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Ekya / July 12, 2022 Posted by : administrator

Social Science is Integral To A Child’s Holistic Development

Growing up, how many of us explored opportunities in Social Sciences? All we ever heard about was how to become an engineer, a doctor or a lawyer. Yet, Social Science is one of the most important disciplines in our education system, where we learn the fundamentals of society, power, politics, culture, ethics, history and geography.

The New Education Policy (NEP) aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society making both school and college education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, suited to 21st century needs and aims at bringing out the unique capabilities of each student. In this diverse world that we live in, it is important that our children become active, responsible and reflective citizens who can tackle local and global challenges effectively.

At Ekya and CMR National Public School, the Humanities and Social Science program equips our learners to:

  • Develop a deeper understanding of society, law, politics and human-environment interactions

  • Critically think about issues and perspectives by recognising the different social, historical and legal contexts

  • Make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good.

How are we achieving this purpose through the Social Science curriculum?

Ekya’s curated social science curriculum develops students to have a deeper understanding of society, law, politics and human-environment interactions that we are participative of, that we influence or make a change to, and live by. We build a culture of inquiry, critical thinking, perspective sharing and empathy through the use of collaborative and reflective strategies in the classroom such as Think-Pair-Share, Gallery Walk, Put On Your Thinking Hat, 3-2-1, I Used To Think But Now I Know, etc.

To help our students make informed, reasoned decisions, meaningful learning experiences are included in the curriculum. For example – Students try to answer the question,’ Why do we need the Constitution?’, through research and team work. The research they initiate allows them to collate information from international, national and local news, thereby sparking curiosity. Further investigation leads them to conduct surveys from households, their neighbourhood or social circle, for data and reliability from ground reality. This provides multiple perspectives for students to explore and enhances their communication, leadership and collaborative learning skills.

Experiences such as these aid them to make relevant observations, identify, analyse, compare, and make connections between ideas, concepts and related resources. They are also given the opportunity to be creative. This enables each student to present their ideas in various ways; be it through art, creative writing, data surveys, debates, presentations, projects, music, role play, or speech. What is important in these tasks is how inquiry helps them deep dive into a specific issue and resolve it.

In today’s world, it is important to build the social consideration and empathy of learners where we are made aware of our surroundings, the past and the present, to develop an international or a wide viewpoint for a moral progress of society. With all the perceptions we have, we learn to break it down to the relevance of today and reflect over how we relate to it.

Beyond building understandings of the world, its institutions and social and political systems, Social Science at Ekya helps individuals engage with these systems both for self and the society’s benefit. In a democracy, this is crucial. Furthermore, Social Sciences teach us to learn from our mistakes, to make a change in society, to influence people and policy making, to forgive and be kind. It is in the Social Science classroom where we are allowed to be open minded, creative and share what’s in our mind and heart.

“When classrooms become a forgiving place where it’s okay to make mistakes, we see creativity spike and anxiety fall”

– Gavin Mc. Cormack.

Ms. Rovino Raikhan

Instructional Designer, Social Science Program, Ekya Learning Center, Ekya Schools

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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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#ELCBlog: ಶಿಕ್ಷಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳ ಪ್ರಾಮುಖ್ಯತೆ By, Paranjyothi Swamy Instructional Designer, Ekya Learning Center, Ekya Schools

ಶಿಕ್ಷಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳ ಪ್ರಾಮುಖ್ಯತೆ

(Importance of Standards-based education)

ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳು ಎಂದರೇನು? (What are standards? )

ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳು ಶಿಕ್ಷಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಗುಣಮಟ್ಟ ಮತ್ತು ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠತೆಯನ್ನು ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಉಪಯೋಗಿಸುವ ಸಾಧನಗಳಾಗಿವೆ. ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಜೀವನದ ನಿರ್ಣಾಯಕ ಹಂತಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಂದಿರಬೇಕಾದ ಜ್ಞಾನ ಮತ್ತು ಕೌಶಲ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ವ್ಯಾಖ್ಯಾನಿಸುವ ಸಾಧನಗಳೇ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳು. ಈ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಯು ನಿಖರವಾಗಿ ಮುಟ್ಟಬೇಕಾದ ಗುರಿಯನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳ ಆಧಾರಿತ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣವು ಬೋಧನೆ ಮತ್ತು ಕಲಿಕೆಯ ಒಂದು ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯಾಗಿದ್ದು ಅದು ಬೋಧನೆ, ಮೌಲ್ಯಮಾಪನ, ಶ್ರೇಣೀಕರಣ ಮತ್ತು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಯ ಶಾಲಾ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣದ ಉದ್ದಕ್ಕೂ ವರದಿ ಮಾಡುವುದು ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಅನುಭವದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಅಂಶಗಳನ್ನು ಕೇಂದ್ರೀಕರಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.  ಈ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳನ್ನು ಫಲಿತಾಂಶ ಆಧಾರಿತ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಎಂದೂ ಸಹ ಕರಿಯುತ್ತಾರೆ.

  

ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳ ಆಧಾರಿತ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಏಕೆ ಅವಶ್ಯಕ? (Need for Standards based education)

ಇಂದು ಪ್ರಪಂಚದಾದ್ಯಂತ ಮಾದಂಡಗಳ ಆಧಾರಿತ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣಕ್ಕೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಒತ್ತನ್ನು ಕೊಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ.  ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಯ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದಲ್ಲ ಒಂದು ಗುರಿಯನ್ನು ಇಟ್ಟುಕೊಂಡಿರುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಆ ಗುರಿಯನ್ನು ಒಮ್ಮೆಲೆ ಮುಟ್ಟಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ. ಹಂತ ಹಂತವಾಗಿ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಯು ತಾನು ಅಂದುಕೊಂಡ ಗುರಿಯನ್ನು ಮುಟ್ಟಬೇಕು. ಹಂತ ಹಂತವಾಗಿ  ಗುರಿಯನ್ನು ಮುಟ್ಟಲು ಸಾಧನೆ ಮಾಡಬೇಕೆಂದರೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಯ ಪ್ರತಿ ತರಗತಿಯಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಸಹ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳ ಅವಶ್ಯಕತೆ ಇರುತ್ತದೆ. ಆ ತರಗತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ವಿಷಯಕ್ಕೂ ಕೌಶಲ್ಯಾಧಾರಿತ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳನ್ನು ರೂಪಿಸಿದ್ದರೆ, ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಆ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳನ್ನು ಓದಿಕೊಂಡು ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ವರ್ಷ ಯಾವ ಯಾವ ಕೌಶಲ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ತಾನು ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು, ಮತ್ತು ಯಾವೆಲ್ಲಾ ಅಂಶಗಳನ್ನು ಕಲಿಯಬೇಕು ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಕಲಿಕೆಗೆ ಮುಂದಾಗಲು ಸಹಾಯಕವಾಗುತ್ತವೆ. ಇಂದು, ನಾಳೆ ಮತ್ತು ಮುಂದಿನ ಭವಿಷ್ಯಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳನ್ನು ಸಿದ್ಧಪಡಿಸುವ 21ನೇ ಶತಮಾನದ ಕಲಿಕೆಯ ಅವಕಾಶಗಳಿಗೆ ಗುಣಮಟ್ಟ ಆಧಾರಿತ ಕಲಿಕೆಗೆ ಅಡಿಪಾಯವನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸಲು ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳು ತುಂಬಾ ಅವಶ್ಯಕ. ಉನ್ನತ ಮಟ್ಟದ ಸವಾಲು ಮತ್ತು ಕಠಿಣತೆಯನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸುವುದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಕಲಿತದ್ದನ್ನು ಆಧರಿಸಿ ಮೌಲ್ಯಮಾಪನ ಮಾಡಲು ನ್ಯಾಯೋಚಿತ ಮತ್ತು ವಸ್ತುನಿಷ್ಠ ಮಾರ್ಗವನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರು ಬೋಧನೆಗಾಗಿ ಸಿದ್ಧಗೊಳ್ಳಲು ಮತ್ತು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ ಕಲಿಕಾ ಫಲಿತಾಂಶ ಸೂಕ್ತವಾದ ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊರ ಹೊಮ್ಮಿಸಲು ಇದು ಪ್ರಬಲ ಅಸ್ತ್ರವಾಗಿದೆ.

