PARENT'S CORNER
Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Early Learners
“Everyone has a friend during each stage of life. But only lucky ones have the same friend in all stages of life ❤ “
1.Why is it important?
Friendships are important for a child’s emotional, social and mental growth and parents play a vital role in helping children develop meaningful friendships. A child who learns how to make and keep good friends feels more confident, supported, and happy.
2. Being empathetic
Showing kindness, respect, and empathy at home can support this. Children often learn how to treat others by watching how their parents interact with family and friends.Children are likely to copy those behaviors. Saying “please,” “thank you,” and listening carefully during conversations teaches children how to treat others kindly.
3. Encouraging group activities
Activities like sports, clubs, or art classes allows them to meet peers and also help them in teaching basic social skills like sharing, listening, and resolving conflicts peacefully. Role-playing different social situations at home can help children feel more confident when making new friends.
4. Importance of playdates
Inviting other children over for playdates in a safe and welcoming environment gives kids a chance to form deeper bonds. Parents should also guide their children in choosing kind and supportive friends, while gently helping them move away from harmful friendships.
5. Encouraging throughout
Listening to their child’s concerns and being emotionally supportive builds trust, making it easier for children to open up about their friendships. Through encouragement, guidance, and love, parents can help children form lasting and meaningful connections that support them throughout life.
Article by- Ms Gurleen Kaur, Parent of- Anshveer Singh VB
Friendship: The First Lessons Begin with Us
“Everyone has a friend during each stage of life. But only lucky ones have the same friend in all stages of life ❤ “
1.Why is it important?
Friendships are important for a child’s emotional, social and mental growth and parents play a vital role in helping children develop meaningful friendships. A child who learns how to make and keep good friends feels more confident, supported, and happy.
2. Being empathetic
Showing kindness, respect, and empathy at home can support this. Children often learn how to treat others by watching how their parents interact with family and friends.Children are likely to copy those behaviors. Saying “please,” “thank you,” and listening carefully during conversations teaches children how to treat others kindly.
3. Encouraging group activities
Activities like sports, clubs, or art classes allows them to meet peers and also help them in teaching basic social skills like sharing, listening, and resolving conflicts peacefully. Role-playing different social situations at home can help children feel more confident when making new friends.
4. Importance of playdates
Inviting other children over for playdates in a safe and welcoming environment gives kids a chance to form deeper bonds. Parents should also guide their children in choosing kind and supportive friends, while gently helping them move away from harmful friendships.
5. Encouraging throughout
Listening to their child’s concerns and being emotionally supportive builds trust, making it easier for children to open up about their friendships. Through encouragement, guidance, and love, parents can help children form lasting and meaningful connections that support them throughout life.
Article by- Ms Gurleen Kaur, Parent of- Anshveer Singh VB
From Free-Range to Digital Age: How Parenting Has Transformed from 1990 to 2025
Ah, the 90s! A time when childhood was defined by scraped knees, carefree play, and family meals filled with long, meaningful conversations. A time when playdates weren’t scheduled but happened spontaneously in neighbourhood parks, and entertainment wasn’t at our fingertips but awaited eagerly on TV screens for a limited time. As we fast-forward to 2025, parenting has evolved drastically, shaped by technology, changing lifestyles, and a shift in family structures. Let’s take a nostalgic walk down memory lane and see what lessons from the past we can bring into the present.
The Art of Bonding: Then and Now
Back in the day, family bonding was woven into the fabric of everyday life. Parents and children played indoor games like Ludo, Carrom, and Chess, or engaged in outdoor activities like kho-kho and cricket with cousins and friends. The extended family—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings—acted as a natural buffer, resolving minor childhood conflicts before they ever reached their parents.
Today, with nuclear families becoming the norm and single-child households increasing, parents have to shoulder the emotional and psychological needs of their children alone. The support system that once existed in large families has diminished, making parenting a more complex, hands-on role.
