More News from New Vrindaban’s Home School Co-op, Gopal’s Garden
Gopal’s Garden Home School Co-op End-of-the-Year Party
By Lilasuka dasi
“Why did Krsna ask, ‘Which Brahma?’”
This question came from a puzzled Lord Brahma, played by nine year old Josh Fintel, during the dramatic reading of Sankirtan das’s play Which Brahma? at the end of the year school party for Gopal’s Garden June 11, 2014.
The students reciting Bhagavad Gita
The students at Gopal’s Garden Home School Co-op ended another school year with some very fine presentations. The recited their five favorite Bhagavad Gita verses by heart; then they each read their favorite story out of many stories that they themselves had written throughout the school year, and finally, they performed the dramatic reading Which Brahma?.
Their audience, made up of parents, teachers and interested residents of NV, were delighted at the entertainment, and impressed at the level of education of the kids.
Veteran teacher, Ruci dasi, acknowledged each and every one of her students for his or her individual strengths and interests.
Ruci dasi, tutor at Gopal’s Garden
“If you have any questions about killer whales, just ask Josh – he did a lot of research and is expert in the subject! He’ll be ten years old in a few weeks.”
“The nine year old twins, Ram and Shyam, are both such willing and eager helpers. This party wouldn’t have come together if they hadn’t come down early to clean and vacuum in here.”
“Brinda, who is now 11 years old, is a poet. She’s an artist and a writer. She’s amazingly talented, as are all the kids!”
“Seven year old Jacob could hardly speak English when he first came to the school, and now he’s got an amazing grasp of both reading AND writing in English. He’s curious about everything around him and Jacob loves to learn.
“Jacob’s older sister, 12 year old Shemaella, is a thoughtful and caring girl who is also a creative artist. She brings a lot of sensitivity to her art and writing.”
We took the opportunity to interview Brinda, who is going to 7th grade next year.
“This school has a very good environment. It’s spiritual, plus the work is more individualized than in public school. We have a one on one relationship with the teacher, which is great. I mean, it’s not that everyone has to do the same lesson, that’s easy for some and very hard for others. The level of the lessons are just perfect for you.
Like, last year I had a spelling program, and if you don’t finish it in one year it’s ok, you just finish it next year. Or, if you can finish it before the year is up, that’s ok too. You go at your own pace. My older sister Visakha, who used to go to this school, was saying that this kind of teaching is good for all students, no matter what level you’re at. She says that she learned more when she was here than when she spent this last year in public school.”
Brnda doesn’t feel she’s missing anything by not going to public school.
