{"id":1233,"date":"2025-06-01T05:30:58","date_gmt":"2025-06-01T12:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cmportland.org\/HariPatrika2026\/?p=1233"},"modified":"2026-06-13T07:58:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T14:58:15","slug":"prek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cmportland.org\/HariPatrika2026\/prek\/","title":{"rendered":"PreK: Prekindergarten \u2013 a joyful enriching experience"},"content":{"rendered":"

By PreK teachers Mrudula, Sumana, and Jyoti<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>It has been a joyful and enriching time in our Pre-K Balavihar class, filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, and meaningful learning experiences.<\/p>\n

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.
\nWe are happy to share a glimpse of their learning journey this year.<\/p>\n

Class Sequence:<\/strong>
\nWelcome & Greetings \u2013 Namaste & Hari Om: Circle Time<\/strong>
\nWe begin each class by greeting one another with \u201cHari Om\u201d and singing the \u201cHari Om\u201d song together. The children then chant three Oms to help calm and center their minds, followed by reciting the Om Sahana Vavatu (Shanti Mantra).
\nWe 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 \u201cHari Om\u201d and \u201cShree Gurubhyo Namah,\u201d helping them cultivate reverence and gratitude from an early age
\nThemes Covered<\/strong>
\nOver these past months, we explored a variety of meaningful themes:\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00b7 New Year \u2013 Choosing Happiness<\/strong>
\nWe began the year with a beautiful message from Chinmaya publications, encouraging children to understand the idea: \u201cI choose to be happy.\u201d
\n\u00b7 Makar Sankranti \/ Pongal \/ Lohri<\/strong>
\nChildren 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.
\n\u00b7 Hanuman<\/strong>
\nThe 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.
\n\u00b7 Mahashivaratri & Lord Shiva<\/strong>
\nWith 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.
\n\u00b7 Krishna<\/strong>
\nA 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\u2014learning mayura mudra (peacock hand gesture) and pretending to play the flute.
\n\"\"<\/a>\u00b7 Holi \u2013 Festival of Colors<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>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!<\/p>\n

Songs & Mantras<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Vakratunda Mahakaya:<\/strong>
\nvakratu\u1e47\u1e0da mah\u0101k\u0101ya s\u016bryako\u1e6di samaprabha
\nnirvighna\u1e43 kuru me deva sarvak\u0101rye\u1e63u sarvad\u0101<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Saraswati Namastubhyam<\/strong>
\nSaraswati Namastubhyam Varade Kaama-Roopini
\nVidyaarambham Karishyaami Siddhir-Bhavatu Me Sadaa<\/p>\n

Budhir Balam Yasho Dhairyam<\/strong>
\nBuddhir Balam Yasho Dhairyam Nirbhayatvam Arogataam |
\nAjaaddyam Vaak Pattutvam Cha Hanumat Smarannaat Bhavet<\/p>\n

Krishna Krishna Baby Krishna (with actions \u2013 a class favorite!)<\/strong><\/p>\n