Meals Were Conversations, Not Just Eating Time
Family dinners in the 90s were a cherished time—whether it was sitting around the dining table or forming a cosy circle on the floor. Meals were more than just eating; they were a gateway to sharing stories, discussing cricket matches, debating politics, and passing down family values. Without realizing it, children absorbed knowledge and wisdom through these everyday discussions.
Fast forward to today, even when families do manage to sit together for meals, screens have invaded the table. Conversations have been replaced by scrolling, and the simple act of sharing a meal has lost its magic. We need to bring back the tradition of tech-free family dinners, where genuine human connection takes precedence over digital distractions.
From Playgrounds to Pixels
Ask any 90s kid where they spent their evenings, and the answer would likely be, “At the playground!” Parks and empty streets were bustling with children playing cricket, badminton, or simply running around inventing their games. Losing was common, but so was learning to get back up and try again. The playground was a school of life, teaching resilience, patience, and teamwork.
Now, the concept of ‘play’ has shifted indoors. Instead of running outside, children are glued to tablets and gaming consoles. While technology has its benefits, the lack of physical activity has led to rising concerns about health, patience, and social skills among today’s children.
Entertainment: Limited Yet Meaningfu
In the 90s, entertainment was a special treat. With just a handful of television channels—Cartoon Network, Doordarshan, and Nickelodeon—kids waited eagerly for their favorite shows. If nothing good was on, they had no choice but to find something else to do—read a book, play outside, or engage in a creative activity.
Today’s children have access to an endless stream of entertainment. YouTube, Netflix, and gaming apps provide non-stop content, making it easy for parents to hand over a device to keep them occupied. However, this convenience comes with its downsides—shorter attention spans, less real-world engagement, and reduced patience for non-digital activities.
The Pressure Cooker of Modern Parenting
Another stark contrast between then and now is the pressure on children. In the 90s, childhood was a time of exploration, curiosity, and free play. While education was important, there was room for children to discover their strengths and passions at their own pace.
Today, children are caught in an academic and extracurricular rat race, often pushed to excel in every area—sports, arts, academics, and beyond. Parental expectations, coupled with social competition, have turned childhood into a high-stakes game where there is little room for failure or self-exploration. As a result, many children struggle with self-doubt, low self-esteem, and a fear of making mistakes.
The Rise of Sharenting
One of the most significant shifts in modern parenting is the rise of ‘sharenting’—parents sharing excessive information about their children on social media. In the 90s, parents were more private about their children’s achievements, believing that excessive public praise could hinder growth or invite unnecessary comparisons. However, today’s parents document every milestone online, from a child’s first steps to academic successes. While this might seem harmless, it creates a permanent digital footprint that children may not appreciate when they grow up. Not all children may want their baby photos or personal achievements displayed for the world to see. This constant exposure can sometimes lead to privacy concerns, potential security risks, and even anxiety in children as they become aware of their online persona before they fully understand it themselves.
Bringing the Best of the Past into the Future
While times have changed and technology is here to stay, we can still borrow some of the best elements of past parenting styles to create a healthier balance for our children. Here’s how:
• Tech-Free Family Time: Reinforce device-free dinners and designated tech-free hours to encourage real conversations.
• Encourage Outdoor Play: Create opportunities for children to play outside, interact with peers, and develop resilience.
• Teach Life Skills: Just like the 90s, kids learned basic chores and independent problem-solving, today’s children should also be encouraged to take responsibility for small tasks.
• Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Limit screen time and focus on meaningful, engaging activities that foster creativity and connection.
Conclusion
Parenting has undeniably transformed over the years, but the core values of love, presence, and connection remain timeless. By blending the best of both worlds—embracing the advantages of modern life while holding onto the warmth of old-school parenting—we can ensure that our children grow up to be happy, well-rounded individuals. Let’s bring back a childhood filled with laughter, real-life experiences, and genuine human connections. After all, some things from the past are too precious to leave behind.
Hashmeet Kaur, Mother of Riaan Singh from class II-B
Grateful Reflections on a Transformative Journey at Salwan Junior School
Salwan Junior School (Naraina Vihar) has played a pivotal role in shaping our child’s personality and contributing to her growth and development. Throughout this memorable seven-year journey, we have not had any complaints about the school. From educational trips to Friday activities, it is truly a learner’s paradise.
