Activities
In a Bal Vihar the activities are balanced. Our goal is to encourage character– building activities that will lay the foundations for developing future workers and leaders for the Hindu community in Americas.
Teaching a few shlokas, bhajans, story or yoga is not enough. We have to identify the talents and commitment of the children. Appreciate the children who attend regularly. Slowly give some of the older children a chance to conduct activities such as Surya Namaskar, games, stories or classes. Sit with them and train them before the Bal Vihar so they will do a good job.
Breakdown of activites
Assembly
Bal Vihar starts with Assembly, which is usually conducted by one of the senior students. All the children stand in rows, and start with the opening prayer to Mother Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge and Learning. Attendance is taken. Timeliness is emphasized.
Yoga
Yoga is usually led by a volunteer parent or one of the senior students. It teaches healthy living. This sets the tone for the rest of the classes.
Games
Indoor and outdoor games are conducted, depending on the weather. Games are a great way for the children to bond with each other. Games are usually played with no equipment. This teaches the children not to be dependent on external things for their enjoyment.
Mediatation
After a rousing session of games, the children need to calm down for the next set of activities. They learn how to meditate, how to be with themselves and concentrate.
Songs/Bhajans
Inspiring songs and bhajans are taught. These inspire children to achieve greater heights and teaches them devotion to the Supreme Being.
Shloka
Children are taught Sanskrit shlokas, small couplets, and “hymns”, to instill values, self-discipline and self-control. Many sholkas are also in praise of the various attributes of Hindu deities.
Language classes
Hindi language classes are held. Hindi is taught because it is the national language of India and spoken by 1 billion people around the world.
Birthdays and Festivals Celebration
Birthdays and festivals are celebrated. Birthdays are celebrated in the traditional Indian way. Important Hindu festivals are celebrated, children are educated about the festivals, stories associated with the festival, etc.
Hindu Dharma Classes for Senior Students
For children in grade 8 and above, Hindu Dharma classes are held, wherein they are exposed to more advanced concepts, Hindu philosophy, Geeta and Ramayan.
Annual activities
Projects
The children do a research project once a year, and present their research to the whole Bal Vihar, in the presence of the parents. The younger children make posters, while the older children make a PowerPoint presentation.
Hindu Heritage Day
This is an annual public event run by the organization, outside of Bal Vihar. The children usually enact a play or sing a group song on stage.