2014 – SSE Group 1 Lesson Plans

Teacher:

Attendance:

Value:

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Teacher: Jaya Sundar

Attendance: Achuthan, Kapilan, Abhishek, Krish, Sahana, Akshatha, Manav

Value: Love, Subvalue: Devotion

Spiritual Principle (Purpose): To help the students be grateful for the sun that brings life-giving warmth and energy and love to all living things and is in all, giving of itself freely.

Life Application

Told them to stick pictures of the sun, various fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains that need the sun to grow on the picture. Hang your picture in your home and when you eat anything this week, remember the rainbow angel�s love that is in everything and everyone. Practice being like the sun, giving warmth and love to everyone.

Practice saying brahmarpanam on a day to day basis.

Lesson Plan Enclosed

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Teacher: Suhasini Jonnavithula

Attendance: Archuthan, Abhishek, Manav, Krish, Karthik, Rithika, Sahana, Divyasri

Life Application Homework done: Archuthan, Abhishek, Manav, Karthik, Rithika

Value: Love Subvalue: Compassion

Watched Video of the Nativity Scenes of Birth of Jesus Christ. Children were asked questions about the Birth and events that they saw on the video. We discussed the significance of Christmas and giving Gifts and JOY of Giving, rather than receiving..

QUOTES:

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa

STORY

Amanda and Her Twinkling Christmas Slippers is a story about a little girl who love shoes. Although she receives numerous gifts of shoes from friends and relatives, she finds compassion in her heart for the less fortunate. She gives a homeless child her best Christmas Slippers and learns the true meaning of Christmas. Her mother is pleased and encourages her to give from her heart. Through her unselfish act, Amanda learns that joy comes from giving and not receiving.

Activity

Children sang Christmas carols and Gift Wrapped the toys to give at Brooklyn Shelter and other Churches; Children had a great time wrapping the gifts and were excited and happy. They participated in this activity and experienced the JOY of Giving.

Life Application

In the spirit of the Holiday season, gift something nice that you like to a sibling or a friend and experience the joy and share it with your class next week.

Lesson plan attached

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Teacher: Jaya Krishnan Iyer

Attendance: Sai Abhishek, Saaketh, Krish, Ryan, Manavv, Karthik, Achuthan, Askhata, Ritika

Value: Right Action

Sub Value: Courage

LESSON PLAN DOCUMENT ENCLOSED

Activity

a. Color the picture of the lion and the quote. On the rock the Lion is standing on, write 2-3 things that you will have the courage to do.

Life Application

Practice having courage to do the right thing each day. List 3 times when you showed courage. How did it feel?

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Teacher: Suhasini Jonnavithula

Attendance: Achuthan, Abhishek, Krish, Ryan, Rithika, Akshatha, Sahana and Akshara

Value: Love SubValue: Sacrifice Narrated the Story of Thanksgiving and importance of showing Gratitude to God, family, friends and all of God’s creation We discussed about Sacrifice, the happiness one gets from bringing joy to others and the story of the Praying Hands. Activity: Children listed who and what they were grateful for. Lesson Plan Document enclosed. Life Application: Look for an opportunity to make a sacrifice to bring joy to your parents or siblings or friends and narrate that experience next week in class.

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Teacher: Mani Ayer

Attendance: Divyashri, Rithika, Akshara, Akshatha, Ryan, Krish, Manav, Abhishek, Kapilan, Sameer, Karthik, Saaketh, Archuthan

Value: Truth Sub Value: Truthfulness

Lesson Plan Attached

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Teacher: Jaya Krishnan Iyer

Attendance: Akshatha, Archuthan, Agshara, Kabelan, Karthik, Krish, Ritika, Sai Abhishek

Value: Nonviolence Subvalue: Unity

Lesson Plan Enclosed

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Teacher: Mani Sundaram

Attendance: 1. Akshata, 2. Akshara, 3. Rithika , 4. Sahana, 5. Manav, 6. Ryan, 7. Krish, 8. Abhishek, 9. Sameer , 10. Saketh, 11. Kapilan, 12. Karthik, 13. Archuthan

Value: Love

Subvalue: Devotion

Religion : Christianity

Lesson Plan: Document enclosed

Life Application: Color the Cross Write a Christian prayer alongside.

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Teacher: Supriya Maini and Renuka Rajni

Attendance: 1. Kabelan. 2.Abhishek Shanmugam. 3. Ryan. 4. Sameer Mohan 5. Manav MAINI 6. Archuthan Nagatheepan. 7. Saketh Manepalli 8. Akshatha Nagatheepan 9. Ritika Bhattrai. 10. Divyasree Pittala 11. Karthik Dorairaj 12. Krish Bhalla

Value is peace, Subvalue is purity

We will talk about Zoroastrianism today.

We will learn about life of its leader Zarathustra and the symbol fire.

We will discuss how fire burns away bad thoughts, words and actions.

Children will color fire symbol.

Life application will be to look at the picture of fire that you colored and offer any unkind thoughts you have to the fire before you go to sleep.

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Teacher: Renuka Rajani and Supriya Maini

Attendance: Ritika, Abhishek, Akshata, Achutan, Saaketh, Sameer, Kabelann, Divya, Sahana, Manav, Akshara

Value: Right Action
Subvalue: Wisdom

Spiritual Principle (Purpose): To learn how the Buddha attained enlightenment by giving up desires.

Lesson plan enclosed

Life application which was to give up something that you do not need, just like Buddha did in his life.

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Teacher: Pushpa Reddy and Jaya Sundar

Attendance: 1) Akshatha, 2) Ritika, 3) Divya Sree, 4) Manav, 5) Krish, 6) Ryan, 7) Karthik, 8) Archuthan, 9) Abhishek, 10) Sahana, 11) Akshara, 12) Kabelan.

Value: Non-Violence

Affirmation – I will not hurt anyone

Story : God resides in everyone.

