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Ekya / February 12, 2018 Posted by : administrator

It’s half past 8 in the evening and Neema’s children have just settled around the dining table. Eight-year-old Aryan is glued to his tablet, streaming videos off YouTube in between his irregular bites while his sister Dhruti, has her mind on her Instagram feed than the meal in front of her. Pre-occupied from how the day unfolded at work, Neema’s motherly reminders, coaxing her children to eat, come in spurts. Over the last fifteen minutes, there hasn’t been a single meaningful interaction.

Technology has invaded dinnertime, not just at Neema’s household but across the world. Thanks to the multitudes of online distractions, conversations with our children over dinner can fall prey to one-word answers and abrupt air of silence.

How’d you sleep? Fine. How was school? Good. How much do you love me? Ugh, stop.

We may not be the first generation of parents to deal with this communication breakdown, but we are the first to compete with social media and apps vying for our kid’s attention.

So how we deal this breakdown? At Ekya, we explored the problem with our team, members of the Ekya Learning Centre and the teaching staff – parents of students from pre-primary to senior school and here is what we learnt.

Why Dinner

Dinner is that meal of the day when everyone comes together to break bread together. It is the perfect time for parents and children to revive the lost art of genuine conversation.

“You get one meal a day, together and this time should be used to connect with everyone in the family. I always ensure my boys are at the table with me, telling me about their day or discussing a topic of interest”, says Ms. Aruna to looks into the English curriculum at Ekya.

Why is it important to get conversations going with your kid over dinner?

Aside the one meal shared in each other’s company, the dining table is where the relationship between the child and the parent is strengthened. Speaking openly to familial audience brings out a positive outlook in the child that can potentially keep away symptoms of depression. While bringing up the opportunity of improving their vocabulary and enunciation, especially for younger kids, parents can really get a perspective into the day of their child and the events that unfold in the little one’s world.

For most parents, this concept is probably intuitive, but it turns out there’s science behind it. In her bracing new book, Reclaiming Conversation, MIT psychologist Sherry Turkle explains that the rituals of dinner are “sacred.” “It’s around food where we relax,” Turkle told us, “where we look each other in the eye and say, we’re ready, we’re listening”

Family Talk Jar

A set of unknown questions left to be revealed every night at the dinner table, the Conversation Jar works great, especially with little kids. A well-worded question is the quickest way to connect after a long day. It could be a topic of interest or a quirky question; these are sure shot starters that can spark deeper conversations about things that matter to your kid and you.

No Devices at the Table

To erase distractions is to cut away their source – no technology or its influence at the table. Ms. Ahlada, who leads our Computer Science curriculum at Ekya shares her dining table policies at home,

“I have a strict policy at home, during dinner. No phones, no tablets, no devices. Books are also no exceptions. No voracious reading at the dining table. Checking for emails, messages can wait for an hour”

Turkle has found that even having a phone in your peripheral vision affects the way that you engage with people, which is why a no-device policy helps cultivate good conversations over the table.

Create room for dialogue

Parents have to be genuine in their approach to strike up a conversation with their child. Create a safe space for dialogues, where they can air their grievances, express their thoughts and opinions.

Unlike exchanges with friends and classmates, dinner conversations aren’t performances where kids have to worry about how their peers will react.

“At the family table, kids learn that all kinds of feelings are acceptable,” Turkle says.

Make it regular

It’s the ritual that’s important, irrespective of what is on the menu. “Dinner happens one night, and then it happens again,” Turkle says. “It has that quality most conversations don’t: It’s on-going. Parents need to leverage exactly this.”

Getting this habit started at the table requires getting used to although we should not make an ordeal out of having a conversation, as Ms. Aruna puts it,

“No sermonising. Avoid making rules for the conversation, let it flow naturally. The topic at the table can be of interest to any member of the family. Participation is key, that is when everyone is involved and want to be involved because they are listened to, and not just heard.”

Don’t just ask about their day

“Studies show that dinner is a good place to remind kids that they are part of a larger narrative—if nothing else, it puts everything goes on in their lives into perspective”

Instead of the regular day’s proceedings, ask “Do you know where your grandparents grew up?” This is a perfect time for parents to recollect personal childhood experiences or share incidents from workplace or home and encourage the kids to do the same. Ms. Shobha from Ekya Learning Centre agrees, Over our dining table talks, I get to know so much about what kind of music my daughters listen to, what they enjoy learning, what is happening around their circles. I use this opportunity to get with the times. It is so much fun to hear from them – the latest trends and fads, the current obsessions on social media.

