Hari Om Parents,
Exploration: We recapped that in the Vedanta alphabets we learn P and Q in the end- Why? Because we first need to learn all the values first, After we learn all these values, we become fit to do prayers, and learn that letter "P" which stands for prayer. When we offer prayers to the Lord, what is the result? The result is, we become quiet, and learn about the letter "Q."
Today was the twenty-first class of Balavihar!! Here is the summary of what we covered in the class today: We were happy to see Kids after Spring break and they happily shared what they did during their Spring break.
Opening Prayers: We together chanted three OMs and then chanted the Opening Prayers - Sahana Vavatu. All the kids chanted together.
Opening Prayers: We together chanted three OMs and then chanted the Opening Prayers - Sahana Vavatu. All the kids chanted together.
Recap: We did the Alphabet chant together until letter Z.
Introduction of the Next Letter: For today's class, we had planned to cover 2 letters P and Q.
Exploration: We recapped that in the Vedanta alphabets we learn P and Q in the end- Why? Because we first need to learn all the values first, After we learn all these values, we become fit to do prayers, and learn that letter "P" which stands for prayer. When we offer prayers to the Lord, what is the result? The result is, we become quiet, and learn about the letter "Q."
Brainstorming: We discussed what is prayer? Showing our love, appreciation and thankfulness for what God has given for us to live this life. and why do we pray? Prayer brings us closer to God and keeps our mind and action pure.
And what are the ways to pray? Bhajans, Japa, going to Temple, doing yagnya, chanting slokas,meditation, reading scriptures, helping others, helping the needy, donating food, clothes, books, doing pooja etc.,
We asked kids to share how they pray to God, and we told them that they can talk to God like a friend and share everything with God. and that God is always there protecting us and is our best friend.
Storytime 1: Through the story of the Gajendra Moksha explained how Bhakti towards God saved the Elephant King Gajendra and how he attained moksha. Talked about how Gajendra remembered God during his life's struggle with an alligator. We learnt that "Total Surrender to God will Help to live better life and attain Moksha"
Storytime 2: Through the story of a King who does not believe in God and his son we learnt How his young son taught the king about the Creator of the entire world by looking at nature. Then we talked about the Sun, moon, mountains, river, valley and all aspects of creation.
Activity 1: We discussed that when we get too close to a lighted candle we feel the heat and similarly when we pray to God, we get closer to him and feel his presence.
Activity 2: We asked each kid to say what they are Thankful to God for. And each of them happily shared and we heard some wonderful responses.
Yoga time: Jumping Jacks.
Introduced the next Letter:Letter Q - Quiet.
Brainstorming: We discussed what is quietness and Why we need to be quiet? And benefits of maintaining silence.
Exploration: We discussed a couple of scenarios which shows Yajna Spirit how everyone got together to do the Akhand Ram Charit Manas in the ashram this week, how firefighters get together and help the family from fire.And how many organizations get together to help for a noble cause.
And then we showed them via youtube video how a real Yajna ( homam) is performed by priests sitting around the holy fire, and special mantras are chanted, while special offerings are offered in the holy fire.
We discussed this as one way to please God.
Story time 1: Through the story of the Swan and Turtle moving from one Lake to another Lake, highlighted the importance of being silent when important tasks are being done.
Story time 2: Through the story of the spider spinning its web : We learnt that when we want to excel, we need to be quiet and silently do our work which helps us focus and concentrate on our goal and excel in it.
Attendance: was taken by each kid saying 'Hari Om' when their name was called out.
Exit ticket: KIds were provided Coloring Sheets for P, Q and X and were asked to complete their coloring during the Bhajan practice.
Bhajan practice: Our Bhajan Coordinator joined the class at 10:20am and kids participating in the Bhajanotsav practiced singing the bhajans - Ganapathi bhajan and Krishna bhajan.Kids were singing together well and we had a good practice session.Missed some kids who could not come to class today.
It was another very collaborative session with kids. Kids actively participated.
Have a wonderful week ahead!!
Upcoming Events for Kids to participate (any questions please reach out to us):
Bhajanotsav : April 29th 2023
Geeta Chanting April 22nd 2023 (Registrations closed)
Class Play on Annual Day June 10th 2023. -Please confirm the availability of your kid, if not done already, roles have been assigned. Next week onwards we will begin Play practice.
Next Class: April 23rd, 2023.
Pranams
Mahalakshmi & Chandarani.
