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Ekya / January 02, 2023 Posted by : administrator

Are you seeking the best kindergarten schools in Bangalore to give your child a great start in life? Continue reading to discover how a good kindergarten programme builds a resilient foundation for your child.

Importance of Kindergarten Education

Kindergarten offers little ones (aged 3 to 6 years) the first opportunity to learn and practise critical life skills crucial for lifelong learning, growth, and development. The activities and lessons incorporated in the curriculum aim at building self-esteem, emotional intelligence, social behaviour, and foundational skills like curiosity, collaboration, observation, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving, etc., that are needed during and beyond the school years. Flexible pedagogies and engaging classroom activities encourage peer-to-peer interactions, strengthen student-teacher relationships, and create a culture of collaboration.

The kindergarten years, heavily dependent on experiential learning, mainly through play, sensory activities, and environmental interactions, build a strong foundation for the academic journey of toddlers.

The Unique Aspects Of Kindergarten Learning At The Best International Schools In Bangalore

The early year programme at the best kindergarten schools in Bangalore fosters:

  • The Love For Learning

The curriculum is developed to engage children in enjoyable experiences so they can live their lessons every day. Experiential learning involves all five senses. Preschoolers are more focused and comprehend their lessons in a better way. When they start enjoying their lessons, they’re intrinsically motivated to explore their curiosity, establishing the love and diligent habit of autonomous learning.

  • Social Etiquette

A child’s social circle is limited to immediate family and relatives at home. However, in a classroom, they meet and greet people of different age groups, genders, backgrounds, cultures, and thought processes. It includes their friends, educators, the school staff, and the parents of their peers. Interacting with a diverse population encourages them to open up, chat, share, and bond with different people. They also learn to express their emotions, channel their thoughts and communicate their minds, which is essential for developing good social and communication skills, relationships, and an open mind later in life.

  • An Active Imagination

A major part of kindergarten is dedicated to free play, unstructured learning, and creative expression. Toddlers indulge in storytelling, dance, drama, rhymes, playground activities, role plays, festive celebrations, freestyle drawing, etc., developing an active imagination, design thinking, structured learning abilities, and creativity in the early years. The right balance between structured and unstructured learning is essential for nurturing a child’s imagination. An active imagination leads to discoveries, innovations, and out-of-the-box thinking, which helps imaginative young minds find unique ways to solve problems and design new things.

  • Academic Excellence And Future Growth

Kindergarten facilitates the transition from play-based learning to formal school education. Children start understanding structures, listening to and following instructions, following routines and getting a basic idea of rules and regulations. Educators can develop early literacy, comprehension, scientific temperament, and numerical abilities. Strengthening the basics builds a strong foundation for learning complex concepts in the higher grades. 

Child development experts believe that when children receive holistic education during the formative years, it positively impacts their academic performance in higher grades and professional success. Early education has a crucial role in shaping their interest in different subjects & co-curricular activities.

How Ekya’s Kindergarten Programme Nurtures Curiosity & Independent Learning?

Ekya Schools, one of the best kindergarten schools in Bangalore, follows an inquiry-driven, experiential learning-based curriculum to encourage curiosity, exploration, and independent learning. It centres around active observation, self-awareness, and free expression. Educators use various tools and activities to engage students in lessons and foster a love for learning. E.g., sand play, water play, gardening, puppetry, visual arts, sports, etc. These tools ensure the holistic development of students.

The curriculum is consciously curated to cater to different learning styles and builds a connection between classroom learning and everyday activities. As children learn about numbers, letters, geometric shapes, colours, and society, they develop a natural interest in relating these to their world. Preschoolers access dedicated learning spaces and resources for building their knowledge and practising new skills. There are dedicated hours for hands-on activities, reading, storytelling, etc., which allow students to work with different materials & peers, share their ideas, and enthusiastically explore their areas of interest. It creates opportunities for educators to offer emotional scaffolding, respond to social, physical, or cognitive changes, and give feedback for improvement to support a child’s emerging capabilities.

