Unit 3: Lesson 4

 

UNIT

3

Rice and Spice

LESSON 4: Spirituality, myths and legends
 

This lesson plan introduces the cultural and religio-political significance of rice and spices in Southeast Asian society and culture. Students will examine agricultural rites that are conducted to ensure bountiful rainfall and harvest, and as an homage to rice. They will also examine the roles that rice and certain spices such as cardamom play in ceremonies, including the role of rice in religious offerings and funereal rites.

Subject History / Social Studies
Topic What is the cultural and religious significance of rice in Southeast Asia?
Key idea There are many myths and rituals centering on rice. Elders are an important source of knowledge of local
rituals, belief systems, and histories.
Key concepts Agricultural rites
Cosmology
Healing
Rituals and offerings
Royal intercessions
Spirituality
Symbolism
The divine, spirit and ancestors
Level Lower secondary
No. of periods / lessons 1 period  (1 period is approximately 50 minutes)
Facilities needed Sources and handouts for distribution
Prerequisite knowledge Students should have covered Lesson 1: Introduction to rice cultures.


Learning objectives
By the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ATTITUDES
  1. Describe some of the agricultural rites practiced by various ethnic groups in Southeast Asia.
  2. Explain how religion supports rice cultivation.
  3. Explain how such rites and rituals foster social relations among kin and community.
  1. Engage in the analysis of various sources
    and draw inferences about the significance
    of rice in Southeast Asia culture.
  1. Recognize the importance of rice for many groups of people in Southeast Asia.
  2. Appreciate the commonalities across the various ethnic groups in the region.
  3. Recognize that the elderly have important
    and relevant knowledge to share.
Download lesson plan and materials
Download presentation for the class

 Structure

Download the lesson plan for details on the talks and activities suggested below.

1. Teacher’s introduction

The teacher explains that in Southeast Asia, rice carries tremendous cultural and religious significance. Special rites and rituals are performed at different stages of rice production.

2. Hook activity: Think-pair-share

A mock combat is performed to symbolize evil spirits being expelled
from the rice fields. Then teacher asks students to discuss on questions in pair and answer in handout.

3. Group work

Each group of students studies sources that illustrate the cultural and religious significance of rice for different people in Southeast Asia.

4. Conclusion

The teacher illustrates how elderly members in communities often have important and relevant knowledge to share. Their stories, accounts and points of view are also
important in helping historians understand history.

5. Suggested home extension activities

  • Students interview a senior family member about the rites and rituals centered around rice in their communities. They should use the guiding questions in the table on the Home Extension Activity.
  • Students learn about rites and rituals from their family members, then reflect how the rites and rituals are similar or different from the ones they have learned about during the lesson.
Quiz Yourself (for teacher)
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