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Ekya / January 19, 2024 Posted by : administrator

My experience at Ekya has been amazing! To be one of the founding members of the school is an awesome feeling. The refreshing and peaceful environment drives me to school every day.The curriculum is contemporary. One of my favourites at the school is the Head of the school; she is very kind and friendly. She is so thrilled to welcome us when we walk into the school. Another favourite thing about the school is its teachers. My teachers are very thrilled to teach and are extremely approachable. Assessments are meant to demonstrate one’s understanding and not memorization of concepts. Apart from academic sessions, I had the opportunity to hear expert speakers from various fields addressing us. Out of the various schools I have changed, Ekya has been one of the best schools and a great example of contemporary education.

JANAN ANUPAM SHAH, GRADE 6

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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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Fill a vessel? Or “Kindle a fire”? – What do you do?

One of the core character strengths that help any individual excel in any field is “curiosity.”  When I hear the word “curiosity” as a mindset or attitude,  I remember what Plutarch said  “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”

How often are we as either parents or educators guilty of  “filling the vessel” vs “ kindling fire”? I often see parents and educators in a hurry to “fill the vessel”, and to share “the correct answer” to a question posed by a child.  Well Yes! Some questions are to be answered “correctly”, but there are many more which can be left open for exploration.

Dear Parents and Educators,

We are in the 21st century and children can “fill their vessels” through books and internet sources. Then, what is your role in helping them learn?

  1. To clarify misconceptions

  2. To kindle thoughts and ideas that they can explore

Let me share examples based on my work with children.

  1. To clarify misconceptions.

When could we clarify misconceptions? - When we notice that misconceptions if carried forward, could come in the way of correct conceptual understanding. Teacher: Identify the common noun in this sentence. “ Saraswathi likes reading books.” Student:  “Saraswathi”

In such scenarios, the teacher could ask some leading questions to guide the student to the correct answer because there is only one correct answer!

  1. To kindle thoughts and ideas that they can explore

When the topic under discussion is open-ended and can lead to multiple perspectives and contradictory views, we could ask leading questions to kindle thoughts.

I share one of my experiences in an “Early Years” classroom; a group discussion during lunch hour. Syed: I got cucumbers today. Rahul: I got idli and coconut chutney Nisha: I got paratha and pickles. Syed: All these are vegetarian foods Rahul: I know! Apples, oranges, and tomatoes are all vegetarian foods Syed: All foods that we get from plants are vegetarian foods. Nisha: I eat chicken and meat; those are not from plants and so are non-vegetarian foods. Manoj: I like icecreams Syed: Is ice cream a veg food? Manoj: Yes, ice cream is veg

I was quiet all the while but now stepped in to kindle a thought.

Me: Ice cream has milk as an ingredient and milk comes from animals.

That left all of them wondering and they started to think. My job was done. The reason I left it at this was because there is so much to explore in the world of “defining foods”. There are some dictionary definitions of who a vegetarian is. We have some more vocabulary like - vegan, eggetarian etc. New definitions could emerge; old ones could become passe. So, why do we need to “fill their vessels” with definitions of today?

I invite all educators and parents to carefully strike a balance between “filling a vessel” versus “kindling a fire”.

Mathangi Rajasekaran,
Head of School, Ekya NICE Road

Attitudes and mindset for learning

In the field of education, the importance of one's attitude and mindset cannot be emphasized enough. The approach we take towards learning plays a crucial role in our academic expedition. Fostering a positive outlook and nurturing a mindset geared towards growth are fundamental elements that not only contribute to academic triumph but also mould our holistic learning experience.

The Influence of a Positive Outlook:

A positive outlook serves as a guiding light through the often intricate terrain of learning. It encompasses approaching tasks with positivity, embracing challenges as chances for growth, and maintaining resilience when faced with setbacks. A positive outlook sets the stage for a mindset that is conducive to continuous growth and development.

Embracing a Mindset for Growth:

A growth mindset revolves around the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be honed through dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Unlike a fixed mindset, which assumes that our traits are predetermined, a growth mindset thrives on the notion that learning is an ongoing journey of enhancement.

The Role of Attitude in Shaping Learning:

Our attitude profoundly influences our involvement in the learning process. Approaching challenges with a positive mindset makes us more inclined to seek solutions, persist through difficulties, and perceive mistakes as stepping stones to success. A positive attitude enhances our openness to new ideas and promotes collaboration with peers.

The Influence of Mindset on Achieving Success:

A growth mindset propels us beyond the confines of our comfort zones, urging us to tackle challenges that may initially seem daunting. Embracing the concept that learning is a lifelong pursuit transforms setbacks into opportunities for learning and improvement, fostering resilience and adaptability.

Fostering a Positive Learning Environment:

Educators, peers, and the overall learning atmosphere play a substantial role in developing a positive attitude and growth mindset. Encouragement, constructive feedback, and a focus on the learning process rather than just outcomes contribute to an environment that nurtures these essential elements.

Approaches to Instilling a Positive Outlook and Growth Mindset:

1. Set Realistic Objectives: Break down large tasks into attainable goals, celebrating small victories along the way.

2. Welcome Challenges: Consider challenges as prospects for learning and development, rather than insurmountable obstacles.

3. Learn from Feedback: Constructive feedback is a valuable tool for improvement; utilize it as a guide for refining your skills.

4. Acknowledge Effort: Recognize the hard work and effort invested in studies, acknowledging that progress is an ongoing journey.

5. Inspire Peers: Share your positive outlook and growth mindset with peers, creating a supportive and encouraging learning community.

In the quest for knowledge, a positive outlook and a growth mindset act as catalysts for academic accomplishments and personal evolution. By cultivating these qualities within ourselves and advocating for them in our learning environments, we pave the way for a gratifying and enduring journey of learning and growth.

Samadrita Majumdar
Teaching staff Ekya School, Byrathi

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