Lesson Plan: "The Sermon at Benares" Class: X

Lesson Plan: "The Sermon at Benares"

Class: X
Subject: English
Topic: The Sermon at Benares (Prose)
Duration: 45 minutes
Board: CBSE

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Objectives:

1. To understand the theme and message of The Sermon at Benares.
2. To explore the teachings of Gautama Buddha on the impermanence of life and overcoming grief.
3. To enhance comprehension, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
4. To develop the ability to relate the text to real-life experiences.

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Materials Required:

• NCERT Textbook (First Flight)
• Whiteboard/Smartboard
• Markers or pens
• Handouts with discussion questions
• Audio-visual aids (optional: short video or PPT on Buddha’s teachings)

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Lesson Flow:

1. Introduction (5 minutes)
Objective: Engage students and provide context.

• Greet students and introduce the topic of The Sermon at Benares.
• Start with a thought-provoking question: “How do people deal with loss or grief in different ways?”
• Briefly introduce Gautama Buddha and his journey to enlightenment.
• Mention the significance of the sermon delivered at Benares and its teachings.

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2. Reading and Explanation (15 minutes)
Objective: Comprehend the text and its central ideas.

• Guided Reading:
• Read aloud the excerpt from the NCERT textbook. Encourage student participation in reading.
• Explanation of Key Events and Ideas:
• Kisa Gotami’s Story: Her grief over the death of her son.
• The Lesson on Impermanence: Buddha’s teaching on the inevitability of death and the need to accept it.
• Buddha’s Teaching: How to overcome sorrow through understanding and detachment.

• Discussion of Vocabulary:
• Highlight and explain difficult words such as grief, lamentation, and enlightenment.

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3. Class Discussion (10 minutes)
Objective: Encourage critical thinking and reflection.

Pose the following questions for discussion:

• Why did Kisa Gotami fail to find a mustard seed from a house untouched by death?
• What does this story teach us about life and grief?
• How can we apply Buddha’s teachings to our own lives?

Facilitate an open discussion where students share their perspectives and personal experiences.

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4. Activity (10 minutes)
Objective: Reinforce learning through creative engagement.

• Group Activity:

• Divide the class into small groups.
• Assign each group to create a short skit or dialogue based on the story’s theme.
• Groups will present their work to the class.

Alternatively, ask students to write a short reflection on how they deal with challenges or grief in their own lives.

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5. Conclusion (5 minutes)
Objective: Summarize key points and connect to real life.

• Recap the main teachings of The Sermon at Benares.
• Conclude with a reflective statement: “Life is full of challenges, but understanding and acceptance can help us find peace.”

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Homework:

• Read the chapter again and underline key phrases.
• Write a paragraph answering the question: “How would you explain Buddha’s teachings to a friend who is grieving?”

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Assessment:

• Observe student participation during the discussion and activity.
• Evaluate the skits/reflections for understanding and creativity.
• Check homework submissions for comprehension and critical engagement.