COMPREHENSIVE CLASS ROOM CURRICULUM GROUP 1A - 4B

Transcription

1 OBJECTIVE: COMPREHENSIVE CLASS ROOM CURRICULUM GROUP 1A - 4B The Goal of the curriculum is to offer students a window into an Indian heritage and culture. The focus is to create and sustain the kid s interest and enthusiasm on information related to India and identity building. In addition to a well rounded education, we offer lots of opportunities for our kids to find the joy in being of Indian descent through school wide celebrations, holiday celebrations and social action projects. The curriculum is built to meet the vision of the organization. The Curriculum is divided into three units: Religion, Culture and Social (History/Geography). Each year, the topics of study will be built on the material learnt in the previous group to allow for continuity and to avoid redundancy. Note: The area of study is enormous. Due to time restrains, we understand we cannot cover all the areas and the goal is to introduce the concepts which we assume parents will take it further at home with their children. Some of the desired outcome of the child s 8 years from 1A through 4B with Bal Vihar is: RELIGION: Understand the ethical and moral values from stories from our Puranas and their practical implication. The ability to name and describe the Das Avatars and discuss Krishna Avatar in detail. Knowledge of the two epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. An understanding of the values and ethical dilemmas in the two epics. The ability to describe the basics of symbolisms and samskaras. 1

2 An appreciation of Hinduism and its place in the world religions. The ability to explain the significance of various Hindu festivals. An appreciation of Hinduism and its place in the world religions. Basic knowledge of Hindu festivals. CULTURE: The ability to explain the significance of various Indian festivals. An understanding of Indian art forms, architecture, literature, sports, and music. An appreciation for the diversity associated with various cultures in India HISTORY: An understanding of the Indian historical facts and context The ability to analyze and identify change in India over time and its drivers An appreciation for the role of India played in shaping the human story. The ability to speak and present effectively about Indian history. The ability to peruse library and internet resources for relevant materials GEOGRAPHY: The ability to identify the location of India and identify its neighboring countries. The ability to identify the major physical features of India (The Great Himalayan Mountain Ranges, the Indo-Gangetic plain, the desert region, and the peninsular south Indian region), urban centers, and rivers. An understanding of the role of rivers in the development of India. Understand the meteorological processes, the resulting seasons (summer, monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter), and its influence on agriculture. 2

3 The ability to speak and present effectively about Indian geography. The ability to peruse library and internet resources for relevant materials. Detailed curriculum for each classes are listed below. The curriculum is just meant as a tool for the teachers to plan their lessons. The teachers have the authority to tailor the classes to meet the needs of the students. 3

4 GROUP 1A Topic Projected Sequence of Lessons RELIGION: Introduction to Gods and Goddesses. Introduction to different religious symbols and faiths SOCIAL UNIT: Introduction to India Learn to identify the gods and goddesses in the Hindu Temple along with a short story related to the deities. Religious symbols, and symbols that represent people of other faiths, in India. Identify various places of worship such as temples, churches, mosques, Gurudwaras. Identify National symbols National anthem /Vande Materam National sport National Flag National Holidays /festivals National Monuments Indian cuisine Classical dances Classical music Traditional attire /costumes Martial Arts Bollywood 4

5 CULTURAL UNIT: NORMS: Focus on teaching the importance of good values in daily living. Moral stores will be used from Jataka Tales, Panchatantra and Hitopadesha. ABC's of life will be modeled after Chinmaya alphabets. The letters from A -will be included will be used from A-M. A is for Ambition, which elevates you to higher ideals. B is for Brotherhood, which links one and all together. C is for Cleanliness, which good boys and girls should cultivate. D is for Dad, who works hard for our health and education. E is for Enthusiasm, which is the first step for reaching success. F is for Friendship, which can be bought but can easily be won with love. G is for God,Who made us and loves us, and helps us to live and love. H is for Health,which is our greatest wealth. I is for Immortality, which is gained through great sacrifices and selfless deeds. J is for Joy,which brightens our days and sweetens our life. K is for Kindness, which is a miracle to drive sadness away and bring sunshine to the poor, weak and sick. L is for Love, which like the sun warms itself and all others around. M is for Mother who is Divine and the very symbol of sacrifice, whose only concern is our welfare. 5

6 GROUP 1B Topic Projected Sequence of Lessons RELIGION: Religious Symbols Introduce Om, Bindi, Lotus, Tilak, Diya, Swastika, Linga. SOCIAL UNIT: Indian National Symbols, currency, festivals General facts about India Parts of Flag, comparison of US/India flags Review National symbols from Group 1A. Introduce currency, national festivals Identify National and religious Monuments CULTURAL UNIT NORMS: Moral Stories from Jataka Tales, Panchatantra and N is for Nobility, which is the brightest jewel of our character. O is for Obedience, which we must always show to Mother, Father, Teacher and God. 6

