Class on 12/20/15

Hari OM
Dear Parents and Children.
Today we had a very nice assembly which had a beautiful Skit by Adult study groups. It's about the significance of learning and understanding Bhagavad Gita. This was presented as 12/21 being celebrated as Gita jayanthi, the birth of Gita, the Holy textbook.

In class, we started with our regular OM chant and the Sahanavavatu prayers. Followed by we sang Hanuman Chalisa, the children knew most part of it, just towards the end they couldn't go along with the audio(we sang with an audio clip being played) But they all seem to have a great listening ears for easy learning. We will soon learn all the 40 verses :)

We learned the meaning, story or/and activity involved in verses, 10.11 and 12. (please see the pic attached for a visual understanding of the class summary)

*Assuming the dreadful form to destroy the demons, Hanuman JI accomplished the mission of Srirama.
Hanuman Ji is the commander in Vanara army, destroys the evil forces.

There are a few bad qualities in anyone which makes a demon types. We need to cut all those bad thinking, just like Rama cut all the 10 heads of Ravana.
Ravana is a demon because he had bad thoughts and all his thinking were self centered for personal motives and benefits.

We did a game/activity where in we cut all the bad qualities (children have worked in their notebook, kindly check that. Some did not bring in a notebook, please send in 1 with them every class, having a notebook is very important and a must in our class)
We need to invite compassion, love, pray, share, kind, smile and being nice to ourselves for a better way of living.

*Hanuman JI uprooted the big Sanjeevni mountain to cure Lakshmana and made Rama happily embrace the Ramadasa (Hanuman JI)
Rama loved Hanuman JI like a brother, as he saved Lakshmana's life.

We saw the story of how and why Hanuman JI uprooted and brought the sanjivni mountain

*Rama praised Hanuman JI highly and said, Hanuman JI is as dear to Rama as His brother Bharatha.

Homework- 1. Write a letter to a dear person in a child's life (please make them write in their notebook)
2. Do something nice to a friend or a sibling or anyone in this winter break.

Snack time- healthy, nut free snack recommended.

We had in our class Abhiram a freshman from Princeton U to help us. He is our BBNJ balavihar alumnus. He lead the Guru stotram today and we learned 8th, 9th and 10th verses. We thank him for teaching us. We already knew up-to 7. Now we need to learn 1 to 10.

We then moved to a very interesting part of the day. The bhagavad gita quiz. The class was divided into team A and B. Each child in both the teams, tried their best to guess and/or answer. So proud of all of them for doing an excellent job in answering most questions.
We concluded with Shanthi mantra.

Please remember our class bhiksha is on Jan 10th, the first class in 2016 and the Bhiksha event will be at Vikram Pedapudi's home. Kindly watch out for emails regarding food sign ups and please do the needful as soon as possible. The coordinators have lots to work on this, so please make their jobs easier by responding faster. Thanks for your understanding.

Have a nice winter break- happy Holiday seasons and Happy new years!

Thank you.
Dhairyam teachers

Class on Dec 13th 2015

Hari OM
Dear Parents and Children,
We had a long assembly today, where in a few important announcements were made. For those who missed today's assembly, Dec 20th our last Balavihar for 2015 before we go in for winter break/Christmas/New Years. Next class celebrated as Gita Jayanthi and we will have a quiz in our class. (Emails to follow regarding the chapter, well in advance for enough time given to children to study and understand) It will be simple questionnaire.

Our first class is on Jan 10th, our Dhairyam class is doing the Bhiksha vandana to our swamiji. Vikram Pedapudi family have voluntered to host this great event at their home in Bridgewater. We will have more emails to follow regarding this beautiful event. Thank you Pedapudi family.
Jan 17th, we will celebrate the Chinmaya mahotsav (details to follow) Please watch out for emails

In class we as usual started with Om chant and Sahana Vavatu our opening prayers. Today, we began chanting Hanuman chalisa until what we have seen so far and learned verse, 6,7,8 and 9 with meanings, activity/story involved. (Pic attached summarizes the session)

*Hanuman Ji's glory is praised by the whole world.
*Hanuman Ji inherited all good qualities like devotion, compassion and austerity from Lord Siva:
Strength, service and humility from Pavan Dev: Courage, valor and loyalty from Kesari Maharaj:
Beauty, purity, gentleness and love from Anjani Devi.
Anjani Devi and Kesari Maharaj- Hanuman Ji's parents
Lord Siva and Pavan Dev- Hanuman Ji's God Fathers.

Activity- Children were asked to write down any qualities they have inherited from moms, dads or grand parents or older siblings or extended family members. They had fun doing this.

*Hanuman Ji is full of wisdom and highly intelligent.
*Always is ready to take up Rama's mission.

