International Sanskrit Examination Resource

Teaching Sanskrit in schools

 

These courses, and the teaching methods suggested, move the emphasis away from rote learning.  Throughout the courses students work on stories and at the secondary level there is opportunity for thought and discussion about the timeless principles related to living in a civilized society.  It has also been found that younger pupils are inspired by chanting verses from original texts, for example the Bhagavad Gita and the Rig Veda.

 

Suggested ages for teaching the Sanskrit course from Primary Level:

PRIMARY LEVEL - AGES 4 to 10 YEARS:

Sanskrit is Fun, books 1, 2 & 3 and alphabet playing cards: ages 4 to 6 years

The Stories of Krishna, parts 1 & 2: ages 6 to 8 years

The Stories of Rama, parts 1 & 2: ages 8 to 10 years

All of the books listed above may be purchased through 'Sanskrit at St James' http://www.sanskritatstjames.org.uk/ , or ordered online through Amazon.  These books are now published by Motilal Publishing.

 

SECONDARY LEVEL - AGES 10 TO 16 YEARS:

Mahabharata Stories, book 1: age 10/11 years  

St James Sanskrit Course Book 1/Year 7, including teaching of Sandhi:  age 11/12 years 

St James Sanskrit Course Book 2, including teaching of Sandhi:  age 13/14 years

St James Sanskrit Course Book 3:  age 14 to 15 years

Epic Civilization Course: should start at age 15 and be taught alongside Book 3.

[IGCSE exam preparation ideally begins two terms before the exams, as the nature of the subject requires a fair degree of translation and vocabulary practice, as well as set text learning. The time varies from pupil to pupil of course, and the amount of time devoted to lessons prior to this stage. Normally the examination is taken at age 16.]

The secondary level books may be downloaded free.  A full series of illustrated books will be published soon for this level - to find out more please contact http://www.sanskritatstjames.org.uk/, or ordered online through Amazon.  These books are now published by Motilal Publishing.
 

UPPER SECONDARY LEVEL - AGES 16 TO 18 YEARS:

AS and A Level literature study booklets are available in the Tutors' section and a suggested programme of study is available from ISER. 

In addition: 'The Sanskrit Language, An Introductory Grammar & Reader Vols 1 & 2' , by Walter Harding Maurer (available on Amazon). This provides plenty of practice for the 'language' aspect of the AS Level examination.

For further help contact http://www.sanskritatstjames.org.uk/

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 Last update: 13.10.12