7 Hitopedasha P is for Prayer, which is the greatest solace and protection under all circumstances. Q is for Quiet, which is so precious and rare because in the quietude of our heart God speaks to us. R is for Righteousness, which we must imbibe in all our thoughts, words and deeds. S is for Smile, Our motto for all BalVihar children. T is for Truth, which is to be adhered to at all times. U is for Unity, United we stand, but divided we fall. V is for Victory, Victory of goodness over evil all your aspirations should be. W is for Work, which is dedicated service and a key to win God s love. X is for (E)xcellence,which could be gained by sincere and regular studies. Y is for Youth, which is the best period for striving to reach our goal. Z is for Zeal, which helps in all our endeavors. Family structure. Family structure in India. Comparison of parent/child cultures Food Discuss different Food of India, regional food. 7

8 GROUP 2A Topic Projected Sequence of Lessons RELIGION: Ramayana Bala Kanda Ayodhya Kanda Aranya Kanda Kishkinda Kanda GEOGRAPHY: Familiarize with the geography of India India and her neighbours. Physical Features of the Land Mountains, Indo Gangetic Plain Rivers Deserts of India Coasts Climate, Monsoons of India Natural resources 8

9 CULTURAL: Indian Art Introduce Rangoli, Worli, Madhubhani, Bandhini Art. Most common and popular techniques Regional arts and crafts Famous pieces of work and monuments Famous painters and craftsmen Dances of India Different forms of dances, Most popular forms Brief history and origin Unique features, Famous dancers Dance Festivals Festivals and Fairs of India National Festivals Regional Festivals Religious Festivals Relevance Customs Attire Food General Festivals 9

10 GROUP 2B Topic Projected Sequence of Lessons Religion Unit Ramayan 2: Sundar khanda Lanka khanda-uttara khanda Sundar Khand, it details entry of Hanuman in Lanka. Review of earlier Ramayan Sita found in Lanka Meeting Sita and Hanumann Hanumann burns Lanka Vibhishan Leaves Lanka Lanka Khand, -it has details of the battles between the armies of Rama and Ravana, killing of Ravana, and coronation of Rama upon his return to Ayodhya from Lanka. Lanka Besieged Lord Rama wounded Arrival of Garuda Awakening and killing of Kumbhakarna Hanuman fetches Healing herbs Defeat of Indrajeet Combat between Rama and Ravan Death of Ravan Rama and sita united 10

11 Agnipariksha of Sita Rama returns to Ayodhaya Uttar Kand - It has description of banishment of Sita, birth of Luva and Kusha, sons of Rama and Sita, and Rama s departure from the earth to Vaikunth, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Regin of Lord Rama Hanuman is Rewarded Ordeal of Sita Lav and Kush Sita taken home by earth Rama returns to Vaikunth Geographical extent British India and the Native States Famines, epidemics, and public health Economic impact Timeline History Impacts Creating Unity Leading Towards Democracy Benefits in today s world Languages, food, clothes, geographic impact 11

12 SOCIAL Colonial Era The British raj and its impact on Indian sub continent Geographical extent British India and the Native States, History Economic impact Other Impacts Creating Unity Leading Towards Democracy Benefits in today s world Diversity in India Language, food, clothes CULTURAL a. Art and Literature Kabbadi Gilli danda Pachisi Silambam 12

13 Indian traditional sport Thoda Indian Modern sports Indian Medicine Cricket Tennis Chess Foot ball Hockey Ayurveda The origin of Medicine Indian Remedies Herbs Indian Classical Music Hindustani classical music Carnatic music Great music composers and exponents 13

14 GROUP 3A Topic Projected Sequence of Lessons RELIGION : 1. Das Avatar Historical Perspective and Reasons for Avatar Introduction to the Four Yugas Incarnations of Vishnu Similarities of Avatar with messiahs in other religion Similarity between Darwinism and Dasavatar 2. Life of Krishna Birth of Krishna Childhood and Youth of Krishna o Stay at Vrindavan o Demon Killing (Putana, Kaliya) o Govardhan Giri Rasa Leela Krishna the Prince and Slaying of Kamsa Introduce Kurukshetra War 14

15 SOCIAL: Mughal Era Early History Mughal Dynasty and Decline Sufism and Sikhism Influence on the Indian Sub-continent Goal: Understand the Mughal Era in India and its influence on the Indian Sub continent. Science and Technology. Influence on Art. Islamic Architecture. CULTURAL: Art and Literature Temple Architecture History of Temples Elements of Temple Architecture Famous Temples of India 15

