Learning about religions is an important part of social studies. Many people have engaged in religious occupations. Religious leaders have been part of all societies throughout history. Some led quiet lives; others led historic reform movements.

1. A puppet can be used to help teach related vocabulary words.

(Examples: Asceticism, monastery, monasticism, monk, nun, religion, religious exercises, or names of specific people)

2. Have the puppet tell about the time period in which he/she lived. Who else was alive and how was his or her life influenced by the religious leader?

3. What was a typical day of a monk or other leader in a particular period in history?

4. Let the puppet talk about his/her childhood.

5. Teach map skills through the use of the puppet. Locate the places where the person lived.

6. Let the person tell about education during the time period when he/she lived.

7. What changes did the leader make in his or her day?