Title: My "Women of Jodo Shinshu" Book

Grade Level: K, 1, 2

Keywords: Jodo Shinshu, Craft

Objective:

• After this lesson, the student will be able to recall one of the names and one fact about the Women of Jodo Shinshu

Materials:

• Women of Jodo Shinshu.doc. (Below).

• 3 sheets of construction paper (8.5 x 11 inches; any color) for each student. These form the pages of the book.

• Glue

• Scissors

• Hole punch

• Ribbon or yarn to keep the pages together

Preparation:

• Cut construction paper into quarters

• Make enough copies of the "Women of Jodo Shinshu.doc" sheets for each student

• Cut the construction paper into quarters

• For Kindergarten, there's a version that doesn't require filling in the blank.  

• Construct  one  complete book to show as an example.

Method:

1. Opening Gassho

2. Start with a brief intro about Shinran and then explain how there were also important women in Buddhism such as his wife, and his daughter.

3. Introduce the topic by showing the students a finished book. 

4. Pass out materials

5. The students cut out the wording and the pictures and glue them to the pages. Words on the left; pictures on the right. 

6. The students write the title page. If time permits, they can decorate as desired.

7. Punch holes and bind the book with ribbon or yarn. 

8. Review the complete book with students by reading through some of the books. Ask questions.

9. Closing Gassho

Evaluation:

• During Review, make sure that the students know at least one fact about one of the women of Jodo Shinshu.

Note:

• This can be modified for upper grades by:

  • •  Having the students write the text (in their own handwriting) and expanding on the text. 

    • Create a timeline page with the major life events. Include world history events (provide date & text for them)

    • Create a page with each person's name for their corresponding section.

    • Instead of review, have students pair up, and do rock-paper-scissors and the winner asking a question about the Women first. Then the other person asks a question about the Women next.

  • This is based on the 2024 FDSTL Conference "Ladies of Jodo Shinshu" Biographies.

Author:

Julie Sueyoshi, sjbc.at.sjbetsuin.com, San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 2024