Lesson Two - Thai History
Thai History
Lesson Focus:
This lesson will highlight the history of Thailand.
Lesson Objectives:
1. The children will learn about King Rama III and King Rama V.
2. The children will learn about Thailand’s Kite Fighting.
3. The children will make crowns and celebrate the entry of missionaries into Thailand under King Rama III. (option #1)
4. The children will make kites to fly. (option #2)
Materials Needed:
1. Thai boy Blackline Master (made into a puppet by teacher beforehand)
2. Blackline Master #3—crown (option 1)
3. Blackline Masters #4 & #5—boy and kites (option 2)
4. paper punch (option 2)
5. crayons
6. stapler
7. scissors
8. cards with children’s names (option 1)
9. small teachermade kite for boy puppet (option 2)
10. food items according to snack choice
Background for the teacher:
Thailand is the only nation in Southeast Asia that has never been a colony of a European power. Its history began with its establishment as an independent kingdom in 1238 and continues down through a long line of kings. Thailand’s rule has been historically divided into three dynasties, each being named for the location of the capital.
The Sukhothai period lasted from 1238–1350. The most famous king during this time was King Ramkhamhaeng, son of the first ruler. As a strong and successful leader, he was especially skilled in the use of war elephants. His most lasting and important achievement was to borrow the script of the Khmer people in order to create the Thai alphabet and graceful writing system. Also, Chinese artisans were brought in to teach the art of fine porcelain, Buddhist monks to visit and preach, Himayana Buddhism was put into practice, and the architectural skill of creating multi-levels of roofs, tapering to the sky, was introduced under his reign. Promoting himself to be a king to all of his people, common people were encouraged to bring their grievances to him by ringing a bell at the palace gate.
In 1350 began the Ayutthaya rule as King Ramathibodi founded a new kingdom in this new capital. Ayutthaya was built on an island at the confluence of three rivers where it lasted for 400 years. The king was successful in bringing together the Chinese, Indians, Laotian, Malay, Khmer, Burmese, Vietnamese war prisoners, and the Thai living there in the Chao Phraya basin. He established an efficient government and a system of laws. The kingdom he founded experienced the rule of 33 kings. Ayutthaya became an international crossroads with traders from China, Japan, Persia, France, Holland, Spain, England, and Portugal carrying on commerce there. Persian rugs and lamps were the décor of the palaces and monasteries as well as works of art from China and Japan. However, in 1767, the Burmese invaded and destroyed Ayutthaya and with it most of its historical records. Many of the survivors were taken prisoner to Burma. This kingdom of over a million people was reduced to approximately ten thousand survivors. A Thai general crowned King Taksin founded a new capital city across the river from modern Bangkok and spent fifteen years reviving a Thai government, driving out the remaining invaders, and unifying the people.
Modern Thai history begins with the establishment of Bangkok as the capital under General Chakri, crowned King Rama I, in 1782. He immediately had the Grand Palace built, a replica of the one in Ayutthaya, and a canal dug around the city to replicate the island setting. Under King Rama I, the Burmese were defeated once and for all. Under King Rama III (1824–1851), Christian missionaries were once again permitted to enter Thailand. Under King Rama IV (1851 –1868), better known as King Mongut, Thailand was brought into the modern era. Roads and railroads were built. Canals were dug. Young Thais were taught foreign languages. King Mongut was intensely interested in Western ideas and understood the art of diplomacy. His son Chulalongkorn, King Rama V, established schools and health centers and brought about the total abolition of all forms of slavery. His birthday is observed as a national holiday. His son Vajiravudh, King Rama VI, expanded educational opportunities and encouraged Thai people to participate in international organizations such as the Red Cross and Boy Scouts. Having no sons at the time of his death, the throne went to his younger brother Prajadhipak, King Rama VII, under who ended the 700 years of absolute monarchy in Thailand. He agreed to a limited monarchy and served under a constitution.
Since then the royal family in Thailand serves in a ceremonial and advisory capacity, much like England’s royalty. The Prime Minister heads the government. The National Assembly, which has both a Senate and an elected House of Representatives, selects the Prime Minister.
