Dramatic Play

Just random notes gathered together in one place:
DRESSING UP
From early on, dressing up and pretending are something children's love to do. Save whatever deity maha, jewelry, fine hand me downs or Indian clothing that come your way. Much can be altered. Collect them all into a trunk or suitable containers.

COSTUME CREATION

• Post Halloween is a good time for finding sales on makeup, masks, wigs, etc to stock up on.
• Masks are useful for animal costumes, and tails are easy to make.
• Save twisty ties from grocery fresh produce items. Burn off the paper and use the wire to make jewelry with beads and so on or for repairing and altering ready made jewelry.
• Recycle old jewelry, especially beads, into new jewelry.
• Make your own beads out of pretty rolled up paper with glue or paper mache. Paint brightly and string on cord or wire.
• Broad masking tape can be decorated, painted or gold spray painted before applying as armlets on the upper arms.
• Black T- shirts make great ninja masks. Use the neck opening for eyes to peer through. Tie or pin the two arms securely behind the head.
• Extra wide, thick and large, decorated rubber bands make “bangles”
• Make Govardhana puja rain clouds with black plastic bags for outfits, Cover faces with black and gray face paints. Paint large cloud on cardboard to hang over neck and cut out of cardboard and cover with aluminum foil lightning bolts to complete the costume.                                                                                                                                      

HOW TO MAKE A BUGLE HORN:
You will need:

• newspaper
• gold or silver paper foil (as seen inside some candy wrappers)
• brown paint
• yarn or cord

Directions:

1. Roll layers of newspaper together into a small cone.
2. Cut the large end off to the desired size and shape the horn so it slightly bends and curves near the center.
3. Use papier mache to seal and allow to dry.
4. Paint brown.
5. Trim the large open end with gold or silver foil glue over the edges.
6. Do the same to finish the mouthpiece.
7. Tie a piece of yarn into a punched hole on both ends of the horn. This is for draping the horn onto the body.

HOW TO MAKE A CROWN

1. Fold thick piece of paper in half slightly
2. Draw half the design, cut on the line and unfold to reveal a symmetrical shape that will be the front of the crown.
3. Staple a strip of paper on the bottom to make a rim. Fit it upon child's head to decide the length.
4. Spray paint the entire piece silver or gold
5. Glue on and or paint on jewels, glitter, decorations.
6. Fit upon the child's head before finally stapling shut the back ends.

SKITS AND PLAYS
Besides major performances, children can have a lot of fun and good engagement at home with their visiting friends by acting out Krishna's various pastimes. Read aloud and encourage everyone to act out a particular role in a story as you read it. Simple props may be used to add to the scene. Take for example, the story of Hanuman and the Spider. While reading aloud to them or retelling the story, children can pretend to be the monkeys building Rama's bridge with the use of pillows as "boulders" placed across a room to cross over.

DOLLS, PUPPETS, SHADOW PLAY

Dolls and puppets are another way for children to act out stories. Or try a claymation on video. Stick puppets can be used to do a shadow puppet show. More ideas qne deatils may be found online.

HOMEMADE VIDEOS AND TAPES/CDs -
Use video recording for claymation, new reports, stories, magic shows....etc

PRETENDING

Younger children have a lot of fun acting our various occupations:

PUJARI

Use play doh for offerings, old artik paraphernalia, Krishna dolls for deities, etc.

BARBER
Use a shaver with the razor removed and real shaving cream.

GROCER:

Use toy cash register and toy money. Use a basket to shop with.
The kitchen especially is a good place for finding different small “purchases” or else save empty milk bottles and containers for larger "purchases" to play store with
Kids can write grocery lists and use old check books, deposit slips. Also print receipts, price tags, etc. and play money.

RESTAURANT OR CATERING

Use play doh to make cakes, cookies, pastries, etc.
A toy cash register, toy dishes, etc., adds to the fun.
Make menus to hand out.
Print a booklet of checklists to take orders.
OR play waiter during a regular family dinner

TEACHER:
Use old workbooks, bell, chalkboard, desks...

DOCTOR
Use candy such as “Smarties” for pills kept in a clean, emptied, non toxic medicine bottle.
An ace bandage, digital thermometer, toy stethoscope and shot, a small flashlight, bandaids, tongue depressors (or wooden icecream spoons), etc., add to the fun.
Use toilet paper to bandage head arms, legs.
Dolls can also be examined, bandaged, etc.
Make a finger cast with white paper towel and diluted glue (equal parts water and glue). Carefully slide the cast off and let it dry before using.
Click here for more ideas.

VETERINARIAN
Similar to doctor activities but use on toy animals.

PAINTER:
A pail of water, old brushes, rollers and imagination are all that's needed to "paint" the outside of the house. A painter's cap adds to the effect.

WARRIOR
Use papier mache on a balloon and let it dry.
Draw and cut into shape to make helmets.
Also a clean milk jug makes a good helmet for smaller heads. Cut into shape(the bottom of the milk jug is the crown)and then spray paint
Use card board to make shields.
Plastic swords may be purchased.

POLICE
Toy handcuffs or ropes or a scarf for tying up bad guys
Toy guns and a badge are also typical props for imitating this job.

BEAUTY PARLOR
Hair styles can include teasing the hair to make it thicker, or a twist with french braids.
A simple manicure and pedicure are fun, too.

TEMPLE PERFORMANCES
Doing plays with children at our local temple has some of the fondest memories for me and it engages students in many ways such as hearing and chanting about Krishna; reading and writing meaningful scripts; memorizing lines; public speaking; creating costumes and sets and special effects; utilizing music, choreography and songwriting; and learning about stage direction and cooperation. More notes:

LIP SYNCING
Plays may be prerecorded along with music and special effects. Children lip sync their lines during performance.

IDEAS FOR PROPS, SETS AND SPECIAL EFFECTS

• Make a flute with a bamboo rod.
• Make Sudarshana discus (for school children to pretend with) by spray painting an old CD. Carve designs on shiny side before or after.
• Shake poster board into microphone for thunder sound.
• Two coconut shell halves tapped together sound like horse hooves.
• Fake fire- attach strips of orange cellophane onto a window fan lying flat and elevated by crates with lighting underneath. Conceal the crates with cardboard spray painted like rock wall
• Doors of Vaikuntha- Use large pieces of cardboard with details of cardboard glued on top and spray painted along with handles. Actual wooden handles to open and shut doors are glued to back. Cloth is attached to either side of doors and spray painted as a backdrop scene.
• "Lord Vishnu" can be seated in front of a cardboard Ananta with two openings for an extra set arms to slip through to make four-armed Vishnu..

PLAY WRITING

Turn favorite stories into plays. It helps children to read a few plays first to get the idea how its done.

 KEEPING TRACK

It's a good idea to take notes on each major performance, what worked, what to work on and keep a file on favorite scripts, who played who, props, costumes and special effects, materials needed, etc.

Another important consideration is where to store props. This can save time and money since many can be used in repeat performances and other plays.

Here's a few of the plays and puppet shows we or family members were involved in, some from many years ago. Some more recent by grandchildren. I wish I'd done a better job of keeping track of them all. The scripts were often based on popular ISKCON recordings at the time.
The Benediction Part I (starring daughter as Vrkasura. I designed the set and props. Daughter did special effects like Vrkasura cutting his "flesh" and feeding it into the "fire". It's hard to see because the recording is old and blurry. I think she designed Vrka's costume, too. And I know she made the audio recording. It had a repeat performance for the North American GBC meeting in Dallas. In 2003, I think )
The Benediction Part II (Starring youngest son as the Shivaite brahmacari (Lord Vishnu), playing alongside sister playing Vrkasura)
Govardhana Puja 2006 (Youngest son played Indradeva and I designed the costume. Husband was behind the hill to lift it, whole family designed set. Daughter did audio. Whole community, as usual, contributed and made it a success.)
Story of the Syamantaka Jewel (script that was used for this temple play in Dallas)
Little Red Hen Remembers Lord Krishna Ideas for a simple puppet show
The Yogi's Dilemma (This version written and performed with special effects and puppets by daughter Radhika Ramana dd)
The Body Parts Revolt

Games

Games can be educational in various ways such as helping children learn to think ahead and learn to persevere. Also active games are important for their physical development. As far as competition is concerned, by teaching the children to focus on a service attitude, winning comes naturally. Besides, "It's not whether you win or lose that counts, but how you play the game."

