INTRODUCTION

Buddhist Dharma In English is one of the mandatory subjects in the training

curriculum for monastic students in Thien Minh Buddhist Intermediate School in
District 9, Ho Chi Minh City. The entire English program includes eleven class
meetings, ninety minutes each, held weekly on fixed day.

The number of students in this class is twenty including monastic monks and
nuns. With the average ages around 18-25, they are very active in their studies. Most of
them have a very strong motivation to fully comprehend the Buddha Dharma through
English, though their four skills of English and language areas are not really well. As
the monastic traditional life, students do not have chances to daily practice English.
Taking part in this class is, therefore the precious opportunities for students to learn
how to express their thoughts about Buddhism through English. On the other hand,
students in this program need to learn Buddha Dharma in English as the necessary
preparation for their entrance exam to the undergraduate program at Vietnam Buddhism
University.

In this assignment, by using the methods of teaching such as Grammar-translation;

Audio-lingualism and Communicative Approach along with the teaching aids like
projector, laptop, speakers, microphones, black-board, chalks, papers, the current
instructors aim to help students to achieve knowledge of Buddhism through English
language as well as to improve their four English skills.

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I. LESSON PLAN

1. Topic of the lesson: DHARMA

2. Duration of lesson: 90 minutes

3. Lesson objectives:

On completion of the lesson, students will be able to:

· understand the Buddha’s core teaching, i.e. “Do good. Don’t do evil.
Purify one’s mind.”

· get the main points and details from a short reading text, give advice
with should and shouldn’t in a short dialogue based on prompts.

· be aware of what they should or shouldn’t do in accordance with the

Buddha’s teaching.

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LESSON 2 THE DHARMA
Reading Dharma
Vocabulary The Dharma, evil and good deeds
Grammar Should/should not
Listening/Speaking Suggestion and giving ideas

READING Dharma

Know what the Buddhists should do and should not do, and then
learn how to apply good deeds in daily life.

Dharma is the teachings of the Buddha. Dharma brings much

happiness and peace when we follow it. The main teachings of the
Buddha are: not to do evil, to do good, to purify one’s mind.
Not to do evil
We should not harm and kill living beings, not even just for fun.
Like us, animals do not want to get hurt.
We should not steal what is not given. People who have their money
or things stolen will be very sad.
We should not speak evil words that harm others and ourselves. We
should always tell the truth.
Those who do evil deeds will be punished in this life and hereafter.
To do good
We should respect our parents and teachers. They are ready to help
us and give us good advice.
We should help one another. Helping each other will make
everybody happy.
We should make friends with good people. They will help us to
become better people.
To purify one’s mind
We should not have greed and anger.
Greed makes your mind unpurified.
Anger makes your mind unpurified.

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VOCABULARY Dharma (n) Evil and good deeds:

Kill (v) Steal (v)

Respect (v) Help (v)
Greed (n) Tell the truth/tell a lie

A. Formation: “should”
GRAMMAR
+ Affirmative: S + should + V (bare infinitive)
+ Negative: S + should + not + V (bare infinitive)
+ Interrogative: Should + S + V (bare infinitive)
A. Usage of “should”
1. To give advice
2. To express your opinion
3. To express probability
4. To criticize past mistake

C. Usage of “shouldn’t”

LISTENING A: Hey, look. It’s fun.

(1)
B: Oh, no. What ______ ______ ______?
A: What’s wrong?
B: You (2)______ ______ that! Look, you may break its
legs!
A: Is that the big thing? It’s just a cricket and it’s
(3)
______ to see it that way.
B: But we (4)______ ______ or ______ any beings
(5)
just for fun. Like human, animals ______ ______ a
safe and happy life.
A: I guess you’re right. Maybe I (6)______ ______
______ ______ to the grass over there.
B: That’s the right thing you (7)______ ______.

Page 4 of 22
 SPEAKING A: Hey, look. It’s fun.
B: Oh, no. What are you doing?
A: What’s wrong?
B: You shouldn’t do that! Look, you may break its legs!
A: Is that the big thing? It’s just a cricket and it’s fun to
see it that way.
B: But we shouldn’t kill or harm any beings just for fun.
Like human, animals should have a safe and happy
life.
A: I guess you’re right. Maybe I should bring it back to
the grass over there.
B: That’s the right thing you should do.

PROCEDURE OF TEACHING

Step Time Activities Materials

1 7’ Warm-ups

1.1 · After greeting, T starts the lesson by dividing the Lecture slides in
whole class into two groups A and B. T shows four Appendix from
pictures on the slide and asks group A to find out no.2 to no.6
the pictures in which show for good action and asks
group B to find out the picture which shows for bad
action.

1.2 · Each group of Ss will take turn to answer the T’s

questions.

