Mar 14, 2021 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Students and Parents,

 

Hari Om! Below is an update of what was done last class, Mar 14th - We continued with our stories and refreshed on how Hanumanji was reminded of his true power by Jambhavan and crossed the ocean, and his steadfast focus and optimistic attitude. We learnt that we should be as focused as Hanumanji, and also we learnt that with your Buddhi you can cross any challenges. e.g., Hanumanji was able to cross over Surasa, the demon monster and was able to shrink himself to go inside her mouth and then escape to go to Lanka to see Sita. We also reviewed how Jambhavan, Angadha, Hanumanji and Nila reached the south end and when they were giving up, Hanumanji was not ready to give up. We also did bhajan practice, slokas and geeta chanting . Details below. Also please put reminder that annual program for Grade 1 is coming on May 9th

 

Update: 

• As always we did opening prayers, Karagre, guru stotram and refreshed on the latest new sloka learnt on Subham Karoti Kalyanam (before lighting evening lamp). We reviewed slokas learnt, morning prayer, guru sloka, Bhumidevi sloka (samudravasane Devi) and saraswathi sloka
• We practiced geeta chanting verse 17 and 18 today
• On today's class story:
  • We learnt how to be focused like Hanumanji, and how he would not rest with Manaka, as he wanted to complete his mission before resting. We should strive to be like Hanumanji
  • We learnt on how we can solve challenges in life using our intelligence (Buddhi) - Hanumanji was able to escape from Surasa by shrinking himself and passing through her mouth  
  • Refreshed on the story where Jambhavan, Angad, Nila and Hanuman were sent to the south in search of Sita by Sugriva, and how Rama gave his signet ring to Hanumanji to give to Sita when he finds her. 
  • We continued in the story where Jambhavan helps Hanumanji realise his true nature as the son of Vayu, who is capable of crossing the ocean to go to Sita
  • We continued on how Hanumanji meets Mainaka, which came in the form of a Mountain sent by the Ocean king, and wanted to get Hanumanji's blessing. Hanumanji said he will rest on him ater, but needs to ensure his mission is accomplished. 
  • Next, Hanumanji meets Surasa the monster - Hanumanji shrunk himself and was able to escape from Surasa
  • Lessons refreshed and learnt today: 
    • We should be focused on our goals and rest not until we  accomplish them like Hanumanji
    • We should pray to God before we try accomplishing any mission and God will help us, just like Hanumanji prayed to Rama before starting on his long journey across the ocean
    • We should use our Buddhi to solve problems that come in our life just like Hanimaji used his Buddhi to escape from Surasa 
• We did our coloring activity, and request complete the remaining at home 
• We did geeta chanting verse 17 and 18 - The complete youtube link for Chapter 2 verses are here (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwv-WSJSokEORu2iEsVanXQhQHOoiiQIy) 
• Concluded with closing prayers and saying our pledge

 

Request: 

• Please practice geeta chanting verses 1-10 (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v01-10/) and slokas 
• Please complete coloring activity on Lesson 27, 28 and 29  (attached) 
• Please memorize Bhajan and slokas (attached)  - There will be recording done for the Bhajan and then Slokas next!
• Ensure to mark your calendar for Annual Program for kids coming on May 9th 

 

Best regards,

Priya and Aruna

Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan

Grade 1 Sun PM Teachers

Mar 7, 2021 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

 

Hari Om! Below is an update of what was done last class, Mar 7th - We continued with our stories and refreshed on how Ravana took Sita away, the battle of Sugriva and Bali, and how Sugriva forgot the promise he gave Rama, and how Hanuman and Laksmana reminded him and search party was sent in serach for Sita. We also reviewed the meeting of Sampati (Jatayu's brother) and how when folks were weary, Hanuma would not give up. We also did slokas, geeta chanting and meditation. Details below.

 

Update: 

