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Jan 10 2021
Kavya recited some of our Opening prayers, while Anirudh completed them. Very happy with your leading the class on Sunday, Kavya & Ani!
Shreya - I have given you a turn for the upcoming Sunday class, hope you can practise the prayers before then. I previously sent the audio file to help everyone learn them.
Vyom closed our session with his wonderful recitation of our Closing prayers. Vyom, we are very proud of the beautiful job you did!
Sunday's lesson was on "Pilgrimage"; a topic from our Sacred Land of India book.
We discussed the meaning of pilgrimage (journey to a Sacred Land) and why people do it and how it helps people. Every religion has their own sacred destinations and we learnt new words "Tirth" / "Yatra" / "Sthan".
We discussed Char Dham yatra, Chota Char Dham and some additional places located in India. Attached is the powerpoint slide so that you can review before our next class. We will continue to discuss the stories related to Chota Char Dham in our next class.
Home Work:
Opening Prayers: Shreya & Medha
Closing Prayers: Varsha
Question: What is your family deity? Find out the name and pace/location of this temple from your parents.
New Question: Similar to the Hindu Trinity, Greek and Roman mythologies also speak about their own Trinity or 3 Gods. Can you research this? We will discuss in one of the forthcoming classes.
Talent Show on 24th Jan: Each student must pick an activity to share with us via Zoom. Time limit is 3 minutes for each performance. You can sing a song, play an instrument, share jokes, do a creative art demo, chant a shloka/bhajan learnt outside of Bala Vihar class.Whoever has not decided what they want to present, need to advise by upcoming Sat/Sun. ONLY 1 more week, practise, practise, practise; so that you can do your best. Invite your family to attend on this day.
Do you have multiple talents? Are you unsure what to showcase? Email Radha aunty or me for suggestions.
Your presentation must be age appropriate and good for online Zoom display.
No one should be absent on the Talent show day (24Jan), no one is excused from presenting; including the teachers!
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Dec 20 2020
Ayana and Anand did a fantastic job leading us with the opening prayers today. And Hernan did well with the Closing prayers.
Thanks to the three of you, on your efforts.
All of the students need a little more practise with the pronunciation, so please encourage them to practise. Practise makes perfect!
Today we continued on Ganesha's stories of symbolism, through which we learnt valuable lessons.
Arrogance and pride cause your downfall. Similarly your ego prevents you from achieving great results.
We need to use our discrimination and intelligence to help us overcome complex situations and challenges.
There is always a choice and a chance for us to correct any incorrect behaviour and follow the path of repentance and good deeds.
Many events occur in and around our lives for specific reasons. Be aware and try to make the right decisions so that it benefits not only ourselves but also others around us.
As usual, our students did us proud with their research on the Ganesha stories and we even had 2 shared slide presentations.
This week's 8 stories:
Saavir, Soham & Srivarenya - Excellently took turns to share the story of Sage Vyasa and Ganesha. The conditions raised between the two and how Ganesha was involved in the writing of Mahabharatha. Also included why Ganesha lost one tusk.
Anirudh and Medha - did an awesome slide-show story presentation of how Ganesha defeated Gajamukhasura and taught him a lesson. Well coordinated!
Aarna, Shreya and Ruhanika - articulated the story of Sage Agastya and Ganesha's participation in bringing river Cauvery to the south.
Nishka, Varsha and Ayana - beautifully weaved the story of Ganesha and the Moon. Chandra's behaviour and subsequent punishment by Ganesha, followed by the cycle of the moon's waxing and waning.
Hernan and Vyom (Mira missed today) - Hernan had a great slideshow about Ganesha and his Parents. Vyom charmed us with the story of how Ganesha won the fruit of knowledge, by showing his intelligence and his great respect for his parents.
Samhita and Anand - Helped us to understand that pride and ego do not serve us well, with the story of Ganesha and Kubera.
Aditya and Navya - Aditya voiced the story of Ganesha and Ravana which prevented Ravana from becoming invincible and took us to a place called Gokarna in Karnataka. Here Ganesha has a dent in his head from where Ravana hit him with his knuckle.
Aalok and Suhani - Enunciated that arrogance and anger does not help to resolve problems through the story of Ganesha and Parashurama. Whereas respect for each other and for your parents will indeed be a great strength.