   

ಏಕ್ಯಾ ಮತ್ತು ಸಿಎಂಆರ್ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳು (Using standards at Ekya and CMR NPS)

ನಮ್ಮ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯು ಪ್ರಪಂಚದ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳನ್ನು ಓದಿ, ವಿಮರ್ಶಿಸಿ ನಮ್ಮ ದೇಶಕ್ಕೆ, ನಮ್ಮ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಗೆ, ನಮ್ಮ ಭೌಗೋಳಿಕತೆಗೆ ಅನ್ವಯವಾಗುವಂತಹ ಮಾನಡಂಡಗಳನ್ನು ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ನಮ್ಮ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ ಭವಿಷ್ಯವನ್ನು ದೃಷ್ಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿಟ್ಟುಕೊಂಡು ನಮ್ಮದೇ ಆದ ಕೆಲವು ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳನ್ನು ಸಹ ರೂಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದೇವೆ. ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ ಕಲಿಕೆ, ಮೌಲ್ಯಮಾಪನಗಳು ಈ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳ ಆಧಾರಿತವಾಗಿಯೇ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತದೆ. ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ವಿಷಯದ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ಗದ್ಯಕ್ಕೂ ಆಯ್ಕೆಮಾಡಲಾಗಿರುವ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳಿಗನುಗುಣವಾಗಿ ಕಲಿಕಾ ಚಟುವಟಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ರೂಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ನಂತರ ಆ ಗದ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಪಾಠಯೋಜನೆಯನ್ನು ರೂಪಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರು ಈ ಪಾಠಯೋಜನೆಯನ್ನು ಓದಿ ಅಣುಯೋಜನೆಯನ್ನು ರೂಪಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಪ್ರತಿ ತರಗತಿಗೂ ಸಹ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳನ್ನು ಇಟ್ಟುಕೊಂಡು ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರು ಅಣುಯೋಜನೆಯನ್ನು ಸಿದ್ಧಪಡಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ಶಾಲೆಯ ಪ್ರತಿ ತರಗತಿಗಳೂ ಸಹ ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳಿಗೆ ಅನುಗುಣವಾಗಿಯೇ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತವೆ. ನಾವು ಮಾನದಂಡಗಳನ್ನು ಹಾಗು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ ಬೌದ್ಧಿಕ ಸಾಮರ್ಥ್ಯವನ್ನು ಆಧಾರವಾಗಿಟ್ಟುಕೊಂಡು ಎಲ್ಲಾ ತರಗತಿಗಳ ವಿಷಯಗಳ ಕಾಠಿಣ್ಯತೆಯನ್ನು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿ, ಎಲ್ಲಾ ತರಗತಿಗಳ ವಿಷಯಗಳು ಹಂತ ಹಂತವಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಗತಿಯತ್ತ ಹೋಗುವ ಹಾಗೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಯೋಜನೆಯನ್ನು ರೂಪಿಸಿದ್ದೇವೆ. ಈ ಯೋಜನೆಯು ನಮಗೆ ಯಾವ ತರಗತಿಗೆ ಎಷ್ಟು ಕಠಿಣತೆ ಇರಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ತೋರಿಸುವುದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಆಯಾಯ ತರಗತಿಗಳಿಗೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ ಬೌದ್ಧಿಕ ಮಟ್ಟಕ್ಕೆ ಅನುಗುಣವಾಗಿ ಎಷ್ಟು ಬೋಧಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಸಹ ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಇದರಿಂದ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಯ ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಹಾದಿ ಹಂತ ಹಂತವಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಗತಿಯತ್ತ ಹೋಗುತ್ತದೆ.

   

   

Paranjyothi Swamy

Instructional Designer, Language Program-Kannada

Ekya Schools and CMR K-12

#TeacherBlogger: 10 Things a Teacher Needs In The Classroom! By, Ahlada Sudersan Head of Professional Development Institute, Ekya Schools & CMR K-12

10 things a teacher needs in the classroom!