• As always opening prayers, guru stotram. We reviewed slokas learnt, morning prayer, guru sloka, Bhumidevi sloka (samudravasane Devi) and refreshed on saraswathi sloka
• We learnt new sloka to be said before lighting lamp (Subam karoti)
• We practiced geeta chanting verse 15 and 16
• We did yoga tree pose, butterfly pose and focused on breathing
• On today's class story:
  • Do not let anger, haste and desire cloud our judgements (Refresher on how that impacts the brothers Bali and Sugriva)
  • Do not forget your promises and keep your promises (Sugriva's promise to Rama to help him find Sita) 
  • Refreshed on story where Ravana took Sita away, and how Rama and Laksmana met Hanuman. 
  • Refreshed on how Rama and Laksmana met Hanuman. Refreshed on the battle of Surgiva and Bali, and how Bali was killed, and when Sugriva was crowned the king for the vanaras, where Kiskinda is capital of the Kingdom
  • But Sugriva forgot the promise he gave Rama to help find Sita, and lost himself in the pleasures of being a king. Hanuman had to remind him and after winter was over, Laksmana came to ask for what was promised to his brother.
  • Then Sugriva sent folks to search for Sita in all directions (North, South, East and West) - To the South, Sugriva sent Hanumanji, Jambhavan, Nila and Angada. Hanuman's mission was clearly defined by Surgiva - to find Sita. Rama knew intuitively and trusted Hanuman, gave him the signet ring to give to Sita when he will meet her. 
  • The vanaras met Sampati (Jatayu's brother) who gave them confirmation that Sita was indeed captured by Ravana and is held in Lanka. 
  • When the vanaras were tired and ready to give up, Hanuma rallied them and said we should keep moving forward. 
  • Lessons refreshed and learnt today: 
    • We never should forget our promises to especially a friend who helped us 
    • We learnt on true love of Sampati for his brother Jatayu when they were young, and how he sacrificed his wings for his brother 
    • We learnt on how we should never give up (Hanuman not ready to give up looking at big ocean to cross to go to Lanka) 
• We did our coloring activity.
• We did geeta chanting verse 15 and 16 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3lOLTFDI6Y) 
• Concluded with closing prayers and saying our pledge

 

Request: 

• Please practice geeta chanting verses 1-4 (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v01-10/) and slokas 
• Please complete coloring activity on Lesson 25 and 26 (sent in email and WA) 
• Please memorize slokas (sent in email and WA) 
• Please also practice kids Atma Nivasi Ram Bhajan song (In My Prayers book)

 

Best regards,

Priya and Aruna

Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan

Grade 1 Sun PM Teachers

Feb 28, 2021 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

 

Hari Om! Below is an update of what was done last class, Feb 28th - We continued with our stories and refreshed on how Hanuman meets Rama Laksmana, and compared the relations between Sugriva Bali vs. Rama and Laksmana. Please ensure to enroll in Slokathan and art competitions coming up. We also did slokas, geeta chanting and meditation. Details below.

 

Update: 

• As always opening prayers, guru stotram. We reviewed slokas learnt, morning prayer, guru sloka, Bhumidevi sloka (samudravasane Devi) and refreshed on saraswathi sloka
• We practiced geeta chanting verse 15 and
• We did yoga tree pose, butterfly pose and focused on breathing
• On today's class story:
• Refreshed on how Rama and Laksmana meet Hanuman. As Hanuman is pure of heart, there was immediate friendship between Hanuman and Laksmana - So children learnt that if pure hearts meet, long acquaintances are not needed for friendship to bloom. Hanuman introduced himself as Sugriva's minister and took Sri Rama and Laksman to meet Sugriva
• Sugriva shared the story of why he was hiding in the Rsyamuka mountain, and how his brother Bali had banished him out of the kingdom. Kiskindha was the capital of Bali's kingdom
• We contrasted and compared the relationship between the brothers Bharata, Rama against Bali and Sugriva - There was so much love between the brothers in both cases. But when troubles came, we saw how Bharata was ready to not take on the kingdom, and rule on behalf of Rama. Whereas, Sugriva took on the kingdom, assuming that his brother Bali was dead. Also, Bali's anger clouded on his judgment when Sugriva tried to reason out with him
• We continued on with how Rama vows to  help Sugriva, and we saw how Sugriva calls Bali for a battle.
• Next, we saw how Rama shoots the arrow to kill Bali, and Sugriva takes the throne at Kishkindha
• Also, we saw how Rama keeps his word, but Sugriva forgets the word he gave Rama to find Sita, and forgets himself in life's pleasures
• Then, when Laksmana comes to ask for what happened, Hanuman and Angad (Prince regent, and son of Bali) come to meet Laksmana to say sorry.
• After that, the order is given by Sugriva than Hanuman's primary mission is to find Sita, and the search for Sita begins
• Lessons refreshed and learnt today: 
• Do not let anger, haste and desire cloud our judgements (Refresher on how that impacts the brothers Bali and Sugriva)
• Do not forget your promises and keep your promises (Sugriva's promise to Rama to help him find Sita) 
• We did our coloring activity.
• We did geeta chanting verse 15 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3lOLTFDI6Y) 
• We then enjoyed the play by Grade 7 kids  
• Concluded with closing prayers and saying our pledge

