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Welcome to the first issue of the Middle Way Education newsletter! This issue, we're sharing some educational resources to help you gear up for the school year ahead—whether you're a teacher, a parent, or you just want to find out what our website has to offer. First, a letter from our executive director, Noa Jones.

Letter from the Executive Director

As many of you know, Middle Way Education is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create pathways for traditional Buddhist wisdom and knowledge to enhance modern education for the benefit of this and future generations. MWE is guided by the vision of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche as well as wisdom lineage holders, teachers, and masters from all different traditions.

The breadth of Khyentse Rinpoche's vision is beyond ordinary imagination. I remember back in 2001, Rinpoche announced that Buddhist education for children was one of his top five priorities. It's taken a very long time for the seed of that aspiration to start bearing fruit and it is a great pleasure to be part of it.

We have two main methods to carry out our mission: The MWE Website; and the Middle Way School (MWS), which we helped launch in Upstate New York as a model Buddhist School. All of the research and development happening there is fed by and back to Middle Way Education and onto the MWE site.

It's my sincere hope that we have created a sound and useful platform for parents and teachers who wish their children to benefit from the dharma. We are forever grateful to site manager Claire Zimmerman for the clarity and hard work she has poured into Middle Way over these past two years. She selected a few resources to give you a sense of what we offer. We hope you are inspired and that you will continue coming back for more. We will be updating the site regularly. Spread the word!

I would like to dedicate this issue to Michael Chender, who was a longtime member of the Board of Directors for Khyentse Foundation, a committed father and practitioner, who long ago proposed that an online resource for Buddhist parents be established.

With deep appreciation to all of the KF donors who helped make this happen,

–Noa Jones
MWE Executive Director

Resources

Tea for Teachers: A Lesson Plan from the Middle Way School

This lesson guides students toward the practice of offering in a fun and engaging way.

Establishing a Daily Rhythm, by Alaya Preschool

Establishing a good daily rhythm in a classroom offers consistency, structure, and support for both kids and educators. Here's how it's done at Alaya Preschool.

Talking to Kids about Cause and Effect

In this essay, parent and practitioner Summer Adams explores how to speak to young children about karma and the six realms of existence.

Why Do We Need a New Model of Education?

MWE Executive Director Noa Jones and educator Kristin Lhatso briefly summarize why a new model of Buddhist education for children is necessary.

Thinley Norbu Rinpoche on Raising Buddhist Children

An excerpt from a Q&A with Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche on a spiritual approach to raising Buddhist children.

Events from the MWE Calendar

Zen Kids, September 28
New York City
A Buddhist-themed program for families to spend mindful time together in a peaceful community. Programming is mainly designed for elementary-school-aged children and their parents and guardians. These events involve the practice of meditation, the study of age-appropriate Buddhist teachings and liturgy, as well as art, music, games, and outdoor activities.

Dharma Bodhis Middle School Program, September 8
Redwood City, California
A time to explore how the dharma can support challenges and opportunities pertinent to middle schoolers through small and large group discussions, mindfulness practice, creative activities, interactive games, pizza dinner, and opportunities for community service.

Weekend Retreat for Mothers, October 4-6
Whitchurch, UK
An opportunity to focus on the gifts and challenges inherent in parenting as a context for spiritual practice. Led by Buddhist mothers and including talks, workshops and discussion, all within lightness, spaciousness and invaluable time out.

Spread the word! Please forward this email along to your friends and colleagues.

Our mailing address is:

Middle Way Education

PO Box 1321

Woodstock, NY 12498

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Middle Way Education · PO Box 1321 · Woodstock, NY 12498 · USA