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Ekya / February 11, 2022 Posted by : administrator

Empathy is the ability to understand a person’s emotions and feelings. It is an essential component for both social as well as personal lives. It is the ability or trait to understand other people’s values, beliefs, and cultures. Empathy is the power of connection. It is a sensation of experiencing what the other person is going through. We need empathy because it’s the main trait that helps us form social bonds with each other. We feel more attached to other people when we understand them.

As Jane Goodall, the British anthropologist aptly said  “Empathy is really important. Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our full potential”.

The virtual assembly conducted by Grade 5, on 4th February 2022  began with a melodious prayer sung by Avni Saxena, which was followed by the ‘The thought for the day and ‘the News’ presented by Kalyan Tejas and Amy Mathew respectively, who gave us an insight into empathy and updated us about the recent news.

Highlighting the importance of empathy through a video and a PowerPoint presentation was done by Vivaan Talwar. This medium enabled students to understand the significance of empathy and how just by trying to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and how just by trying to understand another’s, this world would be a better place. Students who witnessed this virtual assembly were given an opportunity to share their experiences in displaying empathy to others in their community. A video on the difference between empathy and sympathy was apt as it emphasized not only the contrast between both values but also educated everyone to be kind, generous, and empathetic to those in need.

Our School HOS, Ms. Shubhra Sinha, shared her thoughts about the importance of empathy which should be revealed through our deeds and words, especially in these tough times where all human interactions have considerably reduced and the sense of empathy is lost. She encouraged everyone to practice empathy in simple ways that could make their personal life, as well as others’, lives a little better.

The MC of the show, Twisha requested the students to give their views on the topic and the class received positive remarks in the Padlet shared with them. The assembly ended with the national anthem.

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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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#TeacherBlogger: Collaboration Amongst Educators By, Divya A S Primary Teacher, Ekya JP Nagar

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”- Helen Keller

Knowledge is powerful, but it’s much more powerful when it’s shared! The organization's progress depends on how well the team members collaborate with each other. Instead of individuals in possession of the knowledge of doing something; when the same know-how is shared on a common platform with collaborators; then the doors are opened to a whole host of benefits!

Educational and teaching expertise is a powerful gift, especially when shared. Sharing each other’s experiences can help discover these successful behaviours and strategies and promote their adoption. Sharing their expertise means having new conversations that open up what they have learnt to a new perspective, helping them and others to grow. Sharing good practice builds a teachers' reputation and contributes to their professional value. Rather than telling people, they're an expert, sharing lets other teachers discover it for themselves in a way that helps them to raise their own level of expertise.

Sharing good practice is a great start. However, sharing alone isn’t enough.

David Hargreaves explains it best in ‘A self-improving school system: towards maturity’

“The people who originally designed the new practice had to develop it over time, learning to adjust it in minor ways until it assumed its final shape. But this learning on the job is difficult to transmit to a listener or reader, who without help and support may find that the transfer is simply too difficult and so give up. The practice was shared, certainly, but not actually transferred.

However, if the sharing also includes mentoring and coaching, then the necessary help and support are at hand, so when problems in the attempted transfer arise, they can be talked through and demonstrated with reassuring encouragement.”

How can we teachers and educators collaborate with each other?

  • Videos of the classroom practices of successful teachers provide a means to identify exactly how they are being successful. These videos can be annotated with detailed, specific explanations of exactly what is happening in their teaching practice.

  • Subject teachers may sit together and exchange thoughts, plans for the classes, use instructional tools and design your micro plans.

  • Discussion forums are an effective way to share your thoughts and expertise with the group.

  • Co-Curricular activities may be planned with your buddy teachers and the results will be a great experience for your students.

My own experience 

As a teacher, I find that the touchpoints from respective subjects provide a great platform to know the best practices followed and that can be adopted, without having to reinvent, in our classes.

While studying the behavioural issues of a child we teachers discuss ways and means to contribute to the development and betterment of the child and follow the same.

I have always collaborated with other teachers when in doubt while planning for the classes or while using instructional tools. Also have contributed and learnt through discussions with teachers on micro-planning and successful delivery of lessons to the class.

I have worked together with teachers in planning the assemblies or learning showcase. I have learnt a lot and the final outcome has been exceptional as compared to the individual approach.

