Bala Vihar is a weekly gathering of children (Preschool to Grade 12/Ages 0 to Ages 18) under the supervision of trained teachers. The aim of Bala Vihar is to help children bloom, grow, and inculcate values through fun-filled activities. Bala Vihar enhances the overall development of the personality of a child at all levels – physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual.
2021-22 Bala Vihar Session Information
Friday Session: September 10th at 6:45 PM
Sunday Sessions: September 12th – 9:15 AM and 12.15 PM
Children are a major focus at Chinmaya Somnath. The goal of Bala Vihar is to “wake up the sleeping giant” in our children and inspire them to reach their maximum potential by imparting a value-based education through a specially designed age appropriate curriculum.
The Bala Vihar program offers weekly spiritual classes for children in their formative school years (Pre K to 12). A complimentary Shishu Vihar program is offered for children ages 0 to 3.5 years. The classes are organized by age groups, start and end with Sanskrit prayers, and include chanting, bhajans, stories of devotion and morals, interactive discussions, and creative games.
The sessions are of approximately 90 minutes duration including the common assembly time, and are based on specially designed curriculum.
The idea is to provide an environment where the personality of the child blossoms in a spontaneous way. Good conduct, emotional refinement, intellectual finesse, social responsibility and spiritual awareness are developed by the teachers through story-telling from the Puranas and other scriptures, singing of bhajans, chanting of stotrams, games, arts and crafts, plays and other fun-filled activities. The children are encouraged to be responsible, alert and sensitive members of society.
Swami Chinmayananda believed that just as the strength of a wall depended on the quality of each brick, so too, the health of a society depended on the individuals. If the individuals are healthy, the society is healthy. His strategy for building a new society was to “Catch ’em young,” and that is what we are trying to accomplish at Chinmayam.
Chinmaya Somnath also offers additional classes and activities besides the regular Bala Vihar classes to help the children blossom and develop their multi-faceted talents.
The senior Balavihar classes provide a forum for youth where they are provided an opportunity to discuss, debate and understand the logic of our religion and its tenets and to become aware of their potential. After having gained this awareness, their potential is directed into creative channels. The high school students are encouraged to volunteer in community and social service activities. Additionally, different career choices are discussed along with what it takes to be a professional in those disciplines. The aim of these classes is to prepare today’s youth to be responsible and successful adults of tomorrow.
The annual session runs from September to June, parallel to the regular school calendar.
Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit. The seed of spiritual values should be sown in young hearts, and the conditions made favorable for sprouting and steady growth through proper control and discipline. It must be cared for with the warmth of love and affection, and such a tree shall blossom forth flowers of brotherhood, universal love, peace, bliss, beauty, and perfection.
Swami Chinmayananda
From the youngest Madhuram class to the Chinmayam class for high school youngsters, all Bala Vihar children participate in a variety of activities. The grade in which the child is enrolled in his/her school, is the basis for placement in the appropriate Bala Vihar class.
SISHU VIHAR
Infant and Toddlers(Ages 0 to 3.5)
Stimulating activities to develop motor skills, listening to and learning chanting. singing along to bhajans, story time, arts and crafts, all at an age-appropriate level.
Classes follow a modern structure of playgroups where babies and toddlers learn through the weekly meeting of parent/child.
MADHURAM
Pre-K (Ages 3.5-5)
Shishu Vihar Bhajans & Rhymes: Stories and Bhajans are among the media for learning for these young children.
SATYAM
Kindergarten and 1st Grade
Alphabet Safari: Children are introduced to the positive values through the English Alphabet. For example: A for Ambition, B for Brotherhood etc. Each value is taught through a story or song.
My Prayers: Need Description
Amar Chitra Katha on Gurudev: Need Description
SHIVAM
2nd & 3rd Grades
Superman Hanuman: The book illustrates Hanumanji’s qualities such as devotion to duty, Buddhi (intellect), strength, Yasha (fame), courage, fearlessness, alertness and eloquence.
SHIVANANDAM
6th & 7th Grades
Symbolism in Hinduism: Hinduism is often labeled as a religion of 330 million gods. This misunderstanding arises when people fail to grasp the symbolism of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus worship the nameless and formless Supreme Reality by various names and forms. These different aspects of the One Reality are symbolized by the many gods and goddesses of Hinduism. Each is but a symbol that points to something beyond, and as none exhaustively represents God’s actual nature, the entire array is needed to complete the picture of God’s aspects and manifestations. Symbolism plays a greater role in the religion and art of India, than in other nations.
