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 Sikhism 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 illustrate the plot of a Sikh story.
This example is about the story of Guru Nanak and the Boulder of Panja Sahib, which today is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism.
There are many other engaging books and stories that introduce students to different aspects of being a Sikh and the various beautiful traditions, stories and holidays in Sikhism. Here are some suggestions:
- My First Sikh Books by Parveen Kaur Dhillon
- Gurpreet Goes to Gurdwara: Understanding the Sikh Place of Worship by Harman Singh Pandher
- The Guru Inside Me Says by Ratika Seehra
- Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon by Simran Jeet Singh
- Ajooni the Kaurageous: Ajooni Stands Up to the Dragon by Amarpreet Kaur Dhami
- The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar
- Let's Celebrate Vaisakhi! (Punjab's Spring Harvest Festival) by Ajanta Chakraborty
- What is a Patka? by Tajinder Kaur Kalia
- Joora by Deep Kaur
- Vaisakhi by Deep Kaur
- Lohri: The Bonfire Festival by Parveen Kaur Dhillon
- Mata Khivi: The Superheroine by Rav Kaur
- Hair Twins by Raakhee Mirchandani
- What is a Sikh?: 20 Questions about Sikhi and the Answers by Sukhwinder Kaur Basra
- An Illustrated Introduction to Sikhi: A Beginners Guide To The Sikhi Way Of Life by Ishpal Kaur Dhillon
- Fascinating Folktales of Punjab by Gurmeet Kaur
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 the story, create a narrative storyboard that includes important details from the beginning, middle and end of the story.
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. The Creator has each animal from the story.
Requirements: 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 Sikhism 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 illustrate the plot of a Sikh story.
This example is about the story of Guru Nanak and the Boulder of Panja Sahib, which today is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism.
There are many other engaging books and stories that introduce students to different aspects of being a Sikh and the various beautiful traditions, stories and holidays in Sikhism. Here are some suggestions:
- My First Sikh Books by Parveen Kaur Dhillon
- Gurpreet Goes to Gurdwara: Understanding the Sikh Place of Worship by Harman Singh Pandher
- The Guru Inside Me Says by Ratika Seehra
- Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon by Simran Jeet Singh
- Ajooni the Kaurageous: Ajooni Stands Up to the Dragon by Amarpreet Kaur Dhami
- The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar
- Let's Celebrate Vaisakhi! (Punjab's Spring Harvest Festival) by Ajanta Chakraborty
- What is a Patka? by Tajinder Kaur Kalia
- Joora by Deep Kaur
- Vaisakhi by Deep Kaur
- Lohri: The Bonfire Festival by Parveen Kaur Dhillon
- Mata Khivi: The Superheroine by Rav Kaur
- Hair Twins by Raakhee Mirchandani
- What is a Sikh?: 20 Questions about Sikhi and the Answers by Sukhwinder Kaur Basra
- An Illustrated Introduction to Sikhi: A Beginners Guide To The Sikhi Way Of Life by Ishpal Kaur Dhillon
- Fascinating Folktales of Punjab by Gurmeet Kaur
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 the story, create a narrative storyboard that includes important details from the beginning, middle and end of the story.
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. The Creator has each animal from the story.
Requirements: 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 Sikh Stories
Introduce Sikh stories through a classroom read-aloud
Select a grade-appropriate Sikh storybook and read it aloud to your class, using expressive voices and pauses to keep students engaged. Reading aloud helps students connect emotionally and builds understanding of Sikh traditions through storytelling.
Facilitate a class discussion about the story’s themes
Ask students open-ended questions about the story’s message, characters, and cultural elements. Encouraging discussion allows students to share their thoughts and deepens their comprehension of Sikh values.
Guide students to compare Sikh traditions with their own
Invite students to share traditions or celebrations from their own backgrounds and compare them with those described in the Sikh story. Making connections fosters respect for diversity and personalizes the learning experience.
Encourage students to illustrate their favorite scene
Have each student draw a scene from the Sikh story that resonated most with them, then write a short sentence explaining their choice. Visualizing stories supports memory and helps students express their understanding creatively.
Display student work to celebrate learning about Sikhism
Create a classroom display featuring students’ story illustrations and reflections. Showcasing work builds pride, reinforces learning, and encourages ongoing curiosity about world religions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sikh Stories
What are some easy Sikh stories for middle school students?
Easy Sikh stories for middle schoolers include tales like Guru Nanak and the Boulder of Panja Sahib, Fauja Singh Keeps Going, and The Guru Inside Me Says. These books introduce Sikh values, culture, and history in a way that's engaging and age-appropriate.
How can I use Sikh stories to teach about world religions?
You can use Sikh stories to help students visualize Sikh holidays, customs, and beliefs. Assigning activities like narrative storyboards or illustrations encourages students to connect with the material and understand Sikhism in a concrete way.
What is the story of Guru Nanak and the Boulder of Panja Sahib?
The story of Guru Nanak and the Boulder of Panja Sahib recounts how Guru Nanak miraculously stopped a large boulder from harming him with the touch of his hand, leaving his handprint on the stone. This site is now one of Sikhism's holiest places.
What are some recommended books for teaching Sikhism in grades 6-8?
Recommended books for teaching Sikhism in grades 6-8 include Gurpreet Goes to Gurdwara, The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh, Hair Twins, and An Illustrated Introduction to Sikhi. These offer accessible stories and cultural insights for students.
How do I create a storyboard activity based on a Sikh story?
To create a storyboard activity, have students break the Sikh story into 3-5 key scenes (beginning, middle, end), then illustrate each scene with characters and important plot details. This visual approach helps reinforce comprehension and engagement.
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