Why is climbing trees important?

Today in our french class we were traditionally outside with my smallest class - two students from grade 2B. After revising everything while they were enjoying the swings we moved towards the tree when Satya asked me: "Can we climb the tree?" I enthusiastically replied, that we sure can!

Stuck at the foot of the tree i heard them say: "We can't do it!"
"Of course you can! Let me show you."

After climbing it myself and explaining that it should be even easier for them because i am surely in the "old" category - at least the kids tend to vehemently put me there - they tried. I was there to catch them and encourage them.

Oh, the joy! Oh, the excitement! Oh, the sense of achievement! Why do kids get so excited when they manage to climb a tree?

Riya on her way up.

Satya on his way down.

I think it is because climbing trees falls into the category of basic skills. Basics skills every child should know. Just like reading, writing, singing, counting, cleaning after them self, dressing, washing, firmly shaking a hand when greeting or being congratulated, looking people into the eyes when talking, greeting politely...

Sometimes (most of the time, i must admit) i am strongly convinced that learning beyond academics is almost more important then academics itself. When i make a child climb a tree 5 times in a row and i see the fear go away and the child's face brighten up i feel i did more for him/her then with any French word or phrase we ever learned. Of course we never neglect academics! When they learn to climb a tree they also learn that the tree is called l'arbre in French :)

Night Out 2012 @ Sancta Maria

Both teachers and students gather at the Foyer at the onset of the Camp where they are divided into groups and given instructions.

...and the fun times roll in!!

Fifth Graders tackle a seventh Grader with the help of a teacher.

Instruction given to Third Graders as they learn about Traditional Games. This activity was organized by the Tenth Graders.

An Informative Session was held where students learnt how to build different types of camp fires. They were also shown the various types of things that can be gathered  outdoors to start the fire.

The next day's early Fall-In.

Students were out in the open by 6:15 am for the first activity of the day.

Part of the Traditional Games. Its a teacher verses student establishing of strength.

I wonder who won!!

Students gather up under the Tamarind Tree for an art activity.

The activity was to paint the edges of the sitting area around the Tamarind Tree.

The Creative Sancta Marians are up to the challenge....

This was the Night Talent Show.

Students and teachers came up and did what they do best!

A student performs a belly dance.

Bonfire time when the kids got totally involved in 'The Funky Chicken' an activity conducted by Mr. Vijay Shetty.

An impressive fire built by the campers.

The next day began as the happy campers went for a Nature Walk at the University of Hyderabad as early as 6:00 am.

The sun bursts in all its glory behind the students as they enjoy the view at the Peacock Lake and note the different birds at the lake.

Ms. Shetty exchanges words and experiences with the students.

Campers receive certificates at the summation of the camp.

