This week on the 26th of September, the 6th online children dharma class was held focusing on art and craft. 15 children aged between 5 to 11 attended the class. It was a fun-filled class, the students were lively, and everyone was engaging. The students were busying away with their origami fish along with some coloured papers, scissors, and felt tip markers at hand.
This class was led by Gwen, Jane, and Yvonne, with Thomas assisting as technical support. Thomas started the class started with the chanting of Xi Fa Pu Ti Xin（悉发菩提心）to implant Bodhi seeds and faith in these young students. Gwen has then led the class with origami fish making. Despite not being able to be with the students in person, Gwen guided the students by patiently making the origami fish. Each step was demonstrated clearly, which made it easier for the students to follow, ensuring that everyone was on the same page before moving on to the next step. The students were delighted with the origami making session. Emmeline, a student, mentioned that making the fish, seaweed, and bubbles was perfect and fabulous.
Next, the students listened to Bodhi Light Tales 29: Nothing to Give by Venerable Miao Guang. The children learned from this podcast about the concept that not all things take place in a physical form or could be seen with the naked eye and the importance of accepting things without needing to hold on to them physically. This lesson is an essential concept for children to grasp as we tend to accept the visually present things for us. However, there are many more treasures in this universe that are shapeless and formless. If we can manage to believe or feel it with our hearts, things like love, emotions or gratitude can all be essential parts of life that can nurture and make life more enjoyable. They then answered some questions through Kahoot!, which the children felt excited and engaged. This activity helped them better understand Buddhism values and in a more fun and engaging way. “Kahoot! was fun, and we are happy to come to first place in the game for the first time.”
Afterwards, Gwen guided the students through completing the artwork with the origami fish being made. The students were able to express themselves freely, creating their pieces of work with creativity. Each of the students had different artworks produced, but they were all unique, beautiful pieces of work. “I am so happy to be able to see all the children shining with enthusiasm, to be able to see their delighted expressions after their artwork was done. It was the greatest achievement and the best reward we could get,” shared Jane. Everyone had a chance to work at their own pace and completing their artwork at a more relaxing and steadier pace.
To finish off, Gwen even suggested some stretches. After a long day of work, simple stretches and exercise was just something that both teachers and children needed. It brought the children together and made them leave the class feeling more refreshed and energized. Buddhism value can be spread through children dharma classes which became an essential platform for both children and teachers. It instils positive values in children, but more importantly, it helps youths grow and develop better personalities to help them in the future. “Through the chanting in class, I felt at peace with my mind and happier. We also understand that we need to control our anger and do not scold someone immediately when we are angry,” shared Raymond, the student from the class.