 BALL GAMES

• Catch or simply roll a ball back and forth with the younger set.
• Ball to the Wall-  Standing in line, take turns throwing a large rubber ball up high against a wall and then jump over it on the rebound. The next child in line catches it and does the same and so on.
• There are many other ball games to choose from including volley ball, dodge ball, soccer, ping pong, handball, tennis, basketball, baseball or simplified versions of these, but what children seem to love the most are kickball and four square.

MARBLE GAMES

• Chalk a circle on a flat surface, place 13 marbles in the center. Players take turns flicking a ‘”shooter” (the biggest marble) from outside the circle. Kids must keep their knuckles on the ground when they shoot. The one who knocks the most marbles out of the circle wins.
• Two players take turns trying to hit each marble. If a marble is hit, that player gets to keep it. The player with the most wins.

TAG GAMES
"Bhadra Kali"
One child is chosen to act as the deity of the goddess Kali and must stand very still, preferably on a higher platform. Similar to the story of Jada Bharata, the other children chant "Kali, Kali, Kali, Kali, Kali...". The "goddess" jumps off the “altar” at any time, without any warning and whomever she or he tags becomes the next "goddess". A variation is that the next child tagged joins her as one of her assistants. This continues until everyone is tagged. The person who remains untagged at the end wins.

"Cowherd Boy's Lunch"
In Krishna's pastimes one cowherd boy would steal another boy's lunch bag and pass it to a third. In this way a game of "Keep Away" was started. Children today still love the game and can use a ball or large bean bag instead of a lunch bag while remembering the pastime.

"Radhe Radhe Radhe Govinda" (or other names of the Lord)
This may be played just like “Duck Duck Goose”, the difference only being that instead of the names of fowl, one is chanting the Lord's holy names.

"Narayanesvara"
Adapted version of another childhood favorite- "Freeze Tag". 

WRESTLING

• "King of Heaven" Played like “King of the Hill”
• "Churning of the Milk Ocean" Played like “Tug of War”  A long, strong rope represents serpent Vasuki. A line is drawn at an equal distance between the two teams. Both teams pull on the rope in opposite directions with as much strength as possible. The team that succeeds in dragging the first person of the other team over the line wins and. While pulling back and forth, both teams can chant Hare Krishna very loudly.

RACES
"Who can Touch Krishna first?"- Stand at the end of a runway and yell, "Go". The children must run and tag you. Whoever does first is the winner.
Here's a few variations to simply running:

• Sack race
• Three legged race
• Wheelbarrow race
• Run with a cup of water or a bean bag on the head.

"Go Go Govinda"
This is played just like the classic "Red Light, Green Light" but with chanting the Lord's holy name.
One child stands in one spot or home base. The other children stand in a line about 35 yards away. They are all devotees trying to advance and reach the spiritual word. The child at home base turns his back to the other children and says "Go, Go, Go...!" He says "Go" as many times as he wants, and during that time the devotees run towards Him to try to reach him. Then when he finally says the syllable "Vinda", he turns around and everyone must freeze. If any child is still moving in any way, he must return to the starting point. The game goes on until one of the children has reached the spiritual world by tagging the leading child. That kid can then become the next one to chant the Lord's name.

"Hopscotch to Goloka"

Similar to Hopscotch. The object is to JUMP over all impediments in order to make it Home.

JUMP ROPE RHYMES
While jumping chant:

"Devotional service is the service for me.
It’s the service for all living entities.
What is my propensity?
pujari, teacher, cook, artist..."

Players repeats this simple  list of services over and over until a jump is missed. Where the rope stops "predicts" one's future service.

CARD GAMES

Besides the usual games of "Go Fish" or "King's Corners" the following is a favorite:
"Jara", meaning "Old Age", is played like and has a deck of cards similar to the game "Old Maid", with the exception of one card picturing Jara instead of an old maid.

The 51 cards in this game each show a typical occupation or service and each has a matching card to make a set, but only one card alone has a picture of an old lady on it.
How to play:

• Shuffle and deal all the cards out (for 2 - 8 players)
• Everyone places upright in front of them, on the table or floor, any immediate matches or pairs they have been dealt.
• Next, the person on the left of the dealer draws a card from the dealer, choosing any card without seeing what they are.
• The next person on his left draws from his cards and so on around continuously.
• If someone creates a pair while drawing he can put his matches down.
• Continue until all pairs are made and someone ends up with Jara alone! That person loses the game (is matched with Jara).

GUESSING GAMES AND SEARCHES
"Where is Krsna?"
Hide a Krishna doll. Everyone searches while singing the song “Where is Krsna?” Whoever finds Him gets to hide Him next.

 "I Spy"- Describe what you see for others to guess.

 Krishna Conscious "Twenty Questions"

One person thinks of a person, place or thing from Prabhupada's books. Everyone else takes turns trying to guess who or what it is by asking up to a total of twenty questions before they must forfeit. The questions can only have a "yes" or "no" answer.

 "Krishna Quiz"

Take turns asking questions from sastra to test knowledge.

 Krishna Conscious "Charades"

Act out a service, devotional activity, part of a pastime...for everyone else to guess.

 THINKING AND TRAVEL GAMES
"Supersoul Says"
Children must pay attention to follow directions in this game. A leader is chosen to give out various orders to do different actions such as "Supersoul says touch your head"..."Shake a leg"... "Offer artik"... "Vacuum the rug"... "Become a seed", "Grow", "Become a snake".. If an order is preceded with "Supersoul Says" everyone else acts out what Supersoul says to do. If the order is not preceded with "Supersoul Says" and a child acts it out anyway, he's out of the game. Last child becomes next leader.

"Letter Scramble"
Write a word. Take turns making new words from its letters. Whoever cannot think of any more forfeits the game. The remaining player wins. This makes a great travel game with or without paper using words on signs.

 "Hangman"

A classic that can also be good for reviewing spelling words.

  "10 Uses"

Take any object and think up ten uses. This can be really silly. A Dole banana sticker, for example, becomes a bindi or dust collector...

 "Krishna ABC"

"I worship Krsna with an A by offering Him apples... "

"I worship Krsna with a B by bathing Him."
And so on down the alphabet, each player taking turns describing some way to worship the Lord that begins with each letter. There can be many variations to this.

 "Manasa Puja"

At bedtime, traveling, etc, do deity service with child together in the temple (cooking, making garlands, cleaning, etc) using only your imagination and talking about it together what you are doing.

 "Crossword puzzles"

Make crossword puzzles with familiar words and clues

 "MadLibs"

With a little practice you can invent your own "Mad Libs". Write a sentence leaving out nouns, verbs etc to be filled in by asking other player what to write. Then read how it turns out. (Meanwhile, an Internet version is available to see how it's done)

 "Sort It"

Take turns sorting various groups of objects while the other player or players guess the sorting rule that was used.

 "Rock, Paper, Scissors" Rock defeats scissors; scissors defeats paper; paper defeats rock; (May wish to chant "Hari hari bol" or "Radhe Radhe Shyam" to this game instead of other chants)

 DRAWING

"Crazy Creatures"
Draw a picture of a creature in three parts- upper (the head), middle (torso and arms) and lower (legs). This can be done as a group, taking turns drawing one part.

"Finish the Picture"
Similar to "Crazy creatures", but drawing any picture (or cutting and pasting part of one) and leaving parts out for a child to fill in. This can be funny or realistic.

