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At Ananda Living Wisdom schools
our lessons envelope and instill much more than just intellectual
knowledge. When planning
lessons, our teachers take into account the need for the
lessons to reflect the age, readiness, temperament, and
inclinations of each child. We help foster growth in life
enhancing skills, qualities and values. Therefore, when
we plan and teach a lesson, we consider both the information
that we will offer to the students and the life skills that
are inherent in that particular area of study. |
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Here are some examples: |
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Math:
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(qualities) orderliness, stability, security,
clear thinking, and accepting challenges.
In this world of change, this subject remains the same.
2 is always 2.
5+3 is always 8. One can see patterns and operations that
are
predictable. “Grandfather Arithmetic speaks the truth
in clear and
steady ways.” Building an appreciation for the steadfastness
of numbers can be a comforting aspect of this subject.
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Language Arts:
(qualities) a doorway to imagination, creativity, clarity
of expression, understanding of others and their realities,
and introspection.
Through these studies one can inwardly fly outside of oneself
to explore and gain an understanding of all the world. The
imaginations, thoughts, aspirations, etc. of others can
also come inside of one through the same doorways.
Example: If reading about ducks,
the children can imagine oneself to be duck. They can try
walking like a duck, eating something green and leafy, tucking
their heads under their “wings” to rest, etc. |
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Science: |
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(qualities) wonder, awe, appreciation and
gratitude for life,
a sense on oneness or interconnectedness with all forms
of creation, trust, creative problem solving.
These studies can help one feel the oneness, wisdom, and
grand design that is a part of creation. Such an emphasis
can foster trust, caring, a feeling of purpose both individually
and as a part of the whole of creation. Scientific experimentation
and research can help one develop mental creativity and
flexibility.
Example: When studying trees,
climb into them or sit right in front of one and examine
the other forms of life that are present on the tree such
as ants, moss, birds, squirrels, etc. Look for their homes.
Examine the leaves and name them according to their attributes:
Soft Sally, Fragile Francis. Make a group story about the
“neighborhood of the tree” including all the
creatures on the tree. Find out what kinds of things help
the trees and give those as an offering – mulch, deep
root watering, etc. Spend time with a tree and try to feel
or imagine its character or quality that it might share.
Learn about the life cycle of a tree not in a step-by-step,
factual way, but from the standpoint that each stage of
the life cycle has an important part to play, not only for
the tree, but for the various forms of life that intermingle
with the tree. |
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