October 4th, Back to Balvihar Dharmam Class Handout

Chinmaya  Balavihar @ BBNJ, Dharmam (6th Grade) Class 2015-2016

Our Goal

Discover, learn and share the history of Indian Civilization, Culture, Religions, Languages, Music, Dance, Business, etc. We hope to have some fun with our topics; using open, facilitated discussions.  We will encourage students to share their thoughts and views on the topics covered, their own family’s Indian heritage and their topically relevant anecdotal stories.

Class Text Books: Awakening Indians to India, Shlokathon, We will, We Must.

Teachers

• Ram Alleppey, Raj Sugathan, Smita Wagh

email: bbnjdharmam@gmail.com

Typical Balavihar session

• Opening Prayer
• Curriculum Topic (s) for the day
• Practice Sholkas, Gita Chanting
• Quiet Time
• Snack Time
• Open Discussion
• Closing Prayer

Note 1: Sholkas assigned to the Dharmam class this year: Gita Dhyanam, Tapovana Stothram

Note 2: Yoga class will be scheduled once per Month.

Expectations

• Show respect for teachers, peers and the Balavihar Program
• Regular Attendance…. Experience shows that when parents prioritize Balavihar Attendance, so does the child.(Please email us in advance when you know you will be late or absent)
• Encourage your child to keep up with the reading material.  Initiate discussions at home based on topics they’re reading.  This increases their confidence to participate in class discussions.
• Participate in class discussions and assembly presentations

Our Class Blog Site

www.bbnjdharmam.blogspot.com

We will use the class blog page to communicate announcements and class notes. Students and parents should bookmark the blog and check frequently.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Experience has shown that Balavihar students and families get the most out of Balavihar if they participate actively in other events and take advantage of opportunities beyond the weekly classes.

Language Classes – Language classes are offered immediately after Balavihar classes each Sunday.

BBNJ Swaranjali Music Group – Swaranjali is the musical wing of Balavihar. The Swaranjali group has weekly practice sessions. This is a great opportunity for musically talented students to learn from accomplished teachers and perform at various events throughout the year.

CORD Walkathon (Oct 10, 2015) – Annual walkathon and fundraising for CORD, which is the primary charity of Chinmaya Mission for Rural Development in India. We need all students and parents to walk! It is a great outdoor experience for a great cause.

Slokathon – Learn to recite/chant stotras at your own pace, demonstrate your learning, and keep track of your progress in a self-paced program. This year, families or student groups can chant together.

Seva Opportunities – (Suggestions welcome). Look for messages from BBNJ Seva coordinators

Bhiksha (Date TBD, suggestions welcome): Shravanam class will invite Swami Shantanandaji to Bhiksha after Balavihar on one particular Sunday in this year. This is typically in the home of one of the students (we welcome families who would like to host the Bhiksha) or in the cafeteria. Parents sign up to bring food. Students and parents should learn to chant “Na Karmana” to welcome Swamiji. Class families get to interact socially. A popular highlight of the event is that students can have an interactive Q&A directly with Swamiji.

B.O.S.S. Camp – As an initiative started last year, 8th grade students will have an opportunity for an overnight camp at Vrindavan Ashram. Students get a chance to interact with other students.

Geeta Chanting Yagna (Chapter 16, around April 2016) – In continuation with the tradition from past years, Chinmaya Mission Tri-State will have a Geeta Chanting Yagna. We need all students and parents to participate. Special chanting classes are offered.

CMTC Memorial Day Family Camp (May 2016 Poconos) – 3-day experience away from normal routines. This is a very popular annual event with a chance to meet families from all of the CMTC Balavihars. It is a great value and good fun. This is strongly recommended.  

Samskriti Annual Cultural Performance – (June 2016) On-stage performance. Each class will have an opportunity for a 10-minute stage performance. As in past years, the students will decide on what they want to present, and we count on active co-operation from the parents in hosting practice sessions and preparations.