From the very first day, the faculty and staff at Salwan Junior School have played a significant role in nurturing our children’s academic curiosity, fostering her social skills, and encouraging her personal development. In particular, the way the school has balanced academics with extracurricular activities has been instrumental in building both confidence and discipline.
A standout moment for us was when our child participated in the Annual Day function. The support from teachers helped them overcome her fear and deliver a stupendous performance. This experience not only boosted her self-confidence but also highlighted the importance of teamwork and perseverance. It was truly a proud moment for us.
Moreover, the school’s emphasis on values such as respect, responsibility, and empathy has helped shape our child into a considerate young person. We have seen her develop a deeper understanding of social issues and a growing sense of responsibility towards the community, which we believe will guide her through her future endeavours.
In conclusion, our child’s time at Salwan Junior School has been a foundational part of her development, and we will always cherish the positive impact the school has had on her life.
We will forever be grateful for the memories and growth we have experienced as part of this wonderful school community.
Thank you once again for the opportunity to share our thoughts.
Parents of Ayesha Afroz
As parents, we always aspire for our children to be extraordinary. While, despite our best efforts, we can only provide the ordinary, it is the school, the principal, and the teachers who add that “extra” to help us realize this dream.
It was seven years ago when our daughter, became a student in Nursery at SJS, Naraina Vihar. At that time, she was a little girl with a limited sense of the dreams she was capable of fulfilling. It was heartwarming to see how the SJS family took her in, and within just a few years, she felt like she had belonged here forever.
Her grades improved, a newfound confidence became the source of her radiance, and she grew into a strong, wise, and sensible young girl. Kaira’s academic excellence has been complemented by a variety of extra-curricular activities, leadership roles, and opportunities that have helped shape her into the dynamic individual she is today.
From being the Class Representative in 2023-2024 to serving as the Head Girl in 2024-2025, these experiences have empowered her to take on challenges with grace and determination. As parents, we are incredibly proud to witness the person she has become—full of promise for the future. She’s become a confident speaker, able to express her thoughts and connect with people effortlessly.
We are delighted to see how the values instilled by Salwan Junior School have shaped Kaira’s character. Simple gestures like greeting everyone with a “Pranaam” reflect the deep respect and values she has imbibed from her school. We are confident that many other parents share the same sentiment.
We also commend your leadership skills and the creativity with which you envision various school activities and events. Whether it’s the Friday activity classes, class presentations, NGO visits, Hunar Mela, excursions, classical dance performances, coaching activities, or podcasts, these not only enhance academic knowledge but also foster empathy and social responsibility in students. The way you celebrate each child’s progress, no matter how small, and focus on nurturing the child first, is truly remarkable.
Additionally, we deeply appreciate the consistent feedback, which has been both positive and constructive, providing valuable guidance for Kaira’s growth.
Our deepest thanks to the school’s management, the Principal, all the teachers, and support staff who have played such a pivotal role in Kaira’s life. SJS has truly “transformed” her—both as a student and as a person—and the lessons she has learned here will continue to enrich her life for years to come.
As Kaira graduates from SJS, we are filled with gratitude for the education, love, and support she has received. Being part of this vibrant school community has been a rewarding experience, and we are confident that the school has a strong foundation for overcoming any future challenges.
We wish SJS all the best in continuing to build its legacy of shaping the leaders of tomorrow!
Pooja Dhawan and Kunal Dhawan
Parents of Kaira Dhawan
A Heartfelt Tribute to Salwan Junior School
As we bid farewell to Class V, we, as parents of Kaira Dhawan (Head Girl 2024-2025), would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire SJS family. This message is a humble tribute to the time, effort, and love invested in teaching our children the invaluable lessons for life ahead.
As parents, we always aspire for our children to be extraordinary. While, despite our best efforts, we can only provide the ordinary, it is the school, the principal, and the teachers who add that “extra” to help us realize this dream.