Life Appication:

1) Practice saying Om 21 times every day.
2) practice : I will not hurt anybody and share your experience next week. Lesson Plan Attached

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Teacher: Mani Sundaram Ayer

Attendance: Akshatha, Divya , Ritika , Akshara , Melissa , Sameer , Manav , Karthik , Krish , Abishek , Archutan , Ryan

Value: Love

Sub Value : Sacrifice

Spiritual principle : To understand the expression of love thru Sacrifice

Prayer :

Gajananam Bhoot Ganadhi Sevitham
Kapitha Jambuphal Saara bhakshitham
Uma sutham Shokha vinaasha Kaaranam
Namami Vigneshwar pada pankajam .

He who has the face of an elephant, one who is worshipped & served by the Bhootha and gana’s, He who eats the essence of kapitha and Jumbu fruits, He who is the son of Uma and He who allieviates all the sorrows in us. O! Lord Vigneshwara who is an embodiment of all the above, we offer our Namaskarams at your Divine lotus feet.

We learnt what is sacrifice……. and how is it different from Sharing . Sacrifice is when we willingly give our things to those who want it.

For e.g. : when we share our toys with our brother or sister, we play with it for an hour and the let them play for the next hour . Or we play with the toy together .

In Sacrifice , we give the toy to the brother /sister for them to keep.

It is deepest expression of love.

Song :

Start the day with love
Fill the day with love
End the day, fill the day, be all day in love
For this is the way to God (2x)
For God is Love and Love is God
Yes , Love is the way to God ( 3x)

Story :
Story of the Praying Hands was read and discussed with all children. Story attached

Activity :

Color the two hand picture given to you and answer the questions asked in the sheet. For want of time , the children were asked to complete the coloring and answers by next week .Picture attached

Life Application:

a. Learn the Ganesha Shloka fully by next week.
b. On Saraswathi Pooja day (Wednesday) and Vijayadashami day (Thursday) , Have your parents sit or stand together to do full Namaskar and obtain their blessing.

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Teacher: Renuka Rajani and Supriya Maini

Attendance: Archuthan, Akshata, Manav, Abhishek, Divya, Rithika, Karthik, Sakeeth, Krish, Sahana, Neela

Value: Nonviolence Sub value: respect for all life

Started class with 3 Omkars

Reviewed last weeks lesson and life application from last week

Introduced this weeks lesson plan.

Story: The Tiger Story

Teachers told the students the value and sub value for the lesson.

Children gave examples of what courage looks like. teacher read them the story, had a small discussion, and had they color a picture depicting the story.

Children recited affirmation at the beginning and end of class.
Affirmation: “I respect and appreciate all living creatures.”

Life application: This week, practice sharing things, such as your toys, with your friends and sisters and brothers. Draw a picture of yourself sharing and tell us about your picture next week.

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Teacher: Suhasini Jonnavithula

Attendance: 1) Krish Bhalla, 2) Karthik Dorairaj, 3) Saaketh Manepalli , 4) Sameer Mohan , 5) Akshatha Nagatheepan , 6) Divyasree Pittala , 7) Manav Maini , 8) Abhishek Shanmugam, 9) Rithika Bhattarai 10) Sahana Sundar, 11) Archuthan Nagatheepan

Value: Right Conduct Subvalue: Courage

Spiritual Principle (Purpose): To learn what it means to have courage and do the right thing.

Quote : “When obstacles come, meet them with courage.” – Sai Baba, Sathya Sai Speaks, vol. 4, p. 194

Affirmation: “I am brave.”

INTRODUCTION: SAI BABA’S CHILDHOOD

The Story of a pregnant Eswaramma by the well, a bright blue light entering her, performing the Sathya Narayana vratha and Swami being born after that on Novemebr 23rd, 1926 and hence being named Sathya Narayana.

We watched the video of the song Eswaramma Divine Mother of Sai

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbaSNoxgx_o

Story: “Little Sathya’s Courage” (from Sai World 2001)

Sathya was a bright and good boy. He knew all the answers that the teachers asked. He was kind to all and was always neat and clean. The teachers and classmates loved Sathya who was so bright and sweet. But some older boys at the school were jealous of Sathya. One day, when Sathya was walking home from school by the river, these older boys saw Him. “Alone,” they thought. “Now is the time to get even with Sathya for being so good and well liked!” They grabbed Sathya and pushed Him. They tore His shirt and put dirt in His hair. Sathya did not say anything. He mended His shirt with a thorn. When He got home, His mother, Easwaramma, saw Him bruised and covered with dirt. She cried and said, “Sathya, who hurt You this way?” Sathya would not say who had hurt Him. He kept silent and gave good for the evil those boys had done to Him. He never told anyone who had hurt Him.

The moral of this story is to be courageous and to give good when treated with evil

Activity: Find the word “COURAGE” in the attached diagram and color it in. Use the same color for all the letters. Then ask: “How did Swami show courage in the story? What are times in your life when you used courage?

Bhajan: Manasa Bhajare Gurur Charanam

Life Application : This week, remember the courage that Sai Baba showed in this story. Practice using this courage when you are afraid of something this week, and share your experience with the class next week.

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Teacher: Jaya Sundar

Attendance: Akshatha, Rithika, Krish, Prahlathan, Sujay, Manav, Samir and Abhishek

Value: Right Action SUBVALUE : Respect for Parents
Lesson Plain : RESPECT FOR PARENTS

– Silent Sitting/Prayer :

“Swami please think through me,
feel through me,
speak through me,
act through me,
love through me,
and breathe through me. Om, peace, peace, peace.”

– Review Life Application from previous lesson.

– QUOTE : Respect for the parents-[the ones] who started you in life and brought you into this world to gather the vast and varied treasure of experience-is the first lesson that dharma (right action) teaches. Gratitude is the spring that feeds that respect.

– AFFIRMATION: I respect my parents with my thoughts, words, and deeds. I see God in my parents, and I obey them. I am thankful for all that my parents do for me.

PRAYER: Each morning, I am born again. Make me speak soft, sweet words today. Make me helpful to my parents. Let me do deeds that shower happiness on them.

– Questions :

* “Do you talk back to your parents?”
* “Do you listen to your parents?”
* “In what ways do you serve your parents?”

