Activity Overview
After students gather information about Hinduism by reading informative texts, literature, or watching a video, they can display their understanding using a spider map. Students will highlight the important facts about Hinduism using illustrations and descriptions. This is a great way to help organize information and can serve as a quick reference when reviewing for tests and quizzes! This example answers the following essential questions about Hinduism:
- When and where did Hinduism originate?
- What do Hindus believe and what holidays do they celebrate?
- What objects or symbols are important or sacred in Hinduism?
- Where are its followers today and how many people practice Hinduism throughout the world?
- How do Hindus worship and who are its spiritual leaders?
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: Create a spider map that describes different important facts and features of Hinduism.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create an illustration that represents each category using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a 1-3 sentence description of each cell.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:Minimum of 5 cells showcasing different facts about Hinduism. Appropriate scenes to illustrate each category. 1-3 sentence description for each cell demonstrating your understanding.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
When and where did the religion originate?
Who was the founder(s) of the religion and what did they teach their followers?
What do followers of this religion believe and what holidays do they celebrate?
What objects or symbols are important or sacred to people of this religion?
Where are its followers today and how many people practice this religion throughout the world?
How do the followers of this religion worship and who are their spiritual leaders?
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facts | Text and images include a clear explanation of at least 5 important facts about the religion such as where and when it originated, who its followers are, what they believe and what holidays they celebrate. | Text and images include an explanation of important facts about the religion, but the explanation may lack clarity or there may be some inaccuracies. | Text and images do not explain important facts about the religion. Information is mostly missing or inaccurate. |
| Storyboard Images and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the facts about the religion through appropriate scenes, characters, items, symbols or infographics. Illustrations clearly show that time, care and effort have been put in. | Student attempts to convey facts about the religion through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey facts about the religion and the depictions are inaccurate or inappropriate. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
After students gather information about Hinduism by reading informative texts, literature, or watching a video, they can display their understanding using a spider map. Students will highlight the important facts about Hinduism using illustrations and descriptions. This is a great way to help organize information and can serve as a quick reference when reviewing for tests and quizzes! This example answers the following essential questions about Hinduism:
- When and where did Hinduism originate?
- What do Hindus believe and what holidays do they celebrate?
- What objects or symbols are important or sacred in Hinduism?
- Where are its followers today and how many people practice Hinduism throughout the world?
- How do Hindus worship and who are its spiritual leaders?
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: Create a spider map that describes different important facts and features of Hinduism.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create an illustration that represents each category using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a 1-3 sentence description of each cell.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:Minimum of 5 cells showcasing different facts about Hinduism. Appropriate scenes to illustrate each category. 1-3 sentence description for each cell demonstrating your understanding.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
When and where did the religion originate?
Who was the founder(s) of the religion and what did they teach their followers?
What do followers of this religion believe and what holidays do they celebrate?
What objects or symbols are important or sacred to people of this religion?
Where are its followers today and how many people practice this religion throughout the world?
How do the followers of this religion worship and who are their spiritual leaders?
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facts | Text and images include a clear explanation of at least 5 important facts about the religion such as where and when it originated, who its followers are, what they believe and what holidays they celebrate. | Text and images include an explanation of important facts about the religion, but the explanation may lack clarity or there may be some inaccuracies. | Text and images do not explain important facts about the religion. Information is mostly missing or inaccurate. |
| Storyboard Images and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the facts about the religion through appropriate scenes, characters, items, symbols or infographics. Illustrations clearly show that time, care and effort have been put in. | Student attempts to convey facts about the religion through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey facts about the religion and the depictions are inaccurate or inappropriate. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about What is Hinduism? Activity
Plan a collaborative Hinduism mural with your class
Invite students to work together to create a large mural that represents different aspects of Hinduism. This visual project encourages teamwork and helps deepen understanding as each student contributes unique facts, symbols, or celebrations to the mural.
Assign research roles for focused learning
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific topic about Hinduism (beliefs, holidays, symbols, origins, worship practices). This allows students to become 'experts' and share their findings with the class, promoting engagement and deeper comprehension.
Facilitate a class discussion to connect ideas
Lead a guided discussion where students share their mural contributions and reflect on how different aspects of Hinduism are interconnected. This helps students make connections and reinforces key concepts as a group.
Encourage students to use visuals and keywords
Remind students to include both illustrations and important terms in their mural sections. Using visuals and keywords side by side helps all learners remember and review essential content more easily.
Display and revisit the mural throughout the unit
Hang the finished mural in a visible spot and refer back to it during class review or discussions. The mural serves as a powerful reference tool and keeps learning about Hinduism fresh and accessible for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about What is Hinduism? Activity
What is a simple way to teach students about Hinduism?
A great way to teach students about Hinduism is by using a spider map activity, where they research key facts and organize them visually with illustrations and brief descriptions. This helps reinforce understanding and makes facts easy to review.
How can I create a spider map to summarize Hinduism for my class?
To create a Hinduism spider map, have students identify core topics (like beliefs, origins, symbols, holidays, and leaders), illustrate each with images, and write 1–3 sentence summaries. This visual tool aids memory and comprehension.
What are the most important facts to include in a Hinduism lesson for middle school?
Key facts to include in a Hinduism lesson are its origins, core beliefs, sacred symbols, major holidays, worship practices, and where it is practiced today. Tailoring these for grades 6-8 ensures age-appropriate understanding.
What objects or symbols are significant in Hinduism?
Hinduism features several important symbols, such as the Om symbol, the lotus flower, and sacred objects like the murti (images of deities) and puja items used in worship rituals.
How do Hindus worship and who leads their religious practices?
Hindus worship through rituals called puja, often performed at home or in temples. Spiritual leaders, known as priests or gurus, guide religious practices and community ceremonies.
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