Title: Shinran Shonin Scrapbook

Grade Level: K, 1

Keywords: Shinran Shonin, Scrapbook, craft

Objective:

• After this lesson, the student will be able to recall one of the key events in Shinran Shonin's life.

Materials:

• 9x12" Construction paper

• Stapler (or how ever you want to bind the pages together)

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons/markers

• Pencils

• Text sheets Book_About_Shinran_Shonin.doc (below)

Preparation:

• Cut 9x12" construction paper into quarters (4.5x6") You will need 6 pieces of paper per book.

• Staple/bind the pages together. Make sure the pages are landscape. This may be done in class if you have the stapler capable of stapling the book together and if time permits.

• Make enough copies of the text sheets for each student

Method:

1. Opening Gassho

2. Introduce the topic by showing the students a finished book. Talk about the events in Shinran Shonin's life.

3. Hand out the materials

4. Have the students write the title on the cover of the book.

5. The first block on page 1 of the text sheets is for the page 2 of the book (inside). Have the students fill in the blanks first. (Answers are on page 4 of the text) Have them cut out the text blocks page and the pictures.

6. Glue the map of Japan onto page 1 and the first block text onto page 2 of the book so that the map is on the left page and the corresponding text is on the facing right page.

7. Repeat steps 6 with a block of text and a corresponding picture to fill in the rest of the pages.

8. Page 3 of the Text sheet is a poem that Shinran Shonin wrote at age 9. Have the students cut this out and paste onto the back of the book. If you have time, discuss its importance and their thoughts.

9. Take pictures of the students with the books (if desired & time permits)

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

11. Closing Gassho

Evaluation:

• During Review, make sure that the students know at least one event in Shinran Shonin's life.

Note:

Online Modification:

This lesson may be modified by :

• Either sending all the materials ahead of time or have the parents print them out.

• Use a book on Shinran's Life or the cartoon version from the Hongwanji (available on YouTube) to tell the story of Shinran Shonin over webconferencing tool.

• Have the parents help the students the book.

• Each student should share their completed book. (or show the parts that they have completed) as review.

Author:

Julie Sueyoshi, sjbc@sjbetsuin.com, San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 2009