Thoughts on parenting...on education... on school.

There are lots of questions & concerns about parenting...

How do you bring up a successful child?

OR maybe we should ask ourselves this question first...

How do you judge the success of a person?

By his wealth? status?educational level?

Yes you can. But what a person does with all this wealth/status/knowledge is much more crucial as this determines his influence on others and his influence on society. The more the wealth the greater the influence, the higher the status, the greater the influence, the higher the educational level, the greater the influence.

So... isn't it vital for us to bring up children who can create positive influence to the society? make the world a better place?

So next question for us parents and teachers is how to bring up happy, smart, successful, independent, truth searching, service-orientated, loving children who will be leaders of society, a source of inspiration, a source of goodness?

There are so many programs out there that build the brain power of our children, from age 0 onwards, making one generation smarter than the previous. These program are wonderful! And they work! The power of scientific research on the way we educate our children is astonishingly powerful!

But, let's think, if we are building geniuses for the future, what are they going to do this intelligence? How are they going to use the knowledge they have? We don't know for sure. What will these geniuses invent to impact our society. By chance if it's positive, everyone benefits. But if not the world will become a more dangerous place tomorrow.

So how can we be sure that they will turn out alright? How can we be sure that our children will continue to make the world a better, safer, peaceful, greener, sustainable place to live in?

If we do not equip them with the right attitudes, believes and virtues to make the right decisions, to think for the betterment of the world, to work selflessly for others, to respect and treat all the same... what will they do when they are faced with challenges, pressure, temptations, difficult decisions?

Our job as parents/teachers is not to provide them the fish, but to provide them the tools and skills to fish for themselves.

I'm inspired by Montessori philosophy on the role of a teacher/educator:
"The role of a Montessori teacher is one of guide and observer, whose ultimate goal is to intervene less and less as the child develops."

We are so focus on academics, the maths, the sciences, the languages, even the music and arts.
But we forget that what lies under all these 'subjects' is of the utmost importance.
This understated attitudes, the core of what lies under all these is the most significant!

Religions forms the major part of our human history, yet if these religious history is left out and discussion of religious related, spiritual questions are considered taboo in schools & in our society, how is our children going to grow up with a strong factual foundation to grow up to combat the future? To build a better tomorrow?

That is why spiritual education is so so important. I can't say more. It's the missing piece to the puzzle. The one that completes the picture.

Our education system need to be reformed urgently to be aligned towards the priority of our lives, to be of service to our humanity. We should look towards Abdu'l Baha, his life like unto a candle, burning away drop by drop to gives its flame.

Let's waste no more time, let's work towards building our generations ahead with the right true education!

Search
"Importance of Education" & see what you get... it's interesting how society views the purpose of education should be, and what God purposed education to be...

Hidden Gems Kindergarten Teacher Training 4-8 Sept 2010

Please pass it around and spread the word, anyone interested can contact me or the following for more inforamtion:

Remi: 0124709589. remala56@gmail.com, Chitra: 0164680670, Shirin Tan 0167585842 shirintan@gmail.com

Hidden Gems

A Bahá’í Inspired Kindergarten Program.

A TEACHER TRAINING COURSE

DATE: SATURDAY 4^TH – WEDNESDAY 8^TH SEPTEMBER 2010

TIME: 9:00AM ON THE 4^TH & FINISH AFTER LUNCH ON THE 8^TH

Balakong accommodation has been booked from the 3rd night - so it will be advisable to arrive third night. Dinner on the 3rd night is your own. On the 4th morning breakfast will be at 8am.

VENUE: YAN KEE LEONG TRAINING INSTITUTE BALAKONG.

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

MODULE: CHARACTER BUILDING (1 of 3 part modules)

PARTICIPANTS: ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED TO TEACH PRE-SCHOOLERS, INSPIRE THE YOUNG MINDS / INTERESTED TO OPEN A KINDERGARTEN WITH A DIFFERENCE.

COST: RM200 (INCLUDES FOOD&ACCOMMODATION)

DEPOSIT: RM100 TO BE PAID BEFORE COURSE STARTS

REQUISITE: RUHI BOOK 1 – 3 (This is so that you understand the concepts better. If you have not completed these books, it is a requirement to complete them after the course)

"Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasure and enable mankind to benefit therefrom."~Bahá'u'lláh

WHAT IS THIS PROGRAM ABOUT?

This Kindergarten Teacher Training program is based on the award winning Hidden Gems program (awards from the Macau Government and International School Services) from the School of the Nations, Macau. See attached brochure for more information.