 LEARNING RIGHT AND LEFT

Krishna Conscious "Hokey Pokey"
"You put your right foot in
You put your right foot out
You put your right foot in
And you shake it all about
Now chant Hare Krishna while you turn yourself around
Hari Hari Bol!"
(Continue with left foot, right arm, left arm, and so on)

 GAME CABINET SUGGESTIONS

Pictionary
Scrabble and Scrabble Junior
Presto Change-o
Monopoly
Krishna Land
Devotional Memory (made with matching pairs of wooden tiles with KC pics)
Chess
Checkers
Chinese Checkers
Mancala
Hi Ho Cherry O (for beginning counting)
Aggravation
Jenga blocks
What’s That Sound? Bingo

 MANCALA INSTRUCTIONS- adapted

Mancala is the generic name for a group of games from ancient Africa and Asia. Names, boards, and rules differ among regions but the strategy of play is basically the same.This is one of the more popular ways to play:

 Set up- The board is placed between the two players with the long sides facing them. The six cups nearest each player belong to him or her and their larger scoring cups or mancala is to the player’s right. Four gemstones are placed in each of the 12 cups.

 Object- Each player attempts to collect as many gemstones as possible before one of the players clears his side of gemstones.

Play- Players alternate turns. In his turn each player picks up all the gemstones from one cup on his side of the board and places them one by one in the cups around the board in a counter-clockwise direction, including his mancala but not the opponenet’s mancala.

Example: If there are 4 gemstones in his cup, he drops one into each of the next 4 cups. If the last gemstone is placed in the player’s own mancala, that player goes again. If the last gemstone is placed in an empty cup on the player’s own side, he may take all the gemstones from the opponents cup directly opposite that cup. All the gemstones captured including the capturing stone are placed in the players own mancala.

 To win- The game is over when a player has no more gemstones in any of the cups on his side. The remaining player then takes all the gemstones left on his side and places them into his mancala. Winner is the player with the most gemstones in his mancala.

 Mancala means "to transfer" in Arabic and had the purpose of teaching children how to count.

Mancala has been played as richly as an ivory board with gold marbles and as simply as holes in the ground and pebbles to play. Here is an online version, also, for practice with a computer.

 MAKE YOUR OWN BOARD GAMES, Use a board game for an idea or as a model and try to make a KC version. Click here for an example. Save any old boards to recover and reuse.

Learning About Music

"Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his hair stands on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master."- Guruvastakam 2

CHANTING THE HOLY NAME

• The more the better.
• Harinama can be a regular family event or as much as possible.
• Take turns leading kirtana, and learn new songs on special days together. Simpler Vaisnava songs such as "Jiv Jago" and "Radhe Jaya Jaya Madhava Dayite" are good to start out with.
• Encourage at least one round of japa daily.
• Personal enthusiasm in these matters is the most important thing.

DANCING IN ECSTASY

• Children can be shown basic steps to aid their dancing in kirtana.
• Prabhupada did not encourage girls to become professional dancers on a stage, but dance classes are especially nice at an early age to develop good carriage and a graceful manner.

SINGING

• Perhaps the most important thing we may encourage music-wise for our children is singing. Whether done congregationally or privately it is a wonderful service to the Lord and a source of happiness for the singer that does not depend upon anything or anyone else.
• The more one sings the better the quality or tone will be, so it should be encouraged daily.
• Another way to improve singing is to watch a singing video together which teaches proper posture, using the diaphragm, and so on. There is a direct correlation between singing posture, breathing, and throat position. The throat should be kept open instead of constricted and so on. They all play a key role in the sound quality and intonation of singing. "Vocal Workout Video Teaching Kids to Sing" by Chris and Carole Beatty is a Christian program I found useful for beginners.
• Have children lie down and put their hands on their tummies to learn to breathe with their diaphragms, not only for good singing but also proper breathing.
•  Singing can be a simple thing, but there's lots to learn that can aid our singing very nicely for the Lord. Even the foods we eat can affect our singing. Drinking plenty of water. A little honey give smoothe singing performance.

PLAYING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Demonstrate how to use kartals properly and give ample practice at home.
Lessons playing an instrument should be begun as soon as a child shows interest.

EAR TRAINING

• This may be simply done by hearing and singing in response to the lead singer during daily kirtana
• Also continuous listening to good music (played at break time and so on)
• Practicing singing on key with an instrument.
• Knowledge of the octaves helps one go up or down the scale as needed in order to harmonize.

KRISHNAIZED SHEET MUSIC
In the thrift stores and Christian textbooks I've found sheet music that could easily be converted to Krishna conscious songs and music for kids (or make up your own tunes to the lyrics). Here's a sample:
SONGWRITING
Children can be encouraged to make up their own songs as above or start by writing the lyrics and then setting them to a tune.

MORE MATERIALS

• Look for children's songs by devotees. One is "Little Vaisnava" songs on tape by Mrgaksi mataji and "Songs of India to Sing and Color" by Bhavatarini mataji
• Many more materials about music, teaching suggestions and musical activities may be found online. For example, for teaching tempo, one may sing a song several times with students. Sing it very slowly at first, then increase in speed each time afterward until singing it very fast. Discuss the difference.

SINGING THE SCALE
An introduction from “The Sound of Music”. (Of course, its nice if you know the Indian counterpart to teach instead.)

When you read you begin with A-B-C. When you sing you begin with do-re-mi:
Doe, a deer, a female deer
Ray, a drop of golden sun
Me, a name I call myself
Far, a long, long way to run
Sew, a needle pulling thread
La, a note to follow Sew
Tea, a drink with jam and bread
That will bring us back to Do (oh-oh-oh)

Now do-re-mi-fa-so and so on are only the tools we use to build a song. Once you have these notes in your heads, you can sing a million different tunes by mixing them up. Like this:
So Do La Fa Mi Do Re, So Do La Ti Do Re Do

Next, we put in words. One word for every note. Like this:
When you know the notes to sing
You can sing most anything

NOTES ABOUT NON DEVOTEE MUSIC
In my experience with mundane music, satisfaction never arrives. It ends up distasteful because it displaces the Hare Krishna mantra resounding in the head and heart. The soul has been disconnected from the Lord. “If is without relation to Me, know it to be My illusory material energy.” (SB) Narada Muni ended up cursed by the demigods for singing sex songs. A pure devotee may be able to remember Krsna with the lyrics, but generally it can distract one from Krsna and the sound vibrations emanating from non devotees can be very agitating. I've witnessed select music, however, become purified by producing Krishna conscious dramas with it, so it is possible to be dovetailed to Krsna’s service. Also melodies can be adapted for singing Hare Krsna mantra or creating lyrics for remembering Krishna. As for ear training, recordings by devotee artists are becoming more and more available.

Other Celebrations

Our priority as devotees is to observe the holy days that please Lord Krishna. One may wish to Krishnaize other holidays or special times only if there is time for such. In other words, with the exceptions of a child's birthday, these depend on personal preferences. Here's some ways I've seen these things celebrated Krishna consciously:

NEW YEAR'S EVE
Make one or two good resolution for Krishna's sake/your spiritual life and light favorite fireworks with the children to inaugurate the new commitment.

VALENTINE'S DAY
Create a lovely valentine for Radha-Krsna to place on the family altar . Propose to give your heart more fully to Their service.

THANKSGIVING
At least one day a year must be set aside to appreciate what we have, and we can join our neighbors with a big feast of special prasadam which emphasizes compassion and mercy upon animals.

HALLOWEEN
Of course, children may dress up in a way to remember Krishna's pastimes and limit treats to simpler store- bought items such sugar candies and or homemade prasadam treats. A huge feast and special treats are actually preferable for Govardhana Puja which often coincides at this time, so again, it depends how much energy one has available to exert.

MOTHER'S DAY
Mother’s Day can be a day to show appreciation to favorite mothers. One can call or send a card or flower. Also we can remember mother earth, the cow.
Here's what a daughter wrote about her mother entitled "Opti-Mom":
"My mother is very cheerful. She always finds the silver lining of every dark cloud. If she saw a glass filled halfway with water, she would most likely say, "It is half full," rather than, "It is half empty."

"Once, I was trying to competing to draw a cover for a book. I was afraid my drawing wouldn’t be chosen. My mother, however, had a much better view. She said, "If you win it will be wonderful! But if you lose it would have still been a great experience in drawing." This gave me a boost of encouragement.