It was seven years ago when our daughter, became a student in Nursery at SJS, Naraina Vihar. At that time, she was a little girl with a limited sense of the dreams she was capable of fulfilling. It was heartwarming to see how the SJS family took her in, and within just a few years, she felt like she had belonged here forever.
Her grades improved, a newfound confidence became the source of her radiance, and she grew into a strong, wise, and sensible young girl. Kaira’s academic excellence has been complemented by a variety of extra-curricular activities, leadership roles, and opportunities that have helped shape her into the dynamic individual she is today.
From being the Class Representative in 2023-2024 to serving as the Head Girl in 2024-2025, these experiences have empowered her to take on challenges with grace and determination. As parents, we are incredibly proud to witness the person she has become—full of promise for the future. She’s become a confident speaker, able to express her thoughts and connect with people effortlessly.
We are delighted to see how the values instilled by Salwan Junior School have shaped Kaira’s character. Simple gestures like greeting everyone with a “Pranaam” reflect the deep respect and values she has imbibed from her school. We are confident that many other parents share the same sentiment.
We also commend your leadership skills and the creativity with which you envision various school activities and events. Whether it’s the Friday activity classes, class presentations, NGO visits, Hunar Mela, excursions, classical dance performances, coaching activities, or podcasts, these not only enhance academic knowledge but also foster empathy and social responsibility in students. The way you celebrate each child’s progress, no matter how small, and focus on nurturing the child first, is truly remarkable.
Additionally, we deeply appreciate the consistent feedback, which has been both positive and constructive, providing valuable guidance for Kaira’s growth.
Our deepest thanks to the school’s management, the Principal, all the teachers, and support staff who have played such a pivotal role in Kaira’s life. SJS has truly “transformed” her—both as a student and as a person—and the lessons she has learned here will continue to enrich her life for years to come.
As Kaira graduates from SJS, we are filled with gratitude for the education, love, and support she has received. Being part of this vibrant school community has been a rewarding experience, and we are confident that the school has a strong foundation for overcoming any future challenges.
We wish SJS all the best in continuing to build its legacy of shaping the leaders of tomorrow!
Pooja Dhawan and Kunal Dhawan
Parents of Kaira Dhawan
Sustainable Living – Simple Changes for a Healthier Earth
What is Sustainable Living?
Sustainable Living means using Earth’s natural resources wisely so that they last for a long time. It’s about making small changes in the way we live, so we do not harm the environment. By making smart choices every day, by wasting less and using our resources wisely, we can ensure that our future generations can also enjoy a healthy Earth.
Simple Changes We Can Make
We can start with easy steps like turning off the lights when not need to save electricity, using less water, closing taps properly, carrying reusable bags, and planting more trees. Walking or cycling for short distances instead of using cars also helps the environment!
Use of Technology to Save the Earth
Technology is a big helper! It’s making it easier to protect nature. Solar panels turn sunlight into energy, helping reduce pollution. Electric cars create less pollution and help make the air clean. There are mobile apps that help us track how much water or electricity we are saving, and suggest ways to save our resources.
Smart Substitutes to Reduce Waste
We can replace plastic bottles with steel ones and use cloth bags instead of plastic. Instead of using plastic straws, we can use steel or bamboo straws. Recycling paper, glass, and cans helps reduce garbage. Composting kitchen waste creates natural fertilizer for plants.
Eco-Friendly Choices at Home and School
We can create a small garden at home, separate waste into recycling bins, and save water by fixing leaky taps. Switch to eco-friendly school supplies and organize clean-up days with friends. Saying “no” to single-use plastics and encouraging others to recycle makes a big difference.
Let’s Be Earth Heroes!
By making small changes, we can create a big impact. Let’s promise to take care of our beautiful planet with love and responsibility. Every action matters!
Let’s join hands together for a Greener Earth! Care today, enjoy tomorrow – live sustainably!
