“If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings and grow.” Alfie Kohn.
Students spend seven to eight hours in a school and that takes up 50% of their “active awake time.” Thus, schools and classrooms play a vital role in building the character and mindset of students. A positive classroom ignites the hearts and minds of young learners, inspiring them to be active & curious learners and responsible human beings. A positive classroom environment is a springboard into creating character strengths that go a long way in enabling students to be confident, curious, and compassionate learners.
So, what are the features of a positive classroom? According to me, a positive classroom allows students to
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein.When making mistakes is seen as a stepping stone to learning, students come forward to actively engage in learning by asking questions or answering questions posed by the teacher. An educator who assures students that “it is okay to make mistakes” is on his/her way to creating a positive learning environment.
“It is okay to have some ideas that do not work than not have any ideas at all.” Edward De Bono.What is important to active learning is the ability of the students to think, question, share and infer. A classroom environment that encourages students to do the above truly goes on to create young learners who can think critically and creatively.
“It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently”. Fyodor Dostoyevsky. A classroom that acknowledges the emotional needs of students goes a long way in making them emotionally literate and thus helping them understand the emotional needs of others. Facilitating students in identifying emotions that are barriers to their success is a striking feature of a positive classroom environment.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted “ Aesop Children and adults thrive and grow in communities that are empathy-driven. A classroom that fosters kindness and empathy instills a sense of belongingness and safety. Feeling part of a community that is safe and caring clears the path for seamless learning. Educators could encourage acts of kindness within the classroom and promote collaborative learning.
“ It is easy to judge; it is more difficult to understand.” anonymous. Educators, who provide space for students to be who they are, are creating positive classrooms. When students are part of an environment that does not judge them for who they are, they tend to feel safe and secure. This positive space sparks self-confidence in students which in turn drives them to realise their true potential. Further, educators who are non-judgemental in their approach to student behaviour have more chances of reforming delinquent behaviour. “Your language violates the acceptable norms of the school” as opposed to “ You are a spoiled brat” – Which one is the language of a “positive classroom.”?
A positive classroom is a foundation for a student’s bright and prosperous future. Educators who encourage dialogues, who are non-judgemental, who support students in handling their emotions, who allow mistakes and encourage ideas, are undoubtedly creating a positive classroom out of which shall emanate confident and responsible future citizens.
By, Mathangi R, Academic Coordinator, Ekya School JP Nagar
Music is one of the most important and powerful things in my life. I truly believe that life without melodies and harmonies would be totally void of fun and happiness. Over and above, listening to and playing different tunes helps me to de-stress, relax and it can also help to motivate me in times of distress and loneliness.
As a little child, I didn’t have a great love for music as I do now. Songs that touched my heart were merely restricted to a few genres and bands which were popular back then. I mainly listened to whatever was playing in the background or what my parents were listening to. That’s when a song with the following lyrics-
“Oh my sleeping child, the world's so wild
But you've built your own paradise
That's one reason why I'll cover you sleeping child”
by a boy band of the late ’90s, left a sense of exhilaration and flipped my happy switch.
Whether I was in the car, at home, or in solitary moments of bliss, this song heightened my joy and helped me to view simple things in life, with great delight. Nothing else mattered, in those musical moments. Often when I was weighed down with studies, school and homework, this was my only ideal getaway. That’s when my love for music slowly grew and was persuaded to listen and truly appreciate the words in them.
Now, as I am in my teens, music has become not only my passion but also my life, which inhibits my soul. Realising that music has the ability to capture all emotions, and has the power to soothe, heal and even mend broken relationships, my outlook and perceptions have tremendously changed.
Images created by music and songs are absolutely amazing. The ability it possesses to transport me back in time like a time machine is astounding . It lets me revisit lost and forgotten moments in life.
Music, according to me, can paint a picture, for example in classical and country music a story is being told, in a love song a message can be conveyed, and inspiring words in musical form can impact the world.
It colours the air, produces magic, gives flight to the imagination, soul to the universe, which motivates and encourages the brokenhearted. One thing is true. It is a fact that music can melt even the hardest hearts.
Personally, I love to write songs and my favourite genre is Rap Music. Focusing on this and building my career in music is what I have chosen to pursue.
In conclusion, I would like to add that to me, music is more than just something to listen to or play, it’s something to feel. I think it brings me closer to my friends and family. I also feel that it helps me to get through anything. It has become an extremely important aspect in my life and is an immensely powerful thing.
I hope one day, I will be able to realize my dream of becoming a professional in Music and also inspire others through my lyrics.
By, Xavie Oommen, Grade 9 IGCSE, Ekya School Byrathi
Dear Teachers,
I hope all of you are safe and healthy, amidst these testing times!
Within the nine years of my journey as a student at Ekya ITPL, I've realised the importance of gratitude and giving back to people.
Sandwiched between Student Council work, UT 2, and the upcoming Triton fest, this mail was kept in my drafts folder for quite some time, but I'm glad I could finally send it across!
I was overjoyed to receive a percentage of 95.8% in my CBSE Grade 10 Board Examinations, and I wanted to take the time to thank everyone who helped me throughout the process, especially my teachers!
The previous year encompassed a plethora of challenges - adjusting to a new mode of synchronous learning was definitely new for me. However, I truly appreciate the Management's effort in making online school an incredible experience for its students.
The passion exuded by all my teachers has inspired me to be a leader, think, doer and changemaker! I've learned how to manage my time more efficiently, how to present my opinions in a professional manner, and how to stand up for myself when faced with a difficult situation.
I will remember everyone who has shaped me into an independent, responsible, mature, and diplomatic young woman. Looking back at these nine years that I've spent here, I've developed an emotional connection with the school - and I'll fondly remember Ekya as my second home.
With that said, I am continuing to work hard this year as well!
A big thank you to each and every one of you for your constant support and encouragement!
Regards,
Richa Thyagarajan
Vice Head Girl and Student of Grade 11 B, Ekya ITPL
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