Comparing and Contrasting Buddhism/Confucianism/Taoism Through Art and Culture
1. Rationale:
Part of the 6th grade California State Standards are for the students to learn about Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism from their origins, teachings, and culture. (HSSCS.6.5.5 & HSSCS.6.6.3) The student study much of this in their History class, therefore, my unit lesson is designed to be taught around the same time to further the students' knowledge. Prior to this English lesson, the students will have been learning about ancient China and its religions during History class. During the course of this unit, the students will practice researching credible sources, citing their information, while using technology. They will work on comparing and contrasting the information from different genres (stories, poems, and art) and writing their reflections over an extended period of time. In addition, they will practice collaboration while working in groups and presenting. Students also have prior knowledge of finding credible sources.
(All standards below.)
2. Skill and content objectives:
Objectives:
-Students will work in collaborative groups to find stories, poems, and/or art based on their given Chinese philosophy (religion).
-Students will use the Internet to research their topic and find credible sources for information on the piece/artifact they choose.
-Students will use present their artifact as a team for the class.
-Students will use a graphic organizer to write down information they hear during presentations.
-Students will compare and contrast the three philosophies during writing workshop. In this extended writing time, students will work independently to use their gathered information, write, and revise.
Standards:
HSSCS.6.5.5 Know the life and moral teachings of Buddha and how Buddhism spread in India, Ceylon, and Central Asia.
HSSCS.6.6.3 Know about the life of Confucius and the fundamental teachings of Confucianism and Taoism.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting.
Apply grade 6 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres [e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories] in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics").
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Lesson Plans & Rubrics attached