Ekya’s Quest Programme:

It raises children as inquirers, thinkers, risk-takers, and researchers by covering diverse quest-based topics, ranging from family to wildlife, personal safety, surrounding areas, etc. Children undertake excursions, indulge in discussions, work with peers, and interact with their surroundings to develop awareness and build on their existing knowledge.

The Benefits

By the time kindergartener finish school, they:

  • Develop early reading, writing, drawing, gross & fine motor skills
  • Recognise letters, numbers, names, patterns, structures, objects, sequences, etc.
  • Learn to use educational supplies and resources (e.g., scissors for cutting, glue for pasting, an abacus for counting, etc.)
  • Make rhymes, stories, imaginative drawings, and communications
  • Practise self-care, basic hygiene, and daily routine (e.g., folding napkins, holding cutlery, washing hands, etc.)
  • Follow social etiquette (e.g., saying sorry or thank you, sharing toys, helping friends, etc.)
  • Understand basic moods & emotions, handle disappointment & boredom, take directions, etc.

Ekya Schools is great for children to develop their natural capabilities and learn 21st-century skills for future growth. Click to learn more about kindergarten education at Ekya, especially if you’re looking for the

 

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Ekya / March 14, 2024

Strategies to help students focus on their studies

The famous quote by Bruce Lee, “Concentration is the root of all the higher abilities in man,” aptly describes the importance of concentration. When it comes to students, concentration plays a major role in their overall performance. From understanding the concepts in the classroom to solving advanced mathematical problems or playing their favourite sports, everything is directly related to the power of concentration. Many of them wonder how to stay focused on their studies. For them, it is advisable to take small breaks in between their study sessions. Also, students should make an effort to participate in an extracurricular of their choice, be it playing guitar or making goals in the field. Activities of their choice would not only give them a break from studies but would also boost their dopamine level.

As per American psychological society, there is a decline in student's attention for 10 to 15 minutes. However, there is a need to look out for strategies for boosting productivity and focus among students

Here are some tips to concentrate on studies and boost focus:

Prepare short summaries of the lessons:

After completing the lessons, preparing a summary of it will help students to get a good hold on the topic. Short summaries will also be useful during the revision before final exams. Sticky notes to write important points will also help

Take periodic breaks:

A small break after a study session is one of the learning tips for children given by many experts. Small breaks help students refresh their mind and focus on the topic. Students can also use the Pomodoro technique which includes 25 minutes of study and 5 minutes of break or 50 minutes of study and 10 minutes of break.

Encourage them to finish tasks faster:

Setting a time limit will help students to channel their energy in one direction. This is a good way to increase their concentration. Children should also be advised to divide the bigger tasks into smaller pieces and solve them one by one. This technique will teach students the lesson of time management and will enhance their concentration.

Try to make learning sessions fun:

It is one of the best tips for studying. As it will engage the students in the most fun manner. For this, various learning toys can be used to make them understand complex topics. Including memory games would also be a good option to increase their concentration.

Implement Ed-Tech learning:

Involving Ed-Tech learning is one of the best ways to keep the students engaged, as it captivates their attention. Ed-tech learning methods are designed in a way to not just boost the student's interest but also help improve their concentration.

Take the feedback seriously:

Always encourage the students to take the feedback given by their teachers seriously as this way they will get to know more about their weaker areas and work over them. It is a good way for students to channel their focus on the areas that demand more attention.

