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English Language Arts

Tales from South Asia

Grades 3-5
5 lessons

Unit Overview

This unit introduces grades 3–5 students to classic stories from ancient India that teach timeless lessons about friendship, perspective, and moral wisdom.

Each lesson connects reading and discussion to students’ own experiences through “Connect to Your Life” reflection questions and optional art or teamwork extensions. Collectively, the unit encourages empathy, curiosity, and ethical reflection while introducing foundational stories from ancient India in a developmentally appropriate format.

Lesson Plans (PDF):

  • The Blind Men and the Elephant
  • The Four Friends
  • The Lion and the Mouse
  • The Three Teachings of Praja-pati
  • The Lion and the Mouse

Supplemental Materials (PDF):

  • The Blind Men and the Elephant
  • The Four Friends
  • The Lion and the Mouse
  • The Three Teachings of Praja-pati
  • The Lion and the Mouse

Lesson Slides (Slides)

  • Lesson 1 — What is Hindu Dharma?
  • Lesson 2 — Hindu Foundation Concepts
  • Lesson 3 — Understanding Social Structures in Ancient Hindu Societies
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English Language Arts

Unit 1

Grade Level: 3-5
Overview of this Unit
This unit introduces grades 3–5 students to classic stories from ancient India that teach timeless lessons about friendship, perspective, and moral wisdom.
Each lesson connects reading and discussion to students’ own experiences through “Connect to Your Life” reflection questions and optional art or teamwork extensions. Collectively, the unit encourages empathy, curiosity, and ethical reflection while introducing foundational stories from ancient India in a developmentally appropriate format.

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