with a short class read-aloud
Begin your lesson by sharing a short Buddhist parable or story aloud with students. This approach helps spark curiosity and provides a shared foundation for discussion and comprehension activities.
Facilitate a class discussion about the parable’s message
Guide students in identifying the central message or moral of the story. Encourage them to connect the parable’s lesson to their own lives or classroom experiences.
Model how to create a simple plot diagram together
Demonstrate filling out a basic beginning-middle-end plot diagram using the story you read. Highlight how to capture main events and important details clearly.
Assign students a new Buddhist story to diagram independently
Give each student (or pair) a different Buddhist folktale from your booklist. Ask them to summarize the story in 3–5 plot diagram cells, just like you modeled. Remind them to add illustrations for each part.
Host a gallery walk to share and discuss student diagrams
Display students’ completed diagrams around the classroom. Invite students to walk around, view each other’s work, and discuss the variety of Buddhist parables and the lessons they teach. This promotes peer learning and deeper understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buddhist Parables and Stories
What are some easy Buddhist stories or parables to teach middle school students?
Buddhist stories for middle schoolers include classics like The Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales, Magic of Patience (Jataka Tales), and Under the Bodhi Tree. These books present parables that are engaging, age-appropriate, and ideal for introducing Buddhist values and traditions in the classroom.
How can I use Buddhist parables in a classroom lesson?
Use Buddhist parables by reading a story aloud, then guiding students to create a plot diagram or storyboard highlighting the beginning, middle, and end. This helps students visualize key events, characters, and lessons while connecting the story to Buddhist teachings.
What is a plot diagram and how does it help students understand Buddhist stories?
A plot diagram is a visual tool that breaks down a story’s structure into sections: beginning, middle, and end. Using plot diagrams helps students organize details, identify main events, and better comprehend the messages in Buddhist stories.
Which books introduce Buddhism to kids through stories?
Books like The Kids Book of World Religions, Prince Siddhartha: The Story of Buddha, and The Calm Buddha at Bedtime use stories to introduce children to Buddhism, its holidays, customs, and core values in a relatable way.
What are the benefits of teaching Buddhism through parables and literature?
Teaching Buddhism through parables makes abstract ideas concrete, helps students empathize with different cultures, and encourages critical thinking. Stories also engage students and make lessons more memorable and accessible.
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