#StudentBlogger: My Travel Diary – A Trip To Japan! By, Disha G N Grade 9A, Ekya JP Nagar

In your life, you travel to many places. Some stick to you, some simply evaporate out of your memory. However, there are some places that cling to you more than the rest. For me, this place is none other than Japan.

Commonly entitled “The Land of the Rising Sun”, this mesmerising place is so much more than that. From dreamy cherry blossoms, the snowy peak of Mt.Fuji to rapid fast Shinkansen (bullet trains) and new technology, Japan, the country I visited in 2019, is my most memorable and relished trip!

Let me share with you my adventure and experience of my trip.

A lively Port City- Ōsaka

On arriving at Kansai airport in Ōsaka prefecture, the very first thing that amazed me was the high technology seen everywhere. My family and I had reached our hotel late at night, however, there was no one there to hand over the keys! Instead of a hotel receptionist leading us to our room, there were machine-operated number locks and little monitors which instructed what to do!

In the city of Osaka, we visited the famous Osaka Castle which the cherry leaves had decorated making the castle even more splendid!

The cultural capital of Japan- Kyoto

Next, we visited the city of Kyoto. Here, we visited countless temples, shrines, and gardens but my personal favourite was Togetsu Bridge- A wide wooden bridge constructed on a scenic valley with Cherry Blossom trees on either side. Doesn’t it sound dreamy?

Below is a picture of this magnificent place:

Another place that I like is the shrine, Fushimi Inari Taisha. One of the few things that come to mind when you say “Japan” would be the Torii gates. Housing roughly a thousand torii gates which were donated by a Japanese business, we even brought home a miniature torii as a souvenir! Dotted with tourists from every corner of the world, I also saw many Japanese women dressed in the traditional wear, Kimono. Though I have already mentioned a few significant places in the city of Kyoto, there are countless more such as the Imperial Palace, Nijō Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and much more, each with its own unique feature!

The city of deers- Nara

That’s right! This city does have deers, you can find them roaming freely in the “Nara Deer Park”. As animal enthusiasts, my sister and I found this lovely park the most entertaining! We got to feed, pet, and even play with the deer. They are also known for bowing as a sign of gratitude. We also visited Tōdai-ji temple which holds a very large Buddha.

Yokohama- a busy port city

In this crowded seaside city, the most interesting place that we visited was the cup noodles museum. I love eating and slurping a hot cup of ramen but getting to know how it actually originated was even exciting! The below picture shows some of the hundred flavours of cup noodles from all over the world

Tokyo- one of the busiest cities in the world! Being one of the busiest, cleanest and safest cities in the world, there are a lot of places to see in Tokyo. One of them is the Shibuya Crossing. Here, when the traffic lights turn red, a huge wave of pedestrians flood into the intersection for a few moments.

Have you watched the movie “Hachikō”? Well, the movie was about a true incident of an Akita dog that lived with a family in Tokyo and would come to the train station daily to meet its owner after he finished work. This dog continued to do so even after the unfortunate death of its owner. In memory of this well-behaved friendly dog, the locals constructed a statue which can be found in front of the Hachikō train station.

Hakone- a town with a beautiful view of Mt.Fuji In order to get a nice, up-close view of Mt.Fuji, we visited the small town of Hakone. The best part about going near Mt.Fuji was that not only was it very scenic but also was very informative. This was because of the Sulphur springs located at the base of the active volcano, Mt.Fuji in the Owakudani valley. Did you know that the local people sell eggs boiled from the Sulphur Springs and these eggs turn black?? Here are a few photographs of my adventure in Hakone, Yamanashi, and Gotemba

Riding the Shinkansen for the First time! While travelling from Osaka to Yokohama, we had to use the Bullet train or the Shinkansen. Moving at around 320 km/h, as it speeds up, the power of magnets allows the train to almost float four inches above the ground!!

The trip came to an end just like how any other travel does.

However, I will certainly visit Japan once again in the future because this is my “perfect travel destination”- probably due to the beauty of the place, courtesy of the people, the taste of food, technological marvels, or perhaps just a combination of all of these. Sometimes, you may not be able to point out exactly what it is. Whatever it may be, ultimately I can never forget even a single moment of the 14 days spent on my favorite trip!

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