STORY- While crossing the ocean to locate Sita mata, Mainaka Parbat invited to rest- hanuman Ji politely said his goal is to find mata ji and take no rest until then.
Surasa the monster wanted to eat Him as she was hungry. Hanuman Ji agreed to be her food showing compassion, but was highly intelligent enough to get out off her mouth in a jiffy - Simhika another monster with jealousy, dragged Him down as he was flying, so Hanuman Ji fought with her and won over.
Hanuman JI knows how to react to any situation.
The qualities Hanuman Ji teaches us are-

1.  Work while you work- Play while you play
2.  Discriminate between good and evil
3.  Evaluate any situation and act accordingly- Use the situation wisely to face a challenge.
4.  Live by noble virtues

To serve the Humanity is to serve God.
How to serve God.
Smile more; complaint less
Talk sweet; no cursing
Always be happy; no dull face.
Smile makes a lasting memory and enriches everyone. Brings in happiness, a cheer to a discouraged, a sunshine to sad, medicine for a sick.

Hanuman JI a Rama Bhakth. It is said where ever Rama nama is taken Hanuman JI resides there to listen to Rama nama.
*Hanuman Ji is delighted in listening to Glories of Rama.
We performed a japam/bhajan SriRama Jayaraama Jaya jaya Raama  12 times with pure devotion. We could able to feel Hanuman Ji's presence in our class. Praying with pure heart makes us the feel come true.

*Rama Lakshmana and Sita mata resides in hanuman Ji's heart.
STORY- Once Sita gifts Hanuman Ji an expensive chain, Hanuman Ji rips all those diamonds and tastes to see if that's any sweet. Sita mata asks about His act and Hanuman Ji says, he has not seen or felt anything sweet better than Rama. Then, he rips his chest to show Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in His heart.

It is said that in a Hanuman Temple, there not necessarily be a Rama idol as Rama resides in Hanuman Ji. But in a Rama temple, there will be Hanuman Ji idol.

STORY- Hanuman Ji's strong desire to please Rama.
When He comes to know Rama likes Sindur (a saffron kumkum paste) while applied to the forehead, he immediately applies it all over the body. Sindur is one of the Prasads given in any Hanuman Ji temple.

*In a very small form Hanuman Ji shows himself to Sita mata in Asoka Vatika.
*In a gigantic monsters' form He burns the city of Lanka.

The children knew these episodes well and we had a group discussion more than story telling-listening form.

We heard M.S.Subbulakshmi amma version of Hanuman Chalisa (we know until 9 verses now.. some kids know more than that)
We chanted the Guru stothram until 7 verses today.

Homework for next week- Please practice 9 verses in Chalisa and 7 in Guru stotram.
Coloring- Verses 6,7,8 and 9. (page numbers given in the book at the Right bottom, next to an arrow)

There is a prayer log in the Assembly handout (page 40) you may please initial and write in the date when the child does the homework and or chants the verses.

Please send in a notebook and other supplies every session along with the prescribed books and Guru stotram (my prayers book)
Kindly send in a nut free healthy snack. Thanks.

 Please show the attached Sindur clad Hanuman Ji pic to our children.

Next class on 12/20/15.
Thanks. Take care.
Dhairyam teachers

class on 12/6/15

Hari OM Dear Parents and Children.

First of all, Congratulations to all Dhairyam class kids for all their active participation in the Chitramela art work. There are 2 entries from our class selected for the calendar. Good Job everyone! It definitely is a happy moment for us teachers and all children.

The Gita chapter 16 was taught in the assembly starting today. Every assembly session there will be Gita teaching aimed towards our annual Gita Yagna which happens in April (details in the handbook)

We resumed our class session after the assembly in our class. We started off with opening prayers and OM chanting.
We did our Hanuman Chalisa- meaning of each verse and any story and/or activity behind.
Today we saw 3rd,4th  and 5th line of the 40.

*Hanuman JI is strong like Indra's weapon- Vajra. Hanuman JI's other name is Bajrangi.
*Hanuman JI has no wicked thoughts (Kumati), instead always has good thoughts (Sumati)
*Hanuman JI is Mahaveera. Someone considered Mahaveera, should have the following qualities
  1.Thyagaveera/Dharmaveera- Hero in Sacrifice
  2.Dayaveera                          - Hero in Compassion
  3.Vidyaveera                         - Hero in Knowledge/learning
  4.Dayaveera                          - Hero in Charity
  5.Ranaveera                          - Hero in Battlefield

We understood the story of the birth of Hanuman Ji  to Punjikasthala, the heavenly maiden born as Anjanidevi who married Kesari, the king of Vanaras. They prayed to the Vayudev who inturn blessed them with a powerful child, Hanuman. It was that time where the asura power trying to out number deva power. Lord Vishnu decided to take His 7th avatar by taking birth in a human form as SriRama. Lord Siva wanted to assist in Lord Vishnu's mission of removing the evil forces as Srirama. So Lord Siva's divine powers are blessed to Hanuman JI and the Brahma and other celestial devas took the form of Vanaras, the monkey clan. The trinity power won over the bad forces.