"When I grow up, I will try to be as cheerful as my dear mother."
FATHER'S DAY
A special opportunity to eulogize one's father. Cards are a norm around our house. Here's a couple samples..

(the poem came from Parvati devi dasi's book "Honor Thy Mother and Father".) The next card was adapted from the Share a Care Art pac series:


DIWALI
Upon first joining the movement several years ago, I had never heard nor seen devotees celebrate Diwali. Now it is much more popular, and I myself am drawn to the beautiful lighting decorations which appear to be a purified version of the commercial Christmas event so common in America. One can burn lamps or hang lights on the altar or front of the house. Another idea is tin can lanterns using small cans and Vedic designs. Also I have seen neighbors make beautiful rice (or chalk) painting decorations on the porch or sidewalk in the main entrance way of their home.

CHRISTMAS
Decorate a "kalpa vrksha" tree with homemade and favorite ornaments that may bear simple treats for the children on Christmas day. The parables and good qualities of Jesus as a pure devotee of Krishna may be good to remember also.

AND SO ON
Everything takes time and energy, so feel free to drop-kick all the nondevotee traditions you've never liked.
Decide which family traditions are truly meaningful to you. Which do you want to keep? What would you like to change?

SUGGESTIONS FOR BIRTHDAYS
Whether the celebration of a birthday is as simple as distributing prasadam to neighbors and guests or it includes a party with special activities and a theme, the consciousness should be to serve for that is enjoyment of a devotee.
Party elements may include:
1. kirtan
2. puppet show
3. games
4. prasadam distribution
5. other treats such as party bags which include small toys and pieces of deity maha.

THE MOST KRISHNA CONSCIOUS PARTY BAGS I HAVE EVER WITNESSED
These contained a plastic garland, toy gold coins, toy wild animal miniatures (for a Jarikhanda pastime theme), a KC bookmark with a verse (from Jarikhanda pastime), wrapped pieces of burfi, a toy pan flute, a single strand of neck beads, and wild animal stickers.

GAME SUGGESTIONS:

• A homemade or store bought pinata with simple treats and toys inside (Be careful that no one gets hit, use a plastic bat)
• "Pin the Tail on Denukasura" or "Pin Supersoul on the Heart"
• Musical chairs or cushions
• Bean bag on the head race
• Churning the milk ocean (tug of war)
• Various races
• Hot Potato
• A treasure hunt which includes maps, clues and a cache of maha treasure

FAVORITE BIRTHDAY CAKE TOPPING
Fold together thick pudding (made with milk, turbinado sugar and arrowroot) with sweetened whipped cream (1/2 c powdered sugar per pint of cream). Spread on a cooled cake (white vanilla cake is especially nice) and top with candy sprinkles. Add candles.

VEDIC CONSIDERATIONS
It’s recommended to take cold bath on sons’ birthdays.
Make a special offering to the deities for each birthday.

SEASONAL TRADITIONS - WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASONS KRISHNA MADE:
Some suggestions for seasonal family fun:

SPRING

• Look for signs of spring, do spring cleaning, plant a garden...
• This is also the time to pull out rain gear and umbrellas for walks in the rain.
• Rainy day fun also includes building an island with gravel in the center of a large puddle and more.

SUMMER

• Camp out!
• Offer to Krishna cooling items like lemonade, watermelon, homemade ice-cream...
• Save deity nectar for popsicles.
• At the beach do sand castle construction, “silly sand” construction (drivel wet sand from hand to create layers- sometimes very steep- of sand), carton and bucket construction or sand sculpture.

FALL

• This is the time to rake leaf piles to jump into.
• Gather pecans and favorite recipes that use them.
• Offer pumpkin pie and similar treats.

WINTER

• Snow fun includes ice forts or brigades (freeze ice in containers in the fridge year round and stick together with snow in between), snow ball fights, snow men, snow angels, snow pies, sledding, and games like "Fox and Geese"...
• Catch light snowflakes on a dark cloth to view with a hand lens.
• Search for icicles, frost patterns and frozen puddles..

Family Outings

 (photo source: http://www.gocampwithkids.com/default.htm)
Destination? Anywhere can become a special outing when one is aware, but when you do find that perfect park for kite flying; that sunny swimming hole, that hilly slope for sledding, that superb picnic spot or that cosy campsite for river rafting, keep it in mind to return to it as often as possible. Here are more notes on family fun via outings together:

• Pay attention to the time of year. Springtime, for example, is the best time to introduce a child to the zoo, for that's when you're more likely to see baby animals appear.
• Camping out is especially nice for creating memories of family togetherness; living simpler, and getting fresh air, sunshine, exercise and good appetites.

HOMEMADE CAMPING GEAR

• A sit upon can be as simple as a pillow or a thick folded towel, but with a little work ahead of time, they can be premade by using cut out pieces from old blankets and recovering them with new cloth.
• Also for homemade bed rolls, save old blankets to fold and sew together and then recover to create comfy cushioning to lie your sleeping bag upon.
• Punch a hole on each side of a large tin can, twist on a wire handle. This is useful as a bucket for storage.
• Create a first aid kit filled with necessary supplies.

TRAVEL CHECKLIST

• Make a master checklist of stuff to take and use every time. Add to it as needed.
• Plan a menu ahead of time and what foods you need to get. Keep the menu for future use and add on as you find more favorites.

FIRE STARTERS

• A good one is wax stubs melted and mixed with untreated sawdust. Pour mixture into cardboard tubes and cut off cooled pieces as needed. Light the edge of the cardboard.
• Here's tips for how to build and tend a fire.

OPEN FIRE COOKING

• Stab potatoes several times front and back and then bake them wrapped in foil for about 45 minutes in fiery coals beneath the logs. Test for doneness by poking with a knife to see how soft it is.
• No foil? Try covering with ½" coating of mud. Bake 1 hr in the hot coals.
• Soak corn in husks for 20 mins. Grill on coals (in husks) turning every few minutes until tender.
• Foil packets: Tear off a 12” square strip of foil. Place cubes of paneer inside along with thinly sliced vegetables. Place a layer of vegetables on top. Add salt, pepper and or other favorite spices and a generous dab of butter. Fold the foil over the top. Fold up the corners so it won’t leak and place the foil packet on the coals. It should take 20-30 minutes depending on the heat of your coals. When done, slice it open, offer, and eat directly from the foil.
• The Internet has a lot more suggestions if you like this kind of thing as much as I do.

Here's some recipes that can be cooked in a pie iron:

• Cornbread- Prepare batter and fill about 1/3 the cavity of  a well greased pie iron chamber. Close, latch handles and bake over very low heat until done.
• Potatoes- place sliced potatoes in pie iron chamber, add butter, salt and pepper and close. Grill on both sides over low heat.
• Mini pizza- place pizza fixings between a large bun or two chapatis or pita breads. Grill 3 or 4 minutes on each side or until desired doneness is reached.
• Hing breads- Generously butter halves of a bun and sprinkle on hing. Place back to back each bun inside out and place into pie iron chamber. Grill until golden brown.
• When using breads in a pie iron, its a good idea to well butter the edges so they won't get overly burned or tough.

Another thing the kids and I experimented with was a stove made with a very large tin can, cut with air vents to fit over a fire. Next, heat upon it a skillet hot enough to cook with. Move the skillet on and off to keep an even temperature (or use a damper as described in the link.)

WASHING DISHES AND POTS
Fill a large pot, can or tub with available water source and heat it up;
Wash utensils and pots with the mildest or most environmentally safe dishsoap possible along with a scrubbing tool.
Virgin dirt, clay, or ashes can be rubbed on to replace dishsoap. Lemon rinds and fine sand work well on extra greasy items. More tips here. More tips here.
 Toss soapy water onto the ground, and then fetch clean rinse water as needed.