The Eyes Have It – Heart stealing story by Ruskin Bond

I had the train compartment to myself up to Rohana, then a girl got in. The couple who saw her off were probably her parents. They seemed very anxious about her comfort and the woman gave the girl detailed instructions as to where to keep her things, when not to lean out of windows, and how to avoid speaking to strangers.
They called their goodbyes and the train pulled out of the station. As I was totally blind at the time, my eyes sensitive only to light and darkness, I was unable to tell what the girl looked like. But I knew she wore slippers from the way they slapped against her heels.
It would take me some time to discover something about her looks and perhaps I never would. But I liked the sound of her voice and even the sound of her slippers.
'Are you going all the way to Dehra? I asked.
I must have been sitting in a dark corner because my voice startled her. She gave a little exclamation and said, I didn't know anyone else was here.'
Well, it often happens that people with good eyesight fail to see what is right in front of them. They have too much to take in, I suppose. Whereas people who cannot see (or see very little) have to take in only the essentials, whatever registers tellingly on their remaining senses.
I didn't see you either,' I said. 'But I heard you come in.'
I wondered if I would be able to prevent her from discovering that I was blind. Provided I keep to my seat, I thought, it shouldn't be too difficult. The girl said, I am getting off at Saharanpur. My aunt is meeting me there.'
"Then I had better not get too familiar/ I replied. 'Aunts are usually formidable creatures.'
'Where are you going?' she asked. 'To Dehra and then to Mussoorie.'
'Oh, how lucky you are. I wish I were going to Mussoorie. I love the hills. Especially in October.'
'Yes, this is the best time,' I said, calling on my memories. "The hills are covered with wild dahlias, the sun is delicious, and at night you can sit in front of a log fire and drink a little brandy. Most of the tourists have gone and the roads are quiet and almost deserted. Yes, October is the best time.'
She was silent. I wondered if my words had touched her or whether she thought me a romantic fool. Then I made a mistake.
'What is it like outside?' I asked.
She seemed to find nothing strange in the question. Had she noticed already that I could not see? But her next question removed my doubts.
'Why don't you look out of the window?' she asked.
I moved easily along the berth and felt for the window ledge. The window was open and I faced it, making a pretence of studying the landscape. I heard the panting of the engine, the rumble of the wheels, and, in my mind's eye I could see telegraph posts flashing by.
'Have you noticed,' I ventured, 'that the trees seem to be moving while we seem to be standing still?'
"That always happens,' she said. 'Do you see any animals?'
'No,' I answered quite confidently. I knew that there were hardly any animals left in the forests near Dehra.
I turned from the window and faced the girl and for a while we sat in silence.
'You have an interesting face,' I remarked. I was becoming quite daring but it was a safe remark. Few girls can resist flattery. She laughed pleasantly—a clear, ringing laugh.
'It's nice to be told I have an interesting face. I'm tired of people telling me I have a pretty face.'
Oh, so you do have a pretty face, thought I. And aloud I said: 'Well, an interesting face can also be pretty.'
'You are a very gallant young man/ she said. 'But why are you so serious?'
I thought, then, that I would try to laugh for her, but the thought of laughter only made me feel troubled and lonely.
'We'll soon be at your station/ I said.
'Thank goodness it's a short journey. I can't bear to sit in a train for more than two or three hours.'
Yet I was prepared to sit there for almost any length of time, just to listen to her talking. Her voice had the sparkle of a mountain stream. As soon as she left the train she would forget our brief encounter. But it would stay with me for the rest of the journey and for some time after.
The engine's whistle shrieked, the carriage wheels changed their sound and rhythm, the girl got up and began to collect her things. I wondered if she wore her hair in a bun or if it was plaited. Perhaps it was hanging loose over her shoulders. Or was it cut very short?
The train drew slowly into the station. Outside, there was the shouting of porters and vendors and a high-pitched female voice near the carriage door. That voice must have belonged to the girl's aunt.
'Goodbye/ the girl said.
She was standing very close to me. So close that the perfume from her hair was tantalizing. I wanted to raise my hand and touch her hair but she moved away. Only the scent of perfume still lingered where she had stood.
There was some confusion in the doorway. A man, getting into the compartment, stammered an apology. Then the door banged and the world was shut out again. I returned to my berth. The guard blew his whistle and we moved off. Once again I had a game to play and a new fellow traveller.
The train gathered speed, the wheels took up their song, the carriage groaned and shook. I found the window and sat in front of it, staring into the daylight that was darkness for me.
So many things were happening outside the window. It could be a fascinating game guessing what went on out there.
The man who had entered the compartment broke into my reverie.
'You must be disappointed/ he said. 'I'm not nearly as attractive a travelling companion as the one who just left.' 'She was an interesting girl/ I said. 'Can you tell me—did she keep her hair long or short?'
'I don't remember/ he said sounding puzzled. 'It was her eyes I noticed, not her hair. She had beautiful eyes but they were of no use to her. She was completely blind. Didn't you notice?

What happened to Sai !!!

Chronicle of a MOTOR CYCLE accident....starring Nihar Jain

Children Day Celebration @ Sancta Maria

Children's Day Celebrations @ Sancta Maria begins in the school building Foyer as students and teachers gather up to kick off the festivities!!!

Grade 10 students light the diya's as they acknowledge Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru's love for children.

....and who can ring these goodies...??!!!

"Whenever you wear your hat, your day will be special."  More so if it happens to be Children's Day!!!

The 'Car Race' in action!!!!

