The object of this exercise is to teach the children to recognise the features of the different Deities.
Materials:
• Pictures of Deities. Use 11" X 17" inch posters with clear simple pictures and minimal irrelevant decorations. Laminated posters with a magnet at the back can be used as the decoration for the class and for this exercise.
• Images (moorthis) of Deities.
Discussion:
1. Discuss the various features of the following Deity forms. The list may be extended to suit the class.
Ganapati
Saraswati
Krishna - Radha
Shiva-Parvati
Rama- Lakshmana-Sita
Lakshmi
Hanuman
2. Simple pictures of the Deities with minimal extraneous decoration are appropriate for the Toddler class and somewhat more complex pictures and moorthis may be used for the pre-K class.
3. The children will learn the symbolism of the Deity forms in later classes. The discussion in Toddler and pre-K is only to recognise the features.
4. Ready recognition by small children requires repetition, therefore repeat this exercise every month.
5. This exercise should not take more than 7-10 minutes of the class.
6. Optional Enrichment: Conduct a 'show and tell' exercise, possibly once a year, where each child is invited to bring in a picture of their favorite Deity and explain the picture to the class.
Click on links below for images:
Shiva-Parvathi-Ganesh
Krishna with Yashoda
Hanuman
Hanuman with Oushadi Parvat
Rama Parivar
Saraswathi
Durga
