HELP: Teaching a 'class' on Hinduism!

[TatTvamAsi]

Namaste,

I was asked to "teach" a 'class' on Hinduism at a local private school (5th Grade class) as they are learning about Indian civilization and wanted to get some advice on how to go about this.

I am NO guru and although I am deeply interested in Sanatana Dharma, I am not a scholar. However, perhaps I can create an interest in some of the students in our ancient heritage and civilization and ask them to find out more for themselves.

What do you think I should include in this lecture on Hinduism? It is only for 1 day and for about 30 minutes.

Thanks.

[satay]

Namaskar TTA,

Namaste,
What do you think I should include in this lecture on Hinduism? It is only for 1 day and for about 30 minutes.

Thanks.

I am only a student of hinduism thus cannot provide much advise but when I was thinking about this post I thought that the following would be beneficial to include in the lecture for these 5th graders.

Mostly, people are confused about the following:
- does hinduism have a scripture? If yes, what is it called?
- does hinduism have one god or multiple gods? if yes, what is it called or what are they?
- do hindus follow a moral code? (e.g. christians seem to follow the bible for their moral guidance)
- caste system (there is much confusion about this)

These are only some points to consider.

[saidevo]

Namaste TatTvamAsi.

I think for teaching the kids such as of the 5th grade about Sanatana Dharma, you might need to explain why we Hindus have many gods as the forms of One God--a concept so very different from the Abrahamic religions, and so personal. Long time back here in HDF I wrote some articles under the thread 'Sanatana Dharma for Kids', which might be of some help to you:

Sanatana Dharma for Kids: One God, many gods
http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=442
Sanatana Dharma for Kids: Hindu Trinity: Brahma - Sarasvati
http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=448
Sanatana Dharma for Kids: Hindu Trinity: Vishnu - Lakshmi
http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=469
Sanatana Dharma for Kids: Hindu Trinity: Shiva - Parvati
http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=526
Sanatana Dharma for Kids: Sacred Symbols: AUM
http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=496