 

Request: 

• Please practice geeta chanting verses 1-4 (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v01-10/)
• Please complete coloring activity on Lesson 25 and 26 (sent in email and WA) 
• Please memorize slokas (sent in email and in WA ) 
• Please also practice kids with new Bhajan song (sent in email and WA)

 

Best regards,

Priya and Aruna

Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan

Grade 1 Sun PM Teachers

Feb 21, 2021 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

Hari Om! Below is an update of what was done last class, Feb 21st - We had Spirit Day last class, and kids enjoyed the scavenger hunt. We also did stories and slokas. Details below.

Update: 

• As always opening prayers, guru stotram. We reviewed slokas learnt, morning prayer, guru sloka, bhumidevi sloka (samudravasane Devi) and refreshed on saraswathi sloka
• We practiced geeta chanting verses 1 and 2 
• We did yoga tree pose, frog pose, butterfly pose and seed pose.
• On today's class story:
• We continued with the story on Lesson 24 on how Rama and Laksmana meet Hanuman. As Hanuman is pure of heart, there was immediate friendship between Hanuman and Laksmana - So children learnt that if pure hearts meet, long acquaintances are not needed for friendship to bloom. Hanuman introduced himself as Sugriva's minister and took Sri Rama and Laksman to meet Sugriva
• Sugriva shared the story of why he was hiding in the Rsyamuka mountain, and how his brother Bali had banished him out of the kingdom. Kiskindha was the capital of Bali's kingdom
• We contrasted and compared the relationship between the brothers Bharata, Rama against Bali and Sugriva - There was so much love between the brothers in both cases. But when troubles came, we saw how Bharata was ready to not take on the kingdom, and rule on behalf of Rama. Whereas, Sugriva took on the kingdom, assuming that his brother Bali was dead. Also, Bali's anger clouded on his judgment when Sugriva tried to reason out with him
• The lesson is to not let anger, haste and desire cloud our judgements, and you see that this was the cause of the challenge between the two brothers Bali and Sugruva. 
• We celebrated Spirit day and played a Scavenger hunt game - The kids then enjoyed watching the spirit day activities across different houses by the senior students. 
• Concluded with closing prayers and saying our pledge

Request: 

Please complete coloring activity on Lesson 24 (sent in Email and in WA) 

Please memorize slokas (all the sloka recordings were sent in WA and email) 

Please also practice kids with new Bhajan song (sent in email and WA)

Best regards,

Priya and Aruna
Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan
Grade 1 Sun PM Teachers

 

Feb 7, 2021 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

 

Hari OM! Below is an update of what was done, and request to parents and children. Sorry for the delay. As you know, there is no class today. 

 

Update:

• • As always opening prayers, guru stotram. We reviewed slokas learnt, morning prayer, guru sloka, Bhumidevi sloka (Samudravasane Devi) and learnt saraswati namastubhyam sloka
  • On today's class:
    • We continued with the story on Lesson 22 and 23 on Rama's encounter with Kabandha, and then his meeting with Sabari and her pure devotion and love for Sri Rama
    • We refreshed the kids on all the values learnt in the story of Rama until now and did art and craft activity - Please make your kids complete how they showed their values with a picture
      • Keep your promises - e.g., Dasarath keeping his promise to Kaikeyi, and same is true of Rama
      • Love and Respect Elders - e.g., Rama respecting his step mother;s wish to be in forest for 14 years 
      • Love your Siblings -e.g., Laksmana and Bharata's love for their elder brother, and how each one shows it
      • Know Right from Wrong - e.g., Bharata's choice to rule on behalf of Rama
      • Protect the Weak - e.g., Jatayu's brave act to save Sita
      • Beware of bad Counsel - e.g., Kaikeyi listening to Mandari who was giving bad counsel
    • We did our yoga tree pose, butterfly pose, seed pose and frog pose. Also, we focused on Nadi Shodhana Pranayama breathing - That would help us when we are stressed 
    • Then we reviewed geeta chanting on 2 more new verses - Chapter 13 and 14
    • Concluded with Geeta chanting with Chapter 2 Verse 1 and Verse 2

Request

• Please complete coloring activity on Lesson 22 and Lesson 23, and draw picture of how you show the values you are learning in Ramayana in your activity sheet (attached)
• Please memorize new sloka on Saraswati Namastubhyam (Priya aunty's recording and Sloka PDF attached in email)
• Please memorize slokas on Bhumi devi (Samudravasane devi)   
• Please practice chanting Bhagvat Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 13 and 14 (Priya aunty's recording attached in email), and memorize verse 1 and 2. 

Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 13-14 link is here: https://youtu.be/bkemj50C3xY Recording sent on WhatsApp group and attached. Also, you can also practice each line separately (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v11-20/)  In addition, attaching the Grade 1 Slokas PDF along with this message that will help with practicing the slokas

Best regards, 

Priya and Aruna

Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan

Grade 1 Sun PM Teachers

Jan 31, 2021 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

Hari Om! Below is an update of what was done, and request to parents and children. Apologies for the delay this week in sending the email. Thanks for joining us last week for the first 10 min of class. Please ensure your child wears beautiful traditional dress next week as we continue to do recording on the slokas recited by kids and Bhajans

Update:

• As always opening prayers, guru stotram. We reviewed slokas learnt, morning prayer, guru sloka, bhumidevi sloka and evening prayer
• On today's class:
• We reviewed the Atma Nivasi Ram Bhajan we will be singing during Annual program
• We refreshed the kids on all that was learnt until now
• We did a fun kahoot quiz game with kids to refresh them on what was learnt
• We did our yoga tree pose and also did focused on Nadi Shodhana Pranayama breathing - That would help us when we are stressed 
• Then we reviewed geeta chanting on 2 more new verses - Chapter 13 and 14
  

Request

• For Sonakshi - Good job with Verse 1. Please practice and memorize Verse 2 of Guru Shlokas  
• For Reva - Good job with Guru sloka Verse 3. Please practice and memorize Verse 1, 2 of Guru Slokas (attached), Morning prayers (karaghre) and Bhumidevi prayer (Samdravasane devi)
• For Arhaan - Good job with all verses of Guru Sloka - Please memorize the morning prayer (Karaghre) and new Bhumidevi prayer (samudravasane devi) 
• For Siya - Please memorize Verse 1, and Verse 2 of Guru slokas 
• For all kids - Next week, please ensure to practice the Atma Nivasi Ram bhajana (attached) 

Please help your child practice verse of Bhagavad Geeta (Chapter 11,12,) - Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 11-12: https://youtu.be/Tb869bQUafc You can also practice each line separately (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v01-10/ )  In addition, I have sent the Grade 1 Slokas PDF along with your email this week - This should help with sloka practice

Best regards,
Priya and Aruna
Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan
Grade 1 Sun PM Teachers

Jan 24, 2020 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

 

Hari Om! Below is an update of what was done, and request to parents and children. Please ensure to wear beautiful traditional dress next week as we plan to do recording on the slokas recited by kids and Bhajans

 

Update:

• • As always opening prayers, guru stotram. We also learnt Bhumi devi prayer
  • On today's story:
    • We refreshed kids on where we had stopped from last week - Where Surpanakha's encounters Rama, Laksmana and Sita
    • Laksmana cut-off Surpanakha's nose as per Rama's command, as she tried to attack Sita.
    • We talked through the story of how Surpankha reached out to her brothers Khara and Dusana to come and fight with Rama
    • Rama and Laksmana destroyed the army of Khara and Dusana
    • Now Surpanakha went to her other brother, the mighty Ravana. She told him all that happened and also tried to entice him by talking about the beautiful Sita
    • Ravana plotted with Marica to capture the beautiful Sita - Marica was not for it but he wanted to die in the hands of Rama rather than Ravana.
    • Marica disguised himself as a golden deer and danced closed to Sita's hut - Sita was attracted to the deer. She requested Rama to get the deer.
    • Rama told Laksmana to stand guard and went searching for the deer. Finally, when we hit the arrow, the true form of the golden deer (Marica) showed
    • Marica then cried in the voice that sounded like Rama calling for Laksmana and Sita for help - This was a ploy to get Sita alone
    • Sita got worried and requested Laksmana to go in search of Rama - Laksmana drew a circle and requested Sitaji to not go beyond those to protect. Laksmna knew that there may be consequences for not following his brother Ram's orders 
    • When Laksmana went in search of Rama, he then realised that Rama is ok
    • Meanwhile, Ravana disguised himself as a sage and presented himself in front of Sita asking for alms - He requestd Sita to cross the circle drawn by laksmana to feed him the alms
    • Sita also obliged and then Ravana revealed his true form, and forced Sita to get on his chariot (Pushpaka) and took her away 
    • Sita kept calling for help, and as the flying chariot was going fast, she dropped her jewelleries, hoping that Rama would find them and will find the path where she is been taken
    • The king of birds Jatayu - fought with Ravana to free Sita - But Ravana cut one of Jatayu's wings - Jatayu sacrificed his life for Sita. 
    • While Prince Rama and Laksmana were searching for Sita, they found Jatayu and he told them all that happened and who took Sita away. 
  • We did some meditation and tree pose yoga 
  • Concluded with Geeta chanting with Chapter 2 Verse 1 and Verse 2
• 
  

