Teaching Methodology
At NAMASTE Sanskrit, we follow an integrated and thoughtfully designed approach to make Sanskrit learning innovative, engaging and meaningful. Our methodology adapts to the individual needs, interests, pace and learning journey.
Communicative Approach
Language is meant to be used for communication. Therefore, we give learners plenty of opportunities to listen, speak and interact in Sanskrit rather than only listening to the teacher.
Just as babies naturally learn their mother tongue by listening to people around them, picking up words, trying to speak, making mistakes and gradually improving, we encourage learners to learn Sanskrit in a similar natural way. We believe that when only the teacher speaks, it becomes भाषण (speech), but when learners actively participate and communicate, it becomes सम्भाषण (conversation). And that is what we focus on.
Action-Based Approach
Actions involve body movement, which keeps learners active, engaged and involved while learning. It also helps develop speaking skills and makes new words easier to remember.
There is no age limit to learning through actions. Children learn rhymes with actions, while young people often remember songs along with their dance steps simply by watching and doing. So, why should learning Sanskrit be any different? Let’s put aside our age, get moving and make Sanskrit learning a joyful experience!
Immersive Language Approach
We encourage learners and their families to bring Sanskrit beyond the classroom by using the language at home. Parents can join our Spoken Sanskrit courses too, making it easier for the whole family to practise and communicate with one another in Sanskrit.
When Sanskrit becomes part of everyday conversations, learning becomes natural, joyful and meaningful. Many parents have found this to be a wonderful way to build a stronger bond with their children, especially when children enthusiastically teach their parents what they have learnt. Even setting aside a little time each day for Sanskrit can gradually transform a home into a संस्कृत-कुटुम्बम्, a proud Sanskrit-speaking family.
Direct Learning Approach
We encourage learners to understand Sanskrit directly in Sanskrit, using the simplest Sanskrit suited to their age, ability and comfort. Instead of translating everything into another language, we use simple expressions, examples, gestures and actions to convey meaning.
Just as children understand an English rhyme through simple English, actions and context rather than translation into their mother tongue, we follow a similar approach with Sanskrit. This helps learners connect Sanskrit words directly with their meanings while remaining flexible to their individual needs and convenience.