STUFF TO DO with the kids:

• Build a bridge or dam in a shallow river or create an island to sit on.
• Toss pebbes into a can or use a sling shot for target practice (some prefer bee bee guns ).
• Save crumbs to feed any ducks.
• Sail small boats downstream (don't forget a long piece of string if you wish to pull them in again).
• Catch small fish in a net to put in a fish bowl temporarily, then let them go.
• Look for tadpoles, frogs and turtles.
• Skip rocks.
• Draw from nature.
• Collect soil samples in a clear jar. Add water and shake well. Allow to sit 24 hours. Note the different layers created from various places where soil samples were taken
• Bring a hand lens to examine small things in nature.
• Make a camp broom with a bunch of sturdy grasses bound together.
• Make a sundial with a stick. Mark the stick’s shadow every hour with a rock.
• Make a trash can with 3 stakes and trash bag in the center.
• Practice old fashioned weather predicting.
• Record nature sounds.
• Watch for wildlife to observe. Look for tracks or other signs.
• Do a scavenger hunt.
• Take a hike with trail markers, water and a compass.
• Gaze at stars

• Tree ID- Find out the names of your tallest neighbors.

ON THE ROAD
It's a good idea to clean the car interior frequently for passenger comfort. Also keep the windows clean.
Show children how to use a map.
Count together- trains, cows, mileage markers...
Figure out estimated arrival times...
Note - local industries, people, architecture, landscape...

SAFETY TIPS
It's a good idea to review these before going in the wild. In my youth, I personally had the experience of getting lost in the Rockies during a blizzard. The Internet has plenty of information and safety warnings for die hard campers.

Favorite Toys

Like games, toys can have educational value, stretch the imagination and help keep children engaged. Here's some favorites that provided a lot of mileage:

WOODEN BLOCKS
You'll soon discover an ongoing collection developing, for hours of creative play including very high block towers. Our favorite were the simple Jenga blocks (which also make an interesting game).

LEGOS AND BRIO
Two types of building fun for children. We were blessed with a huge basket of legos (small sized) someone no longer needed.

DOLLS
Besides those given as gifts, I made several. There are many instructions online to make the basic body. Then add details. For Lord Chaitanya, I strung together a garland of artificial flowers, added neck beads, dhoti and chaddar, and His sikha was black embroidery floss. I prefer dolls that can sit and raise their arms (attached arms and legs). Also all the clothes and jewelry must be removable.
Other dolls must include baby dolls for little girls, complete with a layout.

STUFFED ANIMALS
No fuss, animal companions for children or sew some to complement the dolls above.

PLAY DOUGH
My basic recipe is here. There are many things that can be made. Add various tools and child size cookware to create a "restaurant", imitate deity worship, and so on.

SAND AND SANDBOX
No home with children is complete without it! Make sure to have a cover when not in use. I collect all sorts of odds and ends to use with the sand- old funnel, sieve, measuring cups and spoons, toy dishes and pots. You can also bury little surprises for the kids to dig up such as toy jewels. Another time, construct a sandy bank around a pan full of water. Add toy animals for this "water hole" or create a "lake" for toy boats.

A WAGON
An good way to encourage outdoor play. Children like to play "bullock cart" with one of these or engage it in various construction activities. Also a safe, nearby hill is nice.

MAGNETS
I collected every magnet that came my way and bought a few, too, and the children had a lot of fun with this magnet collection. A favorite was to keep a jar of iron ore filings to manipulate with a magnet from the outside.

A KALEIDOSCOPE
Every child must have at least one of these. They are so pretty when you turn the end and look inside.

A WHILYGIG
An old fashioned spinning toy that's regaining popularity. Comes either plastic or wooden.

A WATERWHEEL
Another sandbox or water play necessity.


A RATTLE
Gives baby something to do and chew in.

BATH TOYS
These can vary from those that float and those that don't.

MARBLES
There are many games to be learned from previous generations ont the web.

BEAN BAGS
These are also good for improving aim. Toss them into empty cans at a distance.

MAGNIFYING GLASS
Makes anything a little more interesting...

A YOYO
Another childhood favorite, as long as its not used as a weapon.

SMALL CARS
Lessons in beginning driving, which is still an artificial necessity of life for many devotees. Create roadways with cardboard tubes from gift wrap. Cut in half lengthwise. Kids like racing with these.

ACTION FIGURES
the kind you can tie to a homemade parachute toy or do battle in a sandbox with

TOY PHONE
Children delight in playing "office" and other games with their very own phone.

CHILDREN'S CASH REGISTER
No "playing store" is the same without it.

AT THE DENTIST "Drill and Fill" kit
This was a fun gift that kept the children busy for hours drilling and filling playdoh "teeth". Molds are included to make the teeth as well as a battery operated "drill".

A FLASHLIGHT
Children love sitting in a dark room with one of these. They can make hand shadows on the wall, make tin can constellations, or present a shadow puppet show.

THE MOZART MUSIC CUBE (by Embryonics)
This was given as a gift, but i like it so much I've sometimes thought of buying one for a gift also. It's a little costly and requires batteries to keep going. It is pretty sturdy, considering how many times a child may drop something. It allows a child to choose which instruments to play- together or solo. Based upon classical music and instruments. An inexpensive alternative would be a bunch of “Singing Horses” found online: click here

TAPE RECORDER
Children love recording and playing back their own creative ideas. Mata can tape record stories for them, too, and put on Krishna conscious songs.

A BALL
The most essential on the list. Nothing will make a child more nimble.

A BAT
Someone once told me that Prabhupada said a child is happy with simply a stick and a ball. The best bats for the younger set are the plastic ones that usually come with a suitable batting ball, too.

PLAY AND THE MODE OF PASSION
Sure, when you think about it, there are only a few basic play activities that are varied unlimitedly in today's toy market, and if you boil it all down they are the same activities, only with a new twist each time. Yet, if someone gives me a nice toy, instead of thinking, "Oh this is maya". I've discovered every toy has some use in Krishna's service, because kids are learning, not just playing. Still, one may want to keep the above thought in mind when the newest play catalog comes in your mailbox! I've mostly stuck to the simple basics along with whatever fancy ones came our way by will of providence.

STORAGE AND ORGANIZING
Find out what materials are on hand by frequently decluttering and reorganzing toy storage and game closet. This will inspire play if the children help with this.

Another idea is to alternate toys in the toy box to keep them interesting. Put some away for awhile and bring them out later after putting some others away.

Keep a drawer(s) or other suitable storage for easy access to smaller toys such as the ones children always bring home after birthday parties. (But make sure the drawer is not accessible to very young children since these may present a choking hazard.)

MORE NOTES
Balance war toys with constructive, artistic, athletic, educational and nurturing toys, such as a stuffed animal to instill sensitivity.

Encourage cooperative games instead of only those of competitive nature.click hereclick hereclick here

Divisions of Srimad Bhagavatam

(from SB 2.10.1)
The title of each canto
ALONG WITH THE CORRESPONDING PART OF THE LORD'S TRANSCENDENTAL BODY:

1. Creation (the creation of the universe) LOTUS FEET

2. The Cosmic Manifestation (subcreation) LOTUS FEET

3. The Status Quo (planetary systems) THIGH

4. Creation of the Fourth Order (protection by the Lord) THIGH

5. The Creative Impetus NAVEL

6. Prescribed Duties for Mankind(the change of Manus)TORSO & CHEST

7. The Science of God ARM

8. Withdrawal of the Cosmic Creations(returning home, back to Godhead)ARM

9. Liberation THROAT

10. The Summum Bonum LOTUS FACE

11.General History FOREHEAD

12.The Age of Deterioration CROWN
(total chapters 335)

"Srimad-Bhagavatam has twelve cantos, which correspond to the twelve different parts of Sri Krsna's holy form. The first two cantos of Srimad-Bhagavatam are the two lotus feet of Krsna. The third and fourth cantos are His two lotus thighs. The fifth canto is His lotus navel. The sixth canto is His torso and chest. The seventh and eighth cantos are his two lotus arms. The ninth canto is his throat. The tenth canto is his beautiful lotus face. The eleventh canto is His forehead, and the twelfth canto is His crown." (Padma-Purana )

Sample Discussing Bhagavad Gita with Children

From the simplest terms to more advanced levels of thinking, sastra teachings may be presented repeatedly in a variety of ways as children grow in their understanding. Here are examples of topics. They may be presented as simply as possible before children can read the Bhagavad Gita themselves.