To help parents get started with great dinner conversations with their children, here is a list of questions that can be quizzed over at the dining table:

Explore more

Ekya / March 26, 2024

The Hot Garlic Soup Inspired by ‘The Last Leaf’ by O. Henry

Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, shared a small flat on the third storey of an old house.
Johnsy fell ill in November. She was diagnosed with pneumonia. She would lie in her bed, gazing out of the window. Sue sent for the doctor. The doctor said to Sue, “Johnsy’s condition is not so serious yet. It seems she is unable to recover because she has lost the will to live.”
Sue became extremely worried for Johnsy’s well-being and mental health. She tried to make Johnsy interested in the things around her, but Johnsy never replied with more than a noncommittal hum.
One day, Sue was painting when she heard Johnsy counting backwards. Sue looked out of the window and saw an old ivy creeper climbing on the brick wall. The ivy was shedding its leaves in the strong gust of the wind.
“They are falling faster now,” whispered Johnsy. “Three days ago there were so many leaves. Only five are left now.”
“It is autumn,” said Sue, “and the leaves will fall.”
“When the last leaf falls, I will die” said Johnsy with finality. “I have felt this for the last three days.”
“Oh, that’s nonsense,” replied Sue. “Why do you believe your fate is tied to those old ivy leaves?”
“Human life is fleeting, just like those ivy leaves,” said Johnsy. “I got sick just as the ivy started shedding its leaves. It must be an omen. The last leaf will fall, and I will slip into slumber forever.”
Sue sat on Johnsy’s bed, kissed her and said, “You are not going to die. Plenty of people fall sick in autumn, and they recover soon enough. Do you want some soup?”
“I don’t want any soup. My time is almost up, I’m sure of it,” murmured Johnsy.
Sue decided to change tactics. She was not going to give up on Johnsy.
“It is true that human life is somewhat fleeting, but that’s exactly what makes life valuable. Do you not want to see what life has to offer before you slip into slumber? Will you not miss the cool breeze waking you up, the warm embrace of sunlight? Do you want to give up the feeling of the paintbrush gliding over the canvas?” Sue quavered.
“Look beyond the ivy to that tree over there,” Sue continued. “Even that tree is shedding its leaves, but it is also growing new leaves. It is going to live for many more years, just like you.”
Johnsy contemplated for a while. Then, she looked out of the window and smiled.
“Perhaps I will have some hot garlic soup. You made me realise that life is worth living after all.”
Written by Aahana,
from grade 9A

Ekya / March 22, 2024

Importance of Literature in a Classroom.

"Literature is one of the most interesting and significant expressions of humanity" - P.T.Barnum

We as humans are social beings. We can't imagine our lives to be solitary. Literature facilitates us to understand and communicate with one another in society. It helps us explore the world around us and is a medium to express our views and experiences. So it is of vital importance that the students are introduced to literature at a young age.

Literature is necessary for students as it helps them to develop imagination, improves vocabulary and language skills and even enhances creativity. Literature helps them understand the world outside their home and school.

It is disheartening to see that literature is often not put on the same pedestal as other technical subjects like Math or Science. where it shouldn't be the case.

Literature includes different types of texts like stories and fables, myths

and legends, poetry and drama or even informational texts that help them explore other subjects. It prepares students to read and understand the real world.

There are one too many benefits of including literature at a young age. It is like an exercise for the brain, keeping an individual mentally active and stimulated.

Exposure to cultures from different countries brings in a sense of respect and tolerance, a feat possible through literature. It motivates one to appreciate different lives and their ways and also to graciously disagree with something that may not be right. The different characters the students are introduced to become a source of inspiration. They start to imagine themselves in varied situations. they learn different solutions to problems they come across.

More importantly, reading is fun and literature develops an inclination toward reading and makes them self-learners.

It can be concluded that literature is a gateway to nurturing a child’s life skills more than any assignment or task

can ever do.

Written By:

Shruthi Prakash

English Educator - Primary

Ekya Schools BTM Layout

Ekya / March 22, 2024

A Day to Remember: Juniors Bid Goodbye to Seniors with a Spectacular Farewell Party.

As the academic year draws to a close, emotions run high at our beloved school. The time has come for the juniors to express their gratitude, love, and affection for their departing seniors.

And what better way to do this than by throwing an unforgettable farewell party?

The air was buzzing with excitement as the juniors meticulously planned every detail to make it a night that their seniors would cherish forever.