Hidden Gems 4-8 Sep 2010

Beautiful quotation for your inspiration :)

“Children are even as a branch that is fresh and green; they will grow up in whatever way you train them. Take the utmost care to give them high ideals and goals, so that once they come of age, they will cast their beams like brilliant candles on the world…”
~ from the Holy Writings of the Bahá’í Faith ~
http://www.bahai.us/

The root cause of wrongdoing is ignorance

Here we see how Abdu'l-Bahá stresses how spiritual education is of the utmost importance. The description and tone is one of seriousness and one that will determine the future of the world. Be inspired...

From The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 264

591. The root cause of wrongdoing is ignorance, and we must therefore hold fast to the tools of perception and knowledge. Good character must be taught. Light must be spread afar, so that, in the school of humanity, all may acquire the heavenly characteristics of the spirit, and see for themselves beyond any doubt that there is no fiercer Hell, no more fiery abyss, than to possess a character that is evil and unsound; no more darksome pit nor loathsome torment than to show forth qualities which deserve to be condemned.

The individual must be educated to such a high degree that he would rather have his throat cut than tell a lie, and would think it easier to be slashed with a sword or pierced with a spear than to utter calumny or be carried away by wrath.

Thus will be kindled the sense of human dignity and pride, to burn away the reapings of lustful appetites. Then will each one of God's beloved shine out as a bright moon with qualities of the spirit, and the relationship of each to the Sacred Threshold of his Lord will be not illusory but sound and real, will be as the very foundation of the building, not some embellishment on its facade.

It followeth that the children's school must be a place of utmost discipline and order, that instruction must be thorough, and provision must be made for the rectification and refinement of character; so that, in his earliest years, within the very essence of the child, the divine foundation will be laid and the structure of holiness raised up.

Know that this matter of instruction, of character rectification and refinement, of heartening and encouraging the child, is of the utmost importance, for such are basic principles of God.

Thus, if God will, out of these spiritual schools illumined children will arise, adorned with all the fairest virtues of humankind, and will shed their light not only across Persia, but around the world.

It is extremely difficult to teach the individual and refine his character once puberty is passed. By then, as experience has shown, even if every effort be exerted to modify some tendency of his, it all availeth nothing. He may, perhaps, improve somewhat today; but let a few days pass and he forgetteth, and turneth backward to his habitual condition and accustomed ways. Therefore it is in early childhood that a firm foundation must be laid. While the branch is green and tender it can easily be made straight.

Our meaning is that qualities of the spirit are the basic and divine foundation, and adorn the true essence of man; and knowledge is the cause of human progress. The beloved of God must attach great importance to this matter, and carry it forward with enthusiasm and zeal.

("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá", Sec. 111) pp. 136-37)

Happy World Breastfeeding Week! Breastfeed, Sling & Teach !

Now why am I posting this here?

1st is because I love breastfeeding my boys and I love babywearing

2nd is because when serving Baha'u'llah & our broken world, we can still continue to be responsible & loving mothers! I breastfeed my baby in a baby sling and teach children class!

My oldest boy was breastfed till 2 years 2 months, my younger one is 20 month and still going strong! I've posted my breastfeeding stories & other related articles on my other blogs : click here & here if you want to read more...

I'm sharing this because we can all do it!

Both my boys went to children class even before they were born and they attended the class from 0 years! Now spiritual education begins before birth!

SO there's no excuse, everyone can serve and play a part however small to build a new world!

Moral and Spiritual Education for the Next Generation

A simple and beautiful excerpt from Baha'i International Website explaining why Baha'is in the world are conducting these children classes. http://www.bahai.org/

http://www.bahai.org/features/moral_ed

The Bahá’í writings attach great importance to the periods of childhood and youth, providing clear guidance to parents and communities to raise children in a nurturing and unambiguous environment.

Youth are encouraged to develop a strong sense of purpose, empowering their own transformation and leading them to contribute to the advancement of society. Young people’s spiritual capacity, the basis for their own happiness and sense of well-being, is a powerful force for social change.

Bahá'ís believe that moral, spiritual, and values-based training for children and youth is essential in order to nurture these capacities.

Thus, Bahá'í communities sponsor moral education classes for children and youth of all backgrounds. The classes seek to develop essential virtues such as the knowledge of God, trustworthiness, honesty, and justice. They aim to build a strong moral framework that will assist children to achieve excellence in material, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of life.

“Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value,” wrote Bahá’u’lláh. “Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.”

Bahai Homeschool!

I personally dont feel confident to Homeschool my kids yet, and I dont know if Baha'ullah wants us to Homeschool our kids. But whether it's a choice we are left with or if we are left with no choice for now, this seem to be a good thing after all.

Even if we don't end up homeschooling, the best place for learning to take place is at home. All these resources serves as a great tool for us to educate our kids at home.

