Use a large picture of Ganesha mounted on a poster or placard. The purpose of this exercise is to teach recognition of the picture and the details in it. No attempt is being made to teach the symbolism.
Smaller children will still be learning the names for parts of the body. Even the larger children may not know the words in language that is spoken in class. A picture of an elephant, a picture of a lotus, a modak or laddu, a string of beads that the children can touch will be useful in this exercise.
Explain to the children that although they may not be allowed to touch the Ganesha in the home pooja room, this picture in Balvihar is for touching. This is a good point to invite the children to move away from Mom to come and touch the picture, but only if they want to. Please caution the parents NOT to tell the child to move away from them during the first Balvihar class.
Let the children take the lead in describing what they see. Suggested questions:
1. Where is his face? (Where is your face?). It looks like an animal we know. What animal?
2. Where are his arms? How many arms do you have? (eka, dwe) How many arms does Ganesha have? (Eka dwe, thrini, chatvari)
3. What does he have in his hand? Have you eaten a laddu? Do you like to eat it?
4. What is this chain he has in his hand? Have you seen anybody wearing beads necklace?
5. What is this little animal here near Ganesha's feet?
6. He is sitting on a flower. Have seen this flower before?
Take cues from the younger children and stop the exercise when their attention starts to drop. This exercise must not last more than 5 minutes.