• Nature's Gift Ordered by Krishna (the human form of life)
• Appreciation and Association (the beginning of faith)
• Solving the Problems of Life (four main problems, the example of Arjuna, finding a bona fide spiritual master, spiritual inquiry)
• Supersoul Helps (caitya guru and representative spiritual master)
• The Guru Disciple Relationship (Krishna's bona fide representative, developing the mood of servant)
• The Vaisnava sastras (their history, purpose, importance, honoring sastra)
• Learning About Krishna from Krishna
• The First Lesson ("You are not your body; you're pure spirit soul.")
• Discovering the soul (Krishna's teachings in chapter 2)
• The Soul is Amazing and Inconceivable (so Krishna explains in order to help us)
• The Symptom of the Soul -Consciousness
• The Busy-ness of Maya (Maya's business is to keep us busy, forgetful of Krishna)
• Knowledge of Matter and Spirit (how they differ, real knowledge means knowing the difference)
• Creation of the Cosmic Manifestation (Vedic creation story)
• Lord Vishnu's Maintenance (cycles of nature, etc.)
• The Sand in the Sweetrice (material world is controlled by the time factor)
• Material Nature is Also Divine (nothing ends)
• How We Got Here (desire, freedom of choice)
• The Root of All Suffering (ignorance)
• Karma (action and reaction)
• Touching Fire (nature's laws are very stringent)
• Discovering a Higher Taste (sacrifice; chanting HK mantra; the spiritual nature)
• The Divine and the Demoniac (four pious men who surrender to Krishna, four who don't)
• Polished Animals ("artificial necessities", human life is meant for austerity, simple living and high thinking/ advancement of the heart)
• Don't be a Krpana (utilizing the human form properly)
• Karma and Akarma (freedom from karma- devotional service)
• Rasa and Relationship (life means relationship)
• Comparative worldviews (finding universal truths and defending truth)

Now, the following is a sample of what can be done with a topic. Depending on the age of a child, the following could be broken down further into more than one discussion, spanning over several days:

THE SOUL IS AMAZING AND INCONCEIVABLE
INTRODUCTION
Walking down a busy street, a park or looking outside a window together ask, "What do you see?" (Children may answer: plants, animals and people...) "Within each living entity that you see, there is a tiny spirit soul which powers each individual body. In the Bhagavad gita, Krishna says,'The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone's heart...and is directing the wanderings of all living beings, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.' (Bg 18.61).

"Well, the soul is not easily understood by most people in the material world. How can you find out more about the soul?" (Wait for any possible answers from the children).

THE SOUL IS NOT EASILY UNDERSTOOD Continue with:
"There are two ways to learn about something. One is by experiment (One may at any time check what children already know like "Do you know what an experiment is?" This helps keep their attention). For example, you can learn about an electric socket by putting a plug in it. You’ll see that the alarm clock you plugged in begins to work. But someone who doesn't know much about electric can also learn will get shocked by sticking your finger in the electric socket instead of the plug.

"This can be a very dangerous way to learn something! I'll tell you a story that really happened (If appropriate, anecdotes may be added as another tool to increase student interest and understanding, such as how someone learned the hard way not to put a fork in an electric socket).

"Well, a much better way to learn is to listen to someone who knows about electric sockets. He will tell you that you will get shocked if you stick your finger or something metal in an electric socket. Hearing from an authority on a subject is the most important way to learn" (Don't worry about throwing in bigger words for a younger audience now and then. It helps them use context clues and get familiar with new words).

ASKING MORE QUESTIONS For example:

• When you read a book, are you learning from an authority or learning by experiment?
• When you go to school and listen to your teacher, are you learning by an authority or by experiment?
• If a person eats only McDonald’s fast food for 6 months to see if it is bad for his health, is he learning by authority or by experiment?

HEARING FROM KRSNA Continue with:
"The soul cannot be understood by the tiny human brain alone nor by experimental knowledge. We need help. That’s why Krishna tells us about the soul in His Bhagavad gita.

"Krishna is the greatest authority. He knows everything because He made everything. Just like you might make a model airplane. You can tell people all about it. You can say where you got the materials and how you made it and why you made it. Well, this universes is like a model made by Krishna. He knows everything about it and why He made it. He knows everything about the soul within every body in this universe. We simply have to hear about these things from Krishna and believe Him. In the Bhagavad-Gita Gita Krishna tells us:

“Some look at the soul as amazing, some describe him as amazing, and some hear of him as amazing, while others, even after hearing about him, cannot understand him at all.”

THE SOUL IS AMAZING Continue with:
"In this world, a lot of amazing things are going on all the time. A gigantic sun rises high into the sky each day and goes down at just the right time each evening. A fuzzy baby chick hatches from an egg. Butterflies fly in the air with paper-like wings and glowing fireflies light up a dark summer night. Now tell me something you think is amazing (pausing a while gives kids a chance to think, but prompting with questions if needed can help them like, "What is amazing about a spider? a rose? the moon?")

"Well, in Bhagavad gita, Krishna says the soul is amazing, too. It is a tiny tiny spark of spiritual energy; so tiny we cannot see it; yet it is powerful enough to work an enormous animal body, such as a whale! or an elephant! In the body of a gigantic banyan tree is another tiny soul, making it grow and live. Yet, the soul is so small it exists within a microscopic germ, millions and billions of which occupy only an inch of space. That is certainly very amazing.

A SUGGESTED ACTIVITY At this point, ask children to:
Draw a huge animal with a spirit spark in its heart. Also draw a microscopic germ or a very small creature with a spirit spark in the center. Below this, part of or the full Gita verse 18.61 may also be copied or traced over your writing very neatly.

THE BUSY-NESS OF MAYA Continue with:
"Maya is Krishna’s illusory material energy. Maya’s business is to keep all the souls in this material world very busy. When we are busy we don’t have time to do other things that may be important. It is important to learn about the soul and Krishna, but when we are in maya we find out we don’t have time. We are too busy with our material bodies. We are busy eating and sleeping and taking care of our bodies. Or we are too busy trying to enjoy these bodies instead of using them to serve Krishna.

"People who are busy with material life and their material bodies cannot understand spiritual things. They cannot understand the wonders of the individual, atomic spirit soul. They are too busy with sense gratification. Sense gratification means giving the senses of the body pleasure (Recall what the five sense are, if necessary).

"Because they keep so busy, they have very little time to understand. They do not know how important it is to learn about the soul and about Krishna. But if one is able to understand these things, then one's life is successful! Krishna can help us to understand."

MORE QUESTIONS Check children's understanding with:

• Give an example how the soul is amazing.
• Why are people not able to understand the soul?
• Why do we need Krishna to learn about the soul?
• What book describes the soul?

MORE SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES Optional or can be done at other times:
Read in parts the play entitled “The Gita Manual” (this requires some editing, however) or something similar.

Another verse to read together and perhaps illustrate:
"O son of Bharata, as the sun alone illuminates all this universe, so does the living entity, one within the body, illuminate the entire body by consciousness.

Sastra Study Suggestions

There are many ways to study sastra, individually or as a family. Translations can be read and then explained in simpler terms for children. Purports can be read whenever more information is needed. Everyone can take turns with questions and comments or what appealed to them in a reading. No time to read in the morning? Youtube.com has much of Srila Prabhupada's books uploaded there to listen to. To add variety and expand learning in a personal study, one may wish to utilize various study skills like researching a topic, outlining a story to share with children, taking notes, writing summaries, memorizing a verse, and so on. And all this may be stored in a notebook or web log for future reference.

AN ANALYSIS OF PRABHUPADA'S BOOKS
Below is started a breakdown of Srila Prabhupada's books, the most wonderful books on the whole planet. Doing one's own analysis can be a useful way to become thoroughly familiar with Prabhupada's books. Here's what I found so far:

Mainly, there are two broad categories-Vaisnava stories and Vaisnava philosophy. Being complementary, it appears that the stories illustrate the philosophy taught and the philosophy aids comprehension of the stories and their significance.

