Here are some resources created by Naomi Appleton and colleagues some years ago, which use stories as a way to open up discussion of key beliefs, values and traditions. They were originally posted here: http://www.storyandreligion.div.ed.ac.uk/schools/resources/

The resources are aimed at upper primary and early secondary school level, and are mapped onto aspects of the Scottish curriculum, though they should be helpful more broadly as well.

The website above also contains resources relating to Hinduism and Christianity, and some resources created by teachers suggesting ways to use stories in teaching activities, so do check it out.

Here are the resources relating to Buddhism – mostly jataka stories, hence the introductory document on jatakas too:

Stories from Buddhist traditions

Introduction to Jatakas

Beliefs

Kisagotami and the Mustard Seed

Keywords: impermanence, suffering

The Fatalist King and the Divine Sage

Keywords: karma and rebirth

Values and Issues

The Story of Prince Vessantara

Prince Vessantara Images (Powerpoint)

Keywords: generosity, non-attachment

The Story-cycle of King Shibi

Keywords: generosity, self-sacrifice, compassion

The Monkey King

Keywords: compassion, self-sacrifice, leadership

The Whats-It Tree

Whats It Tree Images (Powerpoint)

Keywords: impermanence, appearance vs reality, wisdom

The Cat and the Mice

Keywords: hypocrisy, appearance vs reality, wisdom, morality

Practices and Traditions

The Challenges of Meditation

Keywords: meditation, determination

Janaka

Keywords: renunciation, non-attachment, determination

Understanding Religion Through Story / Buddhism Teaching Resources by blogadmin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0