Understand the student's potential:

This point is very important for teachers and parents to consider. Every child is blessed in some or the other way. Comparing them with other students not just demoralises them but also lowers their confidence. So it is essential to understand the true potential of every student. This way they can excel in their desired career fields.   Ekya School is among the best schools in Bangalore, if you are seeking a school with an ICSE curriculum, this is the place for you. It is also among the CBSE schools in Bangalore, that provide students a holistic approach by innovative curriculum design based on the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework. With over 30 years of education legacy, it has excelled not only in academics but also outperformed in co-curricular activities. Ekya’s experienced teachers help students concentrate on studies through different methods of teaching, clearing doubts, and revision sessions, pedagogy method of teaching is applied for better outcomes. Moreover allowing students to take breaks, participate, and enjoy their personal activity time. Ekya promotes the importance of co-curriculum activities such as physical health, sports, school clubs, music, dance, coding, debating, and more. All these approaches help in concentration and focus, also these are elements that demand variety and quality breaks in between everything we do. Furthermore, students are offered excellent opportunities here in Ekya that help them grow in a safe and supportive environment.  

Ekya / March 04, 2024

Teachers, The Unsung Heroes

In the vast tapestry of society, there exists a group of individuals who are shaping futures, nurturing minds and instilling values but continue to remain unsung heroes. Their efforts and contributions often go unnoticed despite the indispensable role they play in society. Despite their pivotal role, teachers are most often undervalued and underappreciated. It’s crucial to recognise and acknowledge their efforts. Acceptance of their importance motivates them to continue their noble work.

Beyond the confines of books and teaching teachers play a significant role in shaping the lives of their students. They serve as mentors, confidants and role models guiding young children through challenges and opportunities. With their role comes great responsibility as they not only impart education but also nurture character, empathy, and resilience. Teachers have the power to ignite passion, unlock potential, and instil a lifelong love and learning.

The commitment of teachers transcends mere profession, it’s a lifelong dedication. Despite facing numerous challenges, from limited resources to societal pressures, they remain committed to their pursuit of providing quality education. The impact they create in the lives of individuals is unfathomable. The smile they bring to the faces of young children is something that only they are capable of and that’s what brings joy and fulfilment in their lives.

As we reflect on their profound impact, let’s celebrate and honour their invaluable role in shaping the world we live in. This tribute to teachers is a recognition of their transformative power in shaping the destiny of individuals and communities. Let’s cherish and support them in their noble endeavour to enlighten minds and build a brighter future for generations to come.

Sreepriya Unnikrishnan Head of School Ekya School, JP Nagar

Ekya / March 04, 2024

Education, the essence of life

Education is the most beautiful creation, be it in nature or human life. I choose to do the Cambridge International Diploma course to enhance my understanding of how to teach effectively. This course enabled me to accept challenges and think outside of the box. It helped me develop critical thinking in my students, motivating them to revolutionize their thought processes as they are taught “How to think?”, not “What to think?”.This course has helped me improve my teaching skills creating a better learning environment for my learners. The use of active learning strategies like think-pair-share, brainstorming, class discussion, and Socratic Questioning has helped widen their horizon, as the students develop problem-solving skills and communicating and collaborating skills. As a teacher, following my passion has been enriching and rewarding. Written by, Shalini Joshi
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Importance of Motor Development And How Preschools Accelerate It During Early Years!

Motor development begins right from birth. Infants exercise gross motor skills when they roll over, turn their heads, or shake hands and legs. Likewise, they use fine motor skills while reaching out to adults, grasping objects, shaking rattles, etc.

What Are Fine Motor Skills & Why Do We Need Them?

Unlike gross motor skill activities (like running, jumping, etc.) that involve voluntary movement of the larger muscles in the hands and legs, fine motor skills include activities that use precise movements of the smaller muscles in the wrists, fingers, toes, hands, and feet. They're much more complex, requiring stronger coordination between body muscles and the brain. Activities involving fine motor skills come so naturally that we often don't realise or think about them. However, they're significant because we rely on these skills to perform diverse activities like self-care, lifestyle management, studies, and professional jobs. For instance:
  • Brushing and flossing teeth
  • Showering or bathing
  • Turning door knobs
  • Buttoning & unbuttoning shirts
  • Tying shoelaces and buckling belts
  • Using forks, spoons, and knives to have meals
  • Whisking, mixing, or stirring items,
  • Holding objects
Students use fine motor skills when:
  • Holding pencils, pens, or colours
  • Taking measurements with the help of a ruler
  • Writing, drawing, or painting
  • Turning the pages of books
  • Cutting, pasting, and folding
  • Playing different musical instruments
  • Building structures using blocks or Lego
  • Sculpting and making pottery
  • Dressing up dolls

How Are Fine Motor Skills Significant For Learning?

