Hari Om Parents!
Today was the First class of Balavihar for 2022-2023! It was such a pleasure to be back in Ashram in-person class.
Here is the summary of what we covered in class today:
1. We started the class with the Opening prayers. We chanted Om three times and then chanted "Sahana vavatu".
2. Then we introduced ourselves and asked each kid to introduce themselves by saying their name and 2 things they like to do an Ice breaker session and Attendance was taken as each kid spoke.
3. Then we briefly explained the class structure as what will be taught during the class time. Some kids were curious about the length of the class. We explained that it's going to be 1 hour 20 min class, then will go to arati.
4. We chanted "Vakratunda Mahakaya" shloka along with the kids and then had the each kid to chant by themselves if they are familiar.
5. Then we did below Ganesha Bhajan and used "Tambourine" to sing. Even we had some kids use "Tambourine" when they tried to sing individually and they enjoyed doing it.
Jai ganesha jai ganesha
Jai ganesha pahimam
Jai ganesha jai ganesha
Jai ganesha jai rakshamam
6. Then we started off with this year Curriculum "Bala Ramayana" and discussed who is Rama and where did he live? Then slowly took them to the story time about "Ayodhya" and described how Ayodhya the ancient city looked back then, how people lived, the King Dasaratha and his wife's and how he run the kingdom with his ministries and guru.
7. Next class we will continue the story to build upon the Ramayana events.
8. Finished off with closing prayer "Om Purnamadah Purnamidam".
It was a great first session with active participation by all kids. Also it was great to meet the parents at end of the class and had a wonderful chat with all.
See you all next week.
Pranams
Subha and Selvi