Last week:
Sai and Sadhana - presented the story of Ganesha & Krauncha.
Kavya and Raghavan - presented the story of Shiva & Ganesha (how he got his elephant head).
Attached are 2 slideshows - one prepped by Anirudh & Medha and another by Hernan. Go through them as they will help you remember the symbolism of Ganesha.
I have also attached a brief summary of each story. Remember there are many variations and it is quite difficult for us to figure which is the exact version in our Puranas.
Home Work:
Opening Prayers: Shreya & Kavya
Closing Prayers: Vyom
Talent Show on 24th Jan: Each student must pick an activity to share with us via Zoom. Time limit is 3 minutes for each performance.
You can sing a song, play an instrument, share jokes, do a creative art demo, chant a shloka/bhajan learnt outside of Bala Vihar class.
You have the next few weeks to decide and practise what you want to present.
Please advise your selection by email to the teachers. Deadline Sat, 16th Jan 2021.
Do you have multiple talents? Are you unsure what to showcase? Email Radha aunty or me for suggestions.
Your presentation must be age appropriate and good for online Zoom display.
Enjoy your Christmas holidays with your family and we will see you in the new year. First class is on 10th Jan (2nd week).
Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy New Year!
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Dec 13 2020
Aarna led us through our Opening invocation prayers. Kavya's audio issues prevented her from continuing and Aalok gracefully finished the prayers for us. Thank you, Aarna and Aalok.
Next time, Kavya! Meanwhile try to practise the shlokas.
For those who need help with the pronunciation, attached is the audio file with prayers recorded by your classmate, Anirudh.
We quickly reviewed the Symbolism of Ganesha that we learnt last week.
The students were sent into breakout rooms for 10 minutes, with their partners working on the same Ganesha story. Time was given for them to discuss how they would present their research to the class.
Radha aunty had a Wheel of Names setup to figure out the turns of the student groups.
Sai and Sadhana - presented the story of Ganesha & Krauncha. Beautifully done!
Kavya and Raghavan - presented the story of Shiva & Ganesha (how he got his elephant head). Very well done.
For the rest of the stories -
Please make sure you have working AUDIO for the class.
Time limit for presenting is FIVE MINUTES only.
Each member of the team must take a turn to present.
Plan accordingly with your partners for next Sunday.
Your team's turn will be decided by the Wheel of Names!
Closing prayers were chanted by Samhita. Good job, Samhita!
Home Work:
Opening Prayers: Ayana and Anand
Closing Prayers: Hernan
Ganesha stories - research and planning for presentation
Best of luck to the rest of the teams. Prepare well. Hope more parents join us next week for the stories.
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Dec 6 2020
** Parents - We would like you to join our class over the next 2 weeks. Your children are prepping some stories to share with our class. It will be great if you can join as our audience. **
This morning Ruhanika led us through our Opening prayers. Beautifully done, Ruhanika, thank you!
We noted that many of you have still not reviewed the Kahoot quiz from last time. We would recommend that you do so.
Our topic today was "Symbolism of Lord Ganesha". Attached is the powerpoint that was shared in class today. We talked about his four hands and what he holds in each hand, should mean to us all.
AXE - to cut our materialistic attachments
ROPE - to pull us closer
ABHAYA-HASTA - to bless and protect us
MODAKA-HASTA - to reward us for our good actions
We discussed his distinctive physical features and the symbolism behind the large winnow-like ears (listen better), pot belly (take in everything), big head/elephant face (think big), small mouth (talk less), long trunk (be adaptable), and broken tusk (learn discrimination between good and bad). We also learnt that his vahana, Mooshika (mouse) signifies our mind filled with desires and how we must keep a clear thinking in order to control our mind of those desires.
Sweets/rewards by Ganesha: We briefly touched on Newton's Third Law - Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. This we related to why the asuras (despite their bad nature) always got rewarded boons by the Gods, as a reward for their unwavering penance and meditation of the Gods.
Broken Tusk shows discrimination - We recollected how there is always good and bad within us and how we need to work towards always letting the good triumph!
Ganesha's eight incarnations showcase how he conquered the eight vices. Lust, anger, greed, infatuation, vanity, envy, attachment, ego.
