April

April 11

1- Did morning prayers

2- Went over the slides for April, 13

3- Went over chapter 25 (section 1+2) this section was about the meetings Ravana had with his ministers. And how Ravanas brother joined Rama’s team in the end of the chapter.

4- Played a review Kahoot game

March

March 21

Today in class we went over Chapter 24. We also discussed an idea for the end of the year presentation. Each student will chose 2 characters from the Ramayana and talk about them. Each student will pick 1 character from List A and 1 character from List B. Next week we will finalize character choices!

Additionally, make sure to read Chapter 26 for next class.

List A:

• Rama

• Lakshman

• Sita

• Hanuman

• Bali

• Sugreev

• Rishi Vishwamitra

• Rishi valmiki

• Bharat

• Dasharath

• Shabari

• Jatayu

• Vibheshan

• Ravana

List B:

• Mareech

• Simhika

• Manthara

• Kumbhakarna

• Shurpanakha

• Indrajit

• Keyakai

• Kabandha

• Ahalya

• Sant Tulsidas

• Mandodari

• Kevat

March 14

Today in class we went over chapter 23. We covered Hanuman's visit to Lanka where he met with Sita and Ravana, had his tail set on fire, and went on to set Lanka on fire. We ended with a kahoot to review what we learned.

Homework/Prepwork for next week: Read chapter 24.

March 7

First we started with prayers and we went over the slides for Shivratri.

Then we went over chapter 22

Section 1-

In this section we learn about how Hanuman rediscovered his strength. As the Vanaras by the seashore sat feeling terrible Hanuman tried to cheer them up because everyone was relying on them. Angada asks all the Vanaras how far they can leap and while all of them said great lengths Hanuman stayed quiet. Jambavan saw this and encouraged him and because of that Hanuman was able to regain his strength.

Section 2-

When Hanuman learned of his strength he grew in size and went to the top of the Mahendra Hill and prayed to the Devas. Then he leaped into the sky as all the Vanaras watched.

Section 3-

As Hanuman was flying the Mainaka Mountain started talking to him telling him that his father has one help the mountain and how they are going to repay it by allowing Hanuman to rest. Even though Hanuman did not want to stop his search he wanted to be respectful and stepped on it for a moment then continued his search.

Section 4-

As Hanuman was searching he came upon a demon named Surasa and she was given a boon that everything that come has to go in her mouth. So Hanuman grew super big went in her mouth and very quickly shrunk his size so that he could escape her mouth.

Section 5-

Hanuman confronts another monster named Simhika who captures any shadow and that being is drawn to her mouth. So one day Hanuman had that same thing happen and when he ended up in her mouth he grew in size to the point there Simhike fell into the dead.

Section 6-

Hanuman faced another demon named Lankini who was trying to do her duty and protect the kingdom. When Hanuman got there he hit she with his tail and she tells him that she knew this was going to happen but nobody listened and that she doesn’t agree with Ravana. She then lets him in the kingdom and he does in quietly.

We finished the class off with a kahoot!

HW: chapter 23-24

February

February 28

Today in class we learned many facts about Hanuman as well as various stories about him. We played a review kahoot on chapters 21 and 22 afterwards. Homework/Prepwork for next week is to read chapters 22 & 23 if you haven't already!

February 21

we went over everything from Chapter 21.

21.1 Rama waits in the rainly season

The main thing from this chapter is that Sugreeve seemed to forget his promise towards Rama and Hanuman told him that it rude to have Rama wait and not keep his promise when Rama did not do the same for him. So Sugreeve got all the Vanaras together at Kishindha

21.2 Lakshamana's anger at Sugreeve, and Rama's forgiveness

Lakshamana is not happy for the wait and sees that Rama is sad that Sugreeve is drinking an shaving fun while not keeping his promise. After some time Hanuman asks them to wait a while longer but Lakshmana was not going to and twaged his bow string. Tara comes to calm down Lakshmana and update him and he said that Sugreeve would personally apologize to him. Rama forgave Sugreeve when he came to apologize.

21.3 Vanara search parties set out in four directions

Once they all meet at Kishindha all the Vanaras split into 4 groups to cover all four directions and as they were all going Rama stopped Hanuman and gave him his ring because in his heart he knew that Hanuman would find Sita.

21.4

In this section Yogini Svayamprabha helps the Vanaras with their journey and when they saw her at the gate. She was the guard and so she said that she would help them but for now they should relex and eat and drink. So they do and after they were full she tells them to close their eyes and before they know it they are at the sea-shore. But they sadly did not find Sita and did not want to go back to Rama and Sugreeve with the bad news.

21.5 Sampati helps in the search for Sita

Sampati came down to the Vanaras and was about to eat them until they spoke about Jaytayu and Sita. Sampati was very exited to hear his name but then the Vanaras told Sampati about his death and Sampati was deeply saddened. Then Sampati told everyone that Ravan took her to Lanka and she is scared and lonely. Then in the end Sampati grew the wing that was missing!