Request

• For Sonakshi - Please practice and memorize Verse 1 of Guru Slokas (attached)  and Verse 1 and verse 2 of Geeta Chanting Chapter 2
• For Reva - Good job with Guru sloka Verse 3. Please practice and memorize Verse 2 of Guru Slokas (attached) and verse 1 and 2 of Geeta Chanting Chapter 2
• For Arhaan - Good job with all verses of Guru Sloka - Please memorize the morning prayer and new Bhumi devi prayer (samudravasane devi) - Also, please practice verse 1 and verse 2 of Geeta Chanting Chapter 2
• For Siya - We missed you in class - But please memorize Verse 3 of Guru slokas and verse 1 and verse 2 of Geeta Chanting Chapter 2
• For all kids - Next week, there will be a kahoot quiz on chapters 13--21 and look forward to having some fun and craft activity with them!

Please help your child practice verse of Bhagavad Geeta (Chapter 1,2,) - Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 1-2: https://youtu.be/-d4EIe2V-Vc  Recording sent on WhatsApp group and you can also practice each line separately (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v01-10/ ) The Grade 1 Slokas PDF was posted on WhatsApp group. If you need it, please let me know.

Best regards, 

Priya and Aruna

Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan

Grade 1 Sun PM Teachers

Dec 20, 2020 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

 

Hari Om! Below is an update of what was done. For our last class for 2020, we did some games to refresh kids on what they have learnt until now in Bala Ramayanam. We did a Kahoot quiz with kids, a word wall activity for the kids to refresh on the first 14 chapters done. We also did a craft activity for making a popsicle stick with Rama's picture and Sri Rama Rama Rameti mantra. We did a recording of the kids bhajans to be shared for house points. 

Wishes for happy holidays and a happy new year to you and your family!  

Please ensure to practice the slokas, bhajans and geeta chanting during the winter break. The main request for parents is below. 

• Please help your child to practice the Morning and Before Sleeping Prayer sloka, Guru sloka Verse 1,2, 3 and 14 (pag 61 - My Prayers book), Bhajans (Sri ram jaya ram, and Atma Nivasi ram). Recordings were shared on WhatsApp 
• Please help your child practice verse of Bhagavad Geeta (Chapter 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) - Recording sent on WhatsApp group and you can also practice each line separately (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v01-10/ ) For Chapter verse 1-8, please see the Geeta Chanting links by Swamiji below. In addition, Priyaji has recorded Geeta Chanting Verse 7 and 8 (shared on WhatsApp and in email) - Please practice with your child, one verse per day. 
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 1-2: https://youtu.be/-d4EIe2V-Vc  
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 3-4: https://youtu.be/vpxXftSrWRM 
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 5-6 https://youtu.be/JhFJXjzJcMg 
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 7-8 https://youtu.be/UK-J_LXuAaM
• Please help your child complete craft activity, and art work (in email and WhatsApp). Please share completed work on WhatsApp group.  
• Please ensure child says the Rama mantra everyday
  • Shri Rama Rama Rameti, Rame Rame Manorame;
  • Sahasrenama tattulyam, Rama Nama Varanane

 

Update: 

• • We did Om Chanting 3 times followed by Starting prayer and Guru Slokas
  • We played Kahoot quiz to refresh on what we have done in Ramayana story until now
  • We played a word wall game where kids had to choose the right word in the choices given
  • We recorded Bhajan songs by kids who were ready
  • We reviewed Geeta chanting verses
  • We practiced yoga poses   
  • We reviewed Geeta Chanting verse 7 and 8
  • We wrapped up with our closing prayers, aarti and pledge

See you in 2021!  

 

Best regards,

Priya and Aruna

 

Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan 

Dec 13, 2020 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

 

Hari Om! Below is a review of what was done. The takeaway was the message from Prince Rama to Prince Bharata that everything in life such as sadness and happiness is a play of fate. Having taken this human birth, we should be ready to face life and accept challenges. Please ensure to practice the slokas, bhajans and geeta chanting and come. The main request for parents is below. 