We understood that Indra's Vajra weapon was made out of sage Dhadhichi's backbone. This sage is a Thayagaveera who sacrificed his life to make a celestial/divine weapon to win the evil forces disrupting the world.

We saw a story of how bad thoughts in one person hurts not only himself but others too.
We saw another story of God being pleased when a devotee helps the community. Service to humanity is service to God.
We did an interesting activity of throwing away our negative thoughts in the garbage. We are not going to carry any wicked/negative thoughts- that makes us look no attractive.

*Noble, Divine and being humble are all attractive qualities. They are abstract, but phenomenal.
To be attractive, we need to see good, hear good and talk good. Use arms and legs to do good. Use mind for good thinking.
*Flag and vajra etched on Hanuman JI's palm. Vajra representing the strength; Flag represents success and fame.
*Janeu- sacred thread for self control. Once upanayanam is done, the boy gets to a sort of responsible level and is no longer playful all the times.

ART WORK- we did our backbone project and today we did the 5th quality Nirbhayam. No problem if we have not touched the 5th number. We will do it. No worries :)

We thank all parents for sending in supplies- pencils, erasers, markers, crayons etc. Thank you.
We also would want them to have their Guru Stotram and Hanuman Chalisa coloring book and Superman Hanuman (our prescribed text) to be brought to class every session. Please let us know if you do not have text books, or handbook or Guru stotram.

Thanks to all parents for sending in healthy snacks and we will continue encouraging that.
Kindly play the M.S.Subbulakshmi and the Sooryagayathri version of Hanuman Chalisa every day. It's just 10 minutes. If not at least every alternate days.

Homework- 1.Please make the children color until line 5 in Hanuman chalisa coloring book (numbers printed at the bottom R side of the page)
2. Please make them practice to sing the chalisa. let the youtube run and they can join along. We will keep singing in the class too.
3. Please practice guru stotram (first 5 lines and try to memorize it) We will have a memory quiz sometime which will be a SURPRISE!

We concluded with closing prayers. Next session on 12/13/15. Attached is a pic of today's class for quick visual understanding.
Thank you.

Regards
Dhairyam Teachers.

Class on 11/22/15

Hari OM Dear Parents and children.
Today we had a very nice assembly with Swaranjali children singing bhajans so beautifully. Followed by, What's In a Name? (WIN) program, where the family introduces themselves to the BBNJ families. This is a nice way of introducing ourselves to the big BBNJ family at once. You can tell your name and explain the reason behind your name and how you were named or any sloka name you have(derived from any line in a particular sloka) If you are interested please contact the front desk. They will guide you.
Before talking about the class progress today, we would like to really give big hugs to all our children who participated in Chitramela, the BBNJ art exhibition. It was a nice time when we had our young artists drawing and coloring putting all their creative thoughts in. The pictures were displayed at our luncheon session. It was indeed a feast to eyes and needless to say- our taste buds.

Back in class, with the usual OM chanting and Sahana vavatu prayers, we started the class. After a quick chanting of Dhayana sloka, Buddhir bhalam.. we got in to the second part of our curriculum- The Hanuman Chalisa. We chanted the first 8 lines and the first doha along with the M.S.Subbulakshmi amma's version. (We appreciate that most families follow playing the Chalisa at home/car rides with different versions. Our approved version is the M.S.Subbulakshmi amma's since it has 8 lines then the Ramalakshmana janaki, Jai bolo Hanuman ki line repeats, kind of emphasizes what we learned until- 8 lines, 5 times break in between to sing the Ramalakshmana janaki, Jai bolo Hanuman ki- that makes 40 and easier to understand. Also the Sooryagayathri's version is good too) Kindly, please do follow these two versions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ifQJv22G90
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANk4fmRNyuE

Why is Hanuman JI the Bestower?
Hanuman JI is the Ocean of virtues, wisdom and knowledge. He blesses all His devotees.

Why should we pray?
We pray to obtain strength, wisdom and discriminating knowledge.

Who is Pavanakumara?
Hanuman JI. The Wind God (Vaayu/Pavan) has blessed Kesari (Vanara chief) and Anjani (Hanuman's parents) Hanuman Ji is also called Pavanaputra or pavanakumara.

The story of Hanuman JI trying to get the Sun thinking of a fruit was seen and how Pavan Dev was mad when Hanuman JI was pushed to the earth from sky by Lord Indra and how Hanuman JI acquired all divine powers were seen.