VIRTUE - good habit or character
VICE - bad habit or character
Defeat your vices, let your virtues be victorious.
Radha aunty aptly reminded us of the 3 Gunas - Satwic, Tamasic and Rajasic.
We need to work towards the higher tendency of Satwic though at times our other gunas may need to become prominent, under certain circumstances.
Example of someone bullying you or your friend -
We start with Satwic means of talking through/convincing the bully of the right way, Tamasic - where we might bring in an adult to sort the situation, Rajasic - where you stand up for yourself and your friend and try to protect each other.
About 10 story topics were provided and students were asked to pick out one story for their research and presentation in class over the next two Dec classes. We tried to keep your choices but as we did not want to exceed 2-3 students on each topic, teachers may have reassigned for balance.
1.Shiva and Ganesha - KAVYA, RAGHAVAN
2.Ganesha and his Parents (fruit of knowledge) - MIRA, HERNAN, VYOM
3.Sage Vyasa and Ganesha - SAAVIR, SOHAM, SRIVARENYA
4.Ganesha and Parashurama - AALOK, VED, SUHANI
5.Ganesha and Gajamukha - MEDHA, ANIRUDH
6.Ganesha and Kubera - ANAND, SAMHITA
7.Agastya and Ganesha - AARNA, SHREYA, RUHANIKA
8.Ganesha and the Moon - NISHKA, VARSHA, AYANA
9.Ganesha and Krauncha (Mooshika Vahana) - SAI, SADHANA
10. Ganesha and Ravana - NAVYA, ADITYA
Closing Prayers were done by Nishka. Appreciate you stepping in, Nishka, and concluding our class.
Home Work:
Opening Prayers: Kavya and Aarna
Closing Prayers: Samhita
Ganesha stories (many relating to his incarnations) - Please look up/read up and be ready to share this in class over the next 2 weeks. We are only expecting some story-telling so don't stress too much on this.
If you can coordinate with other students assigned to the same story, that will be great. If not, we will ask you to take turns in sharing the story.
Please try to be present over the next two classes. a) We will have fun learning about the Ganesha stories.
b) Your other classmates assigned to the same topic will be counting on your involvement, so don't let them down!
c) Bring your parents to enjoy the stories with us.
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Nov 22 2020
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! We teachers are very thankful for our eager students, who brighten our Bala Vihar class each Sunday.We had 100% attendance at the last class All 25 students attended. Hurray!
We started our class with OM and opening prayers by Soham. Well done, Soham! Alok, thank you for helping out to finish the prayers.
Radha aunty conducted a quick game of Kahoot! to revise our previous lessons about TEMPLES and Symbolism of NAVARATHRI. There were 10 questions
Top 3 scorers were - ANIRUDH, RUHANIKA and RAGHAVAN. Congratulations to the top 3.
The scores are attached for your personal review and improvement.
It seems that not all students have reviewed or revised the powerpoint notes that we sent. Many of you had also requested the quiz so that you can practise again.
Here is the link to the Kahoot! quiz: https://create.kahoot.it/share/gopala-class-temples-and-navrathiri/1e9bf0ba-c85f-41f2-b081-7a3869fda53f
Please be sure to go through the class powerpoint slides and the notes. @Parents - we ask that you kindly share these emails with your children for them to review both classwork and homework. Or send us your child's own email address so that we can include them directly.
Our class topic was "Symbolism and Significance of Diwali". We talked through various aspects of Diwali - the history, which incorporates multiple stories. As you are all old enough, we have asked you to read up on the different stories. We may ask you to share your stories at a later class.
We talked about the true spirit of Diwali and all of the students hit it spot on - to bring happiness and to share whatever possible, whenever possible with everyone around us.
Attached is the presentation on the symbolism of this great Hindu festival.
We discussed what we could learn from the Asuras (demons like Narakasura, Hiranyakashipu, etc.) inspite of them trying to achieve the impossible goal of Immortality.
Students rightly pointed out:
a) the asuras meditated for many, many years, showing DEDICATION.
b) Asuras like Ravana, was well skilled at many fine arts like music, showing SKILLS AND TALENTS.
c) They showed DETERMINATION.
d) PATIENCE.
e) PERSISTENCE.
f) CONCENTRATION on their efforts.