Students sitting inside in the Foyer made paper caps like the one worn by Pandit Nehru.

An ingenious Balloon Throw game in progress.

Now, THIS is a game after my heart....!!!

The game 'Ring the Bell' had many students ringing the bell and walking off with chocolates!

A Heafty, Scrumptious breakfast included Aloo Parathas with yogurt, idly and vadas with different types of chutnies and sambar; and ice-cream to wash it all down!!

A day with the potter

A day with the potter

Which potter am I talking of! The common potter not the proper Potter. Tricked ya! Here it is. I am talking of my experience with a professional potter not our famous Harry Potter.

“No, not at all “is the answer if the question in your mind is “Is she going to rant off about a day off she had!”.  I was very much in the school and had some wonderful experience with the potter’s wheel. It was sort of dream come true.

It goes back to the days when I was a teenager (or was I in my grad school!!), I saw a movie (don’t ask me which one as my memory of movie names is too poor) in which the lady in the movie was working at the potter’s wheel molding away some beautiful piece she has in mind, with very soft but energetic music playing as a back score. It looked so de-stressing and almost meditative to me. From that day on, I had this craving in me to try my hand at the potter’s wheel.

For my elder daughter’s seventh birthday, our family chose to celebrate it at a place called “Color Me Mine” – a paint-your-own ceramics studio. She picked up a ceramic penguin as her gift and we colored it with paints and glazes provided. I noticed on the shelves few clay pieces too. My craving rose again and I asked the staff if they had a potter’s wheel there for me to try but they said “Sorry ma’am, we only have a high capacity oven to glaze your creations and hand it back to you.” Well, my family brought up my spirits by poking the beautifully painted blue and white penguin with grey tail, bright black eyes and a cute smile, into my face.

Just a few years back when I visited the village museum at Shilparamam for the first time, I was thrilled to see a potter’s wheel in the Village Museum showcasing the Terracotta article making. I asked the authorities there if we could try the wheel. They said “No Ma’am, it’s only for display.” Well, I at least saw the potter’s wheel in close quarters.

Yesterday I accompanied my class to where the professional potter was seated, the area near the sports field of our school. He was invited to our school to have our kids make their own diya for Diwali. It’s beyond doubt that all Sancta Marians enjoyed the diya making thoroughly. As for me, I was thrilled when I heard teachers could try their hand at the potter’s wheel too. I (with the help of the potter, of course) made a small flower vase and carried it with my clay drenched hands (wanted to feel the clay on my hands as long as possible) and set it up on my table to dry. At last, my craving is appeased.

Simple remedy to treat burns

Thanks to my son, I have home remedies stored in my brain for ready reckoner for common problems. The current post is to share my experience with burns when my son was 1.5 years old.

He burnt his finger when his curiosity took over him and he touched a burning incense stick(agarbatti). It had been over a year to this incident but he never dared touching it again!!! Some lessons are learnt by literally burning fingers!!!

Immediately I remembered my mother's advice of handling burns and within 30 minutes, he forgot he had burnt his finger and it did not even leave any mark.

I followed these steps which proved helpful:

a) Immediately, allow the burnt area under plain running water for a minute or so. Avoid ice water as it may cause blisters.
b) Pat it dry and rub the area with cut potato.
c) If no potato, apply honey on the affected area.
d) After a while, apply calendula cream(you can get it from any homoeo store). Within minutes, it will alleviate the pain.
e) If calendula cream not available or not sure of the efficacy of it, then simply apply boroplus or borolene or apply some more honey.
f) Once the child is soothed a little, give him or her some warm milk with turmeric powder mixed in it. This really helps a lot to alleviate the pain.

In case a small blister forms, do not break it. The fluid inside will actually help heal the wound faster. Open blister will take more time to heal as well as cause more pain.

These were a few things in my knowledge, of course, there would be many more. Readers please share some more home-remedies for the benefit of all.

With best wishes to the parents and prayer of safety for all, I sign off!

In the 21st century, you’ve probably had to listen to a lot of people tell you how busy they are. It’s become the default response when you ask anyone how they’re doing: “Busy!” “So busy.” “Crazy busy.” It is, pretty obviously, a boast disguised as a complaint.

