Discovering the Beauty of My Block: A Student's Perspective

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Ekya / May 04, 2023 Posted by : administrator

My Block Blog-ISHAN THOMAS

Did you know there are over 400 billion Lego bricks in circulation worldwide? As I gaze at the organised chaos in my room, my mother jests that I must possess at least 10 million of those iconic bricks.

My fondness for automobiles traces back to my very first word – “ka”, which I uttered as a baby to signify “car”. That moment ignited my lifelong passion for vehicles, and my journey with Lego began when I was merely 6 months old when I received my first Lego set. Since then, my fascination with Lego and my adoration for automobiles have melded into a captivating hobby.

I have honed my building skills over the years, constructing a myriad of vehicular marvels, including trucks, boats, cars, cable cars, trains, submarines, planes, helicopters, hovercrafts, and more! My Lego creations have even spurred me to create animated films, showcasing the boundless creativity that Lego unleashes. With time, my models have evolved into more sophisticated and advanced creations, complete with motors and programmable features.

What captivates me most about cars is their intricate inner workings and engineering artistry. I relish watching classic car shows on TV, and my deep understanding of these machines is largely credited to my experience with Lego. The technical concepts that might have been challenging to grasp otherwise are now crystal clear, thanks to my hands-on engagement with Lego. Additionally, car shows offer me a treasure trove of inspiration as I seek details from real-world vehicles to incorporate into my Lego models. The rich history of automobiles, as well as their promising future, fills me with excitement, and I eagerly anticipate the innovations that automobile companies will unveil in the years to come.

Building with Lego has honed my skills in following instructions meticulously and emboldened me to unleash my creativity and inventiveness. Before embarking on a new Lego creation, I often scour the web for images and information, drawing insights from the creations of other Lego enthusiasts. Armed with these tips, I then embark on crafting my own unique version, blending my own ingenuity and artistic flair.

Amidst the challenges of the recent lockdown, Lego has emerged as a powerful tool for me to learn to code. The intricacies of proportions and dimensions, as I meticulously design and assemble my Lego models, have deepened my understanding of mathematical concepts. Engaging with Lego has also proven to be a cathartic and meditative activity, allowing me to focus my mind on constructive ideas and imaginative engineering marvels rather than dwelling on negativity. Lego has become a conduit for me to grasp the principles of physics, engineering, and mechanics, laying a strong foundation for my aspirations of becoming an engineer in the future.

In conclusion, Lego has enriched my life in multifarious ways, igniting my passion for automobiles, nurturing my creativity and technical acumen, and serving as a medium for learning and growth. As I continue to embark on new Lego adventures, I eagerly anticipate the endless possibilities that await me in the world of engineering and innovation.

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Ekya / October 10, 2023

The Truth of Time

The mountain tops shiver As the snow begins to shower The water flows to cover The secrets of the river.

The birds trill near the lake As the morning sun awake The lion cub to take The crown for the sake.

The windows patter The things clatter The world scatter As our deeds matter

Isana G K

Grade 7

Ekya Schools, ITPL

Ekya / October 10, 2023

Financial literacy from an early age

It’s Jan 2022, I am in grade 6 as a substitute teacher. I ask the students to introduce themselves. They also get curious to know about me. As soon as I tell them that I am a senior grade teacher and I teach Accounts and Business studies, they are intrigued. The word Business catches their attention and some of them express their interest in Finance.

Now, I was fascinated to hear the word finance from such young children. Particularly fascinated by a young student Ms Ahaana Shetty, who explained how she manages her pocket money, as taught to her by her father. She had a clear understanding of creating a balance between saving and spending.

This was not the case in the earlier times. We can quote examples of celebrities who, despite having earned a fortune, burnt their hands at poor financing decisions. Amitabh Bachan’s ABCL took on more than it could handle, like the Miss World pageant, and exhausted all money. Then it took bank loans which it couldn't repay. Mr. Bachchan had retired, so there was no income and no savings. The moral of the story is, that even if people earn astronomical sums, they need to invest it so that it keeps growing.

Having said that, it boils down to the fact that financial literacy at an early age is pivotal for building a strong foundation for financial well-being throughout life. Teaching children about money, budgeting, savings and investments from a young age will help them make informed financial decisions. They can avoid the financial perils faced commonly by people.

The challenge in educating young children about finance