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Ekya / August 09, 2017 Posted by : administrator

At Ekya, reading is given a special place as it is the foundation of all learning processes. In fact, our Love to Read Program is introduced early on at pre-primary school, with the aim to introduce children to magic of the written word, and encourage the life-long habit of reading, to make confident and interested readers. Reading not only helps children improve their vocabulary but also promotes their creative writing skills, and as a famous quote goes,

“A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge”

While the Internet is filled with reading lists and book recommendations that are populated by authors from across the globe, The Hindu has listed out ten Indian authors for children who we would definitely recommend as well:

Ruskin Bond

With more than 50 books for children to his credit, Ruskin Bond remains on top of the list. All you need is  blue sky and green trees to unfold Bond’s magic.

The Blue Umbrella

 

Must-reads: Pick up the Omnibus collections or looks for Rusty: The Boy from the Hills, Getting Granny’s Glasses, The Blue Umbrella, Crazy Times with Uncle Ken, Thick as Thieves: Tales of Friendship, The Whistling Schoolboy.

 

Subhadra Sen Gupta

She is best known for her historical fiction and books based on history and mythology. Her books have been part of the White Ravens Selection at the Bologna International Children’s Book Fair – A Clown for Tenali Rama (2003); Jodh Bai: The Diary of a Rajput Princess (2004); and 12 O’Clock Ghost Stories: Spooky, Scary and Plain Mysterious! (2005). The television serial, Khoj Khazana Khoj, was based on her book, Mystery of the House of Pigeons.


Must-reads: Let’s Go Time Travelling: Life in India through the Ages; A Mauryan Adventure, A Flag, A Song and a Pinch of Salt: Freedom Fighters of India, Foxy Foursome, Saffron White and Green: The Amazing Story of India’s Independence, Tagore and the Song of the Crazy Wind.

 

R.K. Narayan

Malgudi isn’t a fictional town because it came alive in R.K.Narayan’s writing. He is the creator of the endearing character, Swami who speaks to young minds and adults alike. Narayan’s work introduces kids to the carefree life of a rural young boy growing up in South India.

Must-reads: Under the Banyan Tree, Lawley Road and The Grandmother’s Tales.

 

Paro Anand

Short stories, novellas, novels, Paro Anand’s works draw from her extensive work with children through her programme Literature in Action. No Guns at My Son’s Funeral is a poignant account of how violence and strife affect children while The Little Bird Who Held the Sky Up with His Feet was on the 1001 Books to Read Before You Grow Up, which is a list of the world’s best books of all time. Wild Child and Other Stories deals with teenagers’ and their angsty lives.

 


Must-reads: Like Smoke: A Collection, The Tree with a Travelling Heart, The Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Genius, Wingless, Weed.

 

Sudha Murthy

A prolific writer, she has written nine novels and a  collection of short stories and books for children. Her collection of short stories How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories chronicle her memories and experiences with her grandparents and older relatives, and has been translated into numerous vernacular languages. 

Must-reads: How I Taught My Grandmother to Read, The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk, Grandma’s Bag of Stories, The Magic Drum And Other Favourite Stories (children’s stories).

 

Ranjit Lal

Ranjit Lal’s books for children are a delight. From whimsical tales of animals (The caterpillar who went on a diet, The parakeet that squawked in English) to issues like female infanticide (Faces in the Water) and dealing with love and loss (Taklu & Shroom, Miracles), one can relate to his language, the situations and people. Those who like adventurous tales must read That Summer at Kalagarh, Secret of Falcon Heights and The Battle for No.19.


Must-reads: Tigers of Taboo Valley, Our Nana was a Nutcase, The Simians of South Block and the Yumyum piglets, The Dugong and the Barracudas, The Small Tigers of Shergarh.

 

Natasha Sharma

Natasha Sharma is an award winning children’s books author. She has published twelve books for children so far, including Bonkers! that won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award 2014 for Asia and Middle East. Her book Kaka and Munni is on the CBSE recommended reading list for schools. 

 

 

 

Must-reads: Squiggle Takes a Walk – All About Punctuation, Rooster Raga, Anaya’s Thumb, What Should I Wear Today? and Kaka and Munni.

