October 16, 2011

Shlokas/ Bhajans:

We learnt the new bhajan for October

Mahabharata:

We continued our story of Mahabharata Chapters 5, 6  from the book.  We had an animated discussion about Ekalavya and whether Arjuna/Drona were fair in this situation what we discussed the other options they had in the situation.  We also discussed Draupadi's swayamvara.

Activities:

We played 7 up  and incorporated a quiz of the first 6 chapters we have learnt in Mahabharata.

Announcements:

CORD Walk-a-thon next Sunday.

Homework:  Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple_architecture

Think of a contest for a Swayamvara

Coming up:

Visit temple at Pomono, NY on Nov 6

Ashram cleanup on Nov 13.

Thanks, Malathi / Muni

October 2, 2011

Points discussed with parents:

1. Class Curriculum

Our general format will be: 

1.  15 minutes of invocation prayers led by one of the students each week

2.  30-45 minutes of new sthothra and bhajan

3.  30-45 minutes of Mahabharata – about 1 chapter per class

4.  15 minutes of activity selected by students

5.  15 minutes of concluding prayers led by a student

2. Websites

http://www.bbnjdharmam.blogspot.com/

http://www.bbnjbalavihar.com/

3. Events:

Oct 23 - CORD

Nov 6 - Field Days Pomona temple

Nov 13th - Ashram Cleanup Seva Day

December 1st week -  Vrindavan Surabhi (Annual Fundraiser for Chinmaya Ashram Construction)

4. Competitions

Geeta  chanting Practice sessions / Swaranjali programs held in Basking Ridge

Geeta Chanting Competition 2012 - Chapter 12 (pre-finals on Apr 21st and Finals on April 28 2012

Essay Competitions 2012 -5th Grade and above.

5. Samskriti

Annual End of the Year Event -->10 minute Stage performance by All children and Adult Study Circles

6.  Bhiksha

Sign up

7. Other 

Celebrate some festival as a class - Deepavali/ other suggestions