Walking the Straight Path, Ages 13-14Course Introduction
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Stories have traditionally been a means for conveying moral concepts from one generation to the next. The Badi Foundation in Macau draws on this tradition by bringing together twenty stories from different cultures in Walking the Straight Path. Each story is relatively short and followed by a series of exercises designed to further comprehension, build vocabulary, and enhance moral reasoning. Short quotations for memorization are also provided. The book is intended to be studied by young people aged 13 to 14. (79 pages, 8 ½" x 11") Order from Development Learning Press, www.devlp.com. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Walking the Straight Path represents the Badi Foundation's contribution to the efforts of a group of associated agencies that have taken up the task of producing educational materials for junior youth. It is assumed that the young people who study it, usually at the age of 13 or 14, will have mastered the mechanics of reading and writing, will be able to read with ease, and will have begun to acquire the mental skills needed to express ideas with some degree of clarity. The book is designed to reinforce that foundation. To read with good comprehension and to use the power of expression effectively are capabilities that every young person should strive to develop. Further, if one is to live a productive and fruitful life in a world of increasing complexity, one must be able to translate high ideals and noble words into pure deeds. Specifically, youthful minds must be given the tools needed to recognize the moral issues underlying the choices they make. Textbooks in the area of language lend themselves readily to the development of this important capability. Traditionally, stories have been used as a means of transmitting moral concepts from one generation to the next. This volume brings together twenty stories from several different cultures, each with a universal theme. Many of the stories are well known and have been recounted in numerous ways. In this sense, they belong to the heritage of humankind. They are told here in a way that, while teaching concepts related to moral development, accommodates exercises in language skills. The book is intended to be studied by youth in small groups, with the assistance of tutors. All twenty lessons adhere to the same format. The story in each is complemented by a series of comprehension questions, which are, in turn, followed by an exercise in vocabulary. Each lesson then presents a question for group discussion and ends with a short quotation for memorization. It is important for the tutor to bear in mind that the lessons should not be over-worked. The youth should read the stories and carry out the exercises relatively quickly. If the tutor belabors the exercises, trying to accomplish too much, the lessons will become monotonous and boring. They are best studied at a sprightly pace, in an atmosphere that gives rise to joy and thoughtful reflection. |
