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
First Friday Session: September 10th at 6:45 PM
First Sunday Sessions: September 12th at 9:30 AM and 1:30 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 a 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, 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 the 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
Bala Ramayana : Through a specially written version of the Ramayana, children learn to appreciate courage, enthusiasm and wisdom.
My Prayers
Amar Chitra Katha on Gurudev
SHIVAM
2nd & 3rd Grades
Bala Bhagavatam:Stories from Bhagavatam are taught to children to reinforce Hindu values and philosophy. Children also learn about the nine types of Bhakti (devotion) and the significance behind the various shapes and forms of Hindu gods and rituals.
SHIVANANDAM
6th & 7th Grades
P.O.Box Mr.God & Vibhishana Geeta (Key to Success): Vibhishana Geeta text is based on discourses of Lord Rama to Vibheeshana in Ramayana. In it, Sri Rama outlines the necessary tools for human beings to complete the voyage of life safely and to attain spiritual progress and mental purification. The Vibhishana Geeta emphasizes the importance of faith, values and devotion. Youngsters will be able to understand and appreciate that while there are bound to be ups and downs in life, devotion can help one handle both types of situations with poise and equanimity.
Why do we?
TAPOVANAM
8th & 9th Grades
Hindu Culture: This is a comprehensive and complete analysis of the Hindu culture and its salient feature, its varied facets and its all-encompassing fullness. Skillful definitions, gifted quotes and striking illustrations carry the reader on a pilgrimage of the holy land that India is, and the holy culture that it has. This book will help the Indian Youth to learn and appreciate Indian culture and our heritage.
CHINMAYAM
Grades: 10, 11 & 12
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.
Chinmaya Somnath Facility will be open 30 min prior to session start time to allow parents and children arrive early to comply with social distancing guidelines.
Friday PM Session – 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm
| Timings | Classes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 6:45 pm – 8 pm | Prayers & Bala Vihar Classes | In-person |
| 6:45 pm – 8 pm | Prayers & Bhagvad Geeta Class | In-person |
Sunday AM Session – 9:30 am – 10:45 am
| Timings | Classes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 am – 10:45 am | Prayers & Bala Vihar Classes | In-person |
| 9:30 am – 10:45 am | Prayers & Bhagvad Geeta Class | In-person |
| 10:00 am – 10:45 am | Shishu Vihar Class (Ages 0 to 3.5 years) | In-person |
Sunday PM Session – 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
| Timings | Class | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Prayers & Bala Vihar Classes | Online |
| 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Prayers & Bhagvad Geeta Class | Online |
Sunday Enrichment Classes: Shloka, Language, Art, & Performing Art
| Timings | Class | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 11:15 am – 12:15 pm | Shloka Class | In-person |
| 11:15 am – 12:15 pm | Art Class | In-person |
| 11:15 am – 12:15 pm | Performing Art Class | In-person |
| 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Language Classes | Online |
| 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Shloka Class | Online |
Please note following:
- There will not be common assembly. Children will go straight to their respective class.
- Children can remove shoes outside of the class and place it in a rack outside the classroom.
- Annapurna offering is temporarily closed for all sessions.
Important Notes For Parents!
Important Guidelines Update for In-person sessions to comply with social distancing and CDC guidelines.
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. Parents who do not comply with this requirement, the family will be transferred to online session and will not be allowed to attend in-person session for rest of the year. An attendance will be taken during the Vedanta class.
For contact tracing, attendance during each class will be taken. This information will be used to inform the families in the event of COVID exposure. In case your child arrives after attendance is taken, it is parents’ responsibility to ensure that child’s attendance is marked for that day. Your cooperation is very important for safe and healthy environment.
Parents are required to submit the “Self-attestation” form to confirm the health of each family member attending the in-person session. Failure to comply more than once, the family will be transferred to online session.
Deadline to submit the form:
Friday PM Session: On Thursday by 8:00 PM
Sunday AM Session: On Saturday by 3:00 PM
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.
Photographs and Video: You and/or your child may be photographed, or video recorded by Chinmaya Mission. Chinmaya Mission may use this digital asset and release them through digital channels such as Chinmaya Mission’s website and other communication channels including email and social media.
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 | Hindu Culture an Introduction | 8 |
| Chinmayam (Grade 10,11,12) | Self Unfoldment | Self Unfoldment by Swami Chinmayananda | 12 |
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 |
*** CMWRC follows the CDC, State and Local (Fairfax County – for Chinmaya Somnath) health department recommended guidelines, therefore, if the CDC or State or the County of Fairfax guidelines change, the in-person classes will be converted to online classes in compliance with the changed regulations/guidelines for the remaining duration of Bala Vihar classes. ***
We expect all children and parents to follow the rules of conduct!
Please review [*] marked rules very carefully. Failure to comply may result in your family being transferred to an online session and will not be allowed for in-person until the COVID restrictions are totally relaxed.
[*] Everyone attending the Bala Vihar session must wear a mask all the time while inside the facility without fail. Should you require a mask, please ask for volunteers and they will provide one.
[*] Everyone attending the Bala Vihar session must follow social distancing guidelines while inside the facility and in the classroom. Each classroom is marked with a 4 ft distance.
[*] Everyone must follow the directions set by sevaks for entering, exiting, and transitioning to other classes.
[*] Arrive early and settle down in your class. This will allow everyone to enter the facility and be prompt for your class.
[*] 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.
[*] Each child and adult students bring their own material such as a pen, notebook, etc. You must avoid exchanging material with other students to comply with COVID guidelines.
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 a 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 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 a blouse. Wear a bindi.
Children or Youth who are attending some other activity after Bala Vihar may bring a change of clothes with them.
We promote best safety practices to ensure the safety of our Bala Vihar children. In ensuring the safety practice, we request all children to bring to the notice of their teacher or parent anything that concerns their safety.
Use of smart devices (mobile phones, tablets, etc.) is not permitted during any classes. If the child(ren) is 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.