Being a teacher is one of the toughest jobs on the planet, and shaping young minds and igniting the hunger for knowledge is never easy. To make a teacher’s life simpler and to set them up for success, here is a list of 10 things a teacher needs in their classroom!  Treat this as a checklist that you need to be armed with before the start of the school year!

Things that you will need to  effectively engage students:

  1. Lesson Plan

Unfortunately the lesson plans don’t write themselves! The most important thing a teacher needs is a detailed lesson plan, either a physical copy or a virtual one.  Lesson plans are a must have to be a successful teacher, they keep you on track and also ensure that your classroom time is well utilised. A lesson plan is incomplete without an objective, group work, and individual work. You can look at different templates here and learn more about lesson planning here.

  1. Back-up Plans/Substitute Plans

While it is vital for students to have fun, it is equally important to ensure that their learning is not hampered. Having a substitute plan helps the substitute teacher engage students and ensures that learning is not hampered. Substitute plans can be related to the ongoing lesson or can be something you want students to learn and know about but haven’t found the time for. Know more about how to create back-up plans here.

  1. Collection of awards, badges and certificates

Students need to be motivated time and again, and what works better than awards and certificates! You can have a variety of awards and certificates for your classroom that will work as positive reinforcement tools, these awards and certificates don’t need to be related to student academic achievement, they can be more about their classroom behaviour, like “the kind kid”, “rockstar reader”  etc, this will also ensure that your students are engaged in the class at all times. Find some create award templates here, alternatively you can also use Canva to create your own template.

  1. Classroom Library

Books, newspapers, magazines... these are all vital for the classroom. They may encourage your students to spend their free time reading instead of staring into space. Just remember to write your name on everything you want to hang on to! Here’s a list of must-have book categories in your library.

Things you will need  to make your Classroom more student centric 

  1. Classroom Contract

And so you build a classroom contract with them! A classroom contract between you and your students will transform your classroom for good. Build this contract by involving all the students to make it more effective, it must have class values, rules and expectations, and consequences. Classroom Contract will ensure that you spend more time on the learning and less on managing the classroom behaviour. Find a detailed process of making one here.

  1. Student Exhibit Space

Students need a space to exhibit all their work, irrespective of this being academic or unrelated. Apart from being spaces of visual reinforcement of learning, these exhibit spaces should create conversations about perspectives, innovative ideas, visual representations and more.

  1. Feedback and Suggestions Box

Feedback and suggestions from your students will support your teaching and their learning the most. Sometimes students struggle to voice their opinions and this box will give students a space to express their thoughts and ideas about the lesson they had. Imbibing their feedback in the classroom will make students feel important and result in better engagement and ownership. Another way to receive feedback is to include Changes and Suggestions on the Parking Lot corner in the classroom. Know more about it here.

SOS Kit 

  1. First Aid Box

A very vital part of the teacher resource is a first aid kit. The kit  must have basics of first aid like bandages, antiseptic, cotton balls and qtips, thermometer, antiseptic cream, pain reliever spray, gel or balm, eyewash or artificial tears, and if dealing with adolescents, sanitary pads and/or tampons to keep the panic at bay!

  1. Student information book

A student information book, with all the information about students ranging from their favourite food to the allergies they may have, to their academic history, is essential for a successful teacher. This will come in handy not only when a student has fallen sick and the parents need to be called, but also when you want to do something special for your student. You can use the information you have to make personalised affirmation letters and to track their progress over the year.

  1.  Snacks and water

Last but not least, a small pantry with your favourite snacks and water will come to your saviour when you forget to pick your breakfast! Also, you can lend some to a student who had to skip breakfast!

These are some of the items that will help you in being a purpose driven and empathetic teacher! One final tip, create a checklist of items that you think are important and check the status of these items on a monthly basis. Remember some of these are items that need to be refilled (snacks and water), some are items that need planning and preparation (lesson plans) and some are items that require constant tracking (badges and certificates)! We wish you the very best in your teaching journey!

And remember, being a teacher is being a rockstar!

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