Why do we?: Need Description
TAPOVANAM
8th & 9th Grades
Mahabharata (MB by Rajagopalachari): Sage Vyasa understood the mysteries of the universe and its past, present and future. He wanted to convey it in a story form, which is the Mahabharat. He conceived the great epic, which is not only a fascinating story but also conveys the essence of Vedanta, science of warfare, social/culture systems etc. Mahabharatha Selections points out the virtues, frailties and challenges faced by it’s characters. It helps readers contemplate on the deeper questions and values of life, guiding them to choose the higher way of thinking and living.
CHINMAYAM
Grades: 10, 11 & 12
The Holy Geeta by Swami Chinmayananda: Bhagavad Gita is ‘The Lord’s Song’ is the most popular and probably the single most influential text in Hindu philosophy. It is certainly one of the world’s greatest scriptures. The message of Geeta is universal in its scope, and it opens the gate of deliverance to all without distinction. Lord Krishna states, “Through whatever paths men seek to come unto Me, I accept them through those very paths; all paths which men take, O Arjuna, lead ultimately unto Me only.” Select verses in each chapter are reviewed and studied in a discussion format with Chinmayam class students to stimulate not only learning of the literal meaning of the verses, but also the wealth of subtle knowledge behind each.
Self-Unfoldment by Swami Chinmayananda: This introductory text on the fundamentals of Vedanta is written by Gurudev to be clear and logical so as to be appealing to the modern, scientific-minded generation. It is an excellent book for teenagers as well as adults. It inspires the sincere student to pursue deeper study of other Vedantic scriptural texts and understanding of the subtle truths within.
| Session | Time | Class Desc |
|---|---|---|
| Friday Evening Session | 6:45 pm – 7:15 pm 7:20 pm – 8:20 pm 7:20 pm – 8:20 pm 8:30 pm – 9:20 pm | Common Assembly Balavihar Classes Spiritual Classes for Adults Shloka Class |
| Sunday Morning Session | 9:15 am – 9:45 am 9:50 am – 10:50 am 9:50 am – 10:50 am 11:00 am – 11:50 am 11:00 am – 11:50 am | Common Assembly Balavihar Classes Spiritual Classes for Adults Enrichment Classes (Art, Language Classes Performing Arts) Shloka Class |
| Sunday Afternoon Session | 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm 12:50 pm -1:50 pm 12:50pm – 1:50 pm | Common Assembly Balavihar Classes Spiritual Classes for Adults |
Important Notes For Parents!
With the grace of Bhagavan and Sri Gurudev, Bala Vihar instills in children an appreciation of the play of the Divine in our lives. Trained volunteer parent-teachers provide children a Vedanta-based education that emphasizes spirituality and values so that they grow up prepared to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Children also learn about the rich cultural heritage of India through the medium of stories, drama, arts and crafts, and discussion.
Both parents (if not, at least one parent) must attend the Vedanta Class while the Bala Vihar classes for children are in session. An attendance will be taken during the Vedanta class. Parents who do not comply with this requirements will be required to meet with Acharyas once notified.
To facilitate effective learning, parents are NOT permitted in class unless pre-arranged with the Teacher and the Bala Vihar Coordinator/Director.
The Bala Vihar Coordinator/Director may routinely attend Bala Vihar classes to evaluate the curriculum and for teacher training.
Once or twice a year Bala Vihar teachers will hold a parent/teacher conference. The teachers will update parents on class progress and the topics covered. The purpose of the parent/teacher conference is to facilitate ongoing parental involvement with the child’s learning.
Please bring your children to Bala Vihar classes regularly and on time. To maximize learning and to respect the significant effort teachers put in to prepare for class, please ensure that children attend class regularly and that absences are few and far between, and only due to unavoidable reasons such as illness or other emergencies.
Please notify the teacher(s) before class if your child is going to be absent. In the event of sudden illness or emergency, please notify the teacher(s) as soon as possible. The telephone numbers and email addresses of teachers provided may be used for this purpose.
All children should be well rested and have a nourishing meal before attending Bala Vihar. This fosters better learning.
Please ensure that children come to class prepared with their Bala Vihar notebook, My Prayers book, and other books in their syllabus, pencil, and crayons (for younger children) or colored pens.