Ms Kanupriya Anand
Mother of Suhaan Anand, student of class V
TEACHER'S CORNER
Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Early Learners
In today’s world, where change is the only constant, academic excellence alone is not enough to ensure a child’s success and well-being. Children must be equipped with life skills that help them understand themselves, connect with others, and navigate their emotions with maturity. One such critical life skill is Emotional Intelligence is the cornerstone of human connection. It is the ability to understand one’s own emotions, to empathize with others, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. For adults, it may appear as a refined soft skill, but for children, especially early learners, it is their language of self-expression. They cry when overwhelmed, laugh uninhibitedly, sulk when ignored, and jump in delight with the smallest gestures. Emotions are their way of experiencing the world — raw and real.
At Salwan Junior School, we believe that learning goes beyond books—it’s also about nurturing a child’s emotional world. We focus on building empathy, resilience, and self-awareness from the early years, when children are most impressionable. This is the time when they form meaningful relationships and begin understanding their emotions. Through gentle guidance, we help them learn that it’s okay to express feelings, ask for help, or say sorry. These early lessons lay the foundation for emotional intelligence. Children who grow up emotionally secure become confident learners, caring friends, and responsible individuals ready to navigate the world with compassion.
I recall a morning when one usually cheerful child sat quietly in a corner, unlike their usual energetic self. When I gently asked what was wrong, he shared that a close friend hadn’t spoken to them due to a small fight. In that moment, the class didn’t need a grammar lesson — they needed a heart lesson. I paused the routine and shared a simple story about friendship and forgiveness. It was a small moment, but it held deep value. The children learned that feeling upset is natural, but what truly matters is how we express and resolve our emotions.
Screen Time Sanity: Unplugging Your Child for a Brighter Future
In our increasingly digital world, screens have become an integral part of our daily lives. While technology offers numerous benefits, excessive screen time can have significant negative impacts on children’s physical, mental, and social development. It’s crucial to strike a balance and encourage healthier habits.
The Perils of Excessive Screen Time
a.) Physical Health Compromised: Prolonged screen exposure can lead to a host of physical ailments, including poor posture, eye strain, and reduced physical activity. This can increase the risk of obesity, sleep disorders, and other health issues.
b.) Mental Health at Stake: Excessive screen time has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. It can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and irritability.
c.) Social Skills Stunted: Constant screen engagement can hinder the development of essential social skills, such as empathy, communication, and cooperation. Children may struggle to form meaningful relationships and may experience feelings of isolation.
d.) Academic Performance Impacted: Excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s focus, attention span, and academic performance. It can make it difficult for them to concentrate in class and complete homework assignments.
Practical Tips to Reduce Screen Time
1. Set Clear Limits:
- Establish specific screen time limits for weekdays and weekends.
- Use parental control apps to monitor and manage screen usage.
- Be consistent and enforce the limits to avoid power struggles.
2. Create Screen-Free Zones:
- Designate specific areas in your home as screen-free zones, such as the dining room and bedrooms.
- Encourage family meals and bedtime routines without screens.
- Create a peaceful and stimulating environment for relaxation and quality time.
3. Encourage Outdoor Play:
- Plan outdoor activities, such as bike rides, park visits, or sports.
- Organize playdates with friends to promote social interaction and physical activity.
- Explore nature, go for walks, or simply spend time in the backyard.
4. Rediscover Traditional Pastimes:
- Engage in board games, puzzles, or card games.
- Read books together, tell stories, or listen to audiobooks.
- Cook or bake together, involving children in age-appropriate tasks.
5. Foster Creative Pursuits:
- Encourage children to explore their creativity through art, music, writing, or crafts.
- Provide them with the necessary materials and support.
- Enroll them in art classes, music lessons, or drama clubs.
6. Digital Detox Days:
- Plan regular screen-free days or weekends.
- Engage in activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and connection with nature.
A Brighter Future, One Screen-Free Moment at a Time
By implementing these practical strategies, you can help your child reduce screen time and develop healthier habits. Remember, moderation is key. Encourage a balance between screen time and other activities to ensure your child’s overall well-being. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for our children, one screen-free moment at a time.
Remember, consistency is crucial. Start small, be patient, and celebrate your child’s successes. Together, we can empower our children to thrive in a digital age.
