Bal Vihar is where children from kindergarten to high school are inculcated with our culture and values which would help in their life, by trained teachers. They follow a prescribed heme of studies on Hindu scriptures and other texts, and also take up socially useful activities. In Dade Bal Vihar, children and youth at different levels are taught Hindi language, the rich cultural heritage of India, including its teachings on moral values through the medium of stories, drama, arts and crafts, and discussion. Children are also taught popular Bhajans (Hindu hymns) and Slokas (Spiritual Verses). Bal Vihars / Bala Gokulums have become models for teaching India’s rich spiritual heritage and the fundamentals of Vedanta to the next generation. The Bal Vihars are organized into grades which match the grade of the child in school. Each of the grades caters to the age group of the child. The grades range from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 1.
The main objectives of Bal Vihar are:
- Developing basic reading, writing and communication skills in Hindi.
- Developing awareness of Hindu cultural heritage, traditions and values by celebrating
- important Hindu festivals.
- Instilling traditional Hindu Values and developing self-esteem through the study of Hindu personalities.
Code of Conduct and Discipline Policies:
The goal of Bal Vihar is to foster intellectual and spiritual growth in a safe environment. In order to keep our children safe and to inculcate discipline for all Bal Vihar children the following rules and regulations have been established and should be adhered to.
Dress Code:
All children, adults, and teachers should remember that Bal Vihar is a place of reverence and should dress appropriately.
Guidelines:
Highly recommended outfits: Salwar suits for girls and pajama-kurta for boys. Other comfortable outfits may be worn as long as they do not display profanity or offensive slogans / symbols. No hats allowed.
Items not allowed during the two-hour Bal Vihar session at South Miami.
No cell phones in classrooms: if a child must carry one, it should be turned off for the duration of the session. It may be used outside the class time. No electronic games should be brought to the classrooms. No candy or chewing gum during the session.
Absences:
If a child will be absent, parents must inform the teacher ahead of time. With 3 consecutive unexplained absences, the teacher/organizer may contact the family to check on the child.
Punctuality:
BE ON TIME; ARRIVE AT LEAST 10 MINUTES PRIOR TO START. If a child is late, he/she is expected to wait outside the classroom until the teacher opens the door, which will be after opening prayers.
PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB CLASS ONCE IT HAS BEGUN
All Children ARE REQUIRED stay for the entire time including the concluding session from 10:00-12:00 noon.
Cleanliness:
As users of the community, it is our responsibility to keep the classrooms and surrounding property neat and clean. No littering inside or outside the building. All garbage must be thrown in the appropriate garbage bins.
Lost and Found Please label all belongings clearly. Although all attempts are made to keep lost and found for a reasonable time period, items may not be recovered if lost.
Parents:
Parents are strongly encouraged to form adult study groups. Parents should not be sitting in the classrooms with their kids without prior permission from teachers.
THE CONCLUDING PRAYERS ARE A VITAL PART OF THE BALA VIHAR CLASS. ALL CHILDREN ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE CONCLUDING PRAYERS.
