Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher and teacher, left behind a wealth of teachings that are still relevant today. His teachings focus on the importance of morality, ethics, and education. Getting students engaged in his teachings can be a challenge, but with these activities, you can make it fun and informative.
1. Confucius Says:
This is a fun game that can be played in the classroom or outdoors. It’s a twist on the classic game, Simon Says. The teacher can call out Confucius says, and the students must obey the instruction only if Confucius says it. To make the game relevant to the teachings of Confucius, the teacher can give instructions related to ethics and morality.
2. A Day in The Life of Confucius:
In this activity, students take a look at what a typical day was like for Confucius. This can be done by reading brief passages from his teachings and biographical information. Then, students can create a timeline of his day. This exercise can help students understand how Confucius lived his life according to his teachings.
3. Moral Dilemmas:
This activity focuses on the ethical aspect of Confucius’s teachings. Students can be given scenarios or stories that involve a moral dilemma. They can be asked to think about what Confucius would say or do in such a situation. This exercise can help students think critically about issues of right and wrong.
4. Confucius’s Quotes:
Confucius left behind many famous quotes that are still relevant today. Students can be given one or two of his quotes and asked to interpret them. They can discuss how they relate to their own lives and why they think these teachings are important.
5. Decoding Confucius:
In this activity, students will be given a puzzle or riddle related to the teachings of Confucius. The puzzle can be anything from a word scramble to a code to be deciphered. Once students have solved the puzzle, they can be asked to reflect on what it means in terms of the teachings of Confucius.
6. Art and Confucius:
This activity allows students to express their understanding of Confucius’s teachings through art. They can create paintings, drawings, or sculptures that reflect his teachings. This activity can be done in groups or individually, and can serve as a powerful visual representation of what students have learned.
7. Role Play:
In this activity, students can take on the role of Confucius, or one of his disciples. They can be asked to act out a situation in which Confucius or his disciples were involved, such as a debate or a conversation.
In conclusion, these activities can help make Confucius’s teachings more accessible and interesting to students. They can help students understand the relevance of Confucianism in today’s world, and how they can apply his teachings in their own lives.