– Story :

This is a story about a boy named Bobby. One summer Bobby’s family went on a camping trip and pitched their tent in the middle of a beautiful forest. Bobby’s favorite pastime was exploring the woods surrounding the camp. He loved to gather unusual rocks, bits of wood, and sometimes even a discarded bird’s nest. One day, Bobby forgot his mother’s warning not to venture too far from the camp. He went farther and farther into the deep woods. He was interested in a lively chipmunk for a while, and then a colorful bird that chirped an unusual song. Suddenly, Bobby noticed that the shadows were getting deeper and darker. He began to look for landmarks to help him find his way back to the camp. He went a few feet in one direction. That didn’t look familiar, so he turned and walked another way. After an hour or so of this kind of fruitless searching, Bobby realized that he must be lost. He called out his father’s name, but there was only the echo of his own voice coming back through the corridor of tall trees. Bobby was tired by this time and very hungry. He thought wistfully about his mother cooking dinner over the campfire and about how good even a piece of bread would taste. Finally, he gave in to his fatigue, pulled some dry leaves over him, and snuggled down in the roots of a big tree. He remembered to pray to God to protect him; then he fell asleep. Back at the campsite, his mother was very worried. She called and called his name. Then she alerted his father and the other men in the camp that Bobby was missing. The men started out at once using their flashlights. They walked in all directions, calling his name over and over.

Then Bobby’s father said, “There aren’t any wild animals in this forest, and Bobby is a smart boy. I’m sure he will be all right until morning. Let’s get an early start, as soon as it is light.” So the men gave up the search for the night, and in the morning they began searching before the sun came up. Bobby’s father was the one to find him. Bobby was still asleep under the leaves. His father was so happy to see him, he gathered the little boy up in his arms and hugged him hard. “I’m so happy you are all right,” said his father, with tears in his eyes, “Mother and I have been worried sick about you. Weren’t you afraid, Bobby?” “No, I wasn’t afraid because I knew God was here, and he was protecting me from harm.”

“I’m so happy you had that faith, son, but remember next time to listen to your mother and father! Remember that God has given us the task to take care of you and watch over you while you are still young. Our parents did the same for us, and you will do the same for your children one day.” Bobby learned an important lesson that week at the campground. He learned how important it is to listen to his parents and to have respect for his parents.

ACTIVITY: We made a card for Father’s day and wrote a gratitude letter..

LIFE APPLICATION: This week, work on the affirmation by thinking good thoughts about your parents, by speaking sweetly and softly to your parents, and by doing extra chores for your parents without being asked. See God in your parents, and when your parents speak to you, listen carefully, knowing that God is speaking through them. Then let this spill over to all your teachers and elders. This will make you happy, and God will be most happy with you.

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Teacher: Vijeya Mani and Jaya Krishnan

Attendance: Akshatha, Rithika, Karthik, Krish, Prahlathan, Saaketh and Abhishek

Value: Truth Sub Value : Truthfulness
Objective: To make them understand “being truthful is so important no matter what”

Quotation:

Give Truth (Sathya) the first place in your thought, word and deed.

Theme for the week:

Truth does not change. The experience of Truth can develop Love. Truth is the power and Love is the bulb it illumines. Through Truth, you can experience Love; Through Love you can visualize Truth.

Affirmation:

“I always tell the Truth.”

LESSON PLAN DOCUMENT ENCLOSED

Life Application:

Make a note of every truth or lie that they speak during this week and share it in the next class..

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Teacher: Renuka Rajani

Attendance: Rithika, TaraShree, Sakeeth, Krish, Karthik, Sujay, Abhishek, Prahalathan, Akshata, Divyashree

Class started with 3 Oms

3 Gayatri Mantras

Asked children about their experience at the retreat. Everyone was happy and enjoyed the retreat.

Introduced today’s topic and read an Aesop’s fable titled, “Rabbit and Frog”.

The moral of the story was that each person has their own unique potential in life and never to put anyone else down.

The children were then asked to share what they liked about the story and what their own potential is. They were able to state what they like to do the best and to draw a picture of it. The children were told that even though they are good at one thing, they still need to expand their potential by trying different things..

Life application: to practice what they said they were good at least 2-3 times a day.

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Teacher: Jaya Sundar and Suhasini Jonnavithula

Attendance: Ritika, Sai Chaturya, Aarsha, Tarashree, Divyashri, Akshata, Manav, Abhishek, Pralathan, Karthik, Sujay, Samir, Saket

Value: Love

Sub value : sacrifice

Quote :

“Respect your mother; obey her commands. Never disrespect your mother or disappoint her. Do not hurt her feelings. Try to satisfy her in all respects. Only then the seed of devotion will sprout in you. Everyone should follow the dictum, “Maatru Devo Bhava” (Worship your mother as God.) in letter and spirit.”

Affirmation :

“I will love my mother and help her on a daily basis.

Sloka : maatru devo bhava pitru devo bhava aachaarya devo bhava atithi devo bhava(Respects to Mother, Father, Guru and Guest. They are all forms of God.)

Spoke about the importance about Easwaramma day and why do we celebrate it.

Story :

Sathya Sai Baba Fulfilled Three Wishes Of His Mother

Stories — enclosed

Bhajan : Mother O Mother Sai maa

Activitiy: Mother’s day Card making with personal messages from children to their Mothers.

Life Application: Help you mother in her day to day activities, keep a journal and read in class next week.

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Teacher:Supriya maini and Renuka Rajani

Attendance: Ritika, Sai Chaturia, Aarsha, Tarashri, Divyashri, Akshata, Krish, Manav, Abhishek, Pralathan, Karthik, Sujay

Started class with 3 Oms and 3 gayatris

We talked about unconditional mother’s love. We spoke about Eshawarama.

We spoke about life of mother Teresa and how she served the homeless and destitute children of Calcutta. She also served the lepers. We discussed how are mission spread to rest of the countries. She received Nobel peace prize for her service activities. We discussed her quote “You-did-it-to-me”, where Jesus said that “what ever you do to the least of my brothers, you do to me”.

Acitivity: Blessed Teresa of calcutta word search and good samaritan maze (attached)

Life Application: Help your mother at home, do all your activities with love.

We ended the class with mother Teresa’s prayer “Make us worthy, Lord, to serve those people throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger.Give them through our hands, this day, their daily bread, and by our understanding love, give them peace and joy”.

