As part of the Yoo first grade class’s study of Korean culture, the students took a field trip to the Won Buddhist Temple/Community Center in Glenside. “Although Koreans are religiously diverse, Buddhism is historically important to Korean culture and this trip is an opportunity for students to be exposed to the cultural aspects of Buddhism,” explains first-grade teacher Claire Yoo. “Part of our work in teaching about cultural diversity includes learning about religion as a form of cultural expression.”
Inside the temple, the children removed their shoes and sat on the floor as in Korean custom. They learned about Buddhist beliefs and had an opportunity to practice various types of guided meditation, including sitting, walking and drinking tea, and were able to examine the similarities and differences between Buddhist meditation practices focused on clearing the mind and GFS’s weekly Meeting for Worship, attending to one’s inner light.
“Field trips are an important part of our studies, offering learning opportunities outside of the classroom in different environments with diverse people,” says Yoo.