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Ekya / September 02, 2021 Posted by : administrator

At Ekya Schools, we believe that what we learn depends on how we learn. Our methodology and pedagogy are student-centric and we believe that students learn best when they are an active part of the process. We structure all our programs to equip our students with 21st-century skills along with the required content knowledge.
We use the Singapore Math Approach in teaching Math at the primary and middle school level. This is a highly effective teaching methodology originally developed by Singapore’s Ministry of Education for Singapore public schools. The method has been widely adopted in various forms around the world. It is a teaching method based on the national mathematics curriculum used for kindergarten through sixth grade.
Through this approach, students can develop critical thinking and mathematical mastery of their work. At the crux of this methodology is the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract learning method (C-P-A) in which lessons are taught through scaffolding and students learn how to problem-solve with perseverance. This method also enables teachers to convey math concepts progressively from introduction to understanding to fluency. It is where content meets pedagogy.We aim to raise our student performance to the expected international levels.

How does this Approach help students?Math, for the most part, has been memorizing some steps and procedures again and again. To make it challenging, the numbers were made bigger. The bigger the numbers, the higher the challenge was the rationale given. That mindset has now changed. We now believe that this is not challenging, instead, it is just tedious. Singapore Math focuses on the Concrete – Pictorial – Abstract approach. This makes it easier to link ideas to the concepts. 

  • In the lower grades, students use manipulatives (which can be everyday objects like paper clips, popsicle sticks, toy cubes, etc) to build on their concepts.
  • Students from number bonds in their minds to perform basic addition and subtraction. 
  • Students get familiar with the bar model approach to solve multi-step word problems. This further helps them to visualize the solution in their mind. Being able to solve mentally is one of the skills a student masters.
  • Students are encouraged to write Math journals to articulate their understanding of math concepts. The use of these journals helps fill in the gaps in those understandings and supports metacognitive thinking to enhance understanding and application. 

We aim to equip students with sound concept development, critical thinking, and efficient problem-solving skills.   What do our students learn in Math classes?Here are a few things we do in our classrooms:

  1. Allow students to work on non-routine problems to improve their reasoning abilities
  2. Encourage students to apply a variety of strategies to solve a problem
  3. Heuristics applicable to mathematical problem solving used are:
  • Look for patterns
  • Use guess-and-check
  • Make a systematic list
  • Make suppositions
  • Draw diagrams/Use models
  • Restate the problem in another way
  • Simplify the problem
  • Solve part of the problem
  • Think of a related problem/ Think and create a problem
  • Work backward
  • Number bonds
  • Act it out
  • Use before-after concept

By, Teresa George, Math Curriculum Designer, Ekya – CMR K12 Schools

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Ekya / April 03, 2024

The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education

In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.

At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.

Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.

Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.

In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.

By Sweta Pradeep Rao

Senior English Educator

Ekya School JP Nagar

Ekya / April 02, 2024

Gadget-free Summer Break

With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.

Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others.  When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.

I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds)  with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.

This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.

Mathangi R,

Head of School,

Ekya NICE Road.

Ekya / April 02, 2024

The Eye of the Storm

In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.

And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy

Grade 8C

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#StudentBlogger: New Decade, New Mistakes – By, Yukta Jhaveri, Grade 12, Ekya BTM

2020, an important year for the world, one for the reason being- the beginning of a new decade and two- the onset of a worldwide pandemic - as defined by the world health organisation. Exactly 100 years from 2020, in the year 1920 a similar kind of event occurred where the disease of Spanish flu  caused by the  H1N1 influenza A virus, spread like  wildfire ;

It's almost as if its a circle, no matter what timeline, similar events keep recurring giving a sense of deja vu, we always reach the starting point, although it might feel like it's a first-time event for millions of youth- it simply is history repeating itself, billions of ancestors would have experienced the same exact thing that we are experiencing today and encountered familiar struggles.

Currently, masses across the globe are facing a historical event and not the good kind. It is excruciating to even think about how different people are missing out on some of the most important moments of their lives and are unable to celebrate with their loved ones.

It is difficult to say which generation is suffering the most, it may be the youth who can't step foot in the first step of their life which would be the basis of their entire being  - nursery, or young adults who are missing out on the supposedly “fun years” and adventures that could have become future stories they reminisce when they miss being the age they are now or others.

From the point of view of a senior about to graduate high school, everything changed so quickly I didn't get time to adjust, two minutes ago I was in 10th grade, celebrating the cancelling of board exams, and suddenly this wave of responsibility gushed over me as I near the age of 18, it is scary to think about how different of a person I’ve become, it was easier to connect and even socialise when I was younger, I would give up anything to experience the joy of being carefree and oblivious again.

By, Yukta Jhaveri, Grade 12, Ekya BTM

#StudentBlogger: My Block Blog – By, Ishan Thomas 4C Ekya BTM

Did you know that there are over 400 billion Lego bricks in the world? My mother says I must have at least 10 million of those, looking at the clutter in my room!

My parents told me that my first word was “ka”, meaning “car” and that’s the start of my love for automobiles. I got my first Lego set when I was 6 months old, and started building many things with it. But what I built most of all were vehicles.

Since then, Lego and studying automobiles became my hobby. I have created trucks, boats, cars, cable cars, trains, submarines, planes, helicopters, hovercrafts, and more! I have even made animation films about my Lego creations. Now, I make better, more advanced, motorized, and programmable Lego models.

I like cars because I find the inner workings, how cars work, extremely interesting. I like watching classic car shows on TV. I understand them all because of Lego, which helps me with technical concepts I might not understand. Car shows also give me the opportunity to find some details in a real-world car that I can add to my Lego models. The history of cars is interesting, as well as the future. I can’t wait to see what automobile companies will think of next!

I like following the instructions of the Lego set as well as making my own inventions. Sometimes, when I make something with Lego before I start, I browse the web to see if I can find any images or useful information to follow. I see how others have done it, gather tips, and then make my own version of it.

During this lockdown, Lego has helped me learn to code. It has taught me about proportions when deciding the sizes of models that I make. Lego helps me concentrate and clear my mind of bad things, and instead fill it up with ideas of different engineering marvels I can make. Lego helps me with physics, engineering, and how things work - all this is perfect because I want to become an engineer when I grow up.

By, Ishan Thomas 4C Ekya BTM

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