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Teacher: Jaya Sundar and Tanuja Sankar

Attendance: Prahalattan, Abhishek, Manav, Ritika, Sai Chaturya, Akshadha & Sujay

Peace, Sub-value: Gratitude

Lesson Plan :

GRATITUDE

Silent Sitting

“Take a deep breath. When we inhale let us feel all good coming to us and when we exhale imagine all that is bad in us is going out. Quietly watch your breath. Gently inhale and exhale and feel God’s love. Let us pray to him, Thank God for the World so Sweet, Thank God for the food we eat, Thank God for the birds that sing, Thank God for everything He gave us. Om, peace, peace, peace.”

Quotes

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?” ~ William A. Ward

Affirmation

“I will always be thankful to God, Parents, Teachers and for all the people who help me.”

Story: The Story of “A Lion’s Gratitude for a Sheppard”

Pre-Story Question

1. Do you know or can say what is the feeling of gratitude is?

2. Can you think if the (wild) animals (like Lion) also have gratitude?

Post-Story Questions

What is the lesson you have learned from the story? – Open discussion

Activity: We asked the kids to write on the leaves the name of the people/things that they would like to show gratitude to and stick them in the tree. More leaves more greener in the tree.

Life Application

In the “Journal of Gratitude” given, please record every night all the incidents and the people you are grateful for. We will bring it back again after two weeks and I am sure that you will be very happy to what we find in journals.

Closing prayer:

Let us close the sessions by thanking God (Close your eyes) for all wonderful things he has given to us, the vast ocean, the mountains, the green forests and above all for the loving and caring parents.

GRATITUDE

Long ago there was a Sheppard boy who was wandering in the forest. He lived in the small village in the outskirts of Rome. While wandering the in the forest he lost his way. It was now getting dark and the boy started getting scared hearing that all big animals which move about when it gets dark. He slowly started walking and he was still far away from his home. When he was slowly walking he saw a large lion coming from the back of the trees. The boy got very scared and was just about to run from there for his life. Then to his surprise, he saw that the lion instead of trying to chasing him, the lion just lay down and put his head down weekly on his front paw. He was scared but now let me tell you what the lion said to the boy “Don’t be afraid, I will not hurt you, I have a thorn in my paw and I am in pain. See the thorn is deep in my paw and I cannot get it off. Please …. Can you help me?

The lion came closer to the boy and started raising his paw to the boy asking to help. The boy was sad to see the lion in such pain. He went forward and took the paw of the lion in his hand and said “I will soon get it out for you. It may hurt you a little because I will have to use my knife to remove the thorn, but stay still”. The boy sat down and the lion put his paw gently on boys lap. And the thorn was pulled out. The boy said to the lion “you will be alright, but try not to walk fast for some time” and then he continued to walk. And finally he find his way back home.

Then many years passed and the boy became a young man and living happily. It so happened that some time later he was falsely accused for steeling the sheep of another Sheppard. In those days the punishment for steeling was so severe. The king ordered that the young man would be left to fight with the lions. The soldiers took the man to a very grand arena of the colosseum where the punishment used to be handed out in the public. And the young man found himself in front of roaring crowed and the king himself. The young man has not done anything wrong and so he went bravely and stand in the middle of roaring crowd in the arena with the stick of wood he had been given to fight with lions. Finally the animals were left out and the biggest lion of all came pounding towards him. The poor young man’s legs were tumbling with fear. Then to everyone’s surprise this lion sat down in sand and bowed his head in front of the young man. And the lion then started talking “Don’t you remember me, you saved me once in the forest when I got hurt. See it is quite healed now”, he said raising his paw. The young man stood holding the lions paw in his hand in amaze and all the other wild lions take a back step seeing the most strongest of them refusing to fight. “Let him go free” shouted the crowd. Give him the way to free path. The king who was watching the whole scene from his Dias was surprised by the strange behavior of the spearful lion. And then he commanded, “Come here Sheppard boy, the behavior of the lion towards you is very strange, you are obviously a very special boy and the lion is a very special lion. You and your lion could go free”. From then onwards the lion and the Sheppard boy never parted and lived as friends for the rest of their lives.

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Teacher:Supriya Maini and Renuka Rajani

Attendance: 1.Prahalathan,2. Manav,3. Abhishek, 4. Sujay, 5. Sai Chaturya, 6. Rithika, 7. Akshatha

We started lesson with 3 oms, 3 gayatri. We checked home work from last week.

Review of shloka learned from last to last week: sarva mangala mangalye, shive sarvaartha saadhike, sharanye trayambake gauri, naaraanyi namostute.

Lesson on 9 forms of goddess durga as celebrated during each day of navratri: Shailaputri, Bharamacharini, Chandra ghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda mata, Katyayani, Kaal ratri, Maha gauri, Siddhidatri. We showed picture of each goddess and described characteristic features and qualities.

Activity: word search puzzle of names of 9 forms of durga as stated above.

We ended the class with 3 oms.

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Teacher: Suhasini Jonnavithula

Attendance: Krish, Prahlathan, Akshatha, Divyasree, Abhishek, Aarsha, Sai Chaturya

Value: Right Action; Sub value: Cleanliness

Quotes Discussed:

1) Cleanliness is next to Godliness
Christopher Morley

2) Krishna insisted on outer cleanliness and inner cleansing. Clean clothes and clean minds are an ideal combination.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba

3) There is a strange glow on the face of a guileless person. Inner cleanliness has its own soap and water – the soap of strong faith and the water of constant practice.
You cannot be fresh and feeling fine, wearing a washed vest under an unwashed shirt; or, an unwashed vest over a washed shirt.
Both have to be clean, to provide a sense of tingling joy. So too, outer and inner cleanliness is but the reflection of the inner achievement.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Children understood the principle that our Bodies are Temples where God resides in our heart and we have to keep them clean. We also discussed about the importance of not only outer cleanliness, but also inner cleanliness by removing the inner enemies of Greed, jealousy, untruth, anger, ego, cruelty, etc.

Stories:

1) The Story of Ram and Shyam who visit the Benevolent Queen who gifts Clothes, food and money to the Needy– but, the people have to be clean to be able to receive them. Ram gets the gifts and Shyam does not and realizes his mistakes that he did not clean his mouth after eating, wash his hands, clean the table and wash his feet prior to entering the Queen’s chambers.