Hanuman JI was a wise minister of Sugreeva (the Vanara king)
Hanuman JI with His great vakpadatvam skill (eloquence in speech or speaking nice and concise in a polite manner) is considered the best messenger from both the Sender and receivers' end.

Vidhya auntie and Durga auntie demonstrated how can we pass message from one person to another with the help of a messenger and with the help of an electronic device, the phone.

We also understood how politely we need to do our duties with no expecting any rewards just like the wind. The wind keeps blowing and purifies the place with no expecting any reward.
Hanuman JI also does His duties and serves Rama with no expecting any reward.

Points to remember-
Please send in Notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers and erasers.
Please send in NUT FREE HEALTHY SNACK and a water bottle (labelled)
Please send the prescribed text- 1.Hanuman Chalisa coloring book and 2. Superman Hanuman
Please send My prayers book (to learn/practice Guru stotram)

Homework- Please refer to the pic.

We then concluded the class with closing prayers.
The next class is on 12/6 and enjoy the nice break. happy Thanksgiving and stay warm.

Regards
Dhairyam Teachers.

Attached a pic which summarizes today's lessons.

Class on 11/15/15

Hari OM
Dear Parents and Children,
Today after our regular assembly in the cafeteria, we got to our classes and started off with our usual opening Prayers OM chanting 3 times, followed by Sahana Vavatu...

After which we chanted the Dhyana slokam Buddhir Bhalam.. a couple times and completed all 8 qualities of Hanuman JI from the slokam. We concluded with
  
Ajadyam-
Physical alertness- Being watchful and aware of  danger and description of surroundings..
Mental alertness- Mentally being aware of our actions and feelings.

We did a small activity of question and answers to check how far the kids are aware of their surroundings.

We also practiced to sit straight while class in session (being aware of our sitting posture through the finish)

We also recollected what information were shared in the assembly and how far we are aware to bring those points from memory.

We saw the story of Mitsy the little girl, who understood laziness will give more trouble, so we better work hard and do all our duties by ourselves.

We could relate how Hanuman JI was aware of the surroundings while crossing the ocean.

Vakpadatvam- To speak clear and concise.
Ability to commuinicate your thoughts in an effective and a pleasant manner.

We did a writing activity about how to introduce Balavihar to any new comer.

The power of speech has a few points to remember.
*When to speak
*What to speak
*How to speak and
*How much to speak

Spoken or written- the words have to be nice and simple and easy to understand.
We further understood the topic by Hanuman Ji's "I met Sita mata" a short yet very powerful simple message conveyed to Rama when he got back after seeing the mother at the Asoka Vatika in Srilanka.

Effective speakers deliver messages creating maximum impact with very minimal words.

The Bull and the master story- The bull follows direction only when the master tells him in a sweet and polite way and not in a rude manner.

We now moved to the second half of the curriculum- Hanuman Chalisa.
We saw the introduction and learned the starting Doha (couplets) We will subsequently learn all 40 chowpayees.

The Hanuman Chalisa is written by Swami Tulasidas. Singing this makes us fearless and purifies mind. Gives us courage and builds in confidence.

Hanuman JI has an untainted heart- a very pure and heart filled with good thoughts.
An untainted heart can see God.

Chanting Hanuman Chalisa can lead us in the

• Path of virtuous living- Dharma
• Prosperity- Artha
• Joyful life- Kaama and
• Happiness for ever- Moksha

Points to remember-
Please send in Notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers and erasers.
Please send in NUT FREE HEALTHY SNACK and a water bottle (labelled)
Please send the prescribed text- 1.Hanuman Chalisa coloring book and 2. Superman Hanuman
Please send My prayers book (to learn/practice Guru stotram)

Today we revised 5 verses in Guru stotram.
Kindly make children listen to the Hanuman chalisa in youtube (M.S.Subbulakshmi version- for clear and rhythmic singing with beautiful Ragam)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ifQJv22G90

Homework for the week to make children color the first two pics in Hanuman Chalisa coloring book (some kids have done it already- no problem)
Attached are pics from today's class.

Next class on 11/22/15 and we have the Thanksgiving/Diwali luncheon (if possible kindly sign up  for the food from the potluck link sent in emails)
Please work on the keepsake 2016 calendar to be published with our BBNJ balavihar families art works as part of chitramela. You may please drop off your art work at the front-desk or to any coordinator. (theme is Guru parampara)

Thank you.
Dhairyam Teachers

Class on 11/1/15

Hari OM
Dear Parents and Children.
This Balavihar session's assembly gave an important point on learning Guru Stotram. We would want all kids of our class to learn and sing appropriately. (We do not specify to memorize, but if they do that's more than welcome) We have been doing the Guru Stotram in class, learned 5 verses. Our Homework this week is a repeat of last week's, chanting those 5 verses every day and kindly mark the prayer log in the assembly handbook. All in our class has the assembly handbook, which is to be brought to Balavihar every time and sing/chant along in the assembly referring to the book. This also makes to get to the BRHschool on time to attend the assembly and cultivates a discipline in the little ones.

