This is the third page in the “Online Introduction Series to Radiant Hearts” and covers the topics of “Using the Program” and “Supplementary Resources.”
Using the Program
Radiant Hearts is built around the practice of daily of prayer and reading of the Holy Writings, and offers one of each for families to study throughout every month of the year. This gives a structure for learning particular selections, and also sets a reasonable period of time for memorization. Once you have a grasp of what is included in the program and have designed a routine for your family, Radiant Hearts is very simple to use. Deciding how to learn the prayers and quotations so you can sing them with your child is the first step.
Beyond the prayers and quotations, the program offers materials to incorporate a short hands-on lesson about a spiritual quality at some point during the day. Some families may like to do one of the Daily Activities immediately after prayer time while others would choose another time in the day to complete it. The method for completing the Daily Activities (or deciding whether to use them at all) will depend on the family’s unique situation; their schedule, the ages of children, the preferences and goals of the family.
All activities can be completed in as little as five to ten minutes and only require basic materials which many families probably already have at home. Crafts, for example, might require drawing utensils, colored paper, recyclables, scissors, glue, or magazine/newspaper pictures. The activities can also be adjusted to become more intricate if desired.
As you read through this introduction, you will see there are many elements included in the Radiant Hearts. Please note that you do not have to use all of the parts of the program. There is a variety there so you can pick and choose what works best for you, and you may even like to alternate the portions you use throughout the year to add variety to your routine. Keep in mind that the program can also be used year after year, so your family can alter and/or increase participation as your children grow. It is important not to push children to pray or sit still for longer than they are ready for. It is also best to wait until children are developmentally ready to engage in any of the activities. Depending on the age of your child, you can select which parts of the program to use. Some examples of the material in action, based on the ages of children in a family, are described under the “Radiant Hearts in Action” section.
Extra resources to help you implement the program in your home are available to download from the Radiant Hearts main page under “Other Helpful Documents.” These include:
- Planning Worksheets
- Spiritual Treasure Box Décor
- Radiant Hearts Book Cover Page
- Crown of Virtues Poster
- Monthly Letter Explanations
- Crown Quotations
Supplementary Resources
If you would like to have access to the entire Radiant Hearts program you will need to purchase one CD:
Virtues in Us for preschoolers (by Nabil Huening)
The CD contains a song for 18 of the 19 virtues covered in Radiant Hearts (the only virtue not covered is “Forgiveness”). All songs are recorded in English and Chinese, totaling 38 tracks. The proceeds for this CD go to a Baha’i inspired virtues program in China called Virtues in Us. Purchase the CD by clicking here.
The Radiant Hearts music (prayers and quotations) CDs will be available in March 2013. For now you can find the current music available on this page.)
>>>>>> Go to the next page in the “Online Introduction to Radiant Hearts” series: Glossary of Radiant Hearts Terms
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