 

Asha Nehemiah

 Asha Nehemiah’s stories for children are a mix of humour, fantasy and adventure. She writes for children of all ages and her stories have been translated into Hindi, Tamil, Assamese and Bengali. She believes that stories are a wonderful way to get children thinking and talking about various issues.

 

Must-reads: Granny’s Sari, Wedding clothes, Surprise Gifts,The Runaway wheel, Mrs Wolly’s Funny Sweater, Zigzag and Other Stories.

 

Arup Kumar Dutta

This journalist from Assam is probably best known for The Kaziranga Trail about how three young boys outwit poachers in the national park. The book won Shankar’s Award in 1979 and was also made into a film by the Children’s Film Society of India. Apart from this, Dutta has 16 other books for children, all of which are based in the Northeast and are filled with adventure and mystery.

Must-reads: Trouble at Kolongijan, The Blind Witness, A Story about Tea, The Lure of Zangrila, Revenge, Smack.

 

Anu Kumar

This writer put her degree to history to use in her children’s books. Mythquest was a nine-book series on animals from mythology. Then there are the adventures of Atisa, the 14-year-old time-travelling detective, which are a lovely mix of mythology, history and fiction. She also has a couple of books that make history interesting for young readers.


Must-reads: How did the Harappans Say Hello and 16 Other Mysteries of History; Across the Seven Seas, Travellers’ Tales of India, In the Country of Gold-Digging Ants, A Chola Adventure.

That is a list of home-made literature that would keep your inner bibliophile occupied for quite a while. Keep those pages turning and happy reading!

Sourced from The Hindu

 

 

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Ekya / April 03, 2024

The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education

In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.

At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.

Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.

Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.

In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.

By Sweta Pradeep Rao

Senior English Educator

Ekya School JP Nagar

Ekya / April 02, 2024

Gadget-free Summer Break

With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.

Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others.  When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.

I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds)  with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.

This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.

Mathangi R,

Head of School,

Ekya NICE Road.

Ekya / April 02, 2024

The Eye of the Storm

In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.

And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy

Grade 8C

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The Week That Was – Welcoming July

Our schools bid June goodbye after a week of celebrations, intense competition, fresh start under a new student leadership and a feature to remember. As the festival of Ramadan concluded at the start of the week, pre-schoolers from all our campuses observed the ‘Ramadan Appreciation Week’ across the seven days. Ekya JP Nagar was lucky to host Ms. Sumaya, our kind parent who accepted our invitation to come down and take the pre-primary students through story of Ramadan. Tiny tots from Ekya Kanakapura also joined in on the celebrations by dressing up for the festival while our ITPL students got know more about the holy month thanks to the guest speeches by Ms. Asifa and Mrs. Nida Khan. [caption id="attachment_1878" align="alignnone" width="900"]Ekya Schools Celebration Our children learning more about the festival of Ramadan[/caption] Speaking of reasons to celebrate, Ekya students did us proud as their models were featured on the World Industrial Design Day (WIDD) 2017 Exhibition held at Gallery Manora, Bangalore. These models are products of the annual Design Thinking Challenge organized by and for the Ekya community to tackle social relevant problems and answer human centred challenges such as ‘How might we better integrate the elderly into Bangalore’s society?’ and ‘How might we solve the garbage problem in Bangalore to improve the lives of citizens? With designers, artists and the industry’s who’s who attending the exhibit, our children’s work was put in the spotlight, sharing space with the exhibits from Tanishq, Tata Elxsi Id, Srishti Institute of Art, Ezetap and Footsy. [gallery size="large" link="file" ids="1864,1863,1862"] As we celebrate our students' achievements, our Grade 4 student Ashwat Prasanna deserves to be lauded for authoring a book titled “Journey Through Space Time – Unlock the Secrets of Space”. At the age of eight, our young author from Ekya JP Nagar has compiled his thoughts on six different topics in Science – from the explaining the age of the Universe to answering how the Earth was made and why the Sun is so hot. [caption id="attachment_1868" align="aligncenter" width="606"] Ashwat Prasanna, Grade 4 Ekya JP Nagar with his book[/caption] Over at the Kanakapura Road campus, our tiny tots observed Animal Day – some coming to school dressed as their favourite animals while a few others had their animal toys to accompany them to class. [caption id="attachment_1877" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]Ekya Kanakapura Road Observing Animal Day at Ekya Kanakapura Road[/caption] Not far away, our pre-schoolers at the BTM campus celebrated ‘Scientist Day’, donning the lab coats of Issac Newton, Albert Einstein, Abdul Kalam, Aryabhatta, and Graham Bell amongst the many eminent personalities in the field. In addition to learning more about their work, our little budding scientists were also audience to several experiments that were demonstrated by some of parents who joined in on the fun. [caption id="attachment_1876" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Celebrating Scientist Day at Ekya BTM Layout[/caption] As our young students dressed up to mark these special days, our older children at the ITPL campus dressed up for a competitive week. Agni House fielded their best line-up to take on Bhoomi House on the Basketball court as the campus hosted its second match of the Inter-house Basketball Tournament. An intense game from the get-go, Bhoomi house took home the win with a score of 36-26. [caption id="attachment_1872" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Basketball Teams (Bhoomi House & Agni House)[/caption] It was not just the game of Basketball that made the week exciting at our ITPL School; Election Day came by as our budding leaders concluded their week long campaigning and the school came together to vote. [caption id="attachment_1871" align="aligncenter" width="3264"]Ekya ITPL Student Council New wave of Student Leaders at Ekya ITPL[/caption] Elected into the school’s Student Council, our election winners took their oaths and were sworn in as Council members at the Investiture ceremony led by Ms. Sharmila Choudhary, Senior Director of Academics at Ekya. With the week that was, we at Ekya Schools look forward to July and welcome all that lies ahead with this new month.