Here is an article about the same which we all would agree…..is so “true”.

The ‘Busy’ Trap

By TIM KREIDER

Anxiety: We worry. A gallery of contributors count the ways.

It’s not as if any of us wants to live like this; it’s something we collectively force one another to do.

Notice it isn’t generally people pulling back-to-back shifts in the I.C.U. or commuting by bus to three minimum-wage jobs who tell you how busy they are; what those people are is not busy but tired, exhausted, dead on their feet. It’s almost always people whose lamented busyness is purely self-imposed: work and obligations they’ve taken on voluntarily, classes and activities they’ve “encouraged” their kids to participate in. They’re busy because of their own ambition or drive or anxiety, because they’re addicted to busyness and dread what they might have to face in its absence.

Almost everyone I know is busy. They feel anxious and guilty when they aren’t either working or doing something to promote their work. I recently wrote a friend to ask if she wanted to do something this week, and she answered that  she didn’t have a lot of time but if something was going on to let her know and maybe she could ditch work for a few hours. I wanted to clarify that my question had not been a preliminary heads-up to some future invitation; this was the invitation. But his busyness was like some vast churning noise through which she was shouting out at me, and I gave up trying to shout back over it.

Even children are busy now, scheduled down to the half-hour with classes and extracurricular activities. They come home at the end of the day as tired as grown-ups.  The present hysteria is not a necessary or inevitable condition of life; it’s something we’ve chosen, if only by our acquiescence to it. Not long ago I Skyped with a friend who was driven out of the city by high rent and now has an artist’s residency in the outskirts of the city. She described herself as happy and relaxed for the first time in years. She still gets her work done, but it doesn’t consume her entire day and brain. She says it feels like college — she has a big circle of friends who all go out to the cafe together every night.

Busyness serves as a kind of existential reassurance, a hedge against emptiness; obviously your life cannot possibly be silly or trivial or meaningless if you are so busy, completely booked, in demand every hour of the day.

But just in the last few months, I’ve insidiously started, because of professional obligations, to become busy. For the first time I was able to tell people, with a straight face, that I was “too busy” to do this or that thing they wanted me to do. I could see why people enjoy this complaint; it makes you feel important, sought-after and put-upon. Except that I hate actually being busy. Every morning my in-box was full of e-mails asking me to do things I did not want to do or presenting me with problems that I now had to solve. It got more and more intolerable until finally I fled town to the Undisclosed Location from which I’m writing this.

Here I am largely unmolested by obligations. There is no TV. To check e-mail I have to drive to the library. I go a week at a time without seeing anyone I know I read. And I’m finally getting some real writing done for the first time in months. It’s hard to find anything to say about life without immersing yourself in the world, but it’s also just about impossible to figure out what it might be, or how best to say it, without getting the hell out of it again.

Idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is as indispensable to the brain as vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets. The space and quiet that idleness provides is a necessary condition for standing back from life and seeing it whole, for making unexpected connections and waiting for the wild summer lightning strikes of inspiration — it is, paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done. “Idle dreaming is often of the essence of what we do,” wrote Thomas Pynchon in his essay on sloth. Archimedes’ “Eureka” in the bath, Newton’s apple, Jekyll & Hyde and the benzene ring: history is full of stories of inspirations that come in idle moments and dreams. It almost makes you wonder whether loafers, goldbricks and no-accounts aren’t responsible for more of the world’s great ideas, inventions and masterpieces than the hardworking.

Perhaps the world would soon slide to ruin if everyone behaved as I do. But I would suggest that an ideal human life lies somewhere between my own defiant indolence and the rest of the world’s endless frenetic hustle. My role is just to be a bad influence, the kid standing outside the classroom window making faces at you at your desk, urging you to just this once make some excuse and get out of there, come outside and play. My own resolute idleness has mostly been a luxury rather than a virtue, but I did make a conscious decision, a long time ago, to choose time over money, since I’ve always understood that the best investment of my limited time on earth was to spend it with people I love. I suppose it’s possible I’ll lie on my deathbed regretting that I didn’t work harder and say everything I had to say, but I think what I’ll really wish is that I could have one more beer with Chris, another long talk with Megan, one last good hard laugh with Boyd. Life is too short to be busy.