Lesson Content:
Thailand means “land of the free.” Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been a colony under another country’s rule. Thailand has had three dynasties–Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok –named for three capital cities. Two kings to take note of are King Rama III in the mid 1800s who allowed Christian missionaries into Thailand and King Rama V who established schools. Today Thailand has a government leader known as the Prime Minister selected by the National Assembly consisting of both a Senate and a House of Representatives. The king remains as Head of State.
Lesson Approach:
Invite the children to sit on the floor (Thai custom) and meet a Thai boy named Jaran. Introduce the Thai puppet (prepared by the teacher ahead of time from blackline master) that is wearing a crown. Use the following script or your own variation.
Hi, boys and girls. My name is Jaran, and I’m from Thailand. Do you remember how to say hello in Thai? Good. Please stand, bring your hands together as if to clap, and bow your head down and then up. That was great! And hello to you, too! (puppet bows) Please sit down. Do you see what I have on my head today? That’s exactly right – a crown! No, I’m not a king, but my people have had lots of kings in the past. They have helped us to stay free. In Bangkok every king is called Rama. Can you say Rama? Good! King Rama III was a king to remember because he let missionaries come to my country and tell us about Jesus. Can you sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children”(can substitute “Jesus Loves Me”) with me? I was so happy to hear that news. Jesus loves me, and He loves you, too! King Rama V was a great king also. We still celebrate his birthday on October 23. He helped start our school system.
Option #1 – First Ending
How would you like to have a King’s party? You can make a crown to wear and celebrate the news about King Rama III. Remember that he let missionaries into Thailand to tell my people about Jesus. More importantly, celebrate your King, God, who has a place for you in His kingdom in heaven. Have fun. I’d love to stay, but I have to get back and work in the rice fields. Bye.
1. Make crowns with the children. See Blackline Master #3, or design your own.
2. Ask Burger King for a classroom supply of ready-made crowns (usually free). Staple a card to each crown with appropriate title King or Queen before the child’s name. The child could add some stickers to the crown.
3. Wear the crowns at snacktime.
Option #2 – Second Ending
Say, how many of you know what this is? (The puppet boy brings out a miniature kite prepared by the teacher beforehand.) That’s right! It’s a kite. I want to tell you about kites in Thailand. We make girl kites that look like this (Blackline Master #4) and boy kites that look like this (Blackline Master #5). But the boy kites are sooooo big that it takes about 70 people to get them into the air. The boy kite has a bamboo hook on it, and it tries to capture a girl kite and land it on the boys’ side. The girl kites try to wrap their string around the boy kite and cause it to crash. We call this kite fighting and it’s a lot of fun. How would you like to make a kite to fly? I thought so! Have fun. I have to go work in the rice fields. Bye.
Make kites with the children. Choose from the ideas below or design your own. Take time to fly them outside or in the gym.
1.Use the Blackline Masters as patterns. Cut them from posterboard. The children can color on these or add stickers. Staple some crepe paper streamers for a tail and add a yarn lead.
2.Use the paper plate kite idea or the cardboard tube kite idea found in “The Mailbox”–Kindergarten, February/March 1998 – Volume 12– Number 1– Kindergarten.
Review:
1. Where does Jaran live? Thailand
2. What was he wearing on his head? A crown
3. Which king let Christian missionaries come to Thailand? King Rama III
4. Which king started schools in Thailand? King Rama V
Snack Suggestions:
1. Serve cupcakes with crosses on top.
2. Give each child a large sugar cookie. Help each child make a cross on top with tubes of prepared frosting.
3. Serve crackers. Make crosses on top with squeeze cheese.
Celebrate sharing the good news of Jesus!
Extending the lesson:
1. Bring in a real kite to fly at recess. Let the children take turns holding the kite string.
2. The teacher could wear a crown. Have a bell available for children to ring when they have a question. Reinforce King Ramkhamhaeng’s reign as found in Background for the Teacher. It would be wise to set a short period of time for this.
