Class Puzzle

Title: Class Puzzle

Status: SUBMITTED

Grade Level: PK, K

Keywords: Acceptance, Interdependence/Interconnectedness, Emptiness

Objective:

• The student will know that we are all interdependent,  interconnected and accepted by Amida Buddha.

Materials:

• Blank puzzle pieces or a template to make. Cut or separate the pieces.  Blank puzzles are available on Amazon, Staples and Michaels.

• Colored markers and/or pencils

• Double sided tape or glue if the pieces will be permanently affixed.

• Poster board (or other hard paper surface) that is larger than the completed puzzle if the pieces will be permanently affixed.

• Temporary adhesive if the pieces will be temporarily affixed.

Preparation:

• If needed, trim the poster board to the appropriate size

• Separate out the puzzle pieces

Steps:

1. Ask the students if they know what it means to be accepted and loved by the Buddha just as they are.

2. Do they think they will still be accepted even though sometimes they are: angry, needy, or ignorant?

3. Pass out a puzzle pieces (1 per student). Have the students draw their face and/or what their talent or hobby is on a puzzle piece. The teacher writes the student's name on the puzzle piece.

4. Have the students put the puzzle together.

5. If desired, put temporary adhesive or glue on the backs of the puzzle pieces, and adhere to the poster board to hang the completed puzzle in the classroom 

6. Review how everyone is accepted and respected by the Buddha no matter what they look like, etc. and that we should try to be like the Buddha and accept, understand and respect all even those that look different than us.

Evaluation:

• During the review step, ask the students what they found memorable.

Note:

There are elementary aged and high school aged  versions of this lesson.

Author:

Southern District, Presented at the 2025 FDSTL Conference.