By PreK teachers Mrudula, Sumana, and Jyoti
It has been a joyful and enriching time in our Pre-K Balavihar class, filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, and meaningful learning experiences.
Over the past few months, the children have continued to explore our rich traditions through stories, songs, celebrations, crafts, and interactive activities. It has been a delight to watch them learn and grow with such excitement.
We are happy to share a glimpse of their learning journey this year.
Class Sequence:
Welcome & Greetings – Namaste & Hari Om: Circle Time
We begin each class by greeting one another with “Hari Om” and singing the “Hari Om” song together. The children then chant three Oms to help calm and center their minds, followed by reciting the Om Sahana Vavatu (Shanti Mantra).
We have also introduced the beautiful practice of offering our respects to Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Tejomayananda. The children lovingly place flowers before their photos and, with folded hands, say “Hari Om” and “Shree Gurubhyo Namah,” helping them cultivate reverence and gratitude from an early age
Themes Covered
Over these past months, we explored a variety of meaningful themes:
· New Year – Choosing Happiness
We began the year with a beautiful message from Chinmaya publications, encouraging children to understand the idea: “I choose to be happy.”
· Makar Sankranti / Pongal / Lohri
Children learned about these harvest festivals, their significance, and how they are celebrated across India. Activities included crafts with kites, kolam designs, and Pongal pots. We also read a story about a Portland girl traveling to India to celebrate Pongal and learned about the importance of cows and bulls in the festival.
· Hanuman
The children loved learning about Lord Hanuman and his superpowers! Through stories, games and fun activities, they explored his strength, devotion, and courage. They also learned the Budhir Balam Yasho Dhairyam mantra.
· Mahashivaratri & Lord Shiva
With Mahashivaratri, children learned about Lord Shiva, his symbols, and especially the Trishul and its meaning. They enjoyed hands-on experiences like Abhishekam in the main hall and began understanding the significance of Om.
· Krishna
A favorite theme for many! Children learned about Lord Krishna through stories like lifting the Govardhan mountain. They explored Krishna through songs, actions, and creative expression—learning mayura mudra (peacock hand gesture) and pretending to play the flute.
· Holi – Festival of Colors
As spring approached, we introduced Holi and its significance. Children learned the story of Holika Dahan and discussed how they celebrated Holi at Chinmaya. The themes of colors, joy, and the arrival of spring brought great excitement!
Songs & Mantras
· Vakratunda Mahakaya:
vakratuṇḍa mahākāya sūryakoṭi samaprabha
nirvighnaṃ kuru me deva sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā
· Saraswati Namastubhyam
Saraswati Namastubhyam Varade Kaama-Roopini
Vidyaarambham Karishyaami Siddhir-Bhavatu Me Sadaa
Budhir Balam Yasho Dhairyam
Buddhir Balam Yasho Dhairyam Nirbhayatvam Arogataam |
Ajaaddyam Vaak Pattutvam Cha Hanumat Smarannaat Bhavet
Krishna Krishna Baby Krishna (with actions – a class favorite!)
Art & Craft
Pongal-themed crafts (kolam, kites, Pongal pot)
Hanuman coloring (mountain and sun themes)
Trishul craft and Shiva coloring
Krishna-themed activity sheets (mazes, coloring)
Peacock crown craft