Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas Textbook For Children Group 1 - Years 1

The Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas program is a value-based educational initiative for children, focusing on the integral development of their personality. It aims to instill human values (Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love, Non-violence) through a structured curriculum and various teaching techniques like silent sitting, storytelling, prayers, group singing, and group activities.

Group 1 of the Balvikas program is typically for children aged 6 to 9 years old, and Year 1 is the first year within this group. The focus at this stage is on "doing and making," utilizing pictorial demonstrations, games, charts, role plays, and group activities to engage the children.

Key Aspects of the Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas Textbook for Children Group 1 - Year 1:

The curriculum for Group 1, Year 1, generally covers:

• Chanting: Introduction to basic chants like "Omkar."
• Stotras/Prayers: Simple prayers and slokas such as "Omkaram," "Gurur Brahma," "Vakratunda," "Karagre Vasate," "Harir Data," "Twameva Mata," "Asato Ma Sadgamaya," and "Om Sahanavavatu."
• Bhajans/Value Songs: Learning simple devotional songs and songs that convey human values.
• Stories: Stories for Children (Part One), Unity of Faiths through stories, Chinna Katha, and stories from the Life of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, and Ramayana. These stories often emphasize moral values.
• Health & Hygiene: Basic concepts, often incorporating Yoga.
• Japa: Introduction to "Om Sri Sairam" for Japa (repetition of a divine name).
• Silent Sitting: Guided silent sitting for concentration and inner peace.
• Other Religions: Broad details of major religions like Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Zorastrianism to foster unity of faiths.
• Significance of Festivals: Learning about major festivals like Guru Purnima, Diwali, Christmas, Khordad Sal, Dassera, Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid, Bhagawan Baba's Birthday, and New Year.
• Miscellaneous: Introduction to Vedas, the 5 Elements (Educare), Duty, Devotion, Discipline, Ceiling on Desires, National Symbols, and experiential learning through role-play, quizzes, and attitude testing.