We wished SAI for his birthday with the Janma Dinam song. All students have to try and learn this song and tune.
We finished up with a great chanting of Closing prayers by Navya. Good job, Navya!
1) Read up the stories related to the various days of Diwali
2) Opening prayers at next class - Ruhanika
3) Closing prayers at next class - Samhitha
4) Re-play the Kahoot! game and improve your scores
5) Catchup on the powerpoint lessons that we have shared so far
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Nov 15 2020
We began with the musical chant of OM by Suhani and a few of the invocation prayers. Suhani, Radha aunty and I were very impressed! Other students individually chanted the rest of the invocation.
Today’s class was spent on discussing GRATITUDE.
It is the festival of Diwali and with Thanksgiving holiday upcoming, it is an appropriate time to consider everything and everyone around us to whom we owe our thanks.
We played the Gratitude Drill activity.
In the first round each student was given 5 seconds to quickly name something that they were grateful for. They could not repeat what others had said. Whoever missed the time would be out of the game.
In the following rounds the time was reduced by 1 second, while we maintained a running list of their gratitude.
Few at a time, students were eliminated, and finally two victors remained Aarna and Ayana. Congratulations to both girls, for lasting through 11 whole rounds!!
Attached is a powerpoint of all the things we are grateful for with a WORD CLOUD.
Our gratitude starts from our family & home, extends to our society and country and the world around us as well as beyond us. Our Gopala students proved once again that they are deep thinkers – they were quick to think but also outstretched themselves by quoting Nature, God, the five elements, the universe and so fine qualities.
In line with this we also learnt a new shloka on Anna Poorneshwari (Goddess Parvati, as a giver of Food).
It is a short prayer and we would like everyone to practice and learn this with the meaning (provided below)
Shloka:
Annapoorne Sadaa Poorne
Shankara Praana vallabhe
Gyaana Vairaagya Sidyartham
Bhikshaam Dehi Cha Parvathi
Maata Cha Parvati Devi
Pita Devo Maheshvarah
Baandhavah Shiva-Bhataash Cha
Svadesho Bhuvana Trayam
Meaning:
Mother AnnaPoorneshwari,
Who is the darling of Shankar
Please give me alms forever
Of knowledge and renunciation.
My mother is Goddess Parvathi
My father is God Maheshwara
My relations are the devotees of Shiva
And my country is my universe.
We had a quick discussion about the symbolism of Diwali but we will discuss further at next class. Ved concluded with the closing prayers for the day. Excellent job, Ved!
Homework:
Invocation prayers: Soham
Closing prayers: Navya
REMINDER Question for discussion at next class: We often talk about Asuras (like Mahishasura or Hiranyakashipu and others) who always seek IMMORTALITY. We need to accept that everything that is born must die one day.
Inspite of their demonic nature and their unrealistic goals, there are a couple of things that we can learn from the Asuras. Can you think of what that might be?
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Nov 8 2020
we started our class with 3 OM and Invocation prayers, chanted beautifully by Nishka. Excellent job, Nishka, keep it up!
We had a few children chant Dhyana Shlokam - Aditya, Anirudh and Raghavan
No one had practiced the Mata Bhajan so we learnt this again, by repeating after Radha aunty.
Radha aunty will provide the audio recording of this Bhajan so that you can practise at home.
Our first topic about India - the Sacred Land, was the Indian National Symbols.
After that we learnt the basics of Symbolism, followed by symbolism of Navaratri as well as the Goddesses Parvati, Lakshmi, Saraswati's confluence as Durga or Mahishasura Mardini.
Today's topic was about The Temples of India.
Many of our children shared that they had been to local US temples like Mahwah Hindu Samaj Mandir, Akshardam in Robbinsville, Sri Ranganatha temple in Pomona. They have also visited local temples in India with their families as well as famous ones like Tirupathi and Madurai Meenakshi temple, etc. We encourage them to take a closer look at the layout and architecture of any temples they visit in the future, based on what they have learnt today.
Below are the main points discussed today and the powerpoint is provided for you to look through prior to next week.
* The importance of temples - brings peace and tranquility, preserves our culture & traditions, fosters creative art; creates & fills us with positive energy
* The meaning of ALAYAM (Temple in Sanskrit) => Aa (atma or individual soul) + Layam (universal soul). The merging of the two is represented by the idol installed in the temple
* Temple architecture - North (called Nagara or Shikara), South (called Dravidian). We discussed the differences in the construction.
