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Ekya / October 17, 2022 Posted by : administrator

An integral part of children’s health, mental health, works hand-in-hand with their physical health, aiding them to succeed at school, work, and in society. Together, physical and mental health affect how one thinks, feels, and acts. Mental health is important through all stages of life, from prenatal to late adulthood. The foundation of mental wellbeing is established in the early years. It is the ability to produce positive emotions, feelings, ideas and adapt oneself when hit by a stressful situation or an adversity. 

Why is a Child’s Mental Health Important?

A child’s brain is like raw, fresh clay, one in its moulding stage. During the developing stage of their childhood, children acquire cognitive and socio-emotional skills that determine their mental health. The exposure to their immediate environments and experiences at home, school, peer groups, etc., helps them develop these skills. During the development stages of children’s life, parents must entail a positive and enriching environment for themto blossom in, and to be mentally healthy to function efficiently as an adult.

Following are little tokens of affection parents can utilise to support their child’s mental health:

  • Show Unconditional Love

The simplest acts of love, such as giving hugs, can trigger the release of oxytocin; bringing a wave of warmth and contentment. Unconditional love differs vastly from rewarding your child for their achievements (as you will see next), it means loving them regardless and not only if. Feeling loved is tagged along feelings of security, a reassurance every child needs. 

  • Praise their Characteristics

Your child needs to be appreciated for their accomplishments and good deeds. The kind words will not only encourage them to continue doing so but make them feel recognised. Respect your child and approach them with a positive, and empathic attitude. Do not forget that their behaviour is a reflection of yours.

  • Spend Time Together

Play games, sing silly songs, read bedtime stories, play throwball at the park – do activities that bring you together. Over a period of time, these things might encourage them to view you as a friend rather than as a parent. Such positive experiences give them a dopamine rush and a lifetime full of memories. Henceforth, they will valuethe importance of spending time with their loved ones.

  • Communicate Regularly

Walk and talk through their daily lives as well as any troubling experiences. Encourage them to talk about their feelings so they develop effective processing and communication skills. Talk to them with a soft approach and assure that you are always available to listen. Communication is key. Sometimes, an ear to their problem is all they need. 

  • Build Trust

Be sensitive to your child’s needs and respond to the signals they give. Ensure a safe space by creating a warm, loving home for them. A strong support system results in many positive benefits, such as reducing stress and higher levels of well-being. Building a relationship on trust will aid the child’s emotional regulation and, in turn, raise them to have sustainable relationships as adults.

  • Get Them Help if They Need It

As soon as you notice signs of deteriorating mental health, address these concerns. Early identification is essential to get them the help they need. Children’s minds are fragile and need proper guidance and care to tackle bigger issues. For additional support, approach professionals – a teacher or school counsellor to begin with. In such cases, it is necessary to understand the root of the problem rather than jumping directly to the solution – and that is where professionals come into the picture. 

Conclusion

The culture at Ekya is built on empathy and respect – students are taught and treated with the same. We create a positive and encouraging space for children to feel safe. By inculcating recreational activities such as reading books and watching movies as part of the curriculum, we make learning engaging and fun. Not only does this ensure the holistic development of the child in an enriching environment, but also empowers them to go out in the world as highly competent and good human beings !!

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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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#StudentBlogger: F1: Need for Speed By, Nawal Kotla Grade 12, Ekya School, BTM Layout

F1: Need for Speed

Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsports and is considered the fastest sport in the world. The races are filled with adrenaline-pumping action as race car drivers navigate hairpin turns and high-speed straights at breakneck speeds. These high speeds create one of the biggest challenges for Formula 1: pollution. The FIA International Conference on Road Safety revealed that driving a race car for 20 minutes produces about the same pollution as driving a regular vehicle for 320 hours—almost an entire month. If you have been following Formula 1 over the past few years, you may be aware of how much things have changed. New regulations have added hybrid engines, aerodynamic wings and even larger cockpits to cars. Some say these changes are necessary; without them, we risk losing racing as we know it. But what will happen to Formula 1 in response to pollution? Will there be a new type of track racing that doesn't produce so much exhaust? Perhaps not... Let's try to find out.