After the assembly when we reached our class, we had a volunteer to help us for the day, Abhiram a freshman from Princeton U. He was our BBNJ balavihar alumni and is a good student. We started our class with OM chanting 3 times and the opening Sahana vavatu. We did art projects in the beginning, with Yashas and Dhairyam for Hanuman Ji's backbone project. (kids those who missed out last week, weregiven extra time to complete the last week's work as well) after which we did the thoran making too.

With a short snack break (please send in healthy, nut free snack and NO candies) we began the qualities from the dhyana slokam- Nirbhayatvam and Arogataam.

Nirbhayatvam

1.  What is Fear?- when we are afraid of some people or situations.
2.  Is fear necessary?- yes, a little bit to finish our duties.
3.  What is fearlessness?- A state of being free from fear.
4.  How can we become fearless?- Honest living, keeping GOD in our minds.

We saw the story of Swami Tapovan Maharaj JI, our Gurudev's Guru JI. How fearless he was in between the forest among all ferocious and wild animals.

Having faith in God, gives us a no fear feel.

Arogataam

1. What is Good physical health?- Body free from all disease.
2. What is good mental health?- Mind free from all disease.

We identified some qualities that make you weak and strong in the form of a game.

How can I avoid getting sick?

1. Eat good and healthy food.
2. Keeping self clean.
3. Living in a healthy environment.
4. Exercise.

Avoiding mental sickness.

1. Take away and clean up the germs of laziness, greed, anger.
2. Avoid harmful TV shows.
3. Read appropriate books.
4. Pray GOD everyday.

Points to Remember-

• Kindly send in Pencils, erasers,crayons, markers -own supplies (sharing is of course caring, but sharing/borrowing should not be a regular business)
• Kindly send in hand sanitizers to quick cleanse palms before snack or after using art materials.
• Kindly send in Healthy and NUT FREE snack and a water bottle (labelled)
• Please make the kids wear Indian clothings (A Balavihar Tee is good enough as well)

The next Balavihar session is on 11/15/15. Please get your art work for Chitra mela by 15th or 22nd latest (emails to follow, please watch out for the same) and the Balavihar Family Thanksgiving Lunch on the 22nd November. Please look out for evites (sent last night) and if possible kindly sign up for potluck. Thanks.
Attached is a pic of 11/1 class.

Have a great Diwali/DeepavaLi. Best wishes.

Thank you.
Dhairyam Teachers.

Class on 10/25/15

Hari OM Dear Parents

Today's class began with our regular opening Prayers OM chanting 3 times followed by Sahana vavathu. We would like all children to chant these opening verses loud and clear. So please make them practice at home (it will not take more than 5 minutes :) )

We continued learning the qualities in the Dhyana slokam. Yasas- fame and Dhairyam-courage/Being Brave were the topics for today.

We learned how to achieve fame- Hardwork and honest approach towards a noble goal makes us famous.

We saw the story of our Guru Chinmaya JI.

Dhairyam-
What is it?
Doing the right things despite difficulties and obstacles.

Why courage?
To shed an unwanted habit in our life.

The difference between being foolish and being courageous was understood with simple examples.

We heard the story of Ratnakara a robber who later became Valmika rishi and wrote the greatest epic Ramayana. How brave he was to give up something totally irrelevant he had.

To err is human. We make lot of mistakes. But accepting and apologizing needs to have courage. That mind is a strong mind.

Art Projects-
Today we started doing the backbone possessing all good qualities to get a great physical posture and a strong and clean mind. We worked on Buddhi and Bhalam. (we will continue every class until we finish)
The next art project is the Thoran making. We continued working on the second leaf. We plan to do 11 leaves as we finish, we will tie them and you can decorate your pooja place/spot at home.

We worked on the first 5 couplets of Guru Stotram. This week's homework is to keep practicing all  lines (1 to 5) every night before bedtime (ideally) or any time is convenient. But we need to practice.
Kindly mark initials in the prayer log (assembly handout)

Important Announcements.
Please send in pencils, erasers, markers and crayons all in a pencil case.
Please send in a Healthy nut free snack.
Please send in a hand sanitizer.

Attached is a pic which prettymuch summarizes the class.

The next class is on 11/1/15.
Thank you.