Tajinder Kaur
Growing Green Minds: Empowering Kids for a Sustainable Future
Teaching environmental awareness to primary school children is crucial, especially as pollution increasingly impacts their daily lives. In many areas, including Delhi schools now have to implement “pollution breaks” to protect students from harmful air quality which is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
Pollution, stemming from vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and improper disposal of plastics, harms the planet and affects children’s health.
Poor air quality keeps kids indoors, limits physical activity, and impairs emotional and academic growth. However, schools and families can work together to instil values of environmental responsibility, empowering children to make a difference.
Hands-On Learning is one effective approach. Children learn best by doing, so encouraging activities like planting school gardens or creating compost bins. Growing herbs and vegetables teaches them the life cycle of plants and the rewards of nurturing nature. These activities help children connect with the environment practically and meaningfully.
Eco-Friendly Projects Teachers and parents can guide students in building bird feeders from recycled materials or creating posters about conserving water and energy. Parents can complement these efforts by encouraging children to upcycle household items into useful tools or decorations.
Storytelling and Role Models play a critical role. Books like The Lorax by Dr. Seuss inspire children with their powerful messages about protecting the environment. Teachers can use these stories to spark discussions, while parents can model eco-friendly behaviors such as reducing waste and conserving water.
Encourage Critical Thinking by using everyday moments to discuss questions like, “Why recycle?” or “What happens to plastic when we throw it away?” These conversations help children understand their role in safeguarding the planet.
Green Routines reinforce sustainable habits. Schools could organize “No Waste Wednesdays” to promote reusable lunch containers and minimize food waste. At home, parents can involve children in simple actions like turning off lights or walking instead of driving. Parents can ensure their homes adopt practices like proper waste segregation and energy-saving habits, complementing school efforts.
By fostering these practices, schools and families can shape a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Together, we can inspire children to see themselves as caretakers of the earth, ready to create a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.
Inspire young minds to think critically and act sustainably with stories that spark a passion for protecting our planet.
Written by – Ms. Japsifat Kaur
Learning Opportunities in the Kitchen for Kids 🏡
The kitchen, often regarded as the heart of the home, is a treasure trove of learning opportunities for kids. Beyond being a space for culinary creations, it offers a dynamic environment where kids can engage their senses, apply academic concepts, and develop essential life skills. Here’s how a simple activity like cooking can turn into an enriching educational experience: 🍲
Engaging All Senses 🍏✨☕
Cooking is a multi-sensory activity. Children can see vibrant colours of fresh vegetables, smell aromatic spices, feel different textures, hear the sizzle of ingredients, and taste their culinary creations. This full sensory engagement enhances their observational skills and appreciation for food, fostering curiosity and creativity. 😋
Real-Life Experiments ⚛️🔬⚖️
Cooking is essentially a series of experiments. Children can test what happens when they substitute one ingredient for another, observe how flavours combine, or predict how different temperatures affect the outcome. These experiments nurture critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 🤖
Building Presence of Mind 🔄⏰✔️
The dynamic environment of the kitchen requires attentiveness and adaptability. Keeping track of multiple tasks, such as stirring a pot while setting a timer, enhances focus and multitasking skills. These activities teach kids to stay alert and manage their time effectively. ⌛
Understanding Safety ⛑⚠⬆️
Teaching kids about safety in the kitchen is invaluable. From learning how to handle sharp knives, avoid hot surfaces, and manage spills, they gain an understanding of risk assessment and precautionary measures. This fosters responsibility and confidence in handling everyday challenges. 🏯
Developing Patience and Perseverance ⏳✌️💪
Cooking requires patience. Waiting for dough to rise or a dish to bake instils a sense of delayed gratification. Persevering through challenges, such as a failed recipe, teaches resilience and adaptability. 🌟
Fostering Teamwork and Communication 👥⚡🖑
Cooking together as a family or in groups encourages teamwork. Assigning tasks, discussing recipes, and coordinating efforts teach kids the importance of collaboration and effective communication. 🤝
Application of Math and Science 🔢⚛️✔️
Cooking requires precise measurements, making it an excellent way for kids to practice math skills. Whether measuring ingredients, counting quantities, or understanding fractions, the kitchen becomes a practical classroom for arithmetic.