Lesson Focus:
This lesson will highlight the history of Thailand.
Lesson Objectives:
1. The children will learn about King Rama III and King Rama V.
2. The children will learn about Thailand’s Kite Fighting.
3. The children will make crowns and celebrate the entry of missionaries into Thailand under King Rama III. (option #1)
4. The children will make kites to fly. (option #2)
Materials Needed:
1. Thai boy Blackline Master (made into a puppet by teacher beforehand)
2. Blackline Master #3—crown (option 1)
3. Blackline Masters #4 & #5—boy and kites (option 2)
4. paper punch (option 2)
5. crayons
6. stapler
7. scissors
8. cards with children’s names (option 1)
9. small teachermade kite for boy puppet (option 2)
10. food items according to snack choice
Background for the teacher:
Thailand is the only nation in Southeast Asia that has never been a colony of a European power. Its history began with its establishment as an independent kingdom in 1238 and continues down through a long line of kings. Thailand’s rule has been historically divided into three dynasties, each being named for the location of the capital.
The Sukhothai period lasted from 1238–1350. The most famous king during this time was King Ramkhamhaeng, son of the first ruler. As a strong and successful leader, he was especially skilled in the use of war elephants. His most lasting and important achievement was to borrow the script of the Khmer people in order to create the Thai alphabet and graceful writing system. Also, Chinese artisans were brought in to teach the art of fine porcelain, Buddhist monks to visit and preach, Himayana Buddhism was put into practice, and the architectural skill of creating multi-levels of roofs, tapering to the sky, was introduced under his reign. Promoting himself to be a king to all of his people, common people were encouraged to bring their grievances to him by ringing a bell at the palace gate.
In 1350 began the Ayutthaya rule as King Ramathibodi founded a new kingdom in this new capital. Ayutthaya was built on an island at the confluence of three rivers where it lasted for 400 years. The king was successful in bringing together the Chinese, Indians, Laotian, Malay, Khmer, Burmese, Vietnamese war prisoners, and the Thai living there in the Chao Phraya basin. He established an efficient government and a system of laws. The kingdom he founded experienced the rule of 33 kings. Ayutthaya became an international crossroads with traders from China, Japan, Persia, France, Holland, Spain, England, and Portugal carrying on commerce there. Persian rugs and lamps were the décor of the palaces and monasteries as well as works of art from China and Japan. However, in 1767, the Burmese invaded and destroyed Ayutthaya and with it most of its historical records. Many of the survivors were taken prisoner to Burma. This kingdom of over a million people was reduced to approximately ten thousand survivors. A Thai general crowned King Taksin founded a new capital city across the river from modern Bangkok and spent fifteen years reviving a Thai government, driving out the remaining invaders, and unifying the people.
Modern Thai history begins with the establishment of Bangkok as the capital under General Chakri, crowned King Rama I, in 1782. He immediately had the Grand Palace built, a replica of the one in Ayutthaya, and a canal dug around the city to replicate the island setting. Under King Rama I, the Burmese were defeated once and for all. Under King Rama III (1824–1851), Christian missionaries were once again permitted to enter Thailand. Under King Rama IV (1851 –1868), better known as King Mongut, Thailand was brought into the modern era. Roads and railroads were built. Canals were dug. Young Thais were taught foreign languages. King Mongut was intensely interested in Western ideas and understood the art of diplomacy. His son Chulalongkorn, King Rama V, established schools and health centers and brought about the total abolition of all forms of slavery. His birthday is observed as a national holiday. His son Vajiravudh, King Rama VI, expanded educational opportunities and encouraged Thai people to participate in international organizations such as the Red Cross and Boy Scouts. Having no sons at the time of his death, the throne went to his younger brother Prajadhipak, King Rama VII, under who ended the 700 years of absolute monarchy in Thailand. He agreed to a limited monarchy and served under a constitution.
Since then the royal family in Thailand serves in a ceremonial and advisory capacity, much like England’s royalty. The Prime Minister heads the government. The National Assembly, which has both a Senate and an elected House of Representatives, selects the Prime Minister.