2 18’ Teaching Vocabulary

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2.1 · From the answers of activity above, T introduces the Appendix A;
topic of the lesson “Dharma” and delivers the lesson. Lecture slides in
Appendix no.7

· T shows slide in which has the word Dharma and the Lecture slides in
2.2 illustrative images to Ss to identify what is the Appendix no.8
Dharma and then asks Ss to read aloud the word:
Dharma.
Appendix B;
· T introduces the topic of the new words to learn: evil Lecture slides in
2.3 and good deeds. Appendix no. 9

Lecture slides in
Appendix from
no.10 to no.15
2.4 · T shows slide in which picture given as well as
explains definition of word that depending on
abstract word and asks Ss to guess the words (each
slide/word). After that, T corrects these words and Board and
gives model pronunciation. Then T asks Ss to repeat chalks, Lecture
in chorus first, then some Ss repeat individual. slides in
Appendix no.16
2.5 · T review words by asking some Ss to go to the board
to write down the words, while one Ss pronounce Appendix C -
depending on the slideshow and then T corrects Game papers
them.

2.6 · T asks Ss to work in pair to play the game word

search in order to consolidate the vocabulary
learning.
Lecture slides in
2.7 Appendix no.17
· T checks the result of game by asking Ss to read out
their answers and then T corrects.
2.8
· T reminds Ss the learned words and asks Ss to learn
by heart and then moves on to teach Reading.

3 18’ Teaching Reading

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3.1 · Before reading the text, T tells Ss the three benefits Lecture slides in
of silently reading. After their silently reading, T Appendix no.18
asks Ss to know if they can understand the meaning
of the text.
Lecture slides in
3.2 · T asks Ss to repeat the text after T. Then, T asks St Appendix from
to translate lesson into Vietnamese (not whole no.19 to 22
lesson, some main points).
Lecture slides in
Appendix from
3.3 · T asks Ss to finish task I, task II. After Ss finishing no.23 to 26
the tasks, T corrects and then moves on to Grammar
point.

4 20’ Teaching Grammar

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 4.1 · T introduces 3 forms of “should” with slides. Lecture slides in
Appendix no. 27

Lecture slides in
4.2 · T emphasizes form of verb that goes behind Appendix no. 28
should (bare infinitive).
Lecture slides in
Appendix from
4.3 no. 29 to 32
· T introduces 4 usages of “should” by showing
slide. On each slide, T continues to explain the
meaning of usage. T makes clear the situation in
that “should” can be used, Tasks St go to the Lecture slides in
board and write their own examples and read out. Appendix no. 33

4.4

· T continues with the usage of “should not” by Lecture slides in

Appendix no. 34
introducing the circumstance that “should not”
can be used by showing example on slide. After
that, T asks St to go to the board and write their Lecture slides in
4.5 own examples and read out. Appendix from
no. 35 to no. 36
· T then reviews the Grammar point by asking St to
tell what they remember the 4 usages of “should”
and then T corrects. Lecture slides in
4.6 Appendix no. 37

· T asks Ss to do the practice and quiz test by

completing the blanks and arrange the words. T
corrects the answers.
4.7

· T finishes the Grammar by giving homework and

ask Ss to hang them on next class and then T
moves on to teaching listening.

5 15’ Teaching Listening

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5.1 · T asks Ss to read silently the dialogue (with blanks) Lecture slides in
on the screen. T explains some words in the Appendix no. 38
dialogue that the Ss may not know (e.g. cricket,
human, grass).
Lecture slides in
· T then asks Ss to guess what word may come into Appendix from
5.2
the blank. T can make the guess easy by asking no. 39 to no. 41
what people often do with a cricket.
Board and
chalks
5.3 · Instead of the word itself, T can also ask Ss to guess
the part of speech of the word that may come into
the blank. T notes all the guessing of the Ss on the
board. Recorded audio
· After that, T asks Ss to look into the dialogue in
5.4 their paper and listen to the recording for the first
time. Lecture slides in
Appendix no. 42
· After the first listening, T asks Ss to check their
5.5
guessing. If all the guessing is done and correct, T
then review the listening technique, let Ss
understand how good guess can increase the
listening comprehension skill.

· T then asks Ss to listen for the second time and

5.6 complete the missing gaps if necessary. T then
review the listening technique, let Ss understand
how good guess can increase the listening
comprehension skill.

6 15’ Teaching Speaking

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 6.1 · T then asks Ss to listen to the recording the last
time. This time, T asks Ss to repeat after each
sentence, emphasizing their imitation of
pronunciation and intonation.

6.2 · T asks class to read new and difficult words on Lecture slides in
slide. Appendix no. 43
· T asks 2 or 3 pairs Ss to play role, and T corrects
6.3
Ss’ pronunciation and reminds Ss practice more at
home by teaching speaking skills (speak correctly
from the beginning, speak slowly-not quickly,
express idea not word, learn more vocabulary and
practice listening.

6.4 · T asks Ss to go to the board and perform the text

without looking at the text.

7 3’ Wrap-ups

7.1 · T reviews the main points of the lesson: vocabulary, Lecture slides in
reading, grammar, listening, speaking. Appendix no. 44

7.2 · T reminds Ss to do homework and promise to correct

in the next class.
Lecture slides in
7.3 · T says some praise words to encourage Ss to study Appendix no. 45
and then says good bye class.