Regards
Dhairyam Teachers.

class on 10/11/15

Hari OM Parents and Children.
Today we had a little longer assembly and we got back to our classes a little beyond 10.
We commenced our session with OM chant 3 times followed by opening prayers Om sahana vavatu...
We would like all kids to chant the opening verse loud and clear (no scream) We will do this every session so by the end of the year they will be mastering in slokas which we regularly chant.

We then continued from where we left last week- Bhalam. We saw the story of a boy who had unbelievable mind power (strong mind)
We had fun activities to determine the physical and the mental strength.
1. we did a yoga pose (a tree pose) and stood like statues stating how strong we are physically. We then did super brain yoga (the thoppukaranam- sit-ups we do in front of Lord Ganesa) about 10 times.
2. we then did couple times a mind power game- hide an object and go seek.

The kids all participated with utmost enthusiasm and happiness. They were all happy as they knew they were strong/ or close to getting stronger physically and mentally. Good job children! way to go!!

We had our snack time- Please remember to send in NUT FREE HEALTHY SNACKS.
We chanted first 3 couplets of Guru Stotram. This is a must slokam for all grades. Most kids are familiar, few aren't, no worries! we will do it as many times we can and practice makes near perfection.

We started ART activity today with Thoran making. (Thoran= the auspicious mango leaves all tied together at the entrance or pooja altar) We planned to make 11 leaves and we will tie them like a thoran and the kids can have them decorate their pooja room/pooja place at their respective homes. We did just 1 leaf today and will finish this in 11 classes (1 leaf a class as planned) They all showed their creativity in decorating so beautifully. Durga auntie has worked so hard in making the kids do this. We have more fun art projects to go.. kindly wait and watch out for the same :)

We had a surprise test- picked couple kids randomly and made them recite the Dhyana slokam. They all did a great job! keep up the good work!!

We concluded the session with Santhi mantra- Om poornamadhap poornamidham... this again will be done every closure of session and in a few weeks, kids can memorize.

The assembly handout will be issued for those who do not have in coming weeks.
Kindly refer to the previous blog posts (September 2015 onwards) for the supply list to be brought in to the class and regarding the Snacks. Please remember ours is a NUT FREE SCHOOL ZONE.

Homework for this week is to chant Buddhir Bhalam- Dhyana slokam every night before bedtime at-least 3 times (11 times ideal) You may want to do 11 times at-least once until we meet the next session scheduled on10/25/15. Please kindly check/sign the prayer log sheet in the assembly handbook. (For those who don't have them, don't worry.. you may do once you get it)
Happy Navarathri/Dussera. Thank you!

Please refer the pic attached which summarizes today's activities.

Regards
Dhairyam Teachers

Class on 10/4/15

Hari OM
Dear Parents,
First and foremost THANK YOU all for coming and making our Back to 'Dhairyam' Balavihar class a big success. Hope you all are now clear and aware of what our curriculum talks about this year and also hope you all have an idea of how we are going to carry the class for this year.

Kindly refer to the pdf link given here (previous blog post) and also in the  first email sent on 10/4/15 for the class structure and other special events this year at Balavihar. Please do not miss to check those special events (last topic in the link) All those information given in detail in our assembly handout.

One again we thank you all for coming, for those who missed, the link should pretty much explain and you are most welcome to email us with any questions or concerns you may have.

For the new comers (first to Balavihar or first day at Dhairyam today) please kindly refer to the previous blog posts (Sept 2015 on-wards) Please reach out to us with any questions you may have.
Please kindly check for the supplies to be brought and the NUT FREE SNACKS and water bottle to be brought from home. Please kindly purchase the books (which was discussed today) (book list given in the link, also in the previous blog posts FYI)

Today's class began in our respective classroom, after our customary assembly in the cafeteria. We will start our class with the OM chanting 3 times (for a positive vibe to flow around us) and Sahana vavatu slokam. Most kids knew this and recited along but a few did not (assuming they knew but did a silent prayer and/or they are yet to learn this) NO PROBLEM- we will chant every beginning of the session and in a couple week's they all can do this very well!

We then proceeded from where we left last class, the neccessary vitamins for physical and mental backbone.
We then started with the first quality- Buddhi- The intelligence.
*An intellect is one who is able to discriminate between the right and the wrong. This is a uniue gift given to us by GOD. An intellect person is an intelligent person.

We further understood applying intelligence in 2 stories.
1. Ganesa getting the divine fruit from Siva Parvathy using his intelligence and
2. The Akbar-Birbal story of counting the number of crows.

We also did a nice fun game- on the lines of Simon says- "Hanuman JI says"
We checked how far we could able to apply our intelligence while playing. It was indeed fun!

The next topic is the next quality Bhalam- The strength.
*Physical - work with muscles and
*Mental strength- power we use to do any noble actions.