 

My learning!

 

"It is said that the best teachers are always keen to learn"- This sentence made be very challenging especially in my subject- Science.

 

I have heard the above sentence in the  classes of the Cambridge International Certificate for Teachers and Trainers. I have started  my training last month which encourages me to take series of exciting learning journeys. I am learning different teaching approaches and how learners respond to that method. How well a lesson can be planned and making it learners centric.

 

I am really looking forward to develop my practice as a teacher and which will help the learners to advance the ways in which they learn.

 

Finally i was impressed by Alvin Toffler's words:

 

'The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.'

Thank you Sancta Maria for making me learn and improve my skills :)

 

My thoughts on learning French in our school

The only foreign language we offer at our school is currently French. We have a very specific way of learning it that certainly isn't the way it is traditionally taught in India, it appears to me.

In the early years - grade 1 and grade 2 the French we teach is almost entirely oral. This has proven to be potentially annoying to kids and parents since we not only lack text books but we don't even have note books! In fact most of the first few years when you learn a new language should be about speaking and pronunciation. This holds true for young kids and not adults, of course. Doing it otherwise leads you straight to the Indian trap of foreign language learning. Let me explain.

Whenever i get a new student from another school in India i am at first super intimidated and impressed with their French notebooks. I usually ask them to bring it to give me an idea of how far have they gone with French. Numbers till 100 seems to be like a standard for a very first year of French. Long lists of nouns belonging to different topics like colors, fruits and animals. It doesn't take long to see that all that written work suddenly appears totally useless because the student is unable to read or pronounce any of it. They explain to me that all they did was copy words from the board. The notebook might be impressive for the non French speaking parents - giving them a sense that a lot is done in the class - but clearly that is not the reality.

I had students from higher grades who could translate basic sentences and even spell the words out for me in English but could not pronounce any of those words. I thought that was outrageous! I would tolerate it if it was a dead language like Latin but French is very much alive. The best part of why I like French is because it sounds so sophisticated and melodious. It is a beautiful language that ought to be spoken! 

When you hear yourself read or speak in French you feel good about learning that language. It is crystal clear that motivation is a major issue when learning a language you have no exposure to. Not many parents speak French to help kids at home. There are no kid's appropriate TV channels in French or radio or anything else for that matter so apart from hearing it in school they don't hear it anywhere else. It is imperative then to hear it in school a lot. We do it through songs, stories, drama, role play and reciting.

So if it is all about singing, reciting, role play, drama for grades 1 and 2, we introduce written work in grade 3. Very less for the 3rd language and substantially more for the 2nd language students. Grade 5 and above will then enter a more traditional way of learning the language with text books and all. Exceptions to this would be students who join us at this stage with no previous exposure to French. By the fifth grade children will have enough of spoken French in their ears to make a smooth transition to written French. French uses same alphabets as English but it is pronounced very differently. 

A student who will learn French with us from grade 1 will be very much able to read French texts in grade 5. I am absolutely sure of it. This is of course linked to the fact that students have to actually stay with us long enough to benefit fully but that is a different topic all together - the problem of frequent school hopping is a big topic worthy of a separate post.

Let me just conclude this post with a short video. Last years clip - grade 3, 2nd language students singing a French song while doing a weather wheel chart. It was done very spontaneous by students so i missed the beginning of the song. But this is what French in our school is all about. We want to hear it!

Life is made of beautiful moments!

I am sure that we all have read plethora of articles with similar meaning and emphasis laid on only one thing - enjoy the moments of everyday that make our life beautiful! Guess there is a reason for such volumes, we all need reinforcements to focus on the higher goal of life and not get sucked in by the mundane activities. Well, read and cherish the moments!