* Temple Layout - consists of 5 main sections; Garbagriha, Vimana, Mandapa, Prakara, Gopuram. The layout is comparable to the human physical form. The design attracts the powers from the cosmos.
* The Gopuram - 3 levels indicate state of waking, dream, deep sleep (Anirudh shared the Sanskrit words as Jagrit, Swapna & Sushupti). 5 levels indicate the 5 senses. 7 levels include the 5 senses, mind & intellect. 9 levels indicate above 7 along with ego and heart.
* We distinguished a few temples for Northern and Southern styles.
* Radha aunty shared info on the top 9 temples famous for their architecture. Feel free to review this website at your leisure <https://www.zoomcar.com/blog/9-indian-temples-whose-architecture-is-so-brilliant-youll-want-to-visit-them-right-now/>
We closed today with prayers by Raghavan. Great job with your pronunciation, Raghavan.
Home Work:
Invocation prayers - Suhani
Closing prayers - Ved
Question: We often talk about Asuras (like Mahishasura or Hiranyakashipu and others) who always seek IMMORTALITY. We need to accept that everything that is born must die one day.
Inspite of their demonic nature and their unrealistic goals, there are a couple of things that we can learn from the Asuras. Can you think of what that might be?
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Oct 25 2020
We started off chanting OM and followed with the Invocation prayers by Sudha aunty, since we were missing our opening artist for the day.
We talked about Vijaya Dashami and the significance of the day. Starting of Akshara Abhayasa or starting to learn to read/write. It is an auspicious day to begin new things, new learnings. It is the day of Victory of Mahishasura Mardini over the asura Mahisha. It is also celebrated for Ram's victory over Ravana. It is a day of victory for good over evil.
In Tamil Nadu, on this day we offer pooja and take our books placed for Saraswathi pooja and the first thing we write is SRI RAMA JAYAM.
(Personally I write in all these languages.)
English: SriRamaJayam
Tamil: ஸ்ரீ ராம ஜயம்
Telugu: శ్రీ రామ జయం
Hindi: श्रीरामजयं
Kannada: ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಮ ಜಯಂ
In South India we celebrate Navratri by placing dolls made of wood, or clay or paper mache, resin or other materials. Generally this is done in a 9-step setup indicating the various steps to reach God. To rise above our baser (animal) instincts and get closer to Godliness with our good qualities.
We had a look at Sudha aunty's Navratri Golu decoration and she shared various aspects of the setup. Animal figurines on the lowest step then human figures; 3rd step with great devotees (like Buddha, Sai Baba, Kannappa, Bhagiratha, Mira Bai, Sri Raghevandra, Sage Narada and Adi Shankara). The 4th step with Gods (Ganesha, Rama, Karthikeya, Krishan, etc.) and the topmost step with the Three Devis (Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi), Lakshmi-Narayan and Shiva-Parvati family. See photo of Navratri Golu.
We discussed why we put on Vibhoothi (Sacred Ash) on our forehead:
To remind us of God, specially, Lord Shiva. To purify and sanctify us, to keep our thoughts pure as well as our deeds and words. To remind us that we have a life span (all that is born, must die), so within this life we should keep good company and say/do/think goodness.
Other things worn on our forehead - kumkum, chandan; these are placed between our eyebrows and vibhoothi is placed above.
Radha aunty taught us to sing this bhajan for Navaratri:
Amba parameshwari Akhilandeswari
Aadhi paraashakthi paalaya maam
Shri Bhuvaneshwari Raajaraajeshwari
Aananda roopiNi paalaya maam
We sang Janma Dinamidhan for Mira and Aarna. Happy birthday to you both!
Closing prayers were chanted very nicely by Mira. Great job, Mira!
Homework:
Opening Prayers - Nishka
Closing Prayers - Raghavan
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Oct 18 2020
We started off chanting OM and followed with the Invocation prayers by Aditya. Beautiful job, Aditya!
We played a word association game, in which the students must write 3 things that come to their mind, when they first hear the word. Some of the words given were –
Temple, Teacher, Lamp, Prayer, Mother, Bhakthi, Happiness, Nature
Everyone did so well, the children made unique associations and it was so amazing to hear all the words each one had in their mind.
