Group+4


 * 2009 FDSTL Conference Notes - Group 4**

**Top Five Things We Learned About Ourselves**
 * 1) Identify which distractions were disruptive
 * 2) Can set mind to chant Nembutsu to shut-out distractions
 * 3) Relationship between responsibility and control
 * 4) Raise children to have self-power/independent vs. what we shield them from

**Top Five Things Learned About Shinran**
 * 1) Lots of names; lots of transitions
 * 2) Young age – insight
 * 3) Empathetic to turmoil; sought peace
 * 4) Becoming a disciple of Honen
 * 5) Transition from Tendai order
 * Lesson Plan (Grades K-3)**
 * 1) Shinran Shonin
 * 2) Materials
 * 3) Cut-out pattern
 * 4) Scissors
 * 5) Glue
 * 6) Crayons
 * 7) Directions
 * 8) Cut out pieces of Shinran
 * 9) Paste them together on a separate sheet of paper
 * 10) Color and make background (temple, Mt. Hiei)
 * 11) Tell children the story of his life as Shinran was growing up
 * Lesson Plans (Grades 1-5)**
 * 1) “Would you Rather?” Hats
 * 2) Make a “fruit roll-up” hat on a cupcake with a pretzel walking stick
 * 3) Additional questions:
 * 4) Have a friend that’s noisy or quiet?
 * 5) Have one friend or many friends?
 * 6) Not speak or not move for one hour?
 * 7) Vacation in the jungle of the desert?
 * 8) Have $10 for you or $100 for your parents?
 * 9) Cherry blossom tree with Shinran’s poem
 * 10) Walk around temple groups like Shinran with a walking stick
 * 11) Silent time game
 * 12) Photo with student & Shinran statue – decorate the frame
 * 13) Shinran egg
 * 14) Adopt-a-bachan/jichan – send letters with photos
 * 15) Help at a homeless shelter

**Lesson Plans (Grade 6-8)**
 * 1) Practice Meditation for 5-10 minutes without talking
 * 2) Purpose: Self-control, silence
 * 3) Meditation Walk
 * 4) Purpose: Focus on recitation not to be influenced by outside forces
 * 5) Practice sitting in lotus position with deep breathing
 * 6) Purpose: Clam our mind, relaxation
 * 7) Music Meditation – soothing, peaceful (suggest Kitaro music)
 * 8) Buddhist Timelines
 * 9) Start with Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth
 * 10) Others – Seven Masters, Honen, Shinran
 * 11) Other – American historical events : ex: Pilgrims landing, Columbus, Independence
 * 12) Materials: 8 inch paper – mark 3 inches per century (Ed: maybe this should be 8 feet?)
 * 13) Students draw pictures for the the major events
 * 14) Purpose: Showing students major Buddhist events