Homework: Chapter 22+23

February 14

Today was Meditation class and the students worked with partners and practiced their meditation skills. Then the kids were told to go brainstorming with their partners on the importance of meditation and why we should practice it. We ended the class with about 5 minutes of meditation.

Homework: Chapter 19+20

January

January 31

• Covered Chapter 19 (Rama & Lakshmana on the search for Sita, meeting with Hanuman, story of Sugreeva and Vali, etc.)

• Kahoot on Chapters 19 & 20

• Read Chapters 20 & 21 for next week!

January 24

We started with prayers and then we went straight into class. We went over chapter 18 which was when Rama meets Bhakta Shabari. In that chapter, we went through the journey of Rama going to an Ashrama and meeting Shabari and her feeding Rama half-eaten berries. Yet instead of him being mad at her Rama was quite happy and blessed her and fulfilled the guidance she sought.

Then after going over the chapter the class played a big game of Kahoot going over all 18 chapters we have gone over.

Homework: Chapter 19 and 20

January 17

• Prayers

• Parent-teacher conferences

• Covered chapters 16 & 17

- Chapter 16 (overview) : Mareecha as the golden deer, Ravana as the Sadhu, Lakshmana Rekha, kidnapping of Sita, etc.

- Chapter 17 (overview) : Rama & Lakshmana search for Sita, fight with Demon Kabandha (Vishvavasu), advice to travel to Rishyamooka mountain & meet Sugreeva

• Kahoot review of chapters 15, 16, & 17

• Prepwork for next week: Read Chapter 18 & be ready for a cumulative quiz!

January 10

We started the class off with our weekly prayers and then we talked about the festival Makar Sankranti.

When we started class we reviewed what we talked about chapter 14 and then we started the class and ended the class with finishing chapter 15 and playing kahoot.

In Chapter 15 a summary of the chapter focused on the plan of Ravana to kidnap Sita. We learned that Ravana's uncle Mareecha was someone who did not wish for this plan to happen. The whole reason for this plant was because in the forest Ravana's sister was hurt by Rama and Ravana was very angry towards him.

We ended the class with a game of kahoot.

Homework: Chapter 16 and 17

December

December 13

First, we started with the prayers, then we did a review of what we learned last week when we had class.

For the whole class, we went over chapters 12-13. In chapter 12 this chapter talked about the death of King Dashratha and the return of Baratha. In the first two sections, this is when the foundations of the death of Dashratha and arrive of Baratha. However, in the next section, we learn that Baratha was not happy with Kaikeyi and Manthara because of the boons he found out his mother had asked for. He did not want Rama to leave for the forest for 14 years and believed that the death of his father was because of her. He believed that Rama was the proper ruler of Ayodhya. Chapter 13 is when Baratha tried to convince Rama to come back to Ayodhya to rule because he was the proper king for Ayodhya. But Rama remembered that he had to fulfill the wishes made and Baratha had to accept that. So since Rama would not be returning to Ayodhya Baratha asked for the sandals of Rama so that when he goes back to Ayodhya he can put the sandals on the throne to represent him as the proper king. And when Baratha did that he also went to a village where there were many Rishi's and there he lived like one to make up for the harsh conditions Rama is going through for the next 14 years.

Then at the end of class, we ended with a Kahoot and a mini quiz to make sure the kids learned the material.

Homework: Chapters 14-15 maybe 16 as well

November

November 22

Today in class we started off with prayer and a mini-review over the class material cover last class.

We proceed to start the class going over Chapter 9 of the Ramayana - Queen Kaikeyī asks Dasharatha for her two boons

• 9.1 The four couples arrive in Ayodhya

In this section, the four princes come back to Ayodhya with their wife and as the brother grew closer together the people of Ayodhya grew to favor Rama because of qualities he had which were wise, polite, helpful, and courteous. And because Rama helped the King many of the people wished to see Rama as the future King.

• 9.2 Coronation of Rama

This section starts off with Dasharatha looking at himself in the mirrors and sees a grey hair on him he knew that it was time to seek a successor for this throne. He had called Rishi Vashishtha to see what his thoughts were on Rama being the successor of the throne and what the Rishi told him to do is to call for a meeting. When all the important people of Ayodha came they all agreed that Rama would make a great king. The King was pleased and set for his coronation, and they asked Sita and Rama to fast until the next day, and Rama's mother did a pooja to give thanks to Lord Shiva.

• 9.3 Mantharā poisons the ears of Kaikeyī

In this section Mantharā, the maid of Kaikeyī found out that Rama was going to be king and not Bharata and so she went straight to Kaikeyi to tell her the news. Kaikeyi was not bothered by this news and was happy to hear that because she too found Rama to be the best to be king. However, when the maid spoke badly still Kaikeyi was quick to tell her to be quiet. But the maid did not give up and tried to continue to convince her that they are trying to replace Bharata until she finally got to her and led her to be cautious of her love placement with the other wives. So the maid told her to dress in ragged clothes and ask the King to send Rama to the forest for 14 years.

