the six perfections

Kids never stop surprising me. We so underestimate their abilities!

One of the activities I led late in the year was to discuss the six perfections (technically called the Paramitas), a different take on the path, with similarities to the eightfold path.

I wanted to leave them some 'homework', something to think about in their holidays, and we had already discussed the eightfold path, so I thought this could be a good alternative, but I had my reservations due to its complexity.

But, they always can surprise us with their ingenuity and focus.

I thought that activity was very successful. The kids meditated on these perfections and seemed happy and motivated when we finished. 

Dana (generosity), reminds us on what the real meaning of the Christmas season should be (most of the kids are from christian families). We practice giving without expecting anything back. 

Sila: (virtue), can be developed by remembering that giving should be accompanied by virtue. 

This means that we can only give what is ours, and that choices should be mindful of waste, cost,...

  
Kshanti (patience, acceptance), can be developed when we have expectations, desires, etc, all of which cannot be met.

Virya (diligence) that I brought up, asking them to make an effort to meditate a few minutes everyday, while they were on holidays.

Dhyana: (concentration) that they would develop while they meditate

Prajna: (wisdom) that they would also develop while thy meditate.

I wish I had written the details on the session's pros and cons immediately after school. Now, a month later, I only remember the gist of it, and that I was extremely happy about the outcomes.

epilogue to 2008

2009 has started, and soon I will be teaching again.

Regrettably life was so hectic on the last couple of months last year, that I did not keep this diary up to date.

A few important things happened. The best thing was to meet Debbie in a Buddhist Council workshop. Soon after we met she volunteered to help me with the teaching. She already volunteers in another school, cares for seniors and somehow manages to maintain a family with 3 kids.

We decided to take a more structured approach this year, with a specific topic in each term.

 I also want to better engaging parents, trying to motivate them to practice with their kids at home.

I will be away, for work, for almost 4 months this year, so it is really good that Debbie will be around to cover for me.

Books recommended in the SRE workshop

I found a number of really interesting books in the last workshop organized by the NSW Buddhist council. I have not used them in class yet, but they seemed excellent.

•  The Centering Book, awareness activities for children, parents and teachers by Gay Hendricks and Russel Wills
  
• Zen Shorts by John Muth Recommended for year 1, 2 and 3.
  
• The Three Questions by John Muth
  
• Stone Soup by John Muth (I loved this one)
  
• The Prince Who Ran Away: The Story Of Gautama Buddha by Anne Rockwell (Author), Fahimeh Amiri (Illustrator)
  
• Her Father's Garden by James Vollbracht
  

books on teaching emotional intelligence

In a recent training workshop(for SRE teachers) at the Buddhist Council, its president made a point about how Buddhist Scripture is teaching in many way 'life skills' (in the lay sense. Dealing with emotions (our own and those off others), is an essential part of this training. Although these books are not Buddhist at all, I have bought a copy and now have them in the ever growing pile o things to read. If any Buddhist teachers has experience with any of these, I would appreciate your feedback.

Teaching Emotional Intelligence: Strategies and Activities for Helping Students Make Effective Choices. by Adina Bloom Lewkowicz. 2006

Fostering Emotional Intelligence in K-8 Students: Simple Strategies and Ready-To-Use Activities. by Gwen Doty. 2001

Emotional Intelligence . by Daniel Goleman. This is the book that probably coined the term and started the trend. Goleman is very well know researcher in the field of emotions.


Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships by Daniel Goleman.

Teaching Meditation to Children - new book

Teaching Meditation to Children: The Practical Guide to the Use and Benefits of Meditation Techniquesby David Fontana (Author), Ingrid Slack is a fantastic book written by experienced teachers of mediation. Not a Buddhist book but very insightful about techniques and particularly issues that appear while teaching meditation to children.
It is the type of book where I feel the urge to use a highlighter is stronger than the guilt of scratching a book (I feel this guilt, even when the book is mine).

Some of the things I highlighted:

• "Working with children in meditation lifts our spirits as well as theirs."
• "A fifth-century Buddhist monk, Buddhghosa, spoke of meditation as a training of attention"
• Preparatory rules:.. 1. Don't expect too much. 2. Never show disappointment or impatience 3. Make it clear that children are not competing with each other 4. Keep all instructions simple 5. Keep explanations simple and 6. Use appropriate tone of voice.