April

April 30

Today in class we had our final presentation. All the kids did awesome and did a great job dressing up and saying their lines. In class we talked about each others characters and some facts we knew about them. For the rest of classes we will finish up the Ramayan and go through the end of the war and after the war.

For next class

Read chapters 28,29,30

April 23

Today we rehearsed for our presentations and finalized them.

Our presentation will be next week on Sunday.

Some reminders for next week:

- PLEASE COME TO CLASS BY 9:45

- Have all students memorize their scripts and rehearse with them

- Make sure to finalize costumes for each child and send photos of them as well

- Make sure each student knows both prayers and has them memorized as we will be reciting those at the beginning of our presentation (can be found in their books on pages 131 and 143)

April 9

Today we started Yuddha Kaand. We looked at how Nal and Neel built the Ram Setu and how ram dedicated the spot to Lord Shiv. We learned how the squirrels helped Ram build the bridge and how the Vanaras and everyone worked together to build the bridge. After it was built they reached the shores of Lanka and they rested. Ravan was scared after hearing Rama reached Lanka, but was tried to be consoled by Mandodari. Prahasta tried to make Ravan do the right thing, but Ravan didn’t listen. After Ram gave Ravan one last chance he finally realized they had to fight. Angad spoke to Ravan and Angad warned Ravan about how powerful the Vanaras are and how arrogant Ravan is being. He then humiliated Ravan by showing that no one could move his foot. 

For next week please make sure for our presentation that the character script is ready and memorized so we can practice in class

Also read chapters 27, 28, and 29

March

March 19

Today in class we started with reviewing last week’s class. We talked about how Hanuman set fire to Lanka, sparing Vibhishan and Sita. He then went back to Ram and informed him of everything. Multiple people then warned Ravan to bring back Sita. When Vibhishan fell to Ravans feet to release Sita, Ravan still said no. Vibhishan then decided to go to Ram instead. Ram accepted Vibhishan with open arms and named him the king of Lanka. Shuka, the messenger of Ravan, was then sent to spy on Vibhishan. He was caught by Sugreev and was sent back with a message from Lakshmana, warning Ravan about his death. Vibhishan then told Ram to pray and fast to the ocean gods for 3 days. Ram got angry and loaded his arrow to shoot at the Ocean God. The Ocean God then asked for forgiveness and told him that Nal and Neel have a boon that anything that they touch will float on water, so Ram can build a bridge. Ram then shot his arrow to a direction of the evil creatures in the ocean. This is the ending of Sundar Kaand. We will begin Yudha Kaand/ Lanka Kaand next week.

Homework,

Please have your script written and memorized by next class

March 12

In class we continued Sundar Kaand.  we talked about what hanuman did in Lanka where he met Sita and told her that Ram was looking for her. He met Vibhishan who showed him where sita was. Ravan also threatened Sita to marry him but she said she would never marry him. Hanuman then plucked out trees for fruit and got caught. He then looked around the town and returned back to Ram.

Homework,

Please prepare character drafts for next class

March 5

Today we began Sundar Kaand. We spent class discussing Hanuman’s journey to Lanka and the obstacles he faced along the way. We also talked about the lessons we can learn from his journey like how he wasn’t lazy and stayed focused, or how he didn’t let any obstacles stop him. 

For Next Class,

Keep reading the book and have kids prepare their character draft for review.

February

February 26

We recapped what we learned last week and then continued on with Kishkindha Kaand. We learned about the importance of doing good deeds and the idea of soul that Tara was taught by Ram when Vali died. Then we learned how Sugreev became king and forgot about Ram’s promise. We talked about how Sugreev came back and learned how to be a wise king from ram. Then finally Sugreev organized his Vanaras to look for Sita. Those who went to look in the south were the most important because that is where Sita was last seen. 

Homework:

Read chapters 22,23,24

Finish a rough draft of end of year presentation project

February 19

Today in class we continued with Kishkinda Kaand learning about Ram and Lakshman’s experience with the Vanaras. We talked about the value of helping our friends, but also knowing when it is right or wrong to help them. We talked about the duel between Sugreev and Vali. We learned how ram helped Sugreev. We learned about the importance of listening to advice, but we should be able to know between good or bad advice. In the end Vali was killed, but with great respect for ram. 

For next week continue researching your character and read chapters 21,22,23

February 5

Today in class we recapped the Ramayan thus far. Then we chose characters for our presentation which we will have sometime in April or may. We slightly introduced the Kishkindha Kaand which we will go into much more next week

Details about the presentation:

Each kid will have a character to research and present a few important things about them

Kids are encouraged to dress up like their character and try to memorize their lines

Homework:

Read chapters 20 and 21

January

January 29

Today we had virtual meditation for class. Assembly took place during class where we did prayers and announcements. We then started the class with 5 minute mediation. Then, Arvind Uncle led the class where he told stories related to meditation. Students also participated in these stories and added on with their own experiences. We ended the class with 5 minute meditation again. To clear up confusion that some kids had, today was our second scheduled meditation class for the year. Dharma classes typically have 2-3 meditation classes in one year. Next week we will still continue Ramayan as usual.

