January 25 Class

Words of the Week: काकः (kaakah, crow), जलम् (jalam, water)
List of the "Words of the Week"

Prayers Recited:

• OM saha naavavatu ("My Prayers," pg. 6 )
• Early Morning Prayer ("My Prayers," pg. 43)
• Before Studies Prayer ("My Prayers," pg. 44)
• Before Evening Lights Prayer ("My Prayers," pg. 45)
• Guru Brahma ("My Prayers," pg. 9 -- third shloka of Shree Gurustotram)
  

Gita Shlokas: Chapter 9, Shlokas 1,2 and 3.

Bhajans:

• Ganesha Sharanam ("My Prayers," pg. 7)
• Jaya Ganesha ("My Prayers," pg. 7)
  
• Subramanyam ("My Prayers," pg. 62)
• Gopaalaa (2nd verse)
  

Snack: Provided by Ashwin-- धन्यवादः!

Story: The Thirsty Crow (पिपासितः काकः, pipaasitaH kaakaH). A Panchatantra story.

Art Project: Black Crow Palm Toy

Sanskrit: We reviewed KrishnaH Vadati, Animals, Colors, Counting 1-10 and Counting Dogs. We also introduced a new game of Red Light, Green Light (रक्तः दीपः, हरितः दीपः) using verbs from "KrishnaH Vadati" and finished learning "Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes."

End of Class: Aarti

Comments: We want to give a big welcome and "Hari OM" to our new friend, Pushti. We are delighted to have you join us and look forward to spending a fun year with you. Boy, it seems our class is growing in numbers every week, and we couldn't be happier -- it's a great feeling for us to be making more room in the circle. :-)

We have now introduced all the three shlokas from Bhagawad Gita, Chapter 9 which the children will be chanting in the competition. At this point, we will continue to practice all three shlokas in every class until May -- so we will have plenty of time to feel comfortable chanting aloud in front of the judges. Parents: starting March, we will want only the children to chant in class ... adults will have to sit quietly and listen :-)

We want to thank all the parents for eagerly offering to bring in snacks for class. Unfortunately, there are not as many Balavihar weeks as there are parents, so if you do not have a time slot and are able (and willing) we'd like to take advantage of your generosity at our End of the Year Party in June. We will be needing lots of fun celebration treats before we take our summer break.

Also, for parents who have older school-aged children, we forgot to mention that the ashram will be having summer camp again this year. Camp will be probably be conducted for 8 weeks, registration available on a week to week basis (like last year). More details will be available in February, however, we will be sure to let you know as soon as we learn about them. Unfortunately, we do not have facilties or volunteers for the toddler and pre-k age groups this year.

Everyone stay warm ... practice your chanting ... and have a fun week. We can't wait to see you again next Sunday!

January 11 Class

Word of the Week: कूर्मः (kuurmaH)
List of the "Words of the Week"

Prayers Recited:

• OM saha naavavatu ("My Prayers," pg. 6 )
• Early Morning Prayer ("My Prayers," pg. 43)
• Before Studies Prayer ("My Prayers," pg. 44)
• Before Evening Lights Prayer ("My Prayers," pg. 45)
• Guru Brahma ("My Prayers," pg. 9 -- third shloka of Shree Gurustotram)
  

Gita Shlokas: Chapter 9, Shlokas 1,2 and 3. We began Shloka 3 today.

Bhajans:

• Ganesha Sharanam ("My Prayers," pg. 7)
• Jaya Ganesha ("My Prayers," pg. 7)
  
• Subramanyam ("My Prayers," pg. 62)
• Gopaala
  

Snack: Provided by Arun Karrupan-- धन्यवादः!

Story: The Talkative Tortoise (Panchatantra).

Art Project: Tortoise

Sanskrit: KrishnaH vadati, Animals and Counting 1-10.

End of Class: Aarti was done in the auditorium.

Comments: We want to give a big welcome and "Hari OM" to our four new friends today. We are glad that you are joining us and look forward to spending a fun year with you.

It's hard to believe -- but we have another break in class. Next weekend is Martin Luther King's birthday, therefore we will not be having class. (Pity ... it was nice to be back in the groove.) Anyway, we will look forward to seeing everyone again the following week.

To our friends who will be travelling to India: Please think of us while you are away. We know you are going to have a fantastic time -- and we're really going to miss you. Don't forget to bring back a few special photographs to share with the class when you return. We will want to hear all about your adventures. Also, make sure to check our blog while you're in India -- there just might be some messages waiting for you :-)

Priyanka: be sure to give your Grandma a great big "Hari OM" and "hello" from us.

To all of us who are not travelling to India -- have a great week off. We look forward to seeing you again on the 25th.

Kids, remember our word of the week -- and to practise your Gita Chanting. Everyone is doing super duper DUPER great with their studies!

P.S. Note to Parents: If your child brings a toy with them to class, please make sure that it is put away during our prayer, bhajan and Gita Chanting time. We understand that young ones usually need to bring along special comfort items from home -- however, we must ask that they do not play with them while we are doing our prayers. It is distracting to the children who are trying to be attentive.

Also, feel free to walk your child around if he/she is becoming restless. We prefer that you leave the group for a few minutes if your child is feeling unsettled, rather than trying to force him/her to be quiet and listen. Sometimes these few minutes are just what the child needs to help calm him/her so s/he can rejoin the group activities. Please believe us when we say that we will not be offended -- we are all parents of young children and understand that the more we try to hush our child, the louder the wails become. :-)

Thanks!