Curriculum

Objective | Guidelines | Methodology | Evaluation | Summary

Objective

Over all objectives is to offer students a window into an Indian way of life back home and in US and how their own lives are impacted by the religious, cultural and political values and ideologies of India.

Overall Guidelines

The Curriculum is divided into three units: Religion, Social/Cultural and Politics. Each unit has five subjects and each subject has one, two or three topics. Five classes are allocated to each unit (15 classes in total). Devotional and folk music will be integrated in group curriculum tailored to individual group. Choice of music will be decided between group teachers and music teachers. (For detail curriculum see next page). An attempt is made to pick topics of study which build on the material learnt in the pervious 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.

Methodology

The entire unit is completed before moving on to next one. Each unit must allocate 65% of time to interactive activities engaging students in projects/exercises/discussion to make the curriculum interesting and thought provocative. In the beginning of the class, teacher introduces the topic followed by interactive session. Music can be part of this interactive session.

Teachers will prepare the entire unit prior to the teaching it hence facilitate group projects or presentations. Presentations by students are recommended to allow students the freedom to research, investigate and learn from their student fellows. For younger groups 1 and 2, parents students partner with their parents while groups 3 and 4 may work independently.

Teacher Coordinators work very closely with individual group teachers to offer assistance in finding resources and ideas for interactive sessions. Regular meetings with each group teachers during preparation time provide flow of ideas and ensure the unit is prepared in good enough time to avoid last minute scrambling for class material.

Evaluation

Curriculum will be evaluated at group level after each unit is completed for applications and outcomes.

Summary

Group

Units		 Group 1A Group 1B Group 2A Group 2B
Religion Character Building Values (Yama):
Truth
Kindness
Sharing
Respect
Patience		 Character Build Values (Niyama):
Consistency
Self-restraint
Self-reliance
Attentiveness
Calmness		 God. Me and Universe
Who is God
Where is God
God and Me
Communicate with God
Expression of love for God		 Basic Hindu Beliefs:
Definition of God:
With and without form
Dharma:Intrinsic Responsibilities
Moral
Social
Cultural		 People of the world
Similarities/differences
we are one world
Diversity among world
-costumes
-food etc..
Introduce India		 Me, My Family. Homeland
Personal stories
Family Tree
Other Influences 		Colorful India -basics
Geographical Landmarks in national anthem
Diversity in Indian people
Religions
Languages		 Exquisite artistry of India
Dance & Music
Cottage Industry
Art & architecture
Culinary
Politics Essential values to become a leader
-courage, sacrifice independence
Jhansi Ki Rani
Meera
Dhruva
Prahlad
Abhimanyu		 Value and representation of Freedom (symbolism)
Meaning and Exercise Freedom
Symbols of political freedom		 Social Reformers:
Changes in India
Annie Beasant
Rabindranath Tagore
Mother Teresa
Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Personal leadership 		Stories of Freedom fighters of India
Shivaji
Bhagat Singh/
Subhashchandra Bosh
Gandhiji
Sarojini Naidu


Group

Units		 Group 3A Group 3B Group 4
Religion Diversity/unity:
Forms of god
Paths
goals
Creation
Reincarnation
Karma		 Hindu Practice:
Passage of rites
Attentiveness
Calmness		 Ways of a Hindu
One God Vs Many Gods
Insight into Hindu way of life
Social
Cultural		 Celebrations
Unique festivals coincide with seasons
Indian Festivals celebrated in US		 Indian Daily Life:
Rural
Urban
US 		India’s contribution to the world and world influence on India
Foreign influence of Indians –Pre and Post Independence
India’s scientific, cultural and spiritual contribution
Politics Freedom Struggle:
Key events
Different approaches to freedom
Symbols of India fight for freedom		 Indian Democracy:

Women’s rights
Child welfare
Caste system
Religious freedom		 American and Indian Democracy
Intro to democracy
Comparison between India and US in areas that affect people’s lives such as educations, quality of life and economic opportunities
Political structures of two largest democracies
©2010 Balvihar, St. Louis