The children participated actively and spotted Shyam’s mistakes and how he could rectify them and receive the gifts from the Queen

2) Dirty Bath water story– A Buddhist tale on how even Animals value cleanliness

Activity Sheets:

http://www.glogerm.com/sheets/kindergarten.pdf
http://www.glogerm.com/sheets/grade2.pdf
http://www.glogerm.com/sheets/grade3.pdf

Songs on Cleanliness:

http://www.units4teachers.com/PDF/handwashing.pdf — Pages 6 and 7

Life Application: Fill the daily Hygiene Chart and get it signed by Mom or Dad and bring it in next week.

http://wellstone.spps.org/uploads/English_-_Act.16_-_Hygien_Essentials.pdf

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Teacher: Renuka Rajani and Supriya Maini

Attendance: Akshatha, Sai Chaturya, Aarsha, Manav, Prahalathan, Abhishek, Sujay, Saaketh, Karthik, Tarashree, Kris, Rithika, Divyasree

Introduce shloka:

Sarva Mangala mangalye
Shiva sarvarrtha saadhike
Sharanye trayambake gauri
Naaraayani namostute

To auspiciousness of all auspiciousness to the good
Sarvarrtha saadhike meaning to the accomplisher of all objectives
Sharanye meaning to the source of refuge
Trayambake means to the mother of three worlds
Gauri means to the goddess who is the ray of lights
Naarayani means Exposerof consciousness
Namostute means we bow to you again and again we worship

Ask the children who the shloka is for…

show them a picture of Durga Maa and ask if they know who she is and to state some of her qualities.

Read the story: Durga, The Slayer of Mahishasura

Discussion about the story and touch upon Navratri coming up. then turn the conversation to inner powers and how to enhance it and use it in times of need. Gayatri Mantra powerful.

Activity: Draw favorite part of the story

Life application: learn this shloka along with its meaning and chant jai mata di every everyday for 9days at least 21 times

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Teacher:Jaya Sundar

Attendance: Akshatha, Sai Chaturya, Divyasree, Tarashree, Abhishek, Karthik, Prahalatan, Manav & Sujay

Value: Love Subvalue: Devotion

Spiritual Principle( Purpose: Through prayers develop intense love for God

Affirmation: I am wholeheartedly devoted to Swami.

Pre story Question: Talked about Sai Geetha

Told Children that they can feel Swami throughout the day and during school, any time they are scared or they are ready to take a test, always think of Swami and He’ll be right beside you.

And then talked about how Sai Geetha lost her mother and Swami brought her to Prashanthi Nilayam; how Swami loved and took care of her like a mother, fed fruits into her mouth, decorated her for all occasions etc. In turn, how Sai Geetha’s devotion for Swami was unconditional and full of love.

Story:

Her Pure Devotion and the Lord: A Match Made in Heaven

In the early sixties, the regular evening “appointment” of Swami with Sai Geetha was a sight which devotees looked forward to with great anticipation and elation. She would wait at the gate on the ladies” side (where Swami”s car now enters Sai Kulwant Hall) and if for some reason Darshan was delayed, she would get very impatient. Twisting and twirling her tiny trunk, intermittently flapping her lotus-leaf-sized ears vigorously, and her swift and strong legs jumpy and restless, she would eagerly look at the Mandir unable to bear the delay.

When Swami came, it was a divine thrill in totality, not only for Sai Geetha, but for every devotee witnessing the sublime play of pure love. Swami would first walk up to her and she would almost kneel down – her hind legs half-bent and front legs folded to the maximum extent possible. Her height now would be a mere two feet, and she would lift her tiny trunk up and down three times in salutation. After she had offered her prostrations at His feet, she would take a garland, raise her nimble trunk over the five feet frame of her beloved very carefully, and then with lots of glee slip it down Swami”s opulent hair onto His shoulders. Swami, in turn, would flash an enchanting smile, pat her cheeks so affectionately and would start speaking to her softly.

Time would stand still watching the Lord so much at ease with His dear devotee. Like a teacher who is never tired of talking to his best student, the Lord too is most happy to be with His perfect devotee. Swami would then feed her. There would be a bag full of fruits (all offered at the shrine in the Mandir) and a bucket of Teertham (consecrated liquid) for her to drink.

One by one, Swami would put each apple (her favourite) in her mouth and she would want to be fed no other way. “Even to this day,” Sri Pedda Reddy says, “she will not accept fruits from Swami on her trunk, she will insist that Swami put it personally in her mouth. But if it were anybody else, she will either refuse it or accept it only in her trunk.” Just like a child who is most comfortable and secure with her mother, Sai Geetha is in “peace and bliss” only with her Swami.

Post Story questions:

1. Why did Swami bring Sai Geetha from the forest?
2. How did Swami feed Sai Geetha?
3. Do you love anyone as much as Sai Geetha loved Swami? If so, whom?
4. How can we develop intense love for Swami like Sai Geetha?

Activity: Asked Children to color in the picture of an elephant.

Life Application:

Asked Children to prayer to Swami everyday and feel Swami’s presence around them and share their experience with the class next week.

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Teacher: Suhasini Jonnavithula

Attendance: Akshatha, Aarsha, Divyasree, Tarasree, Abhishek, Krish, Karthik, Prahlathan, Saaketh, Sujay

Value: Truth; Subvalue: Courage

Spiritual Principle (Purpose): To understand the consequences of not telling the truth.

Quote: Truth is God

Affirmation: I will say what is true and will keep myself happy by always telling the truth.

Story: Mary complains of a Tummy ache on Monday morning and wants to stay home; Mom finds out the excuse is because Mary does not like Reading class on Monday mornings and therefore fakes having a Tummy ache to escape going to School. Mary admits she tells a lie and Mom helps her understand why it is always important to tell the Truth. Mom narrates the story of the little mischievous boy who lied and cried “Wolf Wolf” too many times just to have fun and see the adults drop everything and come running to his rescue. And, ultimately, when the Wolf really came, and the little boy cried for help, no one believed him and Wolf attacked the sheep and the boy was injured and hurt.

