Jataka Tales

            As of next academic year, I will be in my third year of teaching World History Part One according to the Massachusetts’ frameworks.   I teach at Shrewsbury Oak Middle School in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts located just outside of Worcester, Massachusetts. Within the schedule on a team with three other teachers, we have the luxury of teaching an extra course for enrichment.   I plan on introducing Buddhism through the use of the Jataka Tales.   Students at the 8th grade level enjoy working in pairs and groups and especially enjoy reading new material in groups where they can analyze the material together.   A graphic organizer on the link page will help to keep the pairs and groups organized in understanding the Jataka Tales. A description of Jakata Tales is included as well. The students will read the Jataka Tales and identify the moral message in the lessons included on the website.   Following the Jataka Tales, I will teach the life of the Buddha.