For next week,

Please do the homework assigned last week, if not done so yet, and practice meditation at home as well.

January 22

Today we finished the rest of Aranya Kaand. We talked about how Ravan took Sita and how Jatayu fought Ravan. We also talked about Shabari and how she gave Ram half-chewed berries but Ram only saw her love and devotion while eating them. When asked how to worship him, Ram explains the nine paths of Bhakti to her. We reviewed and explained each of these nine paths.

For Next Week,

Please read chapter 19

We would also like each student to choose one of the nine paths of bhakti (found in chapter 18), and learn and understand it as we will talk about them in class next week.

January 15

Namaste,

Today we spent the first half of class in parent/teacher conferences where we talked about our class and answered questions. After, we reviewed from last class and continued Aranya Kaand. We talked about the golden deer and how Ram went after it for Sita. We also discussed the Lakshmana Rekha and how it works. We talked about Ravan kidnapping Sita and wrapped up the class.

For next week,

please read and look up any questions about today’s class and review everything taught today. 

January 8

We started Aranya Kaand. We learned about the many Rishis, Ram met on his journey and about ravanas sister surpanakha. We learned about her goals and how it led to the battle with her cousins.

For next week,

Read chapter 15,16, and 17

December

December 11

Today in class we learned about what was going on in Ayodhya while Rama was in the forest. We learned about king Dasharatha’s death and how Bharat reacted when he came home. We learned about Bharat going to find Rama and honoring him by taking his sandals and ruling the kingdom in Rama’s name. With that the Ayodhya Kaand is over. Next class we will have a quiz on both Baal Kaand and Ayodhya Kaand.

For next class 

Review chapters 1-13 to prepare for the quiz

Read chapter 14

December 4

Today in class we recapped what we learned before thanksgiving about Kaikeyi and her request for ram to be exiled and Bharat be crowned king. We then started learning about Ramas journey into the forest and some of the people he met along the way. 

For next class

Read chapters 12,13,14

November

November 20

Today we started Ayodhya kaand. We watched a video recap of Baal Kaand. We also watched an overview of Rishi Vishvamitra’s life. We then went over Rama’s qualities that make him so lovable. After their wedding Rama and sita  lived happily for 12 years in Ayodhya. We then learned how Manthara poisoned Kaikeyi’s mind to ask for her two boons, send Rama to the forest for 14 years and make Bharata King.

NO CLASS NEXT WEEK FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK. 

For next class (12/4),

Please read Chapters 10-11

November 13

Today we finished the rest of Baal Kaand. We talked about Ahilya and her curse. We learned how Rama was able to break her curse. We also talked about how Rama went to Mithila with Rishi Vishvamitra and Lakshmana, where he attended Sita’s Swayamvara. We learned how Rama broke Shiva’s bow and was married to Sita, alongside their siblings. We ended the class talking about Parashurama’s anger over the breakage of Shiva’s bow.

For next class,

Please tell students to research more on Rishi Vishvamitra. In addition, please read chapters 9 and 10.

November 6

Today we had a shortened class because of the security training. We quickly went over what we learned last week about king Dasharatha. We learned about Rishi vishvamitra and how he asked Rama and lakshmana to accompany him to protect his yajna. We learned a little bit about tadaka and her abilities. We found out even though she was a woman Rama killed her because she needed to be killed because of her bad deeds. Great job by students who taught this week. Next week we will finish Baal kaand.

For next week read chapter 7 and 8 if you haven’t already.

October

October 30

Today in class we talked about king Dasharatha. We learned about his mistake in killing Shravan Kumar and his three queens, Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. We learned about the ceremony they performed to conceive children: Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. We learned about Kaikeyi and how she saved King Dasharatha and obtained her 2 boons.

For next class read chapters 7 and 8

These students should read their assigned section more in depth to teach the class next week:

7.3 Atharv

7.1 Manya

7.5 Arshi 

8.3 Ritisha 

8.4 Shubangi

8.1 Rohan

October 16

Today in class we had our first of two meditation classes of the year. We first started with a story about a tea maker and a samurai and through this learned the importance of focus and determination. We then practiced meditation by meditating for 5 min and getting feedback from a friend. Try to meditate for at least five minutes a day to get the full benefits of meditation.

Homework: Read chapter 4 if you haven’t already

October 2

Today in class we learned the story of Goswami Tulsidas. We learned how he over came many challenges and eventually became a devotee of ram. We also learned how having devotion to Bhagwan will reward you. We learned about his writings, like Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa, and why he wrote his own version of Ramayan. Next class hats is off for Diwali so we will see you all in 2 weeks.

For next class:

Read chapter 4

September 

September 18

Today in class we introduced our main topic: Ramayan. We discussed basics about it such as how many verses, chapters, and Books. We talked about the structure of our class being mostly reading certain chapters at home and having engaging discussions in class. For homework students should read chapters 1 and 2, google Rama’s sister, and remember the following for next class:

How many verses was Ramayan: 24,000

Chapters: 500

Books: 6+1

Ram: 7th avatar of Vishnu