Guided by Fo Guang Shan’s commitment to “fostering talent through education,” Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held a teacher training retreat for the Buddha’s Light English Children’s Dharma Class from July 31 to August 1. Eleven volunteer teachers and teaching assistants joined the two-day program, which combined Dharma practice, teaching workshops, team sharing and temple life.

At the opening ceremony, Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, encouraged participants to guide children with compassion, wisdom and care, helping them discover their innate Buddha-nature. She also invited the team to continue Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s lifelong mission of transforming society through education. Each participant received a bilingual copy of Bodhi Light Tales as a practical teaching resource.

The team then recited a Teaching Team Oath before the Buddha, pledging to practise the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings while nurturing young minds with patience and skill.

Venerable Ru An, monastic advisor of the children’s class, emphasized the importance of listening attentively, observing each child’s needs and building trust. She reminded participants that children are more receptive to learning when they feel valued, understood and supported.

Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent of the temple, introduced the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism through stories and teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. She encouraged the team to become “uninvited friends” who take the initiative to create positive conditions for children’s growth.

Experienced team members also shared practical teaching methods. Angel Hsieh introduced strategies to help children understand, remember and apply lessons. Kiana Wong demonstrated interactive games and communication techniques, while Ami Tran discussed flexible approaches to mindfulness practice. Participants also took part in simulated teaching, classroom problem-solving and mini lesson-plan development.

A new session on children’s emotional and spiritual care was led by Stephanie Hong, Leader of the Buddha’s Light Spiritual Care Team. She introduced three emotional regulation systems and encouraged positive guidance in place of criticism. Fo Guang University intern Vera Wang also led a smartphone photography workshop.

Through morning and evening chanting, collaborative learning and hands-on practice, participants deepened both their teaching skills and sense of purpose. They left inspired to bring heart-centred teaching into the classroom and accompany each child’s growth with compassion and confidence.