Hari Om Parents,
We started our class with opening prayers, Saraswati Mantra, and Ganesha Mantra.
We want to welcome Ritam to class.
We did a quick recap of H for Happiness and I for Intelligence. We had kids do a small Ganesha puzzle first. It was really nice to see kids helping after they finished their own.
The next chapter we went over is J for Japa- repeating God's name with love/devotion. It really is a beautiful chapter.
Kids first learned about Rama, his qualities such as kindness, obedience, and bravery. We briefly told them about Rama. Kids looked at Rama on screen and then we asked kids to memorize what he looks like. We wanted to emphasize that when they repeat Rama's name, they can picture him in their mind and think about why we pray to Rama.
We reminded kids that we can repeat Rama's name throughout our day.
Game- we stood up and tapped our neighbor's shoulder and said Rama's name. We did that for several rounds.
Bhajan- kids learned Khate Bhi Ram Kaho…we sang the bhajan with the actions. Kids had fun!
Activity- next we went over Om, how it represents everything in our world. Kids listed to Om for few minutes while they closed their eyes. They pointed out that when we chant Om, it has a calming effect.
We had each of them come and draw Om on the board.
By doing our Japa, repeating our Lord's name, we learn to concentrate and to succeed.
Game- Kids looked at multiple objects in a pencil container for a minute. Then we asked if they remembered what was in the container. They remembered about 6-8 out of 16 objects.
Gita- we ended the class with practicing our Gita verses, Chapter 16. Kids need to learn Verses 1-8. Viyaan did a fantastic job with the verses.
We encouraged kids to joint the Gita and Storytelling Contests next year.
RECAP—
A is for Aspiration. Be like Arjuna, focused and determined.
B is for Brotherhood. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- the world is one family.
C is for Cleanliness. Learn to keep our Mind clean. Cleanliness is Godliness.
D is for Daddy. Pitru Devo bhava.
E is for Enthusiasm. Do everything with Love.
F is for Friendship. One who helps without being asked. Be like Krishna.
G is for God. We thank God because he protects and loves us.
H is for Happiness. Happiness is an attitude.
I is for Intelligence. Think before you speak and act.
J is for Japa. Repeat God's name with devotion.
Next class is Friday, Dec 5th.
Have a safe holiday,
Anuradha and Kavita
Visit regularly for the latest updates each week.
Children are not vessels to be filled but lamps to be lit.
- Swami Chinmayananda
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