• Please help your child to practice the Morning Prayer sloka, Guru sloka Verse 1,2, 3 and 14 (pag 61 - My Prayers book), Bhajans (Sri ram jaya ram, and Atma Nivasi ram). Recordings were shared on WhatsApp 
• Please help your child practice verse of Bhagavad Geeta (Chapter 1,2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) - Recording sent on WhatsApp group and you can also practice each line separately (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v01-10/ ) For Chapter verse 1-6, please see the Geeta Chanting links by Swamiji below
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 1-2: https://youtu.be/-d4EIe2V-Vc  
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 3-4: https://youtu.be/vpxXftSrWRM 
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 5-6 https://youtu.be/JhFJXjzJcMg 
• Please help your child to complete art work and share on WhatsApp. Please work with your child a little a day - That way it would be easier for them when they come back! 

 

Update: 

• • We did Om Chanting 3 times followed by Starting prayer and Guru Slokas
  • We covered how Prince Rama was living with Sita and his brother Lakshmana in Citrakuta forest
  • We also learnt of King Dasaratha's death and how Bharata was upset with his mom Kaikeyi for what she had done by sending Rama away for 14 years
  • We also learnt how Rama meets his brother Bharata where Bharata tries to convince Rama to come back to rule Ayodhya after their father's death
  • We learnt how Sage Vasistha shared a clever suggestion, where Bharata would act as Rama's representative and rule Ayodhya in Rama's absence.
  • We learnt how Prince Rama, Sita and Lakshmana met multiple sages namely Sage Atri, Sarabhanga and Sutiksna.
  • Also, the story of the demon Viradha's curse lifted by Prince Rama's feet touching his chest. Viradha went back to his form as a Gandharva. 
  • Children also practiced a new yoga pose as a butterfly other than tree pose.  
  • We reviewed Geeta Chanting verse 5 and 6
  • We wrapped up with our closing prayers, aarti and pledge

See you soon!

 

Best regards,

Priya and Aruna

 

Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan 

Dec 6, 2020 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

 

Hari Om! Below is a review of what was done in class. The takeaway was to ensure you take everything in life as prasad from God. It is shown by how Prince Rama took going to the forest in stride. Also, on Shravan's devotion to his parents is another takeaway. We are looking to record more this week. Please ensure to practice the slokas, bhajans and geeta chanting and come. The main request for parents is below. 

• Please help your child to practice the Morning Prayer sloka, Guru sloka Verse 1,2, 3 and 14 (pag 61 - My Prayers book), Bhajans (Sri ram jaya ram, and Atma Nivasi ram). Recordings were shared on WhatsApp 
• Please help your child practice Bhagavad Geeta (Chapter 2, Verse 1-5) - Recording sent on WhatsApp group and you can also practice each line separately (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v01-10/ ) For Chapter 2 verse 1-5, please see the Geeta Chanting links by Swamiji below
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 1-2: https://youtu.be/-d4EIe2V-Vc  
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 3-4: https://youtu.be/vpxXftSrWRM 
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 5-6 https://youtu.be/JhFJXjzJcMg 
• Please help child complete art work and share on WhatsApp group. Please work with your child a little a day 

 

Update: 

• • We did Om Chanting 3 times followed by Starting prayer and Guru Slokas
  • Today, we covered how Prince Rama took going to the Forest in stride and Sita and Lakshmana decide to go with Prince Rama 
  • Children also heard the story of Shravan and his devotion to his parents. 
  • We reviewed Geeeta Chanting verse 5
  • We wrapped up with our closing prayers, aarti and pledge

See you soon!

 

Best regards,

Priya and Aruna

 

Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan 

Nov 22, 2020 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

 

Hari Om! Below is a review of what was done in class. The takeaway was to ensure you dont get poisoned by other deeds and be like Rama not get too upset. Next week, there will be no class for thanksgiving break. We are looking to record the kids chanting the next class on Dec. 6th. So, please ensure to practice the slokas, bhajans and geeta chanting and come. The main request for parents is below. 

• Please help your child to practice the Morning Prayer sloka, Guru sloka Verse 1,2, 3, Tvameva Maata and Bhajans (Sri ram jaya ram, and Atma Nivasi ram). Recordings were shared on WhatsApp 
• Please help your child practice verse of Bhagavad Geeta (Chapter 1,2, 3 and 4) - Recording sent on WhatsApp group and you can also practice each line separately (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v01-10/ ) For Chapter verse 1-4, please see the Geeta Chanting links by Swamiji below
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 1-2: https://youtu.be/-d4EIe2V-Vc  
  • Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 3-4: https://youtu.be/vpxXftSrWRM   
• Ask your child about the takeaways in today's class.
• Please help child to complete art work (3 sheets attached) and share on WhatsApp group. Please work with your child a little a day - That way it would be easier for them when they come back! 

