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Core Curriculum Overview
[click here for a PDF*
of this material]
“Strain every nerve to acquire both inner and outer perfections,
for the fruit of the human tree hath ever been and will ever be perfections
both within and without. It is not desirable that a man be left without
knowledge or skills, for he is then but a barren tree. Then, so much as
capacity and capability allow, ye needs must deck the tree of being with
fruits such as knowledge, wisdom, spiritual perception, and eloquent speech.”
— Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í
Education
This brief quotation from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
inspires the learning model for the Core Curriculum. This learning model
engages the volition of the learner by appealing to varied capacities,
capabilities, and interests, and leads from knowledge and understanding
to insight, application, and action.
The Bahá’í Writings compiled in the book, Foundations
for a Spiritual Education, guide the ongoing development of the curriculum.
These Writings outline the purpose, process, content, outcomes, and organizational
principles for a spiritual education curriculum open to all.
 Strands
of the Curriculum
“That which is of paramount importance for the children, that which
must precede all else, is to teach them the oneness of God and the Laws
of God.”
— Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í
Education
Following this exhortation of Bahá’u’lláh, the
content of the Core Curriculum is organized into three “strands,”
or major categories of study:
- The Central Figures of the Faith
- The Principle of Oneness
- The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh
 Themes
of Study
Each strand has several themes:
The Central Figures includes “The Báb,” “Bahá’u’lláh,”
and “‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”
The Principle of Oneness includes “The Oneness of Religion,”
“The Oneness of Humanity,” “Race Unity,” and “The
Equality of Women and Men.”
The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh includes
“The Covenant,” “The Institutions of the Faith,” “The
Guardianship,” “Huqúqu’lláh and the Bahá’í
Funds,” and “A Life of Service.”
Within each theme, specific learning goals and topics systematically
guide the learner to increasingly deeper levels of knowledge, understanding,
spiritual insight, and action.
 Three
Levels of Study
The Core Curriculum provides three levels of study. All of the themes
of study are organized into a nine-year sequential curriculum for children
and junior youth, ages 6 to 14:
 Level
One, for children aged 6-8,
Level Two, for children 9-11,
Level Three, for children 12-14.
These three levels of study may be adapted to meet the needs of learners
of all ages and varied backgrounds. In a growing community, this flexibility
enables beginning learners to start with the concepts of Level One, using
age-appropriate activities.
The spiritual education of each learner is carefully documented in a
comprehensive Spiritual Education Plan.
Lesson Planning Guides and Storybooks
An effective spiritual education process must not only systematically
proceed through the entire curriculum, but also engage the hearts and
minds of learners to result in active lives of service to God and humanity.
Newly published, richly detailed Lesson Planning Guides provide teachers
with learning objectives and fully-developed sample activities utilizing
the arts, sciences, crafts, and other learning methods suggested in the
writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. A system of careful training and hands-on
practice supports teachers to become fully adept at using these materials
to teach children and junior youth. A growing collection of illustrated
children's storybooks enhances the lessons being taught.
Training of Children’s Teachers
The Core Curriculum Teacher Training Program systematically builds the
skills to use Lesson Planning Guides and Core Curriculum Storybooks with
children. The initial 32-hour training program includes:
- Module One: The Bahá’í Teacher — Station,
Role, Qualities and Preparation
- Module Two: The Spiritual Reality of the Child
- Module Three: Teaching through Use of the Core Curriculum Strands
- Module Four: Beyond the Classroom — The Child Development
Centered Community
Following this initial period of training, an ongoing series of Teacher
Development Workshops assists teachers to continue to develop their skills
in classroom management; storytelling; attending to each student’s
capacity, capability and interest; and provides additional practice adapting
lessons to local circumstances.
An Integrated and Comprehensive Community Approach
The spiritual education of children and junior youth includes an active
role for teachers, parents, institutions, and every member of the community.
Core Curriculum Training Programs encourage communities to invest their
time and resources in the spiritual education of children and junior youth,
described by the Universal House of Justice as “the most precious
treasure a community can possess.”
In addition to providing a spiritual education program for children and
training for teachers, the Core Curriculum offers training for youth empowerment,
parenting, marriage and family life, race unity, equality, and a sequence
of courses addressing the fundamental verities of the Bahá’í
Faith.
Scope and Sequence Explanation Chart*
- This matrix is a tool designed to help teachers and communities:
- Plan unit and lesson development
- Chart progress throughout the year
- Keep a record for individual classes and student
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