| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | No subject |
| What topic | Japanese philosophy |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 6 |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
No subject
Japanese Philosophy
Year 6
30 minutes
20
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Philosophy | 5 mins | Briefly explain what philosophy is, focusing on Japanese philosophy. Ask students what they think philosophy involves. |
| 2 | Key Concepts Overview | 10 mins | Introduce key concepts of Japanese philosophy (e.g., Zen, Shinto, Wabi-Sabi). Use visual aids. |
| 3 | Printable Card Activity | 10 mins | Hand out printable cards to students. Instruct them to fill out the concepts they learned and their thoughts on them. |
| 4 | Discussion and Sharing | 3 mins | Facilitate a class discussion based on the cards filled out. Ask students to share insights without presenting their cards formally. |
| 5 | Collection of Cards | 2 mins | Collect the cards for review. Ensure that students feel comfortable about not presenting them if desired. |
| 6 | Conclusion and Homework | 1 min | Summarize key points of the lesson and assign homework related to researching a specific philosopher. |
This lesson plan aligns with the Australian Curriculum standards for critical and creative thinking, as well as personal and social capability, by fostering philosophical inquiry and discussion.
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we are going to dive into the fascinating world of Japanese philosophy. But first, let’s clarify what philosophy is. Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and reality.
Can anyone raise their hand and tell me what they think philosophy involves? What comes to mind when you hear the word 'philosophy'?"
(Allow students to share their initial thoughts and opinions.)
"Fantastic thoughts, everyone! Now, let’s explore some key concepts from Japanese philosophy.
The first concept we’re going to look at is Zen. Zen is all about mindfulness and being present in the moment. It teaches us to focus on our experiences rather than getting caught up in thoughts and worries.
Next, we have Shinto. This is a traditional Japanese religion that emphasizes the importance of nature and spirituality. It looks at the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Lastly, let’s discuss Wabi-Sabi. Wabi-Sabi is the appreciation of the beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of things. It teaches us to find beauty in the simple and the imperfect.
Now, let’s use some visual aids to help you understand these concepts better."
(Present the visual aids to help illustrate the concepts more clearly.)
"Now that you have an understanding of these key concepts, I’m going to hand out some printable cards for you.
On these cards, I’d like you to write down the concepts we just discussed: Zen, Shinto, and Wabi-Sabi.
After writing the concepts, I want you to add your thoughts on how these ideas might apply to our everyday lives. Take about 10 minutes to complete this activity. Ready? Let’s get started!"
(Distribute the cards and give students time to work.)
"Time’s up! Now, let’s come together as a class and discuss what you’ve written on your cards.
Who would like to share their thoughts on Zen? What did you write down?
Feel free to share your insights about any of the concepts. Remember, this is a discussion—everyone is encouraged to contribute without the need for formal presentations."
(Facilitate the discussion, encouraging participation from all students.)
"Thank you all for sharing your insights! I loved hearing your thoughts on Japanese philosophy.
Now, as we wrap up, please pass your cards to the front. Don't worry if you feel unsure about sharing them; you won’t be graded on your cards. They’re just a way for me to see what you learned today."
(Collect the cards while ensuring students feel comfortable about their contributions.)
"To conclude our lesson, let’s quickly summarize what we’ve learned today about Japanese philosophy. We explored Zen, Shinto, and Wabi-Sabi, and understood their significance in everyday life.
For homework, I’d like each of you to research one philosopher from Japanese philosophy. Please write a short paragraph about their contributions and ideas.
Great job today, everyone! I look forward to reading your research."
(Thank the students and dismiss the class.)
| Question | Answer |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------|
| What is the definition of philosophy? | |
| Can you explain the concept of Zen and how it relates to mindfulness? | |
| What role does nature play in Shinto philosophy? | |
| How does Wabi-Sabi help us appreciate imperfections in life? | |
| In what ways can Zen practice be incorporated into our daily routines? | |
| How does Shinto philosophy influence the relationship between humans and nature? | |
| Can you provide an example of Wabi-Sabi in nature or art? | |
| What are some key differences between Zen and other forms of meditation? | |
| How can understanding these concepts improve our approach to life challenges? | |
| What was the most surprising thing you learned about Japanese philosophy today? | |