Discussion: We had a Q and A session about the above story, discussed if the children encountered similar scenarios in their life, how they felt after telling a lie, why it is wrong to tell a lie and to share an experience where they told a TRUTH even though it was difficult situation.

We discussed what Swami has said about Truth and how it is the basis for all the human values. If you do not speak the truth, you lose one of your life principles. Truth is our Atma. So till you breathe your last, uphold the truth. When action is not based on truth it cannot be right action. Without right action there is no peace. Without peace love cannot flow. The absence of these four values results in violence.

Children participated actively and came to a conclusion that it is best to own up and tell the Truth and face the consequences rather than resort to lies which can lead to more lies and a very uncomfortable situation.

Song: NEVER TELL A LIE by Elsie Walner

Never tell a lie, even if in fun, ‘ Cause if you’ve told a lie, Damage has been done.
Then nobody believes in you, Whatever you may say, Even if you speak the truth, And say it all the day.
So, always say what’s real, Always say what’s true. Oh, how good you’ll feel , And we’ll all believe in you.
Never tell a lie, Nobody believes in you, Whatever you may say, Even if you speak the truth , And say it all the day.
So, always say what’s real, Always say what’s true. Oh, how good you’ll feel , And we’ll all believe in you.
We’ll all believe , We’ll all believe , We’ll all believe in you.

Discussion: We also discussed the Wolf story where the boy told lies to have fun at the expense of others; and children understood the difference between being funny and amusing versus having fun by laughing at someone which was being cruel, unkind and hurting the other’s feelings.

Song: WHO’S AFRAID OF THE BIG BAD WOLF? (Adapted from a traditonal children’s song)

Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? The big bad wolf? The big bad wolf?
Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? WE ARE NOT AFRAID!
Who’s afraid to speak the truth? To speak the truth? To speak the truth?
Who’s afraid to speak the truth? WE ARE NOT AFRAID!
Who’s afraid of showing love? Of showing love? Of showing love?
Who’s afraid of showing love? WE ARE NOT AFRAID!
Who’s afraid of doing good? Of doing good? Of doing good?
Who’s afraid of doing good? WE ARE NOT AFRAID
Who’s afraid of being kind? Of being kind? Of being kind?
Who’s afraid of being kind? We are not! We are not! WE ARE NOT AFRAID

Life Application: Practice the above songs taught in class everyday; practice speaking the Truth always, however difficult the situation may be and narrate an experience in class next week.

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Teacher:Pushpa Reddy and Jaya Krishnan

Attendance: 1. Saket, 2.Abhishek, 3.Prahlaathan, 4.Krish, 5.Manav, 6.Samer, 7.Akshatha, 8.Sai Chatyurya, 9.Aarsha, 10.Sujay, 11.Ritika, 12.Divyasri

Value: Love; Sub Value : Gratitude

The importance of daily Prayer and how we connect to God through it.

Lesson Plan document enclosed

Life Application: Pray for a few minutes everyday

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Teacher:Sushama Tangella

Attendance: Akshatha, Rithika, Tarashree, Sameer, Karthik, Manav, Sujay, Abhishek, Prahalatan, Saaketh, Krish

Value: truth SUB-VALUE: Universal love
Lesson Plan enclosed

Life Application This week we discussed Swami’s universal form. We are also a part of that universe. This week try to be more aware that everything that you see is a part of that universal form.

Explained to children that their universe is everybody around them and they should be nice everybody and listen to their parents.

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Teacher:Suhasini Jonnavithula and Jaya Krishnan

Attendance: Abhishek, Sujay, Eishaan, Karthik, Prahlathan, Sameer, Saaketh, Krish, Tarasree, Akshatha, Divyasree

Value: Love Subvalue : Devotion

Quotation : Devotion to the Lord will give happiness, Prosperity and Peace

Affirmation : I pray to the Lord to give me knowledge, destroy ignorance and shower me with peace and happiness.

Prayer

Namaste astu Bhagavan
Vishveshvaraya Mahadevaya
Trayambakaya Tripurantakaya
Trikagni – Kalaya
Kalagni – Rudraya Nilakantaya Mrityunjayaya
Sarvesvaraya Sadhashivaya
Sriman Mahadevaya Namah.
Meaning : Om. I bow down to Lord Shiva, who is the creator and protector of the universe, who is the greatest among gods, who has three eyes (Trayambaka), who is the annihilator of all the three worlds (Tripurantakaya), one whose throat is blue ( Nilakantaya), who is the conqueror of death (Mrityunjayaya), who is the Lord of all (Sarvesvaraya), who is propitious who is possessed of all marks of greatness and who is the greatest among Gods (Sriman Mahadevaya). To him my prostrations.

Bhajan

Om Shivaya Om Shivaya
Shambho Shankara Om Shivaya x3

Who is Lord Shiva, describe his form, the ornaments worn by him and how the Lingam came to be his symbol of worship.

Stories on Lord Shiva

According to another legend in the Shiva Purana, once the other two of the triads of Hindu Gods, Brahma and Vishnu, were fighting over who was the superior of the two. Horrified at the intensity of the battle, the other gods asked Shiva to intervene. To make them realize the futility of their fight, Shiva assumed the form of a huge column of fire in between Brahma and Vishnu. Awestruck by its magnitude, they decided to find one end each to establish supremacy over the other. Brahma assumed the form of a swan and went upwards and Vishnu as Varaha went into the earth. But light has no limit and though they searched for thousands of miles, neither could find the end. On his journey upwards, Brahma came across a Ketaki flower wafting down slowly. When asked where she had come from, the Ketaki replied that she had been placed at the top of the fiery column as an offering. Unable to find the uppermost limit, Brahma decided to end his search and take the flower as a witness.

At this, the angry Shiva revealed his true form. He punished Brahma for telling a lie, and cursed him that no one would ever pray to him. The Ketaki flower too was banned from being used as an offering for any worship, as she had testified falsely. Since it was on the 14th day in the dark half of the month of Phalguna that Shiva first manifested himself in the form of a Linga, the day is especially auspicious and is celebrated as Mahashivaratri. Worshipping Shiva on this day is believed to bestow one with happiness and prosperity.