The Week That Was – Independence Day at Ekya

With the tricolour flag hoisted and the National Anthem sung at all four campuses of Ekya , here is how 15th August unfurled at each of our schools: A day of performances Ekya JP Nagar ushered in the India’s 71st Independence Day with an inter house group dance competition for students from Grade VI to X. Keeping in tune with the patriotic spirit, the theme for the event was ‘Unity in Diversity’. Dressed in lovely costumes and adorned with props, our students put up one scintillating performance after the other. The wonderful rendition of Aashayein by the school’s music club was followed by a powerful speech by the Head Boy Rohan Mahesh Rao, as he spoke on the importance of celebrating India’s independence. Winners of all the intra-school events and the day’s dance event were announced and felicitated. [gallery size="large" columns="1" link="file" ids="1902,1901,1900"] Remembering the heroes Running up to 15th August, children at the Ekya Early Years Kanakapura campus observed the ‘Armed Forces Appreciation Day’ followed by ‘Marigold Appreciation Week’. Our tiny tots came dressed as Army, Navy and Air Force personnel, acknowledging their role in protecting the freedom of our country. The children also participated in planting Marigold saplings to mark their appreciation for plants and their support towards protecting the environment. [gallery size="large" link="file" columns="2" ids="1905,1906"] A day of giving back At Ekya ITPL it was about giving back to the community on Independence Day. Mrs. Sharmila Choudhury, our Senior Director, Academics, opened the proceedings as the school’s choir delivered a powerful vocal rendition of patriotic songs. This was followed by a power packed dance performance by members of the school’s Dance club. As part of the celebrations, students of Grade IX and X hosted the ‘Unwarp the Act of Kindness’, an event that raised funds for educating children and supporting women from slums in the school’s neighbourhood. A day of excitement as our children lay stalls of exfoliating scrubs, detox bath salts, aromatic candles and delectable fare. Heavy downpour in the city did not break the school spirit as students were encouraged by the brimming energy of the parents who joined in on the festivities. [gallery size="large" columns="2" link="file" ids="1909,1908"] Celebrating independence through art Students at Ekya BTM Layout brought out their theatrical skills as they put up a patriotic skit that celebrated secularism, unity in diversity and how far India has come as a nation. The children proved that dramatics isn’t their only strength - the entertaining skit was followed by melodious renditions and dance numbers tuned to the spirit of the day. [gallery size="large" columns="1" link="file" ids="1910,1911,1912"] Pre-primary students  joined in on the celebrations by wearing costumes inspired by the tricolour of the Indian flag. It wasn't just their clothes that sported the colours of saffron, white, navy blue and green - our parents sent in tricoloured snacks for their children, keeping the theme in mind. A colourful day concluded with the students participating in a collaborative art work of the national flag made by hand print technique. [gallery columns="1" link="file" size="large" ids="1913"]

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