During Mission programs other than Bala Vihar (monthly Bhajan nights, etc.), parents are responsible for their children’s behavior. Please teach children to respect the sanctity of the facility by maintaining silence during these programs, not running in the building, dropping trash in trash cans, putting books and games away, etc.
At home, please help children practice and memorize assembly prayers they are learning in class.
Feel free to discuss your child’s progress or needs, or any concerns or questions you may have, with the Bala Vihar teacher(s) or Coordinator. We encourage and value parental involvement and input.
Each classroom needs at least two parent volunteers to help organize occasional field trips, socials, and other special activities. Please contact the classroom teacher if you would like to volunteer.
The dress code for Bala Vihar is provided on the preceding page. Parents are encouraged to follow the dress code and set an example for children. In winter, children are urged to wear sweaters and socks to class.
Chinmaya Mission will use e-mail to convey information about schedule changes, other programs, or snow dates. Please inform us if your e-mail address changes.
2021-2022 Bala Vihar Book List
| Bala Vihar Class | Curriculum | Childrens Book List | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madhuram | 0 | ||
| Satyam (KG, Grade 1) | Bala Ramayana | Bala Ramayana workbook | 7 |
| Shivam(Grade 2, 3) | Bala Bhagavatam | Bala Bhagavatam workbook | 7 |
| Sundaram(Grade 4,5) | India, The Sacred Land | Sacred India workbook | 10 |
| Shivanandam ( Grade 6,7) | P.O.Box Mr.God & Vibhishana Geeta(Key to Success) | Key to Success workbook | 5 |
| Tapovanam (Grade 8,9) | Hindu Culture | 8 | |
| Chinmayam (Grade 10,11,12) | Self Unfoldment | Self Unfoldment by Swami Chinmayananda |
Optional Book List for BalaVihar
| Bala Vihar Class | Optional Book List | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madhuram/Satyam | Krishna Loves you Krishna (Butter bash, Invisible friend, Rocks, Photocopies) Go Hanuman Go Hanuman Big Gig Shiva Shiva Namah Shivaya – $8 Shiva’s Fish Swish Ganesh Goes to Party Ganesha Mouscapade Boogie woogie Ganesha My Prayers | 8 6 each 8 8 8 8 4 7 7 5 | |
| Shivam/ Sundaram | Tarangini Series Tell me a Story Color Series Bala Vihar Guru Devs tales Bala Ramayan Bala Bhagavatam Amar Chitra Katha of Swamiji | 6 6 3 6 6 2 | |
| Shivanandam | Conflicts and Confusion Why do we Not too Loose, .. Tight, Just Right Victorious Youth | 2 2 2 2 | |
| Tapovanam | Storm to Perform Ageless guru Hindu culture an Introduction Transforming Indians to transform India Journey of a Master Hinduism Frequently asked questions | 5 6 8 10 10 5 | |
| Chinmayam | Srimad Bhagavad Gita Say Cheese Self-Unfoldment AS17 We Must Gita for Children | 5 4 10 12 3 5 |
*** Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all attendees must comply with local, state, federal governments and the health department’s guidelines including social distancing, wearing face mask all the time, and washing hands ***
Chinmaya Somnath volunteers will be there to help comply with the guidelines.
We expect all children to follow these rules of conduct!
The Bala Vihar classes start promptly at the scheduled time. Children are requested to be punctual; they should be seated and ready for Hanuman Chalisa followed by Arati at least ten minutes before the start time.
The Bala Vihar classes start promptly at the scheduled time. Children are requested to be punctual; they should be seated and ready for Hanuman Chalisa followed by Arati at least ten minutes before the start time.
Respect for self is respect for others. Children should be attentive and respectful in class, and raise their hands and wait their turn before speaking.
Children should come to class prepared, and with their Bala Vihar notebook, textbooks, pencil and box of crayons or colored pens (for younger children).
Children are expected to exhibit good manners and maintain discipline at all times. Running in the building, or disturbing any of the books or materials in the classroom is not permitted.
Chewing gum, drinks, or food should not be consumed in in the classrooms.
Dress code for Bala Vihar Children:
Boys – Kurta Pajama or full pants with kurta. No hats, jeans, or shorts.
Girls – Salwar Kameez or long skirt with blouse. Wear a bindi.
Children or Youth who are attending some other activity after Bala Vihar may bring a change of clothes with them.
Use of smart devices (mobile phones, tablets etc.) is not permitted during any classes. If the child(ren) are found using any of those devices, the teacher will take the smart device from the child(ren) and parents will have to collect it from the teacher.