Since it was the start of Navratri, we discussed the 3 goddesses and the symbolism of Durga. The story of Mahishasura Mardini was discussed in class.
We sang Janma Dinamidhan for Anirudh :)
Closing prayers were chanted very nicely by Varsha. Well done, Varsha!
Homework:
Opening Prayers - Nishka
Closing Prayers - Mira
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Oct 11 2020
We started off chanting OM and followed with the Invocation prayers by Sadhana. Beautiful job, Sadhana! Thank you.
We continued the topic of "Symbolism in Hinduism"
We discussed the concept of GOD and how it might be difficult for everyone to accept and embrace the concept of the Supreme Power or Nirguna BRAHMAN.
Sage Veda Vyasa made this more easy for us through his Puranas and his explicit descriptives of the various Gods and Goddesses as individual DEITIES.
All of this goes to show that Hinduism provides deeper meanings and symbolisms in various aspects - whether the personified forms of our Gods, what they hold in their hands, their vahanas, our religious books or our various festivals.
We looked at ॐ (OM), 卐 Hindu Swastika (right-facing or clockwise), the lotus and the Dharma Chakra as well known symbols in our religion. Many of these symbols are also prevalent in Buddhism and Jainism that are said to have branched out of Hinduism.
We want you to recognize these symbols and be proud of them and be able to stand strong enough to explain their true meaning to your friends and families, if questioned.
We discussed about our Major Gods (TRINITY) and the Minor Gods. Students were able to name quite a few and that they represent/uphold specific duties and are given a form based on what they do.
Next weekend is the start of Navarathri so we will focus on the symbolism of this festival and about the 3 Goddesses - Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi.
Attached is the presentation that we discussed.
Radha aunty taught us the chanting of Vishnu Dhyana Shlokam. Some of you seemed to know this already and everyone recited/repeated this after aunty quite well. We would like you to practice until proficient with the pronunciation.
Vishnu Dhyana Shlokam:
Shantakaram Bhujaga Sayanam Padma Nabham Suresham
Vishvadharam Gagana Sadrisham Megha Varnam Shubangam
Lakshmi Kantam Kamala Nayanam Yogi Hrid Dhyana Gamyam
Vande Vishnum Bhava Bhaya Haram Sarva Lokaika Natham
Meaning:
I praise Lord Vishnu who is the Lord of all the worlds and the destroyer of the ills of this earthly life. Lord Vishnu has a calm appearance and is reclined on a snake bed. He is the Lord of all the gods and has a lotus stalk emanating from his naval. He is the very foundation of this universe and presents an expansive look like the skies. He wears a dark complexion like the clouds and appears in auspicious looks. He is the attractor of Goddess Lakshmi. The lotus eyed Lord is constantly meditated upon by the sages and saints.
We sang Janma Dinamidhan for Nishka :)
Closing prayers were chanted very nicely by Srivarenya. Well done, Srivarenya!
Next week we will start with an activity first, so please be on time.
Homework:
Research 1 or both questions:
1) Why do Hindus wear Vibhooti (Sacred Ash) on their forehead?
2) Who did the ancient Egyptians pray to?
3) Opening Prayers - Varsha
Closing Prayers - Raghavan
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Sep 27 2020
We started with 3 OMs, then Anand chanted the invocation prayers. We asked the class,to submit 5 words on "Why do you like Bala Vihar?". Here is what our children shared with us, in the form of a WORD CLOUD below.
Following this quick activity, we moved onto a Quizziz based on our previous week's lesson.
The topics were "Why Bala Vihar?" and "India - National Symbols".
There were 20 questions and 20 students participated.
Radha aunty and I are very proud to say that 3 students got 100% and 4 got 95%.
Overall scores were 70% and above. For any students who either missed our last class or need to review the material again, please have them go through the PowerPoint presentations we shared last week.
After discussing the questions and right answers, we moved onto the day's lesson.
Topic: Symbolism in Hinduism
We did not complete this topic fully, but our children got the point that sometimes "A picture is worth a thousand words".
They learnt the basic idea of symbolism. They identified a lot of random symbols quite accurately.