The audio-visual room was transformed into a place of nostalgia and celebration, adorned with decorations to welcome the seniors. Each performance was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and dedication. Each video played, spoke volumes about the memories shared and the bonds formed throughout their academic journey, blanketing the atmosphere with a mix of joy, laughter, and a hint of bittersweet anticipation.

Our seniors were all dressed up to the nines for the occasion with the girls in a blue and white saree and the boys in black suits.

But how did all of this come to be? I am a grade 11 student and let me take you through behind the scenes of this event and how we prepared for this event.

  • Many girls formed a group and decided to dance to “Paint It Red” and “All Is Well”. Everyone’s efforts are to be appreciated as they come up with new steps and formations. Well-coordinated teamwork led to an amazing performance that got everyone cheering.

  • Meanwhile, my batchmate, Lara,  and a few teachers were preparing to sing songs dedicated to the seniors. Lara sang a melodious rendition of “When You Believe” and the teachers sang a medley of songs which got the seniors singing along as well!

  • The boys planned on dancing to the song “Galti Se Mistake” and their performance was full of creativity and humour. The choreography was inspired by the original music video of the song and they worked hard together and taught each other the steps. This performance got everyone giggling and cheering so loud!

  • It did not end with the students, even the teachers chose to step into this grand celebration. They danced on a variety of songs and each song made the seniors hoot louder. Even though they had a very busy schedule they would still take time and dedicate it to the dance practice during after-school hours. Huge kudos for their coordination and effort!

  • Mohana and Arshia came up with a very engaging script which had the attention of the audience. A small game was organised for the students where they had to write something good about one of their batchmates. Everybody put their hands together and made 32 crowns of appreciation for their seniors. A video of the seniors was made including photos and videos of their dearest memories. Last but not least, our teachers also prepared a video message for the seniors bidding farewell and wishing them the best for their future endeavours.

The day finally came. The 10th of February came. It was the day - the day for which we had been preparing for days. The graduation.

The place was set, the background screen was ready, the mic was ready and the sound system was ready. Our seniors came one by one and the auditorium was filled with chatter until the anchors came in and the event started.

After a few minutes, the head boy gave a heartfelt speech, followed by the chit game of affirmations then Lara’s beautiful performance.

The girls donned black kurtis and sunglasses and danced to “Paint It Red”, which got a round of applause. The seniors loved the “Galti Se Mistake” dance by the boys for its creativity and comedic execution and what made it better was the shorts with shirt and tie combination. The dance finale was to the song “All Is Well” which got the audience cheering for the dancers with lots of enthusiasm.

Then a video filled with the memories of the seniors was shown which made most of them emotional. The dance which everybody was eagerly anticipating started - it was our beloved teachers who completely rocked the stage with their amazing performance.

Then a few teachers gave a very emotional message followed by songs dedicated to their students. The event came to an end with video messages by the teachers,  a crowning ceremony and high tea.

In conclusion, the event was successful, and enjoyed by all the students - juniors, seniors and teachers. It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s contribution and teamwork. It was an emotional roller coaster for everyone and a day which will never be forgotten.

Written By:

Stutee Samantray

(Grade 11, Ekya BTM)

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10 Reading Tips for Kindergarteners – Ekya Recommends

As a kindergartener, reading is a skill that is important to pick on early on, especially since it is key to your child's academic future. As parents, we encourage you to play with letters, words, and sounds! Having fun with language helps your child learn to crack the code of reading. At Ekya, we have compiled ten reading tips for kindergarteners that offer some fun ways you can help your child become a happy and confident reader.
  • Talk to your child: Ask your child to talk about his day at school. Encourage him to explain something they did, or a game he played during recess.
  • Say silly tongue twisters: Sing songs, read rhyming books and say silly tongue twisters. These help kids become sensitive to the sounds in words.
  • Read it and experience it: Connect what your child reads with what happens in life. If reading a book about animals, relate it to your last trip to the zoo.
  • Use your child’s name: Point out the link between letters and sounds. Say, "John, the word jump begins with the same sound as your name. John, jump. And they both begin with the same letter, J."
  • Play with puppets: Play language games with puppets. Have the puppet say, "My name is Mark. I like words that rhyme with my name. Does park rhyme with Mark? Does ball rhyme with Mark?"
  • Trace and say letters: Have your child use a finger to trace a letter while saying the letter's sound. Do this on paper, in the sand, or on a plate of sugar.
  • Write it down: Have paper and pencils available for your child to use for writing. Working together, write a sentence or two about something special. Encourage her to use the letters and sounds she's learning about in school.
  • Play sound games: Practice blending sounds into words. Ask "Can you guess what this word is? m - o - p." Hold each sound longer than normal.
  • Read it again and again: Go ahead and read your child's favorite book for the 100th time! As you read, pause and ask your child about what is going on in the book.
  • Talk about letters and sounds: Help your child learn the names of the letters and the sounds the letters make. Turn it into a game! "I'm thinking of a letter and it makes the sound mmmmmm."
Parents, we recommend you to try a new reading tip each week and see what works best for your child. For more reading tips, click the following links: Reading Tips for Infants Reading Tips for Toddlers