• 9.4 Kaikeyī asks Dasharatha for her two boons

In this section when Kaikeyi was in Dasharatha's room and pleading for him to give her two boons and when he heard the two boons, he could not believe what she had asked for. Dsharatha told her that he would give her four boons instead of two but he just cannot do those boons she had asked for. He said that Ayodhya needed his and that he cannot send him away but she was determined for Rama to leave for 14 years and at that point, Dasharatha fainted to the ground and Rama was summoned to the palace.

• 9.5 Kaikeyi Commands Rama to Leave Ayodhya

In this section, Rama comes to the palace to see that Dashartha is lying on the floor and Kaikeyi told Rama that before Dashartha fainted he gave her two boons and one of those was that Rama would leave to the forest for 14 years. Rama was happy to obey his father and started to prepare to leave but Kaikeyi was afraid he was going to change his mind so she told him he needed to leave immediately because his father wished for it. Once again he was happy to obey him and just had to say bye to his loved ones and pack to leave for the forest. Kaikeyi felt very bad for doing something like this and found it to be unfair on his part.

• Homework: Read Chapter 10

November 1

• Discussed chapter 8 from textbook (Wedding of Rama & Sita, story of Parashurama, etc.)

• Mini quiz about chapter 8

Prep work for next week:

• Be ready for Bala Kand quiz (Chapters 1 to 8)

October

October 25

We started the day off with prayers and then we went over the slides talking about Dasshara and its meaning. From that point we went straight into mediation and kids were taught how to meditate, why we meditate, and how often we should. After the teacher did an overview of what meditation is the kids did 5 minutes of meditation. The kids then watched two videos from a Guru who teaches meditation.

October 18

• We learned about the importance of Navratri

• We covered chapter 7 from the textbook

• We played a kahoot to review concepts from class

Prepwork/Homework for next week:

• Read chapters 8 and 9 from the textbook

October 11

Ramayan split into 6 kaands (books). Bala, Ayodhya, Aranya, Kishikindha, Sundar, Yuddha. Bala Kaand- starts off with Dashratha who was the king of Ayodhya and Rama’s father. 4 children. Dashratha background (parents). He had 3 wife’s (Kaikeyi, Sumitra, Kaushalya). He has 2 main gurus Vashishtha and Vamadeva. He has no child-worry. Known for his hunting abilities while being blind (sounds). His name Dashratha comes means 10 chariots because of his skills.

We then went over the story of Dashratha (ch.5) and the moral of the story. We discussed how hunting is bad and how it is different in certain circumstances. We also learned how to respect parents and lastly to not run away from your mistakes. Kaikeyi’s boons- the story(ch.5). She asked for her son to be king and for Rama to leave.

Quick Quiz #1

Then we talked about the birth of the sons from the different queens. Queen Kaushalya had Lord Rama, Queen Kaikeyi had Bharata, and Queen Sumitra had Lakshmana and Shatrughana. The next topic we discussed was Rishyashringa and his importance and how he is the boy born with the horns of a deer.

Next we talked about the childhood of the four princes and how Rama and Lakshmana were very close to eachother and how Lord Rama was respected but all his brothers because he loved them equally. Then we talked about the education of the princes.

Quick Quiz #2

Kahoot

Homework: chapter 7+8 and puzzle

October 4

Today in class we covered chapter 3 and 4 from the Ramayana textbook. We also talked about some stories about Tulsidas and Ravana.

Homework/prepwork:

• Read Chapters 5, 6, 7

• Complete the puzzle and send it to Archana auntie (Parents can email or individually message the completed puzzle to Archana auntie)

September

September 27

We started off with prayers then asked the kids how their week was going. We then review what we did last week and answered the bonus questions from last week.

Next we start talking about the first two chapters. The first thing we touched on was why we pay to Bhagvan and what does that word mean. We learned that Bhagvan mean “He who has many beautiful qualities.” We then learned some different terms from these two chapters. Ishvara means supreme being and Avatara means coming down and they take any form of God. We then asked the kids to named a few example and learned that Ram was a form of Vishnu. Next we talked about the Ramayana and what it was. We learned that it was written as a poem with 24 thousand verses, and means “The journey of Bhagvan Ram.” From that we learned that although it is easy for Bhagvan to kill the demons we come down and drafts them to teach us a lesson. Then last we talked about Maharshi Valmiki and the different festivals we celebrate because of Bhagvan Ram. Then finally we finish with a quick quiz and a presentation from Ria.

Homework: Ch.3-4 (if not read) for discussion

September 20

• teacher, student volunteer, and student introductions

• short quiz

Prep work for next class:

• Bonus/Challenge Questions from today's quiz: What was the name of the kingdom where Ramayana took place? What was the name of Rama's sister?

• read chap. 1, 2, 3, 4 & be prepared to answer questions about them