Science concepts also come alive in the kitchen. Observing how heat changes the state of ingredients, understanding emulsification while making sauces, or witnessing yeast’s role in bread rising helps children grasp fundamental scientific principles in a fun, hands-on manner. 🔥
Developing Integrated Approach🍴💡🌟
Combining knowledge of spices, ingredients, and geometric shapes in cooking activities can significantly enhance a child’s skill development. Engaging with various spices and herbs introduces children to diverse flavours and cultural histories, fostering curiosity and expanding their vocabulary. Simultaneously, tasks like cutting vegetables into different shapes or arranging food items promote spatial awareness and an understanding of geometric concepts.
The kitchen is more than a place to prepare meals; it is a vibrant learning space where children can develop life skills, reinforce academic knowledge, and create lasting memories. By involving kids in kitchen activities, parents and educators can cultivate a love for learning that extends beyond the confines of a classroom. So, put on those aprons and let the kitchen be your child’s next great learning adventure! 🎨
Activities to try in the kitchen
For Kids below 5 years-
- 1. Sort the pulses
- Write your name using different pulses
- Make different shapes using different pulses
For kids of age 5-7 years-
1. Colourful Gems experiment
2. Shape your plate
For kids of age 7-10 years-
1. Walking water
2. Shape your plate
by Surmeet Kaur
The Power of Storytelling in Early Childhood and Primary Education
Storytelling is an ancient art that has captivated human minds for centuries. Its importance in education, particularly in early childhood and primary classrooms, cannot be overstated. Renowned educationist Gijubhai Badheka, often regarded as the pioneer of innovative teaching in India, emphasized the transformative power of storytelling in making learning joyful and meaningful. Integrating storytelling into teaching not only brings subjects to life but also nurtures critical life skills in children.
Storytelling: A Gateway to Holistic Learning
Gijubhai Badheka believed that storytelling was a dynamic method to connect children with learning. His stories, often imbued with moral values and practical lessons, encouraged children to think critically and relate to the world around them. By weaving lessons into narratives, educators can create memorable and engaging learning experiences that resonate with young learners.
Teaching Through Stories: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Storytelling has the potential to teach concepts across various subjects. Here are some practical examples:
1. Mathematics:
a. Example: A story about a merchant who needs to distribute 100 apples equally among 5 baskets introduces division in a practical context.
b. Children can solve problems alongside the character, making abstract concepts tangible and relatable.
2. Science:
a. Example: A story about a curious bird learning why the sun rises and sets can explain basic concepts of the solar system.
b. Stories involving animals or plants can teach ecosystems, habitats, and life cycles.
3. Language Arts:
a. Example: Narrating folk tales or fables enriches vocabulary and comprehension skills.
b. Encouraging children to retell stories helps develop speaking and listening abilities.
4. Social Studies:
a. Example: A tale of a traveler exploring different countries introduces geography and cultural diversity.
b. Stories about historical figures or events make history more engaging and relatable.
5. Moral Education:
a. Example: Stories like “The Honest Woodcutter” instill values such as honesty and integrity.
Key Benefits of Storytelling in Early Education
1. Problem-Solving Skills:
a. Stories often present challenges that characters must overcome. When children analyze and predict solutions, they develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
b. Example: In a story about a rabbit finding its way out of a maze, children can brainstorm solutions, enhancing their logical reasoning.
2. Creative Thinking:
a. Imaginative tales encourage children to think beyond the ordinary and envision possibilities.
b. Example: Asking children to create alternative endings to a story fosters creativity and originality.
3. Vocabulary and Language Development:
a. Exposure to diverse words and expressions in stories enhances language acquisition.
b. Repetitive phrases, rhymes, and dialogues help children remember and use new vocabulary.
4. Emotional and Social Skills:
a. Stories provide a safe space to explore emotions and develop empathy by identifying with characters.
b. Example: A story about a child sharing toys teaches the importance of kindness and cooperation.
