A few new things are to be found in Ruhí book 5 - Teaching Children's Classes Grade 2, now available from Palabra Publishers. ($ 7.00 US - www.palabrapublications.com or telephone 1-561-697-9823). There are only 10 sections to be studied in the first unit. And instead of having two other units of Writings and exercises, the second part of the book is comprised of 30 lessons and the third part offers 35 songs. The role of book 5 in the institute process is explained in the "To the Collaborators":

"Book 5 of the Ruhí Institute is the second in a series in the area of the spiritual education of children and youth. It follows Book 3 and, in many ways, is a continuation of it... Because the spiritual education of children is a matter of such critical importance to the Bahá'í community, two books dedicated to this field of service have been placed in the main sequence of courses in the Ruhí Institute's program for adults and older youth. Everyone in its program is encouraged to study the books, for, whether teaching regular classes in a formal setting or serving on Bahá'í institutions, whether raising children as parents or influencing them as members of an extended family, we all carry some degree of responsibility for ensuring the younger generations are prepared to assume their future duties. Following Book 5, the courses in the area of child education form a specialized branch, which those interested in pursuing this path of service can enter, while they continue their study of the main sequence. The courses in this branch will train teachers of Bahá'í children's classes for grade three and upwards and will become progressively more complex in nature. It is envisioned that, upon their completion of this specialized branch, teachers will have acquired a substantial amount of knowledge about the educational field in general and will have developed fairly sophisticated skills related to lesson planning and classroom management."

What's New ? The first 15 lessons are like those offered in book 3. The second set of 15 lessons focus on the Twin Manifestations, the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh. And a new element is introduced into the classes. While each of the 30 lessons offered is comprised of songs, memorization, storytelling, games and art, "creative drama" is now introduced. Each lesson offers well-described dramatic exercises to get children moving and using their imaginations. As well, the coloring in book 3 evolves into freehand drawing in book 5.

Book 5 is particularly well-suited for the in-service, professional development of children's class teachers. The 10 sections would work well as a "Reflection Meeting" in which the practical aspects of teachers' experiences are shared.

Here's an outline of the sections:

1. Morals and good conduct

2. Good behaviour and the source of all good

3. Review of book 3 - Sharing of experiences - What have we learned from our children's classes about:

a. the nobility of man ?

b. discovering and nurturing special talents ?

c. the influence of the love of God and the fear of God on character development ?

d. fostering good habits ?

4. Sharing of experiences - What have we learned about conducting children's classes ?

5. What have we learned about memorization ?

6. What have we learned about songs and musical games ?

7. What have we learned about the influence of storytelling ?

8. What have we learned about the use of games ?

9. Coloring, drawing and the introduction to "Creative Drama"

10. Introduction to the 30 lessons.