Working at Ekya Schools – Mousumi Choudhury

As educators, we need to constantly ask ourselves - “How are we helping our students learn better?”

A passionate educator who embodies the spirit of a lifelong learner, Ms. Mousumi Choudhury engineers the Mathematics program at Ekya for Kindergarten to Grade 4, also planning the English curriculum for Kindergarten and Grades 5 and 6. Having begun her role at Ekya as a teacher, Ms. Mousumi’s area of expertise was company law before turning to education. She holds a Bachelors of Commerce from Mumbai University, an LL.B from Mumbai University, and a Bachelors of Education from Lucknow University. Ms. Mousumi has been part of the Ekya School ITPL community since 2012, having developed Ekya’s Reading Program for Primary and Middle School. From dabbling with online media and advertisement at Google to designing the Ekya curriculum, we sit down with Ms. Mousumi and speak to her about her experience with Ekya Schools - how she transitioned from being a teacher to helping create what is being taught at our classrooms. Here are the excerpts: Q: What do you do at Ekya Schools? How does your day of work typically go at Ekya Schools? I am currently part of the Ekya Learning Centre, looking into curriculum development. My areas of research include Mathematics for Pre-primary and Primary School, with English for Kindergarten and Middle School. My typical day at Ekya starts at 8 AM. At Ekya Learning Centre, we map out the curriculum that makes way into our classrooms, every lesson, every activity is detailed and designed using the framework and standards from schools across the globe. We plan different parts of the curriculum using appropriate content, meaningful assessments and grading criteria. I work on building units for the abovementioned grades using the Cambridge framework for our English program and Singapore Math for Mathematics, designing the program of work for teachers to follow and prepare review papers for the students. Q. How is the culture here at Ekya? How is it working at Ekya? At Ekya, our culture is one that fosters collaboration, growth mindset and peer affirmation. We value and treat each other with respect and give constructive feedback. We nurture our teaching and administrative faculty with empathy and compassion. Q. How did you transition from your previous role to the one you hold at Ekya right now? Work in my previous role was cutting edge and had a lot of scope to grow and learn. However the hours were long and it kept me away from my family, which I began resenting. Once at Ekya, I found that I worked hours that suited my family - I was now closer to my kids as they were studying at the same school. It also keeps me connected to what is happening in education, a landscape right now that is seeing so many exciting changes. And at Ekya, we are leading that renaissance, moving away from rote-learning to a more experiential, immersive set-up. Q. How have you changed as a person, coming in from a corporate fold? There has been a significant change in my thinking and approach to life. I have developed empathy, compassion and a deep sense of love and responsibility towards children other than my own. I value my job and my interactions with my students very highly. I can see the impact I have on my students, which makes me want to learn new things, new ways of doing things and never lose sight of the big picture - how can we as educators help our students learn better? Q. Have you always wanted to be part of an educational set-up? How has Ekya helped you find your feet? I had never imagined myself to be part of an educational set-up, especially after graduating from my Law program. But, once I decided to transition, I was given wholehearted support by the Leadership at Ekya. Through orientation and training, I was given the required guidance necessary to become a teacher. Frequent staff meetings and one-on-one sessions with our mentors helped me discover myself and also enabled me to take on bigger challenges in my teaching career at Ekya.
Ms. Mousumi believes that educators should be constantly looking out for ways to make the learning experiences better for their students
And at Ekya, we are doing exactly that! Using immersive and experiential teaching methods that help students live the lesson, our schools enable students to explore, understand, build memories and become lifelong learners. And to help them become lifelong learners, we are looking for space explorers, painters, and inventors who teach! We are hiring! If you are considering to become an educator, to make a career switch to teaching – one that is dynamic and multi-faceted, we look forward to your application here.

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