 

Update: 

• • We did Om Chanting 3 times followed by Starting prayer and Guru Slokas
  • We played a kahoot game to review what we have learnt so far in the story of Rama
  • Today, we covered Sita's wedding to Rama and how Kaikeyi's mind was poisoned by Manthara.
  • Also, we saw how Rama took the words of his step mom Kaikeyi in stride and did not get too upset when he was asked to go to the forest for 14 years.
  • We reviewed Geeeta Chanting verse 4 
  • We wrapped up with our closing prayers and pledge

Have a blessed relaxing thanksgiving break!

 

Best regards,

Priya and Aruna

 

Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan 

Nov 8, 2020 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

 

Hari Om! Hope you all had a wonderful Diwali! Below is a review of what was done in class. Sorry on delay to post due to travel and health reasons. The main request for parents is below

• Please help your child to practice the Morning Prayer sloka, Guru sloka Verse 1,2 and 3 and Bhajans (Sri ram jaya ram, and Atma Nivasi ram) that was taught in the last classes. Recordings were shared on WhatsApp to help parents practice with kids
• Please help your child practice verse of Bhagavad Geeta (Chapter 1,2,3) - Recording sent on WhatsApp group and you can also practice each line separately (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v01-10/)
• Ask your child about the takeaways in today's class
• Please help child to complete art work and share on WhatsApp group. Planning to have a quiz game tomorrow on the chapters covered

 

Have a blessed day! Talk soon 

Update: 

• We did our Om chanting followed by starting prayer (Om Sahana Vavatu - Page 8 of My Prayers book) along with Guru Shlokas
• We did meditation using the technique of concentrated observation of Bhagwan and then closing the eyes to behold the image
• We did some ice breaker activity and did our tree pose followed by story time about Marica and Subahu along with Ahalya.
• We did the I Spy game followed by Geeta chanting verses 1 and 2.
  • We chanted Geeta verse 1, 2 and 3 in Chapter 2 (Links are here and here) 
  • If you are interested in getting your child to practice chanting Bhagavad Geeta and learn the right pronunciation, here is the link to practice chanting. Please practice at home

• We completed with Closing prayer, and pledge

Pranams to you all!

 

Best regards,

Priya and Aruna

Oct 11, 2020 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

 

Hari Om! Below is a review of what was done in class. Happy Navaratri! The main request for parents is below

• Please help your child to practice the Morning Prayer sloka, Guru sloka Verse 1, and Bhajans (Sri ram jaya ram, and Atma Nivasi ram) that Aunty taught this week. Recordings were shared on WhatsApp to help parents practice with kids
• Please help your child practice first verse of Bhagavad Geeta (Chapter 2) - Recording sent on WhatsApp group and you can also practice each line separately (http://www.geetachanting.net/bvg02v01-10/)
• Ask your child about the takeaways in today's class
• Please help your child complete artwork and share on WhatsApp.

 

There will be no class this week. We will meet again the week of November 1st. Have a blessed week of Navaratri! 

 

1. Slokas and Bhajans:
1. We kicked off with Om chanting 3 times followed by daily opening prayer (Om Sahana Vavatu - Page 8 of My Prayers book)
2. We recited the Bhajan learnt last week  (Sri Ram Jaya Ram) and learnt a new bhajan song (Atma Nivasi Ram)
3. We refreshed on the two  Gurustotram slokas (Verses to Teacher) Please make child practice verse 1 sent by teacher in WhatsApp group (Gurustotram is on page 61 of My Prayers book)