Every year, Formula 1 races across the globe, attracting millions of fans. However, the sport is producing an unbelievable amount of combustion waste—the pollutants created by an F1 car while racing is high enough to threaten human health. Formula 1 is polluting the atmosphere and has been doing so for a while. The FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, has been looking for solutions to the pollution problem since the 1990s. Back then, the organization started exploring how to reduce harmful exhaust fumes. However, the first solutions were not implemented until the following decade. Automobile manufacturers have been producing less polluting cars for some time now. But as Formula 1 cars are not made for regular road use, it is harder for engineers to design a hybrid vehicle that can withstand the stresses of racing. Formula 1, after all, is an extreme sport unlike any other.

The first Formula 1 race was held in France in 1906. At the time, the race was held over just 80 kilometres. The following year, the French Grand Prix was born over 342 kilometres. Over time, Formula 1 grew in popularity. By the mid-1950s, the number of races on the calendar had increased to around a dozen. However, the sport hit a hurdle in 1955 following the Le Mans disaster. There were several fatalities at the Grand Prix of France following a crash. As a result, the FIA implemented new regulations that reduced the number of races in the championship. However, the sport underwent another change in the 1990s when the FIA introduced new rules. These aimed to reduce pollution and increase safety. In 1994, Formula 1 cars started using less polluting turbocharged V10 engines. In 2002, the engines were further reduced when they were switched to 3000cc V10 engines.

Engineers from the FIA have tried numerous solutions to reduce the amount of pollution produced by Formula 1 cars. One of their first proposals was to make the sport more fuel efficient by reducing the number of kilometres each vehicle travels. The idea was to reduce the length of each Grand Prix from the contemporary distance of about 300 kilometres to about 100 kilometres. In doing so, engineers calculated that the cars could travel at a lower speed and still finish the race without needing extra fuel. With the shorter race, there would also be less pollution in the air. Another option that engineers looked into was making Formula 1 cars smaller. This idea was to shrink the car's size to make it more efficient. However, shrinking the vehicles would mean drivers would have to sit inside a smaller cockpit. This would force them to sit awkwardly, leading to health concerns.

The good news is that Formula 1 has been working on reducing pollution from racing. The bad news is that the sport's governing body has yet to devise a solution that works effectively without compromising the car or driver's performance. While hybrid engines are cleaner than regular ones, they produce a large amount of heat. It takes a lot of energy to cool down this heat, which significantly impacts the environment. Air-conditioning the cockpits of Formula 1 cars is another challenge. Engineers are currently working on reducing the electricity used by air-conditioners. Formula 1 will likely continue to produce high levels of pollution. However, the sport may transition to a well-developed hybrid engine without going completely electrical. This would reduce the number of harmful exhaust fumes in the air. Hybrid engines could also generate electricity for charging electric racing cars.

The Future of Formula 1 may be uncertain, but one thing is for sure: pollution is the price paid to enjoy the essence of the sport for what it is. Hybrid engines could be the solution, but significant changes must be made to the sport's infrastructure to accommodate them. Many fans and engineers aren't pleased with turning the sport into Formula E. With the pollution caused by Formula 1, it is clear that the sport needs to find a solution before it becomes too damaging for society and the environment.

-Nawal Kotla, Grade 12

What Is Your Parenting Style?

"Am I doing it correctly?", asks every parent ever. Nothing is "good" or "bad", "right" or "wrong" when it comes to raising kids. Parenting is a tough but wholesome and fulfilling process, with a lot of learning and mistakes involved, and we might always feel underprepared. Did you know that every parent follows a distinct parenting style that is guided by their own childhood experiences, awareness, and individual thought processes?  Here, we shall discuss the various parenting styles, their pros and cons, and how they affect a child's psychology. Early childhood experts suggest four parenting styles based on developmental psychologist Dr. Diana Baumrind's research and Maccoby & Martin's theory.
  • Authoritarian or Disciplinarian
  • Authoritative or Democratic
  • Neglectful or Indifferent
  • Permissive or Indulgent

What Type Of Parent Are You?

