[Brigid Schmidt]

Thanks for sharing these PDFs and the videos. Overall, I think I also thought of Buddhism as one the PDF stated as "Modern Buddhism. I knew it comprised of teaching love and compassion and promoting non-violence, however, I just assumed that meditation was part of the origins. It was interesting to read about the origins or Korean, Japanese, and Chinese Buddhism and to realize their differences. This would be really interesting to break my students into three groups and have each group read and research one of the three and have the groups teach the other students about their assigned country's sect of Buddhism. As a class discussion we can compare and contrast the three different countries. I like this idea because I could even do it while teaching online by use of breakout rooms. It could also be a change from writing to oral presenting and discussion. 

A few years ago I traveled to Thailand and Korea with my sister and we saw two very different looking buddhas. I was surprised by this and took pictures to compare them. Looking back at them, I noticed the Thailand Buddha statues are not the traditional "fat" Buddha. Even though the statues had temples that were large and grand, it was not the buddha that I pictured in my mind. However, when I later went to Korea, the buddha looked a little more like the images in my head. 

[Brigid Schmidt]

Growing up in a military family, this period of Warrior Japan is interesting to me. This time focused on ritual, rules, and loyalty. I was surprised to learn that military families dominated this time period and that military leaders overpowered the emperors. I am very much a rule follower and like people (and students) to abide by the rules, which I am guessing is due to my upbringing. However, too much regiment and structure is not always good. We all need to have some flexibility. Even their tea ceremonies were regimented and a ritual. This allows for people to know exactly what is expected and what is going to happen. I could definitely relate this to the classroom or even to my Zoom classes with my students. I sent out a letter of expectations for how to behave and act during my Zoom classes so my students know what is expected of them and what repercussions they will have if the rules are not followed. I will admit to being lenient, however, especially during quarantine. One this from this lecture that would really interest my students is the use of castles. The lecture talks about the Lords building extreme castles in the mountains to defend themselves during the civil war. I know my students would enjoy looking at pictures of the castles and even researching the styles and details about them.

[Brigid Schmidt]

I have been diligently grading my 6th grade students' Silk Road Journals. This was a cross curricular assignment, so I was not in their history class as they were learning everything about the Silk Road and the time period. Being new to the 6th grade curriculum in general, I often had to ask my partner teacher more about it. After listening and reading these Chinese philosophies, I have gained a much better understanding. I am impressed that so many of my students wrote that they met people who were Buddhist and taught them about their religion (giving examples.) Others wrote that they shared their Chinese philosophies with people from other regions. They went in-depth explaining Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, and Legalism. When I began grading I was more focused on the grammar and vocabulary. However, now that the information is more familiar to me, I feel I understand their "journeys" so much more. I am more confident in the comments I write on their journals and am better engaged in their stories and the places they visit. Next year when teaching this, it will be much easier for me to answer their questions and I am now looking forward to it, rather than being a bit confused. I am excited to keep learning more. 

[Brigid Schmidt]

Part of the reason I wanted to take this class was because I find it interesting to learn about countries' origins. What were the countries like that long ago, what similarities or traditions still exist? I am not surprised to hear that the Japanese people do not want to say that they descend from Koreans. However, you can see the similarities in their dress and early culture. It is fascinating to learn about the communication the different cultures had at this time. I was intrigued by the images of the boats. There is evidence of Chinese vistors and they have writing from the Wa dynasty from the Chinese. The lecture stated there was only evidence of a written language from the Chinese at this time and not the Japanese cultures. I wonder why that is. However, the Chinese learned ways of making things like bronze bells from the Japanese. I would love to have my students do more research on this prehistoric time in Japan and see if they can discorver any more. Maybe I could have them write an informational essay or even a compare and contrast to today's Japanese life. 

[Brigid Schmidt]

I was thinking of a similar idea to yours: having my students choose who they are from the time period and write a historical narrative. This is a similar lesson to what my 6th graders did for the Silk Road project. I gave them all a name and description of who they were and they had to write at least 4 journal entries about what life was like as they went on their journey traveling the Silk Road. They had to describe who they encountered, what they saw, the geography, weather, and hardships they went through. Having the students view these slides and giving them the designation of a ruler, peasant, or an artisan and then have them write about their life and the importance of the artifacts related to their character would really help them explore what life might have been like for the people of the time. Not only would they be learning about the culture, class system, and time period, but they would be working on narratives and creative writing. 

[Brigid Schmidt]

As a legalist, it is hard for me to imagine why anyone would break the law, let alone my own parents. As a child, they put in place rules for me, so how are rules or laws hard for them to follow now? Perhaps they are just being selfish and living in the past. While I am saddened that my parents have done this, I cannot defend their actions. The laws apply to everyone. Without these laws, there would be utter chaos. 

[Brigid Schmidt]

It was interesting that even though other people could not find this utopian place, they still believed him. History shows us cultures are able to have blind faith, believing without seeing. I question what people in today’s society would do in this situation. Did people just hope so badly for a perfect, wonderful place that they were able to believe in this take?

[Brigid Schmidt]

The video of the town filled with dolls and no children (just a few people left in the village) was very despressing. It is sad to think about towns that are dying out. With a town so small, how do the remaining people even make money to live? Who will take care of those people as they continue to get older? You are right, Cynthia, people could benefit from opening more senior care facilities. I wonder if there are enough health care professionals to handle the growing need?

[Brigid Schmidt]

It is intersting to learn about the decreasing birth rates in Asia, especially after knowing a few people who came from China and are only children because that is all their parents were allowed to have. I am from a large family with 8 siblings, so not having any siblings seems strange to me. I do think that less people are having children because of the cost though too. My parents live in Michigan and both worked good jobs to be able to support a large family, however, the cost of living here is so much greater. My siblings and I have all talked about not being able to afford more than 2-4 children. Additionally, many people push back the age to start having children due to money. This means their liklihood of having multiple children is fewer. Who is taking care of those adults when they are older if they don't have children? That is my fear. 

[Brigid Schmidt]

Hello! My name is Brigid Schmidt-Mello. I teach 6th and 8th grade English at Paul Revere Middle School in Brentwood. This is my 4th year teaching, although my first year as a Middle School teacher. I perviously worked in elementary and as an art teacher. I am from Michigan and avidly follow Michigan and Detroit sports. (Go Blue!) My husband and I are runners and love to travel. See you all soon! 

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