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.
Here are some examples:
Math:
(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.
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
Science:
(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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