EFL CURRICULAR COMPONENTS

---

The two basic EFL curricular components are Subject Area scope and sequence and Character Development. Our holistic approach integrates both components into the life of the student. 

True fulfillment and success in life is achieved through Soul Expansion, and the six ways in which the soul expands within an educational framework can be briefly described by their goals.

A.  SUBJECT AREA

OUR EARTH/OUR UNIVERSE Goal: To cultivate a sense of wonder by experiencing the beauty & orderliness of the universe and noting the interdependence of all life. Even Science and Math are taught within a framework of adventure and awe.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Goal: To develop the ability to meet challenges with confidence, concentration & willpower acquired by mastering various fundamental skills.

SELF-EXPRESSION Goal: To become aware of one’s deepest feelings and thoughts and be able to share them effectively with others. Done through speech, drama, art, music and writing.

UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE Goal: To expand horizons through learning about other’s experiences & perspectives. By emphasizing the personal dimension, history, geography, literature and world culture is made relevant to the pupil's life.

COOPERATION Goal: To actively experience harmony & communion in relationships with others through service projects, sports, music, and drama.

WHOLENESS Goal: To experience ever-increasing joy through inner communion… deepening the awareness of the presence and power of Divinity within. Wholeness ties together all aspects of learning within each student.

 

B.  CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Possibly the most valuable contribution of the Education for Life curriculum is the methodology derived from Paramhansa Yogananda's "Curriculum of the School for Training Balanced Souls."

Physical Traits: cleanliness, vitality, energy control

Spiritual Traits: cheerfulness, perseverance, even-mindedness, concentration, self-control, self reliance, humour

Social Traits: responsibility, sensitivity, servicefulness, respectfulness, generosity, graciousness

The subject itself provides many opportunities to teach character values.  

A child who has a problem with willingness is noticed having a good day in math and making a huge effort. The teacher may draw him aside and ask how it felt to do math today. The child will probably respond, "It was fun." Then the teacher will ask him how math felt yesterday and what the difference was in the two experiences. The fact that the difference was an inner one of the child's own attitude, would be drawn out of the child himself, helping to attune him to his own inner experiences of success versus frustration].

The EFL teacher is trained to use several techniques to communicate spiritual values, consciously using uplifting influences such as:

• sharing inspiring stories & books with which children can identify and be touched in the heart;

• surrounding the children with beauty  - in art, music and language;

• providing each child with opportunities to experience...& then reflect upon that experience.