Hari Om  Parents of 2013-14 6th Grade Dharmam Balavihar class!!

Welcome to our blogspot where you'll get to review and know what takes place in the class every week.

We hope to keep the information updated on a weekly basis from now. In addition we will be using this platform to communicate upcoming events and any special activities, requests specific to Dharmam class.

We have had 3 classes so far and kids have been fantastic.

The first session (Sep 15th) was primarily focused on "Get to know each other" and playing some icebreaker games.

The second class (Sep 22nd) was based on knowing and discussing the impact of Indian leaders on their country and the world itself. We discussed leaders such as Jhansi Rani, Chandragupta Maurya, Chatrapathi Shivaji, Akbar and Mahatma Gandhiji and the values they imparted along the way. We compared and contrasted India's freedom fight with America's fight for independence from the British rule.

In our third class (Sep 29th) the topic of discussion was popular dance forms of India. The discussion focused on understanding the differences between western forms and Indian dance form and importance of expression (bhava) in addition to technique and footwork. Kids learnt a lot about Kathak from a fellow student who is pursuing Kathak as a dance student.  BBNJ volunteer Devi helped the kids learning the first set of shlokas for about 15 minutes. The topics for 6th grade are Tapovana Shatkam and Geeta Dhayanam which are included in the Shlokathon book. Please take some time and work with the kids at home.

Starting from Oct 6th, kids would participate in Yoga classes with our resident ace Yoga teacher Mytri-ji from 10am to 10:30am. Please have them dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat.

We had requested the kids to research on Bharatanatyam form of dance and Carnatic music history and heritage as prep work for Oct 6th class. Please remind them to take about 30 minutes to an hour and come prepared. We are looking for an exciting and engaging discussion on Sunday.

-- Anand and Ranga, Teachers