I. VAISNAVA STORIES
Possibly the easiest way to learn something is through a good story. It captures not just the attention but also the heart. You can live in a character's shoes. You can experience new settings and encounter problems you yourself may be familiar with and find out how the character solved them. For children, it's a necessity to share these stories with them while growing up, whether at bedtime, as a puppet show or play or giving for them to read a children's version of the original. And it's helpful to make lists of stories to have on hand when needing one. Here's an ongoing collection:

Stories from the Ramayana
Stories from the Mahabharata
Stories from the Srimad Bhagavatam and Krishna book
Stories from the Caitanya Caritamrta and Caitanya Bhagavata
Prabhupada's Anecdotes
Stories from the life of Sri Ramanujacarya

ANALYZING STORIES:
SETTINGS: Whether in fabulously rich and gorgeous Dvaraka or visiting the humble hut of Sudama or hearing about the flora and fauna of Mount Kailash, we can experience through Prabhupada's descriptions of various settings.

CHARACTER STUDIES: Hearing about the Lord and devotees, both students and teachers gain transcendental association and imbibe pure character.

PLOT SUMMARIES: These include main events in order, the conflict, the most exciting part and the resolution.

LESSONS LEARNED: All sastra stories present valuable lessons for discussion. For example, the story of Maharaja Bharata in the Fifth Canto Srimad Bhagavatam leads listeners to a talk about fall down and how to avoid it, as well as the temporary nature of matter. And notice how the stories lead to the conclusion of devotional service to Krsna, the primary goal of human life.

STORYLINE FOCUS
Focusing on the translations only, at some point, shows how the entire Bhagavatam, for example, flows from one chapter to the next.  Therein a wonderful progression is revealed in Canto 1, starting with the invocation, moving on to the sages of Naimasaranya's meeting and then Suta Gosvami describing Vyasa's confusion and then help from his guru Narada, and then Suta continues with events that lead to the appearance of Maharaja Pariksit, the star of the show, his meeting with the all glorious Sukadeva Goswami and so on...

WANT MORE? Check out the study links to find out the elements of a story and also find some questions to ask to stimulate thunking

II. VAISNAVA PHILOSOPHY
THE VAISNAVA SASTRAS
Some topics in this category are:

• how we got the Vedas, their history and authority
• the divisions of the Vedas
• important Vaisnava texts
• the importance of sastra study
• honoring guru and Lord before study
• honoring sastra - keeping them nicely; offering obeisances, prayers before reading

FIVE SUBJECT MATTERS LISTED IN BHAGAVAD GITA INTRODUCTION:

• Vaisnava philosophy is very broad. Acarya Busana Vidhyanidhi, however, divided this knowledge into five topics or truths (tattvas) which Prabhupada cites in his introduction to Bhagavad gita- Isvara, Jiva, Prakrti, Karma and Kala. This is a useful division for a study. It can include the relationships between each tattva and also the subject of knowledge itself- where it comes from, how we get it, the guru disciple relationship, etc. In any case, it makes a sturdy jumping point and not just for Bhagavad gita either.
• Suggested subtopics in a Gita study were already posted here: Topics for Gita Class

TEN SUBJECT MATTERS LISTED IN SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM (SB 2.10.1-2; CC Adi 2.91-92):
Sarga, Visarga, Sthana. Posana, Uti, Manvantara, Isanukatha, Nirodha, Mukti and Asraya

DEVOTIONAL SERVICE is the main subject throughout Vaisnava sastra, giving evidence of its supreme value and importance in the life of all human beings. Main categories of devotional service are listed here:

Nine Processes
Nine Stages

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
There are several question and answer sessions throughout sastra. For example, Vidura questions Maitreya, Devahuti questions Kapiladeva, Ramananda Raya questions Chaitanya Mahaprahu and so on, as well as Arjuna with Krsna on the battlefield.

  "The form of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is given in questions and answers. Thus the conclusion is established. By hearing these questions and answers, one is highly astonished." -CC Madhya 24.319

PRAYERS FROM THE SASTRAS
Besides conversations consisting of questions and answers, there are many monologues in the form of prayers to the Lord and when analyzed make an interesting study.

• Many prayers may be found- Bhismadeva, Queen Kunti, Prahlad Maharaja , Prayers by the Personified Vedas and so on.
• Beyond the topics presented in these, the mood of the devotees offering the prayers may also be noted as well as their presentation.

ANALOGIES

• Prabhupada's books are filled with many helpful analogies that make complex concepts easier to comprehend. 
• One may wish to  use these as subjects for drawings or nature study discussions.

ALLEGORIES
The Forest of Material Enjoyment by Jada Bharata
Narada Muni's Allegory Spoken to the Haryasvas
The Story of Puranjana by Narada Muni

THE VEDIC VIEW
Prabhupada's books discuss all subjects normally taught in schools and more. Take note of the Vaisnava point of view in:

• Science (e.g. Knowledge and education - material and spiritual; Acquiring knowledge, ascending and descending methods, the guru disciple relationship and disciplic succession)
• Social Studies (e.g. Varnasrama, Current Events, Government, History, Worldviews)

Varnasrama Dharma: A good part of Prabhupada's books describe the duties entailed for each varna and asrama as well as womankind for a materially prosperous and spiritually progressive society. The lives of God conscious kings, mystic sages and chaste ladies inspire everyone.

History: Check out The Srimad Bhagavatam Family Tree

Worldviews: Become familiar with various worldviews easily by regular readings of Prabhupada's books along with devotee books. A favorite is "East West Dialogs" between Satyaraja Dasa and Reverend Hart. 

• Worldviews Intro
• Biblical Vedic parallels
• Worship of the Supreme Deity (bona fide deity worship)
• Comparative Theism (the original monotheism)
• The Question of Evil
• Atheism
• Ostrich Philosophy
• The Question of Mystic Power
• The Meaning of Religion
• Mayavadism
• Sahajiyaism
• Buddhism
• Predictions (Symptoms of Kali yuga, Buddha, Kalki....)
• Sat Sandharbha by Srila Jiva Goswami
• Seeing the Whole Elephant
• Endeavor vs Fate
• Pseudo Scorpion
• The Tree of Life
• Pleasant Unpleasant
• God Proposes; Man Disposes

And the book Dialectic Spiritualism, contains dialogs with Prabhupada regarding various western philosophies.

MORE STUDY HELPS

• Study Guides (devotee publications such as "Surrender Unto Me" by Bhurijana prabhu)
• Vanipedia (online, but still under construction)
• The Srimad Bhagavatam layout of chapter divisions in relation to the Lord's holy form
• Bhakti Sastri Exam by Srila Prabhupada
• Study Skills from this blog for learning and also teaching sastra (adapt as needed)

A WORD ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Knowledge is a very valuable thing, but it cannot help us very much if it is not understood. Changing theoretical knowledge into wisdom or realization (vijnana) entails synthesis . Then, no matter how complex the subject matter studied may be, when it is truly understood, it will become simple and easy to utilize and explain. In other words, ”Whatever you have realized, you can say without seeing the book.” (Srila Prabhupada)

To sharpen this sword called knowledge (jnana) requires practical application and experience. It is especially important, therefore, to apply sastric instruction by following the Krishna consciousness program. This cultivation of Krishna conscious realization protects us from maya in ways that theoretical knowledge cannot.

So remember, so that knowledge may transform to transcendental wisdom: "Apply yourself to sastra study and apply sastra study to yourself."

LIGHTING A FIRE
So not to feel overwhelmed, keep in mind that our business, especially when teaching a child, is to light a fire rather than fill a bucket. In other words, if you can convey to children that the study of Prabhupada's books is fun and can lead one to discover about the world and ourselves, consider your mission complete. That way children will be inspired to go on reading for themselves, hopefully for a lifetimes of continuous study. That shouldn't be too hard to accomplish, since every time a child hears from the Bhagavatam or other scriptures, he is associating with the all attractive Lord Himself.

