Motto : Keep Smiling
Statement:
“To help children learn values with fun, to delight like the moon and shine like the Sun!”- Swami Tejomayananda.
Objective :
“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
The Chinmaya Balavihar program offers weekly spiritual Vedanta classes for children in their formative years. The classes are categorized by varying age groups, start and end with Sanskrit prayers, and include chanting, bhajans, stories of devotion and morals, interactive discussions, and creative games. Conducted worldwide, the 90-minute classes are based on specially designed dynamic curriculum, with the aim of accomplishing the Balavihar rationale set by Swami Chinmayananda:
To teach our children with vedantic cultural and it’s spiritual values.
To inculcate in our children and youth a reverence for our ancient culture, and inspire them to live up to it with correct understanding.
To create self-confidence so that they are able to serve and act cheerfully.
To generate personal discipline, dynamic leadership, and true affection in all their contacts.
To mold their capacity to brilliantly express their individuality.
To bring out their dormant faculties and detect defects so that they can cultivate and improve their creative abilities.
To help our children and youth develop a healthy resistance against temptations in the atmosphere in which they grow.
To provide an atmosphere of growth that is filled with noble ideals, healthy emotions, and physical discipline.
C M B Center -Balavihar Guidelines & Expectations
What can participating families expect?
Active leadership from our acharya and teachers.
Knowledgeable and helpful volunteers to assist with questions and concerns.
Vibrant, on-time and efficient operations of all Balavihar and Adult Study Circle classes incorporating Vedanta-based instruction.
Dissemination of pertinent information about programs via email, web posting (chinmayashripati.org), and announcements in a timely and efficient manner.
On-site availability of essential books and related items.
Celebration of selected traditional Hindu Festivals and other events, in accordance with the rules of the facility.
The CMB may record Balavihar activities using various formats (e.g., still/video camera, etc.) for the purpose of promoting its programs.
The CMB will make every reasonable effort to work with parents to try and accommodate children with special needs. However, if a mutually acceptable solution cannot be reached, CMB reserves the right to decline/rescind registrations.
The CMB reserves the right to decline/rescind Balavihar registration, if guidelines set forth are not followed.
What is expected of the children?
Regular attendance to ensure continuity and ease in learning
“My Prayers” book, Balavihar binder (received at registration or any White 1″ binder) with few sheets of loose leaf paper, and pen/pencil are required for every student. In addition, on the first day of class each teacher may specify a few additional stationary items depending on the grade level and planned projects for the year.
Active and attentive participation in class as well as during scheduled auditorium events and class programs.
Minimum basic preparation for upcoming class or event. (This will be limited so that there is no conflict with regular academic commitments).
Raising hand and waiting for their turn when speaking or asking questions during class. If appropriate, teachers may request further individual discussion to be continued one-on-one after class.
Remaining silent when appropriate,
To actively participate in Arati and Pledge every week.
What is required of all parents/adults?
All children attending Balavihar must be registered.
Completed registration form and fees paid within 2 weeks of joining the program.
Arrive on-time (i.e., 9:50 AM for a 10:00 AM class start time) and stay in the school premises, through the program.
Dropping off and picking up of children requires written consent from the CMB. Any/all such requests must be explained to the CMB.
At all times except in the classroom, children attending Balavihar are the responsibility of their parents or the emergency contact listed on the registration form.
Any request to decline participation in the CMB’s efforts to record its programs must be made in writing with explanation provided for consideration.
Parents whose children have special needs must notify the CMB in writing for consideration prior to submitting their registration.
What is requested of the parents/adults?
Please take an active interest in your children’s classes and support their participation in events.
We request one of the parents to attend ‘Adult Study Class’, while children attending the balavihar classes. Please do not drop your children and go. At least, parents must make every effort to stay for Arati and Pledge.
Please discuss any concerns or suggested improvements to the program with a member of the volunteer team (e.g., your child’s Balavihar teacher volunteer, Study Circle lead, or the Balavihar coordinator).
Please check the web site (chinmayasr.org) for any last minute cancellations due to bad weather (e.g., when there is significant hail, rain, traffic disruption … etc.,), other emergencies, etc.
Please treat school property with care, keep it clean and help your children understand the same.
What can parents/adults do to help?
Chinmaya Mission – Beaumont is always looking for volunteers for varied activities. Please sign-up using Volunteer’s registration form indicating your areas of interest and we will contact you. Interested families may sign-up for various seva opportunities .
Download Balvihar handbook in PDF Balvihar Handbook