A legend explains the all-night worship of Shiva on Shivratri. There was once a poor tribal man who was great devotee of Shiva. One day he went deep into the forest to collect firewood. However he lost his way and could not return home before nightfall. As darkness fell, he heard the growls of wild animals. Terrified, he climbed onto the nearest tree for shelter till day-break. Perched amongst the branches, he was afraid he would doze and fall off the tree. To stay awake, he decided to pluck a leaf at a time from the tree and drop it, while chanting the name of Shiva. At dawn, he realized that he had dropped a thousand leaves onto a Linga to keep himself awake, the tribal plucked one leaf at a time from the tree and dropped it below which he had not seen in the dark. The tree happened to be a wood apple or bel tree. This unwitting all-night worship pleased Shiva, by whose grace the tribal was rewarded with divine bliss. This story is also recited on Mahashivaratri by devotees on fast. After observing the all-night fast, devotees eat the Prasad offered to Shiva.

Story of Devotee Kanappa who loved the Lord so much that he sacrificed his eye for lord Shiva and got his blessings.

Swami’s Discourse on Sivarathri: As the verbal symbol of God, the Lingam is the symbolic form of the Godhead. It is just a form. Everything is Maaya (delusion) and to grasp it, you must deal with Maayaa. Otherwise you cannot realise the Maayaa Shakthi (deluding power). God is as immanent in the universe as life is immanent in the egg. The chicken is in every part of the egg; so too, God is in every part of the world. I prefer the description Sarvaantharyaami (inner ruler of all) to the description, Sarvabhuutha aanthraathma (inmost soul of all beings). All are in this hall, each one has no hall in him, is it not? In the same way, all are in Him; which is better than saying, He is in all.

Activity

Decorating the Lingam which is the symbolic Form of the Godhead

Life Application: Pray to Lord Shiva and Sing his glory on Shivarathri and free the mind from evil thoughts and thus attain peace and happiness.

Color the pictures of Lord Shiva and Lingam.

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Teacher: Renuka Rajani

Attendance: Akshatha, Tarashree, Manav, Prahlathan, Krish, Abhishek, Eishan, Karthik

Value: Love
Sub value: Respect for self

Read the book: Incredible You: 10 ways to let your Greatness Shine Through by Dr. Wayne Dyer.

Teacher read the book and discussed each value and how they can incorporate it into their daily lives. We spoke how they can share their goodness with others, the importance of finding what they love to do and how they should stick with it.

We spoke about how their heart is filled with love and the importance of sharing it with others, and what they can do to find some quiet time for themselves.

We also discussed the difference between good and bad thoughts and the energy pattern they create. We also incorporated Swami’s teaching and the importance of thinking of him and thanking him for all that He has given us.

Activity was to either write a prayer to Swami or demonstrate an example of good vs. bad thoughts. The children were very actively participating. Teacher was happy to hear the voices of children who are usually quiet during class and was good to hear them voice their opinion…

Life application: Practice to Sit quietly with Swami for at least 5 minutes every day and think good thoughts.

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Teacher:Sundar Venugopalan

Attendance: Ritika, Akshatha, Tarashree, Arsha, Krish, Saket, Abhishek, Karthik, Prahalatan, Samir & Sujay

Value: Love

Subvalue: Sacrifice

Spiritual Principle (Purpose): To understand the expression of Love through Sacrifice.

Quote : “Hands that serve are holier than lips that pray.” – Sai Baba

Affirmation : “I serve others with love.”

Pre-Story Questions: Does anyone know what the word sacrifice means?

Story: “The Story Behind the Picture of the Praying Hands” It is about Two brothers who were very talented and wanted to become Artists. They lived in a large family with many sisters and brothers and were very poor. A big coal mine nearby offered work with good pay and the brothers tossed a coin and decided to take turns to work at the coal mine for four years and study later. The older brother won the toss and studied at the Academy and became a famous artist and the younger brother worked at the mine and supported the family. After four years, when the older brother thanked the younger brother for his sacrifice and asked him to go and study in the Art Academy, the younger brother with tears streaming down his face said- “No, brother, I cannot. Look at my hands. They are so bad; my right hand cannot even hold this glass properly. How can I hold a brush and paint? I am sorry, but it is too late for me!” The younger brother had broken bones in his hands while working in the coal mines and had arthritis in all his joints.

The family was very touched by his sacrifice and his love for his brother. The older brother wanted to show his brother how grateful he was for his love. He painted his brother’s loving hands, palms together, and fingers stretched upwards in prayer. He called this powerful drawing simply “Hands.” This painting was so very beautiful and touching that it became famous immediately. He later renamed his painting of love, “The Praying Hands.” It is a reminder to people for hundreds of years that no one – no one – ever succeeds alone.

Post-Story Questions

a. What did the brothers want to do? Were they both happy?
b. What different things did their hands do in the story?
c. Was the older brother grateful for the younger brother’s sacrifice?

Activity: Color in the hands (attached sheet), and think about the good things we can pray for. Have the students share what they were thinking when they finished coloring.

Life Application: This week, instead of doing something you want to do, practice sacrifice and love by doing something for your mother and father. Share with class next week.

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Teacher:Jaya Sundar and Radhika Dokku

Attendance: Divyasree, Ritika, Akshatha, Tarashree, Krish, Saket, Abhishek, Karthik, Prahalatan, Samir & Sujay

Lesson Plan:

Value: Right Action

Subvalue: Proper use of time

– Spiritual Principle (Purpose): Don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today.

Quote:”Time wasted is life wasted.” Sai Baba

– Affirmation “I use my time wisely.”

– Story: “How Kelly Missed Her Exams”

– Activities

Ask students to answer the following questions, then discuss:

i. When I wake up in the morning, I…

(a) get up immediately
(b) stay in bed another 5 or 10 minutes
(c) go back to sleep

ii. When I have homework, I…

(a) do it when I get home
(b) do it after watching TV
(c) do it after I’ve been out to play
(d) think up an excuse why I can’t do it at all

iii. If I am watching TV, and my mother asks me to set the table for dinner, I…

(a) turn off the TV immediately and go help my mother
(b) turn off the TV when my show is over
(c) think up an excuse to not help

iv. I have been playing in my room and my toys are all over the floor. I’m very tired and it’s time to go to bed, so I…

(a) go straight to bed and clean up the next day
(b) go straight to bed because my mom will clean up for me
(c) clean up and then go to bed

– Activity

Have them color in the letters for “Time is God,” and cut paste it in the construction paper.

