Children Dharma Class – Create Your Own Masterpiece
20th of February marked the 2nd Children Dharma Class for the first semester of 2022. At the beginning of the class, the students and teachers went into the Main Shrine to join Sunday dharma function. Chanting of Lu Xiang Zhan爐香讚 helps the students to have better concentration and understand more about Buddhism chanting. The chanting also help the students to calm their mind before starting the class.
After the joining the first part of the Dharma Function, the class was continued with the chanting of Xi Fa Pu Ti Xin悉發菩提心that was led by teacher Thomas and Lisa. This is a regular activity that is carried out in every children dharma class to implant Bodhi seeds in the young students.
The class was took over by teacher Gwen for the arts and crafts session. Most of the students felt excited because this is the first art and craft session resuming from the lock down last year. Teacher Gwen drew out an outline of the owl step by step so that the students can follow easily. She gave out different collage materials such as colour papers and match sticks so that the student can glue them onto the drawing. There were many variations of the owl created by the students. This session was aimed to train their concentration and willingness to share tools with each other.
At the end of the class, each student finished their own collage of the animal, some of them used colouring pencils while others utilised the glue with other materials. Students also helped to tidy up the room. They brought their own masterpiece to home and showed to their parents. Each artwork is unique as this can reflect their unique personality. The class was ended with a morning tea session that helps to encourage sharing and interactions between the students.