Arizona Vibhag started Dharma Bee during the month of February in all active shakhas with 100+ registrations. Due to COVID situation, physical in-person shakhas were canceled starting March 13th. We started E-Shakhas from weekend of March 20. Every weekend we conduct 4 different E-Shakhas for K-2 grade kids, 3-5 grade kids, middle/high school kids and tarun shakha.
After 8 weeks we revisited the Dharma Bee schedule and purpose. Based on the COVID situation, it was decided to continue the Dharma Bee Sessions revisiting the syllabus covering topics that could not be dealt with in detail earlier. Parents and kids have positively responded. One key feedback from shikshaks was that 30 minute sessions did not provide enough time to interact with kids and also cover the intended agenda.
With online setting, it was also very difficult to hold their attention. Considering the objectives of the Dharma Bee, we wanted to focus on helping kids gain better understanding of the concepts and also evaluate their understanding in a non-competitive/rewards based model. Key thing was to change the dynamics of the Dharma Bee session in such a way that “learning is fun” for kids.
Online Quiz
Quizzes were introduced in Dharma Bee sessions to evaluate understanding of kids.Here are few sample quizzes that Dharma Bee kids have taken Dharma Basics, Concept of God, Trimurti – Trinity Gods
These quizzes can be conducted either live during the class or off-line to allow student to take it whenever convenient. https://www.quizalize.com/ provides ability to prepare quizzes, organize classes, track students and their performance.Poster Board /Presentation We requested kids and families to make a poster board or electronic presentation based on Dharma Bee topics, but narrating personal experience. For example – My Hindu family, My favorite Hindu God, Festival we celebrated, Our Pooja room, Hindu rituals or traditions we perform/follow, Yoga in our daily life etc.
Thought is that this activity will help kids internalize their understanding better with possible additional research and exploration. Also, it may provide an opportunity for families to engage in conversation and review/discuss Hindu aspects of life with children.