Confucianism Jigsaw

Purpose: Prior to this lesson, students have learned the basic beliefs of Confucianism and its effect on Ancient Chinese
society from the readings in the book. Based on what the writings that were collected from Confucius and compiled into
The Analects, students can gain a better understanding of what he stood for and deemed important during the period
when he was alive, and what he believed was necessary for human progress: virtue, kindness, education, respect for
elders and superiors, and trust.
Learning Goal:
Students will be able to describe in more detail the main ideas of Confucianism after examining Confucius
words taken from The Analects.
Students will be able to apply their knowledge to China now, as well as compare and contrast main beliefs to
other world religions theyve learned about throughout the year.
After viewing a short clip, students will be able to describe Confucius legacy on China.
Materials:
Quote on the board to exemplify and establish activity
Poster board for Puzzle Pieces
Worksheet with quotes and space to write in thoughts

Lesson:
1. First, be check for understanding on Confucianisms main ideas that were learned in the previous lesson. If
youre finding that students do not understand or cannot recall from last lesson then return to page 169-170 or
notes to review information. (10mins)
2. Watch Confucius: Mini Biography ~3:00 mins Confucius- Mini Bio
3. What you do not done to yourself, do not do to others Confucius The Analects
Have the quote above written on the board. (5 mins)
Work through the meaning and see if we can put it into our own words or draw it or give it a scenario. By doing
this activity we give students the opportunity of how to look at a quote and put it into their own words. This will
assist with the next part of the lesson. Explain what the Jigsaw is:
Students are in groups. There are puzzle pieces for each group. Each group will need to assemble their
puzzle to find out what their message is.
Each group will be given 3 mins to discuss and decide on a meaning for the quote.
One member from each group will then leave and create a new group where they will need to teach
their new group the meaning of the quote that they came up with.
When finished, the worksheet should be filled out and the class will continue by watching a clip about
Confucius legacy.
4. Have groups do puzzle to find out what quote they have and dissect it to find a meaning that they could put into
their words. (2-3 mins)
5. Students receive worksheet that has all quotes that were on the puzzles passed out and write their own
interpretation on their own quote. (3mins)
6. Students Jigsaw into new groups and explain what they found. Students then write what they heard on their
own sheet of paper. (15-17mins)
7. Watch Confucius: Death and Legacy ~3:30mins Confucius-Death and Legacy
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References:
Glaros, Lauren. Lesson Plan on China. Columbus, OH: The Ohio State University, n.d. PDF.
http://ncta.osu.edu/lessons/china/religion/glaros-ch.pdf
Confucius. "Confucius Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. Mar. 2014.
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The Wise Words of Confucius
Quotes by Confucius Lesson to be learned and in the your own words!
*Ex: Give a scenario, draw it, describe it, or re-word it.
*Think: Does it relate to any of the main ideas written in notes?
Before you embark on a journey of
revenge, dig two graves.

Forget Injuries, never forget kindness.

Have no friends not equal to yourself.

It does not matter how slowly you go so
long as you do not stop.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone
sees it

To see what is right, and not to do it, is
want of courage or of principle

He who exercises government by means of
his virtue may be compared to the north
polar star, which keeps its place and all the
stars turn towards it.

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Debrief
1. Can you find any similarities between Confucian Main Ideas and the other religions that weve
learned about (Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism)? Explain.

2. Why is it debated whether or not Confucianism is a religion (p. 169)?


Confucius- Death and Legacy Clip
3. What legacy did Confucius leave? Do people in China today still follow the main ideas of
Confucianism?


Quick Review
4. T or F: Confucius wanted to return of the faith and practices of the past.
5. T or F: Confucius wanted to return to ethics and practices, so that people would know their proper
roles in society.
6. T or F: Confucianism promotes the idea that reward for good behavior is life in heaven.
7. T or F: Being loyal and respectful to family and performing sacrifices to ones ancestors are main
practices of devoted Confucians.
8. T or F: Confucius was known as a respected teacher.
9. T or F: Confuciuss ideas have become the dominant beliefs in China.