We started our class with opening prayers, We went over Ganesha Mantra, Saraswati Mantra, Morning Mantra (Karagre Vasate Lakshmih…), and Brahmarpanam Mantra before meals.
Next Chapter- S is for Smile
We asked students to smile and showed them it takes less effort to smile then frown. A smile makes us feel happy, helps us make friends, and make others happy. Kids also told us what makes them smile as well.
Kids loved the Smile stickers that they got in class.
STORY- Million Dollar Smile
Kids heard the story about a young girl who gave the biggest smile to a man sitting on the bench who looked sad. That day, her Mom's car broke down while going to school. They had to take the car to the garage to get it fixed. The mechanic recognized the girl who gave him the Million dollar smile that day. He went to her Mom and said he would help them right away instead of waiting for the next mechanic. The young girl and the Mom were so pleased. A smile can help others and ourselves as well in the end.
ACTIVITY- Kids each got a sheet of paper of faces with various emotions. Kids were asked to color only the faces with a smile. It was fun to watch some of the other faces that the kids colored.
Next Chapter- T is for TRUTH
We asked kids if they tell their parents that yes they brushed their teeth, ate their carrots, not eat the candy? Is that telling the truth? Is that right to lie? Why do we not tell the truth? They realized that they do not want to get in trouble. But lying will hurt us in the end.
STORY- The Boy who cried Wolf
We watched the video about the shepherd boy who takes the sheep daily up the hill to allow the sheep to eat grass. But he would get bored. Three days in a row, he would cry, "Wolf, wolf." The villagers would run to him to see if he is alright. The boy would laugh and tell them there is no wolf. But one day, there was a wolf that came. None of the villagers came to help him when he cried "Wolf." The wolf ate the sheep. The boy realized how wrong it was to lie and promised to the villagers that he will always tell the truth. Moral- there are consequences to lying.
We asked each child again what they would tell their parents if they broke a glass, did not read their book, did not brush their teeth, break a toy. They were all correct in saying that they will admit that they did not do the task, that they would tell the truth. Meenakshi C even said each time that she would also say sorry to her Mom and Dad.
ACTIVITY- kids practiced a few yoga moves today- tree and plane pose.
Gita- we practiced our Gita verses, Chapter 15. Kids need to learn Verses 1-8.
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.
K is for Kindness. God is Kind.
L is for Love. God is Love. God loves us the most.
M is for Mother. Mothers love and nourish us.
N is for Nobility. Be noble like Gandhi ji and Mother Teresa.
O is for Obedience. Obey to bring harmony in our lives and avoid chaos.
R is for Right. Do the Right thing always.
S is for Smile. Smile brings us all happiness.
T is for Truth. Always tell the truth.
Next class is Friday, January 30th.
Please stay safe and warm in this inclement weather.
Next class is Friday, January 30th.
Please stay safe and warm in this inclement weather.
Anuradha and Kavita