5. Cultural Awareness:
a. Folk tales and myths introduce children to traditions and values from around the world.
b. Example: Stories from different cultures help children appreciate diversity and promote inclusivity.
Implementing Storytelling Effectively
To maximize the impact of storytelling, educators can adopt the following strategies:
1. Interactive Storytelling:
a. Use props, puppets, and visual aids to make stories more engaging.
b. Encourage children to participate by asking questions or acting out parts of the story.
2. Integration with Art and Music:
a. Combine storytelling with drawing or crafting to visually represent story elements.
b. Add songs or rhythms to stories to enhance memory and enjoyment.
3. Encouraging Story Creation:
a. Motivate children to create their own stories, helping them express their ideas and imagination.
b. Collaborative storytelling activities build teamwork and communication skills.
4. Relating Stories to Real Life:
a. Discuss how story scenarios connect to everyday experiences.
b. Example: After a story about saving water, children can brainstorm ways to conserve water at home.
Gijubhai Badheka
Legacy in Storytelling
Gijubhai’s methods showcased how storytelling could simplify complex ideas and create joyful learning environments. By infusing storytelling into classrooms, educators honor his vision of education that is child-centric, exploratory, and fun. His works, such as “Divaswapna” (Daydreams), remain a testament to the power of stories in shaping young minds.
Storytelling is not just a tool for entertainment; it is a powerful educational strategy that integrates academic learning with the development of essential life skills. By teaching through stories, educators can ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. As Gijubhai Badheka aptly demonstrated, stories have the power to transform the educational landscape, making learning a joyous and memorable journey for every child.
Written by- Ms. Harsheen Kaur
Fostering a Love of Reading in Young Children
Reading is most likely the most elementary of abilities to shape a child’s emotional and mental life. Developing a culture of books in an early period of life has the potential to lay a cornerstone for learning during a lifetime, imagination, and creativity. Helping children love to read should be a thrilling and pleasant experience rather than forced. The best way in which one can do that is by exposing them to colourful picture books, engaging stories, and lively reading sessions, which catch their attention as well as curiosity. Children require discipline, and making reading a part of their daily schedule, whether it is a bedtime or morning reading session, can make books experiences of comfort as well as bliss.
DEAR can go a long way in achieving this objective. DEAR as we all know is the acronym of “Drop everything and read”. 10 minutes of parent supervised DEAR time at home will definitely establish a culture of reading from a young age. To become a role model for your child, you can devote 10 minutes everyday to reading, parents or even grandparents can indulge in bed time stories. This initiative by the family will definitely ignite a spark of reading and this spark will walk with the chid through his entire life. In today’s world, one can take help of digital tools like Book Creator, Puppet Pals, My Story Book Marker etc. for reading out stories to one’s child.
Encouraging peer interaction by having children read their favourite stories or act out scenes helps in the acquisition of verbal and social skills.
Schools can encourage students to stand in an assembly and read news lines. It will do wonders for confidence and interest for reading.
To ascertain that the student continues correct reading, weekly reading progress assignments both in Hindi and English should be done. They can be designed as per the level of reading.
Continuous reading assessments should be taken in the class to know the reading progress of the child.
Further parents can be invited to visit school periodically and read a story to a group of children. This can take the shape of community reading event.
In addition, positive reinforcement, such as rewards for completing a book or reading a story, can serve as an incentive. It must be remembered that every child learns at his or her own pace, and patience is the key. Pressing too hard will have the opposite effect, rendering reading a chore rather than a source of delight. Creating a climate in which books are associated with happiness, adventure, and learning will provide the foundation for young children to enjoy a lifetime romance with reading. This early reading experience not only generates more vocabulary and communication skills, but also assists in empathy and creativity, shaping these traits into thoughtful and confident citizens. In the present age with increasing distractions through digital interfaces, generation of deep reading appreciation can be one gift that generates returns throughout one’s lifetime for children.
Ms Aru Chadha- Faculty SJS, Naraina
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Salwan Junior School is a co –educational primary school located in Naraina Vihar, New Delhi.