16 Introduction to Vastu Shastra GROUP 3B Topic Projected Sequence of Lessons RELIGION: Introduction to Epics/ Focus on Mahabharat 1.The 4 Purusharthas Introduction to the Four Purusharthas Dharma Artha Kama Moksha 2.Mahabharat (up until the Kuru princes in Exile) Ganesha, the Scribe Bhishma Pandavas & Kauravas Drona Enters, Arjuna s Supremacy Karna, Lac Palace, Bakasura Heroine of Mahabharata, Subhadra Rajasuya ceremony, Jarasandha Game of Dice, Grace of Krishna Pandavas go to the forest 16

17 Arjuna s visit to the Heavens Bhima meets Hanuman, Chitrasena Last Days in the Forest SOCIAL: Gupta Era Golden Age Origins of Gupta era. Great rulers of Gupta era Impact of the Gupta era. Literature and Science during Golden Age Introduce Jainism CULTURAL: a. Art and Literature Martial Arts of India History of Martial Arts Weapons 17

18 b. Organization Styles of Martial Art Kalaripayatu Ghatka Lathi Thoda Silambam Science and Technology: History of science and technology use in India Mathematics: Concept of zeros, decimal system, squares, triangles, fractions,algebraic functions, Medicine: Susrutha and his ontributions. Plastic surgery, Dental surgery. Ayurveda Science: Bhabha, C.V. Raman, Bose,Subramanyam Chandrashekar Language and Linguistics: Panini Astronomy: Jantar Mantar 18

19 GROUP 4A Topic Projected Sequence of Lessons RELIGION: The Epic MAHABHARATHA CONTINUES Recap of the story so far Story of Yuddhistra Life in Exile: The story of Satyavan and Savitri. Battle cloud loom large: End of Exile. SriKrishna tells The Gita: Birth of The Gita. The Battle and its End. The final journey. Story of King Parikshit. SOCIAL: Goal: To understand and explore the emergence of the largest civilization in the ancient world. Rulers, Decline, and Social Structure of Mauryan Empire (Ashoka and Chandragupta Maurya) Contribution of the Mauryan Empire. 19

20 Mauryan Dynasty Buddhism VEDIC CIVILIZATION: The Early Vedic Period (Rig Vedic) Political organization Society & Economy Vedic Religion Vedic Texts The later Vedic PeriodPolitical organization Society CULTURAL: A. NORMS: Symbolism: Significance of Samskaras What are Samskaras? Sources of Samskaras. Purpose and constituents of Samskaras The main samskaras: o Jatakarma birth ceremonies o Upanayana coming of age ceremonies o Vivaha marriage ceremony o Antyeshti funeral ceremony o 1. Religious symbols and their significance 2. Symbolic significance of: Puja and Temple 20

21 Religious Symbolism 3. Symbolic significance of Gods and their vahanas: Shiva & Nandi Ganesh & Moushika Lakshmy & Uluka Saraswathy & Peacock The Trinity B. Organization: Science and Technology Mathematics: Concept of zeros, decimal system, squares, triangles, fractions,algebraic functions, Medicine: Susrutha and his contributions. Plastic surgery, Dental surgery. Ayurveda Science: Bhabha, C.V. Raman, Bose, Subramanyam Chandrashekar Language and Linguistics: Panini Astronomy: Jantar Mantar 21

22 GROUP 4B Topic Projected Sequence of Lessons RELIGION: Character Analysis of Ramayana and Mahabharatha Epics o Review Mahabharat: Values-Honesty, Effort, Trust-(How the stories convey these messages) Ramayan: Values-Friendship, Respect for elders, Service SOCIAL: a. HISTORY Bronze Age Indus Valley civilizations Review of Indian History and Contributions Bronze Age-Indus Valley Civilization Know your history-early invasion to Colonization Freedom movement and its contribution to world a. Satyagraha, non violence 22

23 b. Women and their place in Indian history Post Independence and Modern day India c. Technology-IIT d. Rafi to Rehman e. Influence on world culture-music, food, life style ( yoga, natural therapy ) b. GEOGRAPHY Climate, River systems, Environmental Issues Climate zones, seasons, monsoons, Major rivers of India and its influence Causes for Environment issues Water pollution, Air pollution, Noise pollution Culture A. Norms: Symbolisms and Samskaras Hindu rituals and rites Symbolism of the four yugas Idolworship Indian Literature and Art a. Famous Indian authors b. Dance, Music, and architecture Unity in Diversity B: Organization: Forms of Government Democracy-Constitution Comparison of various systems (British, U.S., Indian) 23

24 c. Arts and Literature Indian Literature. Literature in Ancient languages. Literature in common/vernacular language. Indian literature in English Language. Literary Awards 24