Hari OM Dear Families,
Here is this week's update.
15th Dec 2024 / 9:15AM
We started with class by chanting 3 OM's followed by the shlokas.
Shlokas-
"Om Saha Navavatu" (page 8 in My Prayers book)
"Vakratunda Mahakaya" (page 27 in My Prayers book)
"Saraswati Namastubhyam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)
"Guru Brahma" (page 61 in My Prayers book)
"Buddhir Balam" (page 152 in My Prayers book)
After reciting the shlokas, we played the 'Hari Om' game, which is all about opposites. When the game conductor said 'Hari Om' softly, the kids had to respond loudly, and when it was said loudly, the kids had to greet back quietly.
We then sang the sitting bhajan Ganesha Sharanam bhajan and stood up to practice Khate bhi Ram Kaho bhajan with actions.
Kids also read/practiced what to say for Sankranti/Pongal. Please keep practicing with kids at home as they need to say 1 or two lines during the stage performance in Jan.
Please keep practicing - the sequence is given in the whatsapp group. (Shlokas first, followed by bhajans 1 & 2 and then the sankranti greetings.)
We played a fun "Hare Rama/Hare Krishna/Jai Hanuman game in theme with the ashram activities happening today.
Next, during story time, we discussed with the kids how they celebrated Thanksgiving at the end of November and shared the Stone Soup story. The children eagerly joined in, pretending to make the soup and adding their favorite vegetables and herbs as the story unfolded. Together, we learned a valuable lesson about sharing and caring through the story of Stone Soup.
Stone Soup (Animated Stories for Kids)
Next, we gave the kids a coloring sheet based on the Stone Soup story, where they colored a pot filled with vegetables.
The kids also practiced Likhita Japa by writing 'Rama' in their notebooks. Parents are encouraged to continue with this activity at home as well.
We enjoyed some yoga time by doing some stretching and doing the hanuman pose. We also practiced Gita verses. Since the main hall was busy with Radha Kalyana Mahotsavam we did our pledge in the class before our session ended.
Children should bring their own copy of "My prayers" book, Ramayana coloring book (for coloring activity), Balavihar handbook (we provided on the first session) 9/15), pencils and erasers and crayons.
Children may bring their own "spill proof water bottles"
NO snacks please. Please give them a good breakfast before coming to Balavihar. Also make sure they use the bathroom before going into the class.
Please bring the children to balavihar a few minutes before 9.15. We want to promptly start by 9.15. Please make sure the student is not late and may come latest by 9.20 and not later than that.
Links and Reminders:
Please join the class WhatsApp group if you have not already-
https://chat.whatsapp.com/IAbzyq5I0ioF7FF6Cr85J0