We discussed the symbolism topics that we will cover through the year - Ganesha, Shiva, Durga/Lakshmi/Saraswathi, Vishnu, Krishna, some Festivals, Scriptures, Doing a Puja.
In the next class we will learn the concept of God and the symbolism behind the form/shape of our Gods and what they hold and what they represent.
Details of our symbolism lesson will be shared when we complete this introduction topic.
Saavir and Sai chanted the closing prayers.
Reminders-
Books pick up and fee drop off - Oct 3 and 4 -10 am to 12 pm.
Next class is on Oct 11.
Home Work:
Come prepared with the Invocation prayer sheets. This was emailed twice to all the parents.
Opening prayers - Sadhana
Closing prayers - Srivarenya
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Sep 20 2020
We started with 3 OMs, then Sai Smaran beautifully chanted the Invocation prayers.
Our first lesson today was about "Why Bala Vihar?"
I have attached the presentation that we shared. Please feel free to watch this together with your children. It reiterates the reasons why we have come together as a Bala Vihar (extended) family and a learning community.
It is about like-minded people banding together to help one another grow while retaining the rich cultural heritage of where we originate.
We introduced some new words - Samskara, Svabhava, Sanskara, Prakrti and Vikrti.
Prakrti = The inherent nature or tendency of any object. It is important to develop the good nature (characters) in each of us
Vikrti = Going against or exceeding the limits of prakrti. It is important to learn to curb such nature that makes us step away from the path of goodness.
We discussed the nature of different things like fire, water, animals and humans.
Radha aunty reminded us about the story that Krishnan uncle shared at an assembly - the story of the frog and the scorpion, and how the nature of the scorpion (to sting), caused the 2 to lose their lives in the river.
Learn the Law of Consequence!
1) Not practising safe & healthy habits during COVID, could make us and others around us sick.
2) Not protecting the earth or conserving water (by reducing, reusing and recycling) will diminish the available resources on earth.
The 2nd lesson today was about "India, Our Sacred Land - National Symbols". We talked about what symbols actually represent a country, like Flag, National Anthem, etc.
I am sure our children may know many of these symbols for the US. It is time for them to learn about their Indian heritage. So this was an easy introduction.
We talked about the important cities in India, what languages each of us speak at home, etc.
Attached is the powerpoint presentation for this lesson as well. Please have the children review this as well before the next class.
Most of the children had their virtual background of their favorite Gods, some had pictures of them and shared with the rest of the class. Great job!
We sang the "Janmadinam" song for Aditya. Happy birthday, Aditya!
Aditya concluded the class by chanting the Closing Prayers. Well done!
We hope the children enjoyed today's class. Looking forward to more fun activities in the upcoming classes.
I have re-attached the Bala Vihar handbook. This has the Invocation prayers and closing prayers. It is the same packet that we provided in class last year. For those who do not have a copy, please get a printout of the prayers so that you can chant with the rest of us.
Homework-
1. Review the powerpoint presentations of both lessons
2. Pop quiz next week (don't worry, it will be easy; like Kahoot). Don't be late! This will be a fun activity and we will do this at the beginning of class.
3. Next Sunday - Opening prayers - Sadhana
Closing prayers - Saavir
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Sep 13 2020
Welcome to Gopala class! Sudha aunty and myself (Radha) aunty will be the sevaks teaching your 5th and 6th graders this year.
We would be following the book "Symbolism in Hinduism" and "India,the sacred land ".
Classes start at 10 am sharp,so we would request the kids to be logged on to zoom promptly.
Last class was a shortened one,due to the assembly,we chanted daily prayers and split the students into 2 zoom breakout sessions to play an icebreaker game "Two truths and a lie". The students seemed to enjoy it as they found out a few facts about each other.
We finished the class with the closing prayers. Opening prayers were by Anirudh and Closing Prayers were by Aalok. And they both did a wonderful job.
We will be assigning individual students for chanting the assembly prayers as well, so please make sure they are prepared with the papers, in case they do not have them memorized.
If you would like us to include your children's emails in our communications, please email me or Radha aunty with their email address.
Homework-
1. Make a virtual background of your favourite God in Zoom or bring a picture of your favourite God to show in class.
2. Next Sunday - Opening prayers - Sadhana
Closing prayers - Aditya
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