Hari Om! Parents,
Thank you to all who donated generously towards the monthly Annadanam and Homefront Thanksgiving Baskets. We discussed the importance of charity and giving to the needy in class. Welcome to the new families who joined us this past couple of weeks.
It has been a busy November in Grade 1 class. The children have learnt 5 of the Daily Prayers upto Bhojanat Prak (My Prayers Book pg 12). They are getting better at chanting every week. Keep up the daily practice! The class learnt Ganesha and Subramanya bhajans (My Prayers pg 31 & 36), and also 'Atma Rama' bhajan (My Prayers pg 143)
Gita chanting is progressing with our Swamiji, and are now at Verse 50. Details of the Gita Chanting Yagna are on pg 14 in the Balavihar Handbook. Grade 1 is group Arjuna and need to only memorise 15 verses from 41- 56. Please use this link to practice with your child : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVaQ1AsTFVEI9cHOqjnFcAsR9gi42Yu-6
The Ramayana story has moved on after Rama and Sita's wedding. King Dasharatha announces Rama's coronation and Ayodhya begins the celebration. The evil maid Manthara sows the poisonous seed in the mind of Kaikeyi. Queen Kaikeyi asks her boon to make Bharata the king and banish Rama to the forest for 14 years. The story takes a sad turn when Rama pledges his word to his father and along with Sita and Lakshmana sets out to the forest. On their journey, Guha the boatman, helps them cross river Ganga. Sage Bharadwaja offers them refuge and they build their ashrama in the beautiful Chitrakoota mountain. Meanwhile, King Dashratha remembers the curse given by Sravana's parents and draws his last breath. We discussed Sravana's love and devotion for his parents, and his sense of duty towards them. Bharata and Shatrugna return to Ayodhya and learn of their father's death. Bharata refuses the crown and vows to bring back Rama from the forest. On Rama's track, Bharata reaches Ramashrama and gives him the sad news. He pleads with Rama to return to Ayodhya, but Rama refuses. The class discussed the importance of keeping your promise and respect for elders words. We also spoke about Bharata's sacrifice and selfless attitude. Bharata returns to Ayodhya with Lord Rama's padukas, while Rama, Sita and Lakshmana leave Chitrakoota. They journey to the interior of Dandaka forest meeting Sage Atri and Anasuya, Sage Sharabanga, Sage Suteekshna and killing the demon Viraadha. This has wrapped up Ayodhya Kanda, and we will be moving onto Aranya Kanda next week. We have been having quiz to revise characters and places from the story, and playing 4 corners game. Ask your child about their favourite characters and why they like them. Children who have coloring books have started coloring upto Sravana picture. If you have not already, please get the books by next class.
Requesting that you label all your child's books and the Balavihar bag. It makes it easier to find if your child has misplaced anything. Lost and found bin is in the lobby.
Jai Sri Ram!
- Rashmi and Uma
