Lesson 1: Exploring the Story of Niiname-sai Time Allocation: 45 minutes Resources Needed: Story of Niiname-sai handout, pictures of harvest festival Introduction: Introduce Niiname-sai as a Harvest Festival celebrated in Shintoism. Development: Read and discuss the story of Niiname-sai with the students. Highlight key elements and characters. Conclusion: Summarize the story and ask students to share their thoughts and questions. Assessment: Ask students to draw a picture depicting a scene from the story of Niiname-sai.

Lesson 2: Exploring Symbols and Traditions of Niiname-sai Time Allocation: 60 minutes Resources Needed: Symbols and traditions poster, craft materials Introduction: Review the symbols and traditions associated with Niiname-sai. Development: Discuss the significance of each symbol and tradition. Engage students in a hands-on activity to create a traditional Niiname-sai decoration. Conclusion: Display the students' creations and discuss their meanings. Assessment: Ask students to write a short paragraph explaining the importance of one symbol or tradition of Niiname-sai.

Lesson 3: Connecting Niiname-sai to Students' Lives Time Allocation: 40 minutes Resources Needed: Venn diagram worksheet, pictures of students' daily activities Introduction: Discuss the concept of Niiname-sai and its relevance to nature and gratitude. Development: Have students compare and contrast Niiname-sai with their own harvest or thanksgiving traditions. Encourage them to think about the importance of gratitude in their lives. Conclusion: Share and discuss students' reflections on how they can show gratitude in their daily lives. Assessment: Review students' completed Venn diagrams to assess their understanding of the connections between Niiname-sai and their lives.

Lesson 4: Exploring Concepts of Niiname-sai Time Allocation: 50 minutes Resources Needed: Concept chart, brainstorming materials Introduction: Introduce key concepts associated with Niiname-sai, such as gratitude, abundance, and nature. Development: Brainstorm with students about what each concept means to them and how it relates to Niiname-sai. Create a concept chart together. Conclusion: Reflect on the importance of these concepts in Shintoism and in students' lives. Assessment: Ask students to write a short paragraph explaining the significance of one concept explored in the lesson.

Lesson 5: Creating Niiname-sai Artwork Time Allocation: 60 minutes Resources Needed: Art supplies, examples of Niiname-sai artworks Introduction: Show examples of Niiname-sai artwork and discuss the themes and styles. Development: Encourage students to create their own Niiname-sai artwork using a variety of materials and techniques. Conclusion: Have students share their artwork with the class and explain the inspiration behind their creations. Assessment: Assess students' artwork based on creativity, relevance to Niiname-sai themes, and effort.

Lesson 6: Role-play Niiname-sai Celebration Time Allocation: 50 minutes Resources Needed: Costumes, props, role-play scenario Introduction: Explain the traditional rituals and ceremonies of Niiname-sai. Development: Divide students into groups and assign roles for a role-play of a Niiname-sai celebration. Encourage creativity and authenticity. Conclusion: Perform the role-plays and discuss the significance of each ritual. Reflect on the experience. Assessment: Evaluate students' participation, understanding of the rituals, and creativity in the role-play.