Geography

"The Supreme King of all kings has created different planets and places of habitation where living entities are situated in terms of the modes of nature and work, and He has created their different kings and rulers." -SB 3.5.8

"Lord Krishna is the chief King of all kings, and He has created different planets for all kinds of living entities. Even on this planet there are different places for inhabitation by different types of men. There are places like deserts, ice lands, and valleys in mountainous countries, and in each of them there are different kinds of men born of different modes of nature according to their past deeds. There are people in the Arabian deserts and in the valleys of the Himalayan Mountains, and the inhabitants of these two places differ from one another, just as the inhabitants of the ice lands also differ from them." -SB 3.5.8 p

Basic geography is useful and very easy to teach. There are so many materials available and many are available on the Internet. First, find out your objectives and think about what materials you may need to bring out each lesson.  Many maps are easily available online. The best one is:

GOOGLE EARTH We'd be lost without it!
Click here to download. 

SUGGESTIONS
Start with drills of different country names and locations. Two useful items are the geography songs by Audio Memory and "World Discovery Deluxe" by Great Wave Software (or WDD can be replaced by a free Internet program.) Other devotees also recommend the board game, "Where in the World?" by Aristoplay. LATER NOTE: There's so much available on the web these days, you can save your money.

GEOGRAPHY NOTEBOOK SUGGESTIONS
Students may create a notebook for their geography study. It may include maps and mapwork, graphs, charts, diagrams, illustrations, photos, reports and the following:

GEOGRAPHICAL DATA
Include a world map and lists containing the following:

• the continents, the oceans, major cities...
• the longest river, largest cities, highest mountains, hottest desert, etc

Include a copy of a map of each region below, marked with the names of the countries, major places, seas, islands, rivers and basins in each region:

• Asia, SE Asia, and S Asia
• Europe and East Europe
• Middle East, Africa
• US and Canada
• Mexico, Central America, and South America
• Australia, New Zealand, Islands of the south Pacific
• Antarctica and the North Pole

AN ILLUSTRATED LIST OF GEOGRAPHICAL TERMS
See enchantedlearning.com for ideas. The most essential terms may be copied an added to the notebook, including major landforms, bodies of water, map reading terms and illustrations.

TEACHING VOCABULARY
Try to bring new words to life. Look for various "borders", for example, real and manmade, while taking a walk and also indoors. Play with an learn about "grids" before using them to find a location on a map.

DATA FOR A SPECIFIC COUNTRY
Create a form or graphic organizer for students to fill out with information for places visited via study or real life. It is suggested that each student do one country from each region studied and then share what they learned. Here's some things they may look for:

• the land and regional divisions, total area, major landforms and waterways
• weather and climate, annual precipitation, seasons, flora and fauna
• population, people and culture, language(s), religion(s)
• traditional dress, cuisine, housing, architecture
• games and sports, amusements, celebrations and holidays
• marriage traditions, family life and structure, customs
• literature, art, crafts, music, dance
• natural resources, industry, agriculture, livestock, exports and imports, inventions, manufacturing and services, trade, tourism
• transportation, communication, monetary units
• education, literacy rate, health,
• capitals, major cities, flags,
• government, history, landmarks, international relations

Here's one example used in a comparative study.

Pictures, charts, diagrams ect. may be drawn or copied from various sources and to add to the notebook.
Also one may find and cut outpictures from National Geographics.

MORE TEACHING AND LEARNING SUGGESTIONS (a few examples):

• Across the curriculum, refer to maps and globes as needed.
• Interview a person from a place studied.
• Calculate a monetary exchange between two countries.
• Provide extra reading. For example, during a study of Canada children may read an article about beavers from a children's periodical. On the Internet also, here's a cutaway of a beaver's home.
• Read articles from BTG about various places
• When reading about a country, a student pretends he is there and writes a letter to a friend about his experiences- how the people dress, live, eat and so on.
• Demonstrate highlands and lowlands (basin, valley etc) by going outdoor after a heavy rain. The “lowlands” are the puddles of water. Look for “rivers” cut by rivulets of rain through sand, etc.

THINKING QUESTIONS:
How the land affects the people?
How the people affect the land?

MAP READING
There are various functional reading tasks students will encounter as adults and one is map reading. A regular course of workbooks is very helpful to cover the basics of map reading, but most important is to allow children to use maps in real situations.

ACTIVITIES FOR LEARNING ABOUT MAPS

• Make a map of a room at home or familiar place.
• Design a map for an imaginary town.
• Make a treasure map.
• Make a map of your neighborhood.
• Learn about your city. Use a map on every car trip
• Show that the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west to aid the sense of direction. Drill the cardinal directions.
• Trace maps on tracing paper and label. These can be very simple or elaborate.
• Make map puzzles by cutting out the countries of a continent and then gluing them back together upon a copy. Colorful maps to use can be saved from used Map workbooks.
• Cut out different elevations to use as templates to cut out from clay and then fit them back together to show the elevation given on a map in 3D.
• Use latitude and longitude lines to locate a place.

DRAW A Simple World Map by Marie and Kim Stitzer,
authors of Draw-Write-Now®, Books 1 - 8

Help children broaden their understanding of cultures, biomes, geography and history by drawing a map of the world, then encouraging the children to draw the map frequently so it becomes a mental map...The lesson begins with a look at the geographic lines used in maps:

Look at a globe with the children.
Show the geographic points and lines that will be used in the map:
The North Pole and the South Pole—the northern and southern
points of Earth’s axis of rotation.
The Equator—the horizontal imaginary line that circles the Earth, halfway
between the two poles.
The Prime Meridian—the vertical imaginary line that runs from the North
Pole to the South Pole, through Greenwich, England.

Prepare the map paper.
Pre-fold or help the children fold a sheet of 8-1/2 x 11” paper into quarters. Reopen the paper, and position it horizontally on the desk. The horizontal fold line is the Equator, and the vertical fold line is the Prime Meridian, with the North Pole at the top of the line and the South Pole at the very bottom.

Draw the continents simply, without details.
Draw the continents as simple ovals. Refer to a globe or a large flat map while introducing each continent. The challenge will be to place each continent (oval) correctly on the map, using the Equator, Prime Meridian and the edges of the paper as guides for correct scale and position.

Use a crayon to draw the ovals (a different color for each continent). Fill each oval with color, shifting the edge or enlarging the oval, as needed. A black line is used in the instructions to distinguish the continent being colored.

Follow these step by step instruction.
1.) The Equator goes through the middle of Africa. The Prime Meridian is on the edge of the continent.
2.) Australia is close to the Equator and the edge of the paper. It is much smaller than Africa. South America is closer to Africa than Australia is to Africa. (The mouth of the Amazon River is at the Equator.)
3.) Antarctica is at the South Pole, the base of the Prime Meridian.
4.) Asia is close to the top and right edge of the paper. It touches the Equator and connects to Africa.
5.) Europe is directly above Africa and is connected to Asia. The Prime Meridian goes through England.
6.) North America is close to the top edge of the paper, the Equator and the left edge of the paper.
(This map lesson is from Draw Write Now®, Book 7, pages 26, 27, 48, 49 and 61.)

Label the map.
Have the children label the continents. Encourage them to write all the names horizontally and to keep the letters a consistent size. Label the geographic lines and points: Equator, Prime Meridian, N, S, E, W.

Draw the simple map often, to commit it to memory.
In the 1920’s, when Marie Hablitzel was a child, her teacher didn’t hand her a blank outline map—none were available in their rural school—they created their own. The students made maps so frequently that they could quickly draw California, the United States, or the World before getting to work on mountain ranges, city locations, or whatever it was they were studying. The process of creating a basic map of the world helps a child remember the relative scales, form and location of continents, oceans and countries. Some children may choose to add more details to the maps that they draw. Even if they don’t, they will benefit by “seeing” their simple map of the world. (See maps by children: age 5, age 7, girl 10, boy 10.)

ONLINE MAPS AND MORE
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/
http://www.kidsgeo.com/index.php
Geography Songs Kit from Audio Memory. For more information and to be sure to get the updated version check out:
Map Puzzles Online