Child development experts believe that fine motor skill development involves the participation of different body systems like neurological, sensory, cardiorespiratory, and musculoskeletal systems.  Participation in related activities develops many abilities and critical life skills. (For Ex: Balance, coordination, flexibility, physical agility) Some academic activities require fine motor skills (e.g., art & craft, drama, music, typing, note-taking, etc.)  Moreover, when motor skills improve with systematic physical activity training (like sports), it results in better endurance, fitness, and physical performance. Regularly indulging in activities involving gross and fine motor skills can help reduce the risks of lifestyle diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, cardiac diseases, hyperlipidemia, etc.

Various Activities For Strengthening Motor Development in Childhood

Preschools play a crucial role in developing gross and fine motor skills during early childhood. The "Early Years Programme" offered in schools includes creative, cognitive, and physical activities that accelerate these skills.  For instance:
  • Sand Play
Sand sensory bins are common in preschools, not just because they're easy to maintain and are fun to play in. When children trace patterns on sand or use them to make figures and structures like castles, they use almost every muscle in their hands. It enhances curiosity, observation, fine motor skill development, coordination, collaboration, etc.
  • Water Play
Splashing in the kiddie pool, swimming, fishing, mixing watercolours, painting, etc., are a few water-based activities that ensure motor development in infants and toddlers. It gives them a chance to interact with nature and is especially significant in the case of learners struggling with Angleman syndrome.
  • Eye Dropper Testing
Eye dropper testing involves identifying various colours and pouring them using a dropper. Educators can make it more engaging and challenging for preschoolers by performing eye-dropper activities like target practice, splash painting, watercolour experiments, fireless baking, etc., in classrooms. 
  • Patterning
Pattering includes comprehending and arranging different materials or resources in a sequence to maintain a pattern. We often see preschoolers performing patterning activities in the art and craft class, where they cut and stick coloured papers, beads and sequins, solve puzzles etc., to create artwork or indulge in the thumb, leaf, or vegetable impression printing. 
  • Activities For Improving Hand-Eye Coordination
Free play is an excellent way to promote hand-eye coordination. When toddlers indulge in bouncing balls, juggling, playing catch with friends, swinging, or using slides, they simultaneously use multiple big and small muscles in their bodies, which keeps them fit, healthy, observant and alert.
  • Activities To Strengthen Bilateral Coordination
Beating drums, skipping, jumping jacks, playing with a frisbee, pushing or pulling objects, climbing a ladder, walking up and down the staircase, marching, etc., are some activities that improve bilateral coordination. These activities  simultaneously use both sides of the brain and body to perform a task, thus indicating that both sides of the brain are active. 
  • Activities For Strengthening Core Muscle Strength
Crawling, rolling, standing from sitting on the floor, yoga, martial arts, cycling, sports, etc., build core muscle strength in students, which is important for good health and endurance. Thus, it's impossible to negate the importance of a good preschool programme in ensuring motor development in infants & toddlers. Make sure you choose a school that incorporates such activities into its curriculum to give your child a good start. Are you seeking the best school in Bangalore? Ekya Schools build a resilient foundation for young minds by incorporating a diverse range of learning activities in their Ekya Early Years program to ensure the holistic development of students. E.g., sand play, performing & visual arts, puppetry, gardening, free play, sensory activities, etc. Click here to discover how we encourage children to live their lessons everyday.

Transitioning To The IGCSE Board? Here’s All That You Need To Know!

