To support a Sikhi Foundation in times of Isolation
As parents of two Kaurs under the age of 5, we often struggle to find activities that can connect them with their Guru -- a goal that has been strengthened even further by the current state of events. However, keeping young kids entertained can seem like a Herculean task. We have collected some resources that might come in handy for parents of preschool-age children.
1. COLORING
Preschoolers love to color and many parents will have several coloring books at home already. But wouldn't it be wonderful if you were able to give them coloring pages that sparked their interest in Sikhi and helped deepen their connection with their roots? Isn't it wonderful that you can do this without any cost to you? All you would need is access to a working printer. Below are a couple of sites with great coloring pages.
www.Sikhcolouring.com They also have coloring books that you can order and several other cute products
www.LittleSikhs.com An abundance of resources for children of various ages
2. ARTS AND CRAFTS
Projects are something all children in this age group seem to enjoy. They are easily entertained by simple things like wrapping a ribbon around their waist. How wonderful would it be if these simple projects can turn into a lesson from Sikhi? See below for links for simple project ideas with your children.
3. GAMES
Whether we like it or not, our children are getting a bit more screen time than usual right now. Why not make it productive by offering them some Sikhi inspired games?
www.Sikhville.org They have tons of different kinds of games, a lot of which are appropriate for preschoolers. Some of these can be played online. To download on tablet/phone, search for Vismaad Mediatech in the store. (Sikhville app is also available but as of the time of this post, that does not seem to be working)
4. VIDEOS
When it's time for them to just watch something, use one of the following links to find videos that can be educational, fun and inspiring all at the same time
Sakhis
5. LEARNING GURMUKHI
Let's admit it, our kids are probably going to learn the English alphabet way before they will Gurmukhi. But it's so important that we make it a priority to teach them Gurmukhi so they can read Gurbani one day and don't have to rely on a middle man to convey the message of their Guru to them. There are several resources available that make learning Gurmukhi fun. Check them out!
www.playingwithpainti.com This is an amazing resource to help teach Gurmukhi to young kids in a fun and innovative manner -- its inexpensive and all downloadable handouts with simple supplies at home such as play-doh, scissors, colors, glue, etc.
Another amazing site with multiple free downloads is again through Sikhville http://sikhville.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=28
Sirjana Arts have created some wooden puzzles, memory games, etc with the Gurmukhi alphabet. Check out their site https://www.sirjanaarts.com/
And finally, youtube has some fun videos, this is one of our favorites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQPGYUHO7DY&t=18s
6. LEARNING GURBANI
Something simple we do with our kids is reciting Waheguru or Mool Mantar every morning, Kirtan Sohila at bedtime so they start linking Gurbani with their daily routines. Other things to consider are playing a shabad they might like in the background while they are playing. The goal is exposure -- you never know when they may connect!
One resource that has made Shabad learning fun for kids is Khalsa Junior: They have multiple videos on youtube with various Shabads sung in kids' voices and cute animations that keep them interested.
Another great resource is the My First Gutka App by Khalis Foundation
7. Books
Preschoolers love to read, again and again, especially the books they love. We have included in the image above some of our favorite titles; however,
there are a ton more (We are working on making a complete listing for the future) Below are links to where you might find some of those titles to purchase. If you are looking for a particular book and unable to find it, please feel free to contact us.
Our very own publication, Dream Big, Little Kaur, is also coming out later this summer. Be sure to check it out! You can learn more about our upcoming book on our homepage, or by clicking here.