A Message by George Carlin:
- comedian of the 70's and 80's

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. An embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Dans Paris by Paul Eluard

Dans Paris Paul Eluard

Dans Paris il y a une rue; Dans cette rue il y a une maison; Dans cette maison il y a un escalier; Dans cet escalier il y a une chambre; Dans cette chambre il y a une table; Sur cette table il y a un tapis; Sur ce tapis il y a une cage; Dans cette cage il y a un nid; Dans ce nid il y a un œuf, Dans cet œuf il y a un oiseau. L'oiseau renversa l'œuf; L'œuf renversa le nid; Le nid renversa la cage; La cage renversa le tapis; Le tapis renversa la table; La table renversa la chambre; La chambre renversa l'escalier; L'escalier renversa la maison; la maison renversa la rue; la rue renversa la ville de Paris.

URBAN LIVING - A BANE OR A BOON

URBAN LIVING IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE ATTRACTIVE AMONG THE RURAL POPULATION OF OUR COUNTRY, BECAUSE OF THE GLITZ AND GLAMOUR ATTACHED TO THE URBAN LIVING.

MORE AND MORE RURAL PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO THE URBAN CITIES EITHER IN SEARCH OF EMPLOYMENT,  EDUCATION, BETTER LIVING CONDITION OR IN SEARCH OF HIGH PROFILE ENTERTAINMENT AVENUES.

BUT HARDLY DO THEY REALISE THE PROBLEMS THE URBAN POPULACE FACES AND THE STRESS OF URBAN LIVING, THE MASS MIGRATION OF RURAL POPULACE TO THE URBAN CITIES RESULTS IN OVERCROWDING OF CITIES, WHICH RESULTS IN INCREASE IN DEMAND OF RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES AND SANITATION NEEDS, AND HENCE THE COST OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS GO UP EXHORBITANTLY, WHICH RESULTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SLUMS IN THESE URBAN CITIES WHERE THE MIGRANTS SETTLE DOWN SINCE THEY COULD NOT AFFORD DECENT RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION.

THE INCREASE IN SLUMS CAUSES SANITATION AND HEALTH PROBLEMS, INCREASE IN OUT BREAK OF DEADLY DISEASES, AND MANY OTHER PROBLEMS BOTH FOR THE MIGRANTS AS WELL AS THE POPULATION OF THAT CITY.

THE MIGRATION OF LABOR FROM RURAL AREAS TO THE CITY, CAUSES SHORTAGE OF AGRICULTURAL LABOR IN THE VILLAGES, DUE TO WHICH THE AGRICULTURE OUTPUT DECLINES VERY SHARPLY THUS CREATING A SHORTAGE IN FOOD PRODUCTS WHICH CAUSES HIGH INFLATION.

THE INCREASE IN THE POPULATION IN THE URBAN AREAS ALSO INCREASES THE BURDEN ON THE LIMITED INFRASTRUCTURE OF  URBAN CITIES, LIKE INCREASE IN TRAFFIC ON THE CITY ROADS  INCREASED BURDEN ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, RESULTING IN SHORTAGE OF DRINKING WATER, AND ENERGY NEEDS LIKE ELECTRICITY AND COOKING AND VEHICULAR FUEL NEEDS, CAUSING NOISE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION WHICH LEADS TO MANY HEALTH AILMENTS AMONG THE MIGRANTS AS WELL AS THE URBAN CITIZENS.

THUS URBAN MIGRATION IS A BANE BOTH FOR THE MIGRANTS AS WELL AS FOR THE URBAN CITIZENS.

Abraham Lincoln’s letter to his son’s Head Master

Respected Teacher,

My son will have to learn I know that all men are not just, all men are not true. But teach him also that for ever scoundrel there is a hero; that for every selfish politician, there is a dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy there is a friend.

It will take time, I know; but teach him, if you can, that a dollar earned is far more valuable than five found.

Teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning.

Steer him away from envy, if you can.

Teach him the secret of quite laughter. Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest to tick.

Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books.. but also give him quiet time to ponder over the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on a green hill –side.

In school teach him it is far more honourable to fail than to cheat.

Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if every one tells him they are wrong.

Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with the tough.

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when every one is getting on the bandwagon.

Teach him to listen to all men but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through.

Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad. Teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness.

Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders; but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul.

Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob… and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.

Treat him gently; but do not cuddle him because only the test of fire makes fine steel.