With a growing number of young people seeking employment opportunities overseas, the IGCSE syllabus has piqued the curiosity of school-going students and their parents recently. On one hand, the parents want to facilitate more career options for their children. On the other hand, they're concerned that admitting their children to IGCSE board schools in Bangalore may hamper their chances of clearing national-level examinations or seeking government jobs. There is a cloud of smoke around IGCSE courses in India.  If you intend to enrol your child in one of the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore, read on to find answers to most of your questions.

Common Concerns Around The IGCSE Courses

  • What is IGCSE and how will it benefit my child?

The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a globally accepted certification course offered by the UCIE (University of Cambridge International Examinations). Students who complete their education at an IGCSE school are eligible to apply for A-level qualifications at prestigious universities in the United Kingdom and the United States. The IGCSE curriculum is a two-level curriculum divided into 'core' and 'extended' sections. It allows students to choose 5-14 subjects from a list of 70, including first (or native) language, second language, science, social science, mathematics, arts & design, performing arts, and business studies. The board follows an eight-point (A*–G) grading system for students' assessments. Children taking the IGCSE course always have an edge over their contemporaries because it covers a large number of areas and provides uniformity in education worldwide. Some experts have observed that IGCSE board students tend to have a solid understanding of foundational concepts taught in the IBDP.
  • In which grade should my child switch to the IGCSE curriculum?

There's no such thing as the "right time to switch" to an IGCSE curriculum. Even if the student doesn't plan to study overseas now, enrolling in an international curriculum will empower them with global perspectives and experiences. Generally, it takes students at least two years to understand and settle into the IGCSE programme. Accordingly, students and parents can choose when to switch.
  • How is IGCSE different from CBSE or ICSE boards?

While ICSE and CBSE syllabuses are regionally-tailored to explore more topics related to India, IGCSE, on the other hand, is more standardised and promotes a global standard for education. It is in alignment with the government's NEP (New Education Policy) 2020, especially in terms of skill training, vocational courses, project-based learning, formative assessments, etc.
  • Can my child switch back to the ICSE or CBSE board?

    Yes.
  • Can my child take national-level entrance exams after completing their education at IGCSE board schools?

Yes. The IGCSE course content is in line with the prescribed syllabus followed by various universities and bodies that conduct all-india competitive examinations for medicine, engineering, design, or business studies. Moreover, all institutions and employing bodies in India recognise the A/As level curriculum. Since the curriculum follows a practical approach and tests students through application-based questions or real-life projects, students get opportunities to practise and develop critical skills. E.g., quick thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, reasoning & analysis, scientific temper, observation, etc. These skills are tested in all kinds of competitive and professional exams, irrespective of whether they're conducted in or outside India.
  • How is the curriculum implemented differently at top IGCSE syllabus schools in Bangalore like the Ekya Schools?

Ekya schools, as one of the top IGCSE schools in Bangalore, have an in-house, personalised curriculum, tailored by the experts as per the international curriculum. By steering away from mugging or rote learning, it creates opportunities for students to indulge in experiential, hands-on learning beyond the classrooms. It allows young minds to:
  • Develop an understanding of subject matter and its applications
  • Apply what they've learned inside the class to new and unfamiliar situations
  • Pursue their curiosity through discovery, exploration, trial, and experimentation
  • Clear their doubts with discussions and intellectual enquiries
  • Adopt a more flexible & problem-solving approach in the face of challenges
  • Use a design-thinking, open, and collaborative approach to find solutions
  • Build socio-emotional, cultural, and global awareness
Educators at Ekya are well-trained (through expert workshops and training sessions) to build a culture of communication, reasoning, and inquiry that is necessary to develop 21st-century skills in students. They create the right atmosphere for settling into the novel curriculum by setting clear expectations in terms of learning, culture, and behaviour. They break their lessons into smaller milestones and goals, allow students the flexibility to choose their assignments, and give them enough time and space for settlement before they decide to take the final examination. The school provides additional support to students who face any challenges, both within and outside of regular school hours. Did that spark your curiosity about the IGCSE course? Click here to learn more about IGCSE learning at Ekya Schools.

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