How do  we gain physical strength and
How do we gain mental strength.
These were discussed by understanding the story of "Bhimas Arrogance while meeting with Hanuman JI, who was in a monkey form"

Please kindly make your child(ren) to finish homework from last class (11 times Likhita Japa Sree Raama jaya Raama jaya Jaya Raama) and kindly check mark at the prayer log in the assembly handout. NO HOMEWORK this week. A pic posted here, talks about today's session.

We will continue the class on 10/11/15.
We had a snack time (kindly send in NUT FREE SNACKS - healthy snacks like Fruits, veggie sticks, cereal bars, cookies also fine but please avoid chips/junks/candies etc. There was someone who had a lollypop for snack today and we insist on kids to follow a healthy regime for snacks) Thanks.
Some children had no books/supplies.. please make sure that they get their own from home to avoid sharing. (Sharing drags as they tend to talk among/between themselves) Thanks for understanding.

We will conclude the class session with Shanthi mantra. Today we had the B2BV towards the closing and it was time for the (optional) language classes.
Kindly do join for the CORD walkathon coming up on the 10th of October 2015 (Saturday) and please donate for the good cause that all of us do. Thank you.

Thank you all. See you on 10/10/15 at CORD day of fun.

Regards
Vidhya Aiyer and
Durga Vemavarapu

Back to Balavihar 10/4/2015

Hari OM
Dear Parents,
Kindly refer the link given to access the information of Back to Balavihar- Dhairyam class, grade 2.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6hoo7DH8OjRS0hpcWdVUUJiOUE/view?usp=sharing

Thank you.
Vidhya A and Durga V

Class on 9/27/15

Hari OM Dear Parents and Children.

Today we had our first class in our classrooms after the regular assembly in the cafeteria.
We have a few new students who joined today. We welcome and wish them good luck.

After basic introduction of all the children and we teachers, we just talked a little about their previous grades' subject- The Baala Raamayana, especially about the Hanuman JI and Vaanara episodes. This year's subject being -"the superhero Hanuman JI" it was easy to talk a little about HIM from the epic.

The class summary:-
The Goal of the subject-
* To understand that Hanuman JI is to protect and remove all our fears
* To adopt virtuous qualities that will enhance our personality.
* Dhyana slokam and Hanuman chalisa to be completed this year along with the  meaning/explanation.

We spoke about the importance of the backbone in humans. There is also mental backbone in us for clear thinking and talking. We discussed how inevitable as to have any stability in physical and mental backbone. We further understood this concept with a simple story of a king who was looking for his successor.

Dhyana slokam-
Buddhir Bhalam Yasho Dhairyam
Nirbhayathvam Arogataam
Ajaadyam Vaakpaduthvamcha
Hanumath smaranaath bhaveth
We discussed the 8 qualities in the dhyana slokam which Hanuman JI possesses and we also get these if we chant/meditate a few times at any given chance.

We had a small activity to check a strong backbone and a non-strong backbone. We had a thick box as a strong backbone and a simple thread for the non strong and tried to blow each of them. Obviously the thread flew, but the box stood firm. We inferred by having a strong physical and mental backbone, we can rule the world just like a measuring ruler which stands firm and straight.

Before concluding the class we had snack time. Kindly send in NUT FREE snacks. Please NO JUICE, just send in water. Thanks. We concluded the session with closing prayers.

HOMEWORK for this week.
Likhita Japa- "Sri Raama Jaya Raama Jayajaya Raama" to write 11 times. This is a way of meditation. Meditation by writing. Please maintain a class notebook. The children can complete the writings and show us the next week (10/4/15). Parents, you may please check the prayer log once the child completes the homework and shows it to you. (Prayer log in assembly handbook, given today in class, all named) Please keep it safely and bring it to Balavihar every session. Thanks.

The next class on 10/4/15 we will have Back to Balavihar session where in the parents get to meet their children's teachers. Please await emails regarding this.

Please note the following important points-
*Please arrive a few minutes before 9.30 AM to the assembly in the cafeteria. Students, kindly take your seats in the designated seats (Dhairyam Grade 2) After the assembly we will go to our classroom.

Supplies to be brought to class:

1. We ask all children to bring in their own box of crayons (a regular 12 pack) to avoid any sort of allergies if used any other brand or so.. (put along in the pencil case)

2. A Notebook

3. A two pocket folder

4. 1 glue stick (packed well- not to miss)

5. Kid friendly art scissors

6. one or two pencils and one eraser (in a pencil case to avoid any missing)

All these in a Balavihar bag (you might have bought while getting the books)

Books required-

1. My prayers (Guru stotram we will do from there) this book is a one time investment, you might carry for the rest of the balavihar year and for life )

2. Superman Hanuman.

3. Hanuman Chalisa coloring book ( we recommend the coloring book along with the other books. By coloring the child recollects the story behind the picture, this is a kind of reinforcing them to understand the story even better)

Please buy these books. Thanks.