II. CONCLUSION

The proposed lesson plan done with the wishes to convey learned knowledge
and consolidate as well as upgrade specialist knowledge, these instructors hope to
achieve the following targets:

Page 10 of 22
- Ss fully understand the core teaching, i.e. “Do good. Don’t do evil.
Purify one’s mind.”
- Ss comprehend the formation and clearly know when and how to use
“should” and “shouldn’t”.
- Ss practice and apply the teachings of the Buddha for their happiness
and peace.

Page 11 of 22
III. REFERENCES

Dien, Tran. (1998). Practical English Grammar Course. Ho Chi Minh: Ho Chi Minh
Publication.

Duoc, Le. (2018). Buddhist English for Dharma Learners. Ho Chi Minh: Culture Press.

Game Word Search. Retrieved from

https://www.flippity.net/ws.asp?
k=1vfEUgnQSl0tCxMGmEadgkcR58DkuclGEQPM5ENj85hU

Murphy, R. (2012). English Grammar In Use. Ho Chi Minh: Dan Tri Press.

O, Carolyn. (2008). 25 biggest mistakes teachers makes and how to avoid them.
Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press

Oli (2017). How to use should in English- English Modal Verbs.

Oxford dictionary (9th edition). Retrieved from

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/steal_?q=steal

Swan, M., & Walter, C. (2011). Oxford English grammar course. Oxford University
Press.

Thanh, Ngo., & Duoc, Le. (2010). English for Buddhist beginners. Ho Chi Minh:
Phuong Dong Publication.

Ur, P. (2012). A course in English Language Teaching. Mexico, Delhi: Cambridge

University Press.

W, JJ. (2008). How to teach listening. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Educational Limited.

W, Sue., & R, Phil. (2005). 500 Tips for TESOL. Bristish Library Cataloguing in
Publication Data. ISBN 0 7494 2409 5.

Page 12 of 22
I. APPENDICES

Appedix A - Lesson 2. Dharma

Dharma is the teachings of the Buddha. Dharma brings much happiness and peace
when we follow it. The main teachings of the Buddha are: not to do evil, to do good, to
purify one’s mind.
Not to do evil
We should not harm and kill living beings, not even just for fun. Like us, animals do
not want to get hurt.
We should not steal what is not given. People who have their money or things stolen
will be very sad.
We should not speak evil words that harm others and ourselves. We should always tell
the truth.
Those who do evil deeds will be punished in this life and hereafter.
To do good
We should respect our parents and teachers. They are ready to help us and give us good
advice.
We should help one another. Helping each other will make everybody happy.
We should make friends with good people. They will help us to become better people.
To purify one’s mind
We should not have greed and anger.
Greed makes your mind unpurified.
Anger makes your mind unpurified.

Appendix B - Vocabulary
1. Dharma /ˈdɑːrmə/ (n): Buddha’s teachings

Evil and good deeds:

2. Kill /kɪl/ (v): make sb/ sth die or take someone life

3. Steal /stiːl/ (v): take something what is not given

Irregular verb: Steal - stole - stolen

4. Respect /rɪˈspekt/ (v) : polite behaviour towards somebody/something

5. Help /help/ (v): support somebody to do something easier

Page 13 of 22
6. Greed /ɡriːd/ (n) : a strong desire for more wealth, possessions, power, etc. than a
person needs

Greedy /ˈɡriːdi/ (adj) : want something more than you really need

7. Tell the truth / tell a lie (collocation): nói sự thật/nói dối

Appendix C - Game Word Search

G R D H A W Z

R E H E L P P
E S A U A G S
E P R K O G T
D E M A I L E
G C A M E L A
X T F G V M L

Clues: Giúp đỡ kính trọng tham lam

Giết hại pháp trộm cắp

Lecture slides

Page 14 of 22
S S
li li
d d
e e
1 4

S S
li li
d d
e e
2 5

S S
li li
d d
e e
3 6

Page 15 of 22
S S
li li
d d
e e
7 1
0

S S
li li
d d
e e
8 1
1

S S
li li
d d
e e
9 1
2

Page 16 of 22
S S
li li
d d
e e
1 1
3 6

S S
li li
d d
e e
1 1
4 7

S S
li li
d d
e e
1 1
5 8

Page 17 of 22
S S
li li
d d
e e
1 2
9 2

S S
li li
d d
e e
2 2
0 3

S S
li li
d d
e e
2 2
1 4

Page 18 of 22
S S
li li
d d
e e
2 2
5 8

S S
li li
d d
e e
2 2
6 9

S S
li li
d d
e e
2 3
7 0

Page 19 of 22
S S
li li
d d
e e
3 3
1 4

S S
li li
d d
e e
3 3
2 5

S S
li li
d d
e e
3 3
3 6

Page 20 of 22
S S
li li
d d
e e
3 4
7 0

S S
li li
d d
e e
3 4
8 1

S S
li li
d d
e e
3 4
9 2

Page 21 of 22
S
li
d
e
4
3

S
li
d
e
4
4

S
li
d
e
4
5

Page 22 of 22