Children's Class Program

The emphasis of the children’s class program implemented by the training institute is placed on helping its participants to think, to reflect on and to apply spiritual qualities to the life of the individual and society. Especially in early childhood, great attention is given to the development of a set of beliefs, habits and behaviors that constitute the essential attributes of a spiritual being. Lessons for children’s classes begin at age 5 and continue until age 11.

What is a children’s class like?

Through weekly classes, a group of 5 to 10 children and a teacher read stories, memorize prayers and quotes, sing songs, play games, and engage in artistic activities. The focus is on learning to think, to reflect and to apply spiritual concepts, and identify with something greater than ourselves in an environment open to children of every background.

It is important to mention that children’s classes are not classes of indoctrination, as this is completely at odds with the institute’s educational philosophy. Even though children are instructed in the principles, teaching, and basic beliefs of the Bahá’í Faith, the emphasis is on learning to enable them to contribute to the creation of a better world.

What are the materials?

The materials of the children’s class program are divided into lessons with distinct parts: a story, song, memorization, and an artistic activity or game. The current grades are:

Grade 1: Spiritual Qualities
Grade 2: Spiritual Conduct
Grade 3: Spiritual Knowledge
Grade 4: [summary title]
Grade 5: [summary title]

What are spiritual qualities?

Central to a spiritual life is the development of spiritual qualities that assist each of us in our eternal journey towards God. In this world, the cultivation of such qualities is inseparable from an ongoing refinement of our conduct in which our actions increasingly come to reflect the nobility and integrity with which every human being is endowed. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states: We must strive unceasingly and without rest to accomplish the development of the spiritual nature in man, and endeavor with tireless energy to advance humanity toward the nobility of its true and intended station. As we allow the knowledge of God to increase in our minds and hearts, the qualities of our higher nature begin to flourish.