We have a quick snack time in our class.
1.Children may kindly bring in a snack- a cereal bar/fruit bar or a fruit. Let it be a healthy snack and kindly Please avoid nuts. Ours is a NUT FREE SCHOOL ZONE. We have a lot of kids with nut allergies and kindly avoid sending nuts with them to the campus.Also, Please AVOID JUICE as a snack.

2. Children may kindly bring in their own water bottle filled, labelled.

3. A small hand sanitizer for quick cleansing their palms before they eat their snack (Please send in your own as some children might be allergic to some brands)

Thank you.

Regards

Vidhya Aiyer

Durga Vemavarapu

"Dhaiyam" teachers

Welcome "Dhairyam" Family 2015-16

Hari OM

Dear Parents and Children,

Durga and I welcome one and all to the Dhairyam Grade 2 at BBNJ Balavihar 2015-16. We hope and wish for a great fun filled Balavihar year.

Our Topic this year is "HanumanJI- The Superman Hanuman" We will be learning Values and stories of everyone's favorite Hanuman JI and also the great sloka Hanuman chalisa- all in kids friendly way- doing action bhajans, arts and crafts, telling stories.

It was so nice meeting each and everyone of you and it was great interacting with all the children and we had fun making the japa mala activity. We enjoyed as much as the kids did. Please have those safe at your home pooja place as announced in the assembly. We will need it sometime when we do Japa concept in Hanuman Ji's chapters and we will ask for it to be brought to class.

We will have regular sessions beginning the following Sunday, 27th. Please attend the assembly in the cafeteria at 9.30 AM(sharp) Please arrive at 9.25 as the doors will be closed at 9.30 once the prayer starts. The doors will be opened for announcements after the prayer songs are sung. The assembly usually will windup by 10 and then we proceed to our designated classrooms. Since next week will be the first day for the instructional lessons, there will be volunteers to guide you all to find our classroom.

The classroom schedule is between 10 am till 11.40 am. After which the students can proceed to their respective (optional) language classes. We will discuss more regarding the class proceedings (lessons, instructions, arts and crafts etc) more on Back to Balavihar day. Please await emails coming soon.

Supplies to be brought to class:

1. We ask all children to bring in their own box of crayons (a regular 12 pack) to avoid any sort of allergies if used any other brand or so.. (put along in the pencil case)

2. A Notebook

3. A two pocket folder

4.1. glue stick (packed well- not to miss)

5. Kid friendly art scissors

6. one or two pencils and one eraser (in a pencil case to avoid any missing)

All these in a Balavihar bag (you might have bought while getting the books)

Books required-

1. My prayers (Guru stotram we will do from there) this book is a one time investment, you might carry for the rest of the balavihar year and for life )

2. Superman Hanuman.

3. Hanuman Chalisa coloring book ( we recommend the coloring book along with the other books. By coloring the child recollects the story behind the picture, this is a kind of reinforcing them to understand the story even better)

Please buy these books. Thanks.

We have a quick snack time in our class.
1.Children may kindly bring in a snack- a cereal bar/fruit bar or a fruit. Let it be a healthy snack and kindly Please avoid nuts. Ours is a NUT FREE SCHOOL ZONE. We have a lot of kids with nut allergies and kindly avoid sending nuts with them to the campus.Also, Please AVOID JUICE as a snack.

2. Children may kindly bring in their own water bottle filled, labelled.

3. A small hand sanitizer for quick cleansing their palms before they eat their snack (Please send in your own as some children might be allergic to some brands)

Before concluding the session, we will say the closing prayers and then disperse.

We hope to see you all on 9/27/15. Thank you.

Regards

Vidhya Aiyer

Durga vemavarapu

January - February Classes Summary

1. Opening Prayers

2.Completed Dhyana Sloka - Qualities of Hanuman.

       Buddhi - Intelligence

       Balam  - Strength

       Yasas   - Fame

       Dhairyam - Courage

       Nirbhayatvam - Fearlessness

       Arogatam - Free of Disease

       Ajadyam  - Alertness

       Vacpatuthvam - Eloquence.


3.Completed 40 Caupais(verses) of Chalisa.


4. Crafts:

Feb: Made Valentine's day cards for Parents and family.
March: Completed Hanuman back bone assembly that consists of 8 qualities of Hanuman.
See picture attached.

5. Discussed several moral Stories.

6. Kids played different roles of Ramyana in the class.

7. Played Ramayana quiz.

8. In last week's class, some kids performed their respective talents acquired from extra curricular activities.

To do at home:

----- Practice Chalisa everyday.

------Play Chalisa by M.S Subhalakshmi.

-----Please hang the Hanuman's back bone in kids' bedroom.