– Life Application

1. Carry out a survey: Ask your grandparents or parents what they used to do instead of watching TV. Ask a friend to come over and do one of these activities together instead of watching TV or playing video games.

2. Do your homework immediately after getting home from school for this next week and next week tell us about your experience.

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Teacher: Suhasini Jonnavithula

Attendance: Akshatha, Aarsha, Abhishek, Krish, Prahlathan, Saaketh, Sujay and Manav

Value: Right Action

Sub value: Kindness

Quotation: Watch your thoughts, words and deeds.

Swami explains WATCH as watch your words, actions, thoughts, character and heart.

Discussed about words that can be kind and words that can be cruel.

Story about a father and three sons, two of who are unkind and cruel to all beings, especially animals and the third son who is gentle and kind.

The story goes on that one day, the third son prevented his elder two brothers from being cruel to a colony of ants, a few ducks in a pond and bees in their bee- hive

All these acts of kindness were remembered by these animals and they helped this gentle son in winning an competition.

The ants helped him gather the most number of pearls from the grass and win the contest #1; the ducks dived into the pond and helped him locate the lost ring and win contest #2 and the bees assisted him in finding a real flower from a fake one in contest #3.

Moral of the story is being unkind or kind brings its own consequences and What you Sow, so you reap.

Activity:attached

1) Complete a sheet on Right conduct and separate kind phrases from unkind ones.

2) List words which are kind and words which are unkind.

Life Application: Look for opportunities to speak kind words and perform kind acts and report them in class next week.

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Teacher: Jaya Sundar

Attendance: Akshadha, Ritika, Divyasree, Samir, Sujay, Abhishek, Krish & Sai Chaturva

Value: Right conduct

Subvalue: Listening to your conscience

Spiritual Principle (Purpose): To explain to students that the conscience is God speaking through us, and the importance of putting into practice that which the conscience says.

Quotes

“How do you determine what is bad? By consulting your conscience.” – Sai Baba, Sanathana Sarathi March 1996

Affirmation

“I listen to my conscience.”

Story

“A Class Trip to the Supermarket”

Pre-Story Activity

Placed a number of items in front of the class. For example, a pencil, Crayons, color pencils, folder and books. And gave them five minutes to do something with the items. After five minutes. Then asked the following questions:

1.What did you do with your item?

2.How did you know what to do with it?

3.What is something you could have done with it that would have been wrong?

4.What made you do only something right with your item?

Post-Story Questions

Activity

They colored a picture of animals which said, “we Do not eat other beings whom God has given life, discussing its meaning.”

Life Application

During the week, anytime you feel unsure about what to do, ask your conscience. Remember to do what your conscience tells you is the right thing and write down or draw a picture about it. Share with the class next week.

Closing

Repeat the affirmation and close with the prayer.

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Teacher: Sundar Venugopalan

Attendance: Divyasree, Akshadha, Aarsha, Samir, Tarun, Manav, Prahalathan, Abhishek, Sujay & Saket.

Value: Nonviolence

Subvalue: Understanding

Spiritual Principle (Purpose): To help the students learn to seek understanding rather than acting on impulse.

Quote

“Understanding with love leads to nonviolence.” – Sai Baba.

Affirmation

“I take my thoughts to my heart and fill them with love.”

Story: “Sir Isaac Newton and His Dog Diamond”

Sir Isaac Newton was a scientist who lived long ago in England. When he was little, an apple fell on his head. He wondered why the apple fell and the Moon didn’t. He had a dog, named Diamond who has become famous right along with him. I guess he was pretty smart. Newton loved his dog. One day Newton went out for a walk, leaving some papers on the table. These papers were all about his work during the past years. A candle was burning on that table. Diamond was lying on the floor in the room. A few moments later, Diamond woke up and jumped on to the table playfully. It upset the burning candle. The bundle of papers caught fire. Twenty years of hard work was burned to ashes. When Newton came back from his walk, he was very, very shocked. Any other man would have been furious with the dog. But Newton was different. Although he was shocked and disappointed, he knew that the dog did not know the value of the papers and did not mean to cause the damage. He looked at the destruction, patted the dog on the head, and looking at it with pity, said only, “Oh Diamond, Diamond, you will never understand what you have done.” He started writing once again. It took him several more years to complete his work. How great was his understanding for the animal! Newton was as great in heart as in his head.

Post-Story Questions

7. Activity #1

Color in the picture of Newton looking at the apple. Afterwards, talk about what they learnt from The story and the reaction Of Newton.

9. Life Application

This week if someone has made you feel upset, practice understanding by finding a quiet place and think about the good things that person has done for you.

10. Closing

Repeat the affirmation and close with the prayer.

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Teacher:Supriya Maini and Renuka Rajani

Attendance: Manav, Pralathan, Kartik, Sameer, Krish, Tarashree, Akshata, Ritika, Saketh, and Aarsha

Lesson Plan: Hinduism

Value: Truth

Sub Value: Listening to the Conscience

The lesson started with 3 Oms and Gayatri mantra

Reviewed last weeks lesson

Introduced the topic to the children

Supriya went over the significance Om and had children cite some prayers beginning with Om. She went over some prayers and mantras with Om and children joined her.

Renuka Introduced the affirmation, “I hear God when my mind is quiet”. The children were asked what this meant and how can they can be quiet. Some of the children shared their experiences with being quiet and how they felt.

The teacher then went into talking to the children about the conscience and what they meant. The children shared their experiences about their conscience guiding them to the correct path

The teacher then read the story, “How the World Began” and asked a few questions from the children. The teachers had the children sit up straight and recite Om to fully experience it. The children then sang the Bhajan, “The Lord Gave the World Such a beautiful Sound”. Teacher told the children when hearing the words, Hari Om” they can hear it as a reminder from Swami to, “Hurry Home” to Him. The children laughed and giggled at this and really liked it.

The teachers then had the children engage in drawing an Om for their room and gave them the life application to recite Om 21 times every day.

The class concluded with one Om and three Shanthis.

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