  • The Authoritarian Parent
"Do this because I told you."  "Finish your vegetables if you want dessert."  "Timeout, buddy!" Authoritarian or "helicopter" parents often say similar things and love to hover around the child. High expectations, the urge to control all aspects of their life, and low responsiveness are highlights of an authoritarian parenting style. Authoritarian parents demand cooperation and respect by establishing iron-clad rules, evoking fear, and behaving strictly. Communication is mostly one-way and punishments are often handed out if rules are broken.  Resultantly, children may:
  • get overly reliant on parents
  • become insecure with low self-esteem
  • throw temper tantrums
  • experience behavioural problems
  • have poor socio-emotional and coping skills
However, being authoritarian sometimes is not the worst. Since authoritarian parenting clearly defines rules, children are more likely to exhibit good behaviour and are more goal-driven because they adhere to detailed plans. Also, authoritarian parenting strongly focuses on the child's safety, so it diminishes the possibility of indulging in risks.
  • The Authoritative Parent
"You must eat healthy food if you want to become strong." "Do you think you could've done this in a better way?" "Let's finish our homework before we go out to play." An authoritative parent also has high expectations for maturity and achievement, but they respond warmly and set boundaries using reasoning and explanations. They've open discussions on issues, negotiate rules, acknowledge feelings, and believe in making kids aware of morals, goals, and values. Being supportive and affectionate helps them regulate negative behaviours. Resultantly, children:
  • are more active, happy, independent, and content
  • develop high self-confidence
  • exhibit less aggressive or violent tendencies
  • behave more rationally
  • are more socially competent and securely anchored to their beliefs
  • believe in expanding their learning
However, as children step into teenage, authoritative parents need to be a little more strict to deal with rebellion, apathy, and anger.
  • The Indifferent Parent
"Did he finish his homework today?" "Where is she?" "Why is the food still on the table?" The above statements reflect an uninvolved parenting style. Indifferent or uninvolved parents may often lack knowledge about their child's whereabouts. However, it may not be intentional. Sometimes the parents are busy in their jobs (due to financial constraints), dealing with mental issues of their own, overwhelmed by unexpected pregnancy, or have a low self-esteem themselves so they believe that the child would do better outside their supervision. Resultantly, children may:
  • turn more impulsive
  • find it hard to self-regulate
  • turn aggressive to demand attention
  • grow mature before their age because they need to raise themselves
A little guidance and lots of social support can help neglectful parents overcome issues and connect with their child.
  • The Permissive Parent
“You don’t want to eat green? Okay, let’s eat chocolate.” “Didn’t clean your room? Make sure that you tidy it up this weekend.” “So, you’re saying you don’t understand maths in class. Let’s find you a tutor.” Permissive parents often find themselves saying all this. They're highly responsive, warm, and indulgent but have low expectations, and don't enforce rules or set boundaries as they're afraid to disappoint their children. Since they can't say "no" to kids, they often end up pampering them. As a result, children may: 
  • fail to learn to respect rules
  • easily manipulate adults into doing their bidding
  • exhibit egocentric tendencies and poor self-control
  • frequently experience fights and breakups as a result of their inability to deal with social interactions and relationships.
Permissive parents need to be a little more rational and strict when setting limits and expectations, as it’s good for their child in the long run.

Which Parenting Style Is Most Effective Today? 

Well, no one can answer this question with a 100% guarantee. However, early childhood research states that authoritative parenting may yield the best outcomes in children. Just remember that balance is the key! We can raise our kids beautifully by raising ourselves in the process. We, at Ekya Schools, take ownership of your child's learning because we understand the pressure our parents go through, especially during the early childhood and teen years. We firmly believe that parents are major stakeholders in their child's learning process. So, we have thorough one-on-one meetings where our teachers and parents collectively discuss the learning gaps and join hands to apply best solutions for improving children's performance. We also conduct parenting workshops and offer guidance & counselling for our students’ personal and professional development. Get in touch to know how we're your partner in parenting!

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