Lesson Content:
Thailand means “land of the free.” Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been a colony under another country’s rule. Thailand has had three dynasties–Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok –named for three capital cities. Two kings to take note of are King Rama III in the mid 1800s who allowed Christian missionaries into Thailand and King Rama V who established schools. Today Thailand has a government leader known as the Prime Minister selected by the National Assembly consisting of both a Senate and a House of Representatives. The king remains as Head of State.
Lesson Approach:
Invite the children to sit on the floor (Thai custom) and meet a Thai boy named Jaran. Introduce the Thai puppet (prepared by the teacher ahead of time from blackline master) that is wearing a crown. Use the following script or your own variation.
Hi, boys and girls. My name is Jaran, and I’m from Thailand. Do you remember how to say hello in Thai? Good. Please stand, bring your hands together as if to clap, and bow your head down and then up. That was great! And hello to you, too! (puppet bows) Please sit down. Do you see what I have on my head today? That’s exactly right – a crown! No, I’m not a king, but my people have had lots of kings in the past. They have helped us to stay free. In Bangkok every king is called Rama. Can you say Rama? Good! King Rama III was a king to remember because he let missionaries come to my country and tell us about Jesus. Can you sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children”(can substitute “Jesus Loves Me”) with me? I was so happy to hear that news. Jesus loves me, and He loves you, too! King Rama V was a great king also. We still celebrate his birthday on October 23. He helped start our school system.
Option #1 – First Ending
How would you like to have a King’s party? You can make a crown to wear and celebrate the news about King Rama III. Remember that he let missionaries into Thailand to tell my people about Jesus. More importantly, celebrate your King, God, who has a place for you in His kingdom in heaven. Have fun. I’d love to stay, but I have to get back and work in the rice fields. Bye.
1. Make crowns with the children. See Blackline Master #3, or design your own.
2. Ask Burger King for a classroom supply of ready-made crowns (usually free). Staple a card to each crown with appropriate title King or Queen before the child’s name. The child could add some stickers to the crown.
3. Wear the crowns at snacktime.
Option #2 – Second Ending
Say, how many of you know what this is? (The puppet boy brings out a miniature kite prepared by the teacher beforehand.) That’s right! It’s a kite. I want to tell you about kites in Thailand. We make girl kites that look like this (Blackline Master #4) and boy kites that look like this (Blackline Master #5). But the boy kites are sooooo big that it takes about 70 people to get them into the air. The boy kite has a bamboo hook on it, and it tries to capture a girl kite and land it on the boys’ side. The girl kites try to wrap their string around the boy kite and cause it to crash. We call this kite fighting and it’s a lot of fun. How would you like to make a kite to fly? I thought so! Have fun. I have to go work in the rice fields. Bye.
Make kites with the children. Choose from the ideas below or design your own. Take time to fly them outside or in the gym.
1.Use the Blackline Masters as patterns. Cut them from posterboard. The children can color on these or add stickers. Staple some crepe paper streamers for a tail and add a yarn lead.
2.Use the paper plate kite idea or the cardboard tube kite idea found in “The Mailbox”–Kindergarten, February/March 1998 – Volume 12– Number 1– Kindergarten.
Review:
1. Where does Jaran live? Thailand
2. What was he wearing on his head? A crown
3. Which king let Christian missionaries come to Thailand? King Rama III
4. Which king started schools in Thailand? King Rama V
Snack Suggestions:
1. Serve cupcakes with crosses on top.
2. Give each child a large sugar cookie. Help each child make a cross on top with tubes of prepared frosting.
3. Serve crackers. Make crosses on top with squeeze cheese.
Celebrate sharing the good news of Jesus!
Extending the lesson:
1. Bring in a real kite to fly at recess. Let the children take turns holding the kite string.
2. The teacher could wear a crown. Have a bell available for children to ring when they have a question. Reinforce King Ramkhamhaeng’s reign as found in Background for the Teacher. It would be wise to set a short period of time for this.