What is the Children's Class Program?
"Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom."
We know that children are the most precious treasure of a community, and that nurturing their education —both intellectual and spiritual — is a sacred responsibility. These classes are open to the entire community, regardless of ideology, belief, or cultural background. The aim is to help young children discover and develop human virtues through a program that blends prayer, music, memorization of quotations, storytelling, art, and games. Throughout the curriculum, the children also learn about habits such as being a good friend, seeking knowledge, and learning to live in harmony with others.
Why do children need moral education?
At school, children spend years learning about the sciences, humanities, and arts, but spiritual and moral education – learning how to be a good and noble human being — is missing. If we believe children need guidance to develop to their true potential academically, how can we expect them to learn about their spiritual nature unaided? When children are left alone to develop their own moral standards and principles, they will be swept up in the chaotic patterns of belief and behavior they see in the society around them. All of humanity needs divine guidance to move beyond the current injustice and suffering in the world around us.
Children’s classes help their young participants to learn virtues and spiritual qualities like truthfulness, compassion, and a strong sense of justice. Great attention is given to developing these beliefs, habits, and behaviors that help children flourish and develop a strong sense of identity as moral beings and active protagonists in their family life and communities. Lessons for children’s classes begin at age 5 and continue until age 11.
Learn more about children's classes and their activities.
What is a children’s class like?
Learning should be joyful. Deep concepts are introduced to children through uplifting prayer, music, learning and memorizing inspiring quotes, storytelling, arts, cooperative games, and drama. Throughout this process, children improve their vocabulary, reading, and memorization, and ability to express and share complex ideas in various ways.
Most children’s classes meet once a week for 1-2 hours, in groups of 5 or more students. Teachers are local volunteers from diverse backgrounds – often youth or young parents – who wish to give back to the community. Teachers are trained, work together, and are background-checked to ensure the safety of children. Since classes only meet once a week – and parents are foundational to the education of their children – teachers try to collaborate with parents to reinforce and practice the ideas learned throughout the week at home.
Contact us to find a children’s class in your area or to become trained as a teacher.