2. Games: We did some shaking to get our energies out! Also, we did the Yoga tree pose to see how long each of us could hold the posture. We played marble counting game to focus on listening intently!
3. Meditation time:
1. We had quiet time by writing Likitha Japa of Shri Rama's name 11 times. We closed our eyes to visualize on Rama and reflect.
4. Story time:
1. We were refreshed on what happened in Prince Rama story as part of Yagna and the four princes being born to King Dasaratha. We refreshed the names of the 3 wives of King Dasaratha, and the 4 babies born as part of the Yaga (Yagna). 
2. We talked about the visit of Sage Visvamitra and how King Dasaratha's trusted and sent his two sons with Sage Visvamitra based on his Guru's (Sage Vasishta) advice.
3. We continued on how Rama and Lakshmana were excited to venture out of the palace. We talked about their journey to Dandaka forest which was dark and infested with spiders and wild animals. This was the home of Tataka, the demon
4. Tataka was once a beautiful maiden who married Sunda, and had a son Marica. Once in a fit of anger, Tataka and Marica had assaulted Sage Agastya. Sage Agastya cursed them to lead ugly lives of demons feeding human flesh.
5. We talked about the lesson of how important it is not to do wrong actions even when angry. Also, we discussed that it is normal to get angry, but how we react to it is important.
6. We discussed how Sage Visvamitra warned Rama that even though Tataka is a woman, she is evil and it is his duty as a Kshatriya to destroy evil and protect good.
7. We saw how Rama fought and slayed Tataka.
8.  Main Takeaway from today's story:
1. Even when angry, do not do wrong actions. (Learnings from Tataka, a beautiful maiden who became a demon)
5.  Activity:
1. Coloring activity of the four princes for the three wives of King Dasaratha, and Paduka tag in Rama's travel
6. We wrapped up with Geeta Chanting, closing prayers and Aarti. Geeta chanting details are below.

Geeta Chanting:

1. We learnt context on what verses 1-2 of Chapter 2 of Bhagavad Geeta was about. We chanted the Geeta verse 1 and 2 in Chapter 2 here
2. If you are interested in getting your child to practice chanting Bhagavad Geeta and learn the right pronunciation, here is the link to practice chanting. To make it easy, Aunty has shared just verse 1 on WhatsApp group. Please practice at home

 

Pranams to you all!

 

Best regards,

Priya and Aruna

Balavihar Chinmaya Vrindavan 

Oct 4, 2020 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Dear Parents,

 

Hari Om! Below is a review of what was done in class. The main request for parents is below

• Ask your child about the Bhajan and sloka they learnt. Recite sloka, Om Sahana Vavatu on page 8 of My Prayers book with your child at least 3 times a week
• Please review the Gurustotram verse 1, 2 and 3 (Page 61 of My Prayers book)
• Ask your child about the takeaways in today's class
• Please help child to complete art work and share on Whats app group.

 

Have a wonderful blessed week! 

 

1. Slokas and Bhajans:
1. We kicked off with Om chanting 3 times followed by daily opening prayer (Om Sahana Vavatu - Page 8 of My Prayers book)
2. We recited the Bhajan learnt last week  (Sri Ram Jaya Ram) and learnt a new bhajan song (Page 73 – Manasa Bhajare)
3. We learnt two new verses from Gurustotram Slokah (Verses to Teacher) - Please make child practice verse 1, 2 and 3 of Gurustotram 

2. Games: We played 'Rama Says' game and also did Yoga tree pose to see how long each of us could hold the posture. This also helped us to get some of our energy out!
3. Meditation time:
1. We did quiet time by writing Likitha Japa of Rama's name 11 times
4. Story time:
1. We reviewed Prince Rama's story from last week, on how as part of Yagna and the four princes being born to King Dasaratha. We reminded the children of the names of the three wives of King Dasaratha, and the four babies born as part of the Yaga (Yagna). 
2. We talked about the visit of Sage Vivamitra to King Dasaratha's place and his request to send Prince Rama with him. We talked about how it was important for Kings to protect the sages, and as Visvamitra was having trouble with Rakshasas, he was looking for the King to send Prince Rama.
3. We talked about although King Dasaratha was not happy about sending Prince Rama, he listened to his Guru Vasishta who advised him to send Prince Rama and Prince Lakshmana with Sage Visvamitra, and that they may bring glory to the kingdom. The King was ready to listen although he did not agree to it
4.  Main Takeaway from today's story:
1. If we want to be winners, we need to listen to our Gurus (Teachers) and be ready to challenge ourselves.
5.  Activity:
1. Coloring activity of Princes going with Sage Visvamitra was done
6. We wrapped up with Geeta Chanting, closing prayers and Aarti. Geeta chanting details are below.

Geeta Chanting:

1. We learnt context on what verses 1-2 of Chapter 2 of Bhagavad Geeta was about. We chanted the Geeta verse 1 and 2 in Chapter 2 here
2. If you are interested in getting your child to practice chanting Bhagavad Geeta and learn the right pronunciation, here is the link to practice chanting. 

Best regards, 

Priya and Aruna

Chinmaya Vrindavan