Let him have the courage to be impatient, let him have the patience to be brave. Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind.

This is a big order; but see what you can do. He is such a fine little fellow, my son.


Abraham Lincoln. 

Posted by: Sajini & Elizabeth

Healthy Eating for a Healthy Life!

NUTRIENTS?

• Protein- for building and repair
• Fat and CHO- for energy and growth
• Vitamins & Minerals- for good health
• Fibre- to prevent constipation
• Water- to remove toxins

Guidelines for healthy eating

-Include variety of foods to meet macro and micronutrient requirements.

-Fat consumption upto 35 % of energy.

-Low in salt.  

-Avoid excess fibre.

-Restrict sugary foods to mealtimes.

Helpful steps

-Change whole milk to semi-skimmed around 2 years.

-Fruits and vegetables to be 5 servings/ day.

-Serve meals at regular times, in a family setting.

WHY IS BREAKFAST IMPORTANT?

-It provides a major source of  child’s daily energy supply.

-Children who eat breakfast are better nourished.

-They can meet their daily need for essential vitamins and minerals.

-Children who eat breakfast learn better, are more alert and active.

-Offer quick and nutritious choices like juice, yogurt and fruit.

-Progress to 2 servings of cereal, 1 serving of milk.

OVERWEIGHT/ OBESITY:

RESTRICT or  BEST AVOID

High- fat foods- butter, cheese,chocolate, cream, ice-cream, potato chips, pastries

High- carbohydrate foods- cake, cookies, noodles, honey, sugar, sweets             

 Beverages- soft drinks, carbonated beverages, sweetened drink mixes

CALORIE BURNING CHART  (EXERCISE TIPS)

-Begin gradually.

-Be sure to warm up, cool down.

-Incorporate activity in daily living (walking, climbing stairs).

-Choose activities you enjoy.

-Wear comfortable clothing, good shoes.

-Do not exercise outdoors in frigid/ very hot climates.

-Drink a lot of water.

FOOD ALLERGY

Food Intolerance- it is a reproducible and unpleasant reaction.

Food allergy- evidence of abnormal immunological reaction to food.

Psychologically-based food reactions- emotions associated with food cause food avoidance. Emotions may cause unpleasant bodily reactions.

TARGET DIET

FIVE WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY

-Eat sensibility.

-Drink enough fluids.  

-Exercise regularly.

-Watch your weight.

-Get yourself checked periodically

-Laila and Asha

Todays youth and our traditions

               Coming up from its colonial past India today is one of the fastest growing nations in the world. After being dominated by the British for about 200 years the Indians especially urban people have developed a habit of copying the West. 

The problem is more widespread in cities and big towns.The people especially the youth are becoming more and more westernized.. Right from the way of their dressing till their attitude. This is because they are taken in by the glamour and Multi National companies.

The youth so often called as YOUNGISTAN has been neglecting its own very rich culture and traditions in order to adapt the Western ideas. They have their mindset that what the WEST is doing is right and one should follow it without hesitation. The youth of India does not perceive its identity as traditional  Indians any more. They think that their centuries old traditions are outdated and prevent modern development.They should learn from countries like Japan which is one of  the leading economies of the world and also one of the most advanced country in terms of modernization but it still follows and respects its old traditions and cultures.

In the end, I would like to  say BE WHAT YOU ARE and  not simply copy the WEST. Its high time that we realize that we need to foster and protect the  culture and heritage because without it India would no longer remain as INCREDIBLE INDIA.

Grade 1A singing in French

We found a moment in the library during our French lesson and recorded the song. Singing with no help from me :) our traditional Bonjour song. We are progressing nicely and kids enjoy the classes a lot. So do i.

Book release in grade 4

Children of grade 4 have had an exciting project as a part of the English class. They have written a book on their own! The day of the official book release has come and Mrs. Shetty was the guest of honor to release them by untying a pretty ribbon tied around the book. Not everyone was ready for the release but we had 5 shining writers who were. Sishir, Anoushka, Aryanvi, Mahati and Sahiti.

