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
“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
An old book with coarse pages,
A new book with smooth
The ink on the cover dried and peeling
Or glossy, shiny, and fresh
Running my fingers across the pages
This is how I can touch happiness.
The smell of my washed hair
The scent of a delicate perfume
The aromas of a bustling street
With untouchable foods in the open
Catching a whiff of the earth on a rainy day
This is how I can smell happiness
The taste of the seasonal mango
The tang of a sour candy
The warmth in a cup of cocoa
Or inexpensive flavoured ice
A classic chaat from ye olde vendors
This is how I taste happiness
The mellow music while sitting in the bus
The loud metal that drowns your thoughts
The soulful indie when I’m all alone
With headphones on against the wall
Birds chittering at five a. m.
This is how I hear happiness
The genuine smile so rarely spotted
The bold colors on a canvas
The pile of gifts at my birthday party
Shiny, new, and begging to be opened
Particles of dust illuminated by a ray of light
This is how I see happiness
They say happiness is intangible
Abstract, untouchable, invisible
But at moments like these, I feel
Like I can almost touch it,
As though it is a literal object
Just out of reach by a mere millimeter
That is when I feel happiness.
By, Pragya, Grade 10, Ekya BTM
Leave a reply