I googled " Bahai Homeschool" and this is what I found:

I just had a browse on the book last night: A Well Trained Mind, a easy to read, great book for starting to educate your child at home from young. Simple steps to start from home

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/

Thers's a yahoo group, once you join they sent you a lot of useful information for teaching your kids at home.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bahai_homeschooling/

This mother is a Bahai and she home-school her kids. I think she's from Canada I dont know. But her website is very interesting. Take a look.

http://www.melanieandersen.com/education/Bahai/bahai.html
http://www.berteig.org/melanie/

Share it with your friends who may be interested :)

Love,
Shirin

Inspiring Schools Around the World!

I have been dreaming about a Baha'i School. Whether is it opening one or working for one. It's a dream that I pray that will become a reality!

I have been researching wonderful schools around the world and if you have any to share please comment here or drop me an email.

Green School in Bali
A Waldorf inspired nature based, 'Learning by doing' school.
It's philosophy, it's commitment to our world, it's architecture is itself an inspiration!
Check out the website: greenschool.org











--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forest Kindergarten (US)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/30/nyregion/30forest.html?_r=1
An fascinating philosophy, where children learn from nature, in nature. Nature is God's magnificent creation and we can learn so much from it and by immersing ourselves in it. Why not have kids learn and play in nature?

"Research has shown that free play in nature increases childen's cognitive flexibility, emotional capacity, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, use of imagination, self-esteem, and self-discipline. It makes them smarter, more cooperative, happier and healthier. "

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Pre-School
In Japan, there's also an interesting review on their kindergarten school system.

http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20100405-208626.html

Interesting look at the different ways we are all brought up around the whole. Here we see confident, independent, orderly & happy children. They have field trips almost everyday, no textbook. They learn from the surroundings, different experiences, different sounds, sights, people, environment. Our world itself is a multi-sensorial stimulator! Travel and take kids out often, they learn a lot from these trips.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are just some of the wonderful schools I came across and it has inspired me to think and research future. What did Baha'u'llah envision True Education to be?
What type of education is necessary for the future generations? What type of education will enable us to develop our children with the essential skills to make the world a better place, to be leaders, to be able to be of service to humanity, to change to world, to rebuild this broken world. Education is the key to this transformation. But what type of education needed?

Let's ponder...

Next I will look on Bahai schools which are already established around the world.

Furutan Bk2-L7 Unity, L8 Kindness to one another. Fruit Salad!

Each child was asked to bring one fruit each and we cut them up to make fruit salad.
Each fruit unique & delicious on it's own, when put together with other fruits, flavour enhances giving a different tastes and interesting colours. Teaching them Unity in Diversity & Mingle together & show "loving-kindness to all who cross your path." regardless what colour we are, we are one! :)

Station & Qualification of a Teacher

STATION OF A TEACHER
Quote 1
Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abha Paradise…
It is, however, very difficult to undertake this service, even harder to succeed in it. I hope that thou wilt acquit thyself well in this most important of tasks, and successfully carry the day, and become an ensign of God's abounding grace… (-Abdu'l-Baha)

QUALITITES OF A TEACHER
Quote 2
The instruction of these children is even as the work of a loving gardener who tendeth his young plants in the flowering fields of the All-Glorious. (Abdu'l-Baha)

Quote 3
Therefore must the mentor be a doctor as well: that is, he must, in instructing the child, remedy its faults; must give him learning, and at the same time rear him to have a spiritual nature. Let the teacher be a doctor to the character of the child, thus will he heal the spiritual ailments of the children of men. (Abdu'l-Baha)

Quote 4
The teacher, when teaching, must be himself fully enkindled, so that his utterance, like unto a flame of fire, may exert influence and consume the veil of self and passion… (Abdu'l-Baha)

Quote 5
Firmness and steadfastness, however, are necessary, otherwise it will continue for some time, but later be gradually forgotten.
Perseverance is an essential condition. In every project firmness and steadfastness will undoubtedly lead to good results; otherwise it will exist for some days, and then be discontinued.
(Abdu'l-Baha)

Teacher Training :)

I have been humbly appointed as the Assistant Children Class Co-ordinator for Cluster Johor Bahru. This is my visit to the Bahai Community of Kulai. I met up with all the lovely dedicated children class teachers there and conducted a training on

1. Qualification and the station of a teacher - from the writings of Bahai faith
2. Revision of the Bahai National Curriculum for Children Class in Malaysia
3. Virtues - Speaking the language of virtue in class

We also played games and did a name tag- Teachers were required to write their names on it and then go around the room to write virtues on the cards of others. Seeing the positive noble virtues that lay latent in everyone of us.

I will share the training content shortly.

Great way to start the semester!

I have 2 lessons that can be taught as the first introductory class to the year.

This is the first one.

Walking a Spiritual Path

As we walk a spiritual path towards God, we discover within ourselves the gems and pearls. These gems are non other than our virtues and our reflection of the attributes of God such as Love, Kindess, Peacefulness, Truthfulness, Gentleness, Respect, Happiness...etc

Walking a Spiritual Pathway

will load the second one in the next few days.