The rest will get a chance with the postponed release but I could clearly see it on their faces that they regretted not being done on time. Surely that was a valuable learning for them and in my opinion as long as kids feel they wish they did it on time, we are on a good way. The only thing we should fear would be indifference. I am sure everyone will now feel motivated to finish their books as soon as possible.

The children have picked their own topics, built their characters and have on average aimed for 3 chapters. The books ended up neatly decorated and over flowing with imagination of our enthusiastic authors. They will be placed in our school library for other children to enjoy their stories.

Elements of Magic by Anoushka

Space Ranger Jupiter by Mahati

A funny moment when release didn't go smoothly
because Aryanvi tied a knot to her ribbon :)

People are amazing!

Enjoy! (Click on the link)

Class picnic or team building?

We all value and understand the importance of a pleasant work environment and a great team of colleagues. These are definitely some of fundamental reasons for any employee to come to work happily. There are others of course but for everyone getting along with colleagues would certainly be high on the priority list.
I was thinking about how this applies to the classroom environment and realized it is probably not much different for kids. I think for most of them coming to school happily is because they are surrounded by their friends in a safe environment. They are a part of a peer group, a team of classmates and so much is going on socially in each team. It makes sense then to try to help them connect as a team in every possible way.

In this spirit of building a strong, happy team in grade 4 we decided to have our very own class picnic. A simple act but a brilliant opportunity for kids to interact on a whole different level, free to bond in their own way. I first thought i will plan all the games, activities, the treasure hunt - browsing for the best ideas for class picnics to make sure i don't miss anything out. Then it occurred to me that kids don't want another day of instructions, no matter how fun. They just wanted to be free of all that and hang out. So, I let them be.

We ended up having a lovely morning, playing games and sharing food. Everyone doing whatever they wanted in their own way, their own pace. Precious interactions that will definitely contribute towards us being a better, happier class. That is more then any class teacher can hope for.

Freedom: Where The Mind Is Without Fear

Freedom: Where The Mind Is Without Fear 

Where The Mind Is Without Fear by Rabindranath Tagore
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls… Contd below

The poem, Where The Mind Is Without Fear, by Rabindranath Tagore, was written before India’s independence and shared his vision of what a new, independent and awakened nation would be. The message of the poem is also applicable to our individual struggles for personal freedom and growth. When I read the poem today, it struck a chord and resonated deep inside; prompting loads of questions: As a writer/blogger, do you feel free to express all of your views? Do you feel stymied by public opinion or social decorum? Do you worry that your boss might be unhappy with your writings? Do you feel the weight of your family values and upbringing standing in the way? I ask these questions because there are times when I wonder why I changed my mind about a post or reluctantly avoided delving into an emotionally charged subject. I tell friends I don’t need the agida but I’m not sure that is the full story

 Posted by: Ms. Kaushki & Shelja

A Post Independence Thanksgiving

Lord, I Thank You.

I thank you….

For public servants, teachers, police officers who serve faithfully;

faithful even when we fail to thank them...

For those who never stop doing good work

just because no one expresses gratitude......

We thank You today for the brave people of our land;

those who are more interested in being right than in being popular.

We are thankful for our freedom - 

For the freedom to choose our religion;

For the freedom to choose our profession, trade, career...

For the freedom to travel from state to state

Without passing armed border guards;

For the freedom to write letters to the Editor,

To place an advertisement in the papers,

Or rent a hall to speak.

We thank You, Lord,

For our Human Rights - 

For the right to vote and elect men and women who pass the law of this land;

For the right to vote out of office those who prove unworthy of our trust.

I am thankful today for all the medical miracles we take for granted;

Insulin, oxygen, aspirin, eye glasses [!!!] :)

Pace makers, hearing aids, and artificial limbs.

Thank you for the doctors who save lives of people they have never seen

And whose name means nothing to them...

Thank you for the men and women of the Armed Forces

Who risk their lives guarding the country borders

So that we people may sleep peacefully..

Lord, 

I am thankful today..

For the beauty of the world that surrounds me....

The thousand greens and the refreshing waters....

For the tall trees that clap their hands in praise

And bow their branches prayerfully in the wind..and in the sun...

Amen.