Page 9 - BAALVARDI TEACHER RESOURCE

When introducing the new akhar of the day, share an image of the akhar and the alphabet
sound. Ask children to repeat the akhar and sound a few times.
Present the things that begin with the akhar as illustrated on the worksheet, showing children
each one and repeating the name several times. If they are not responsive, ask them to
identify the image in English, then ask if they know the Punjabi word for it. Share the word and
repeat a few times.

On the reverse side of each akhar worksheet, is a traceable image of the akhar. Trace the
akhar with the your index finger. Ask the children to follow along as if drawing the imaginary
akhar in the air. Repeat with a crayon so the students understand how to write the akhar.
Children may still be developing their fine motor skills and not have the dexterity to stay within
the lines. The akhar sheet is designed to accommodate children at which ever developmental
stage they are at. Our experience suggests that children begin the class preferring to color in
the akhar and end the year attempting to trace the akhar as guided in class.

PART 3: Introduction of Craft and Activities Associated with the Akhar

There are many worksheets available for children to learn the Painty. The Baalvardi curriculum
is unique in that it provides a conceptual introduction to each akhar via the craft component.
The crafts have been designed with ease of reproducibility, low cost and scalable for larger
classes.

We encourage you to review the materials that will be required for each akhar and collect
supplies at least 2 weeks prior to class. Materials for all crafts are available at Michaels or
Amazon.

Some akhars also provide an activity associated with the akhar of the week. These have been
designed to introduce the students to the concept of seva at the Gurdwara and familiarity with
protocols of the Gurdwara Sahib. Please follow instruction presented in the craft and activities
book.

2ND CIRCLE TIME: Review and Games

Once the students are done with their worksheet and craft, you will notice the excitement in the
air and eagerness with which they would like to share their creation with the class. Guide the
children to reconvene in a circle, as they did at the beginning of class. You may introduce the
Waheguru simran as a signal for kids to calm and focus their attention on the teacher. Begin by
reciting Wahe in an elevated tone, the kids will respond with Guru. Gradually lower your tone
and frequency until you finally have their attention.

Ask the children to list the things they learned, starting with the akhar and vocabulary
associated with the akhar. Ask them to share their craft and something special they learned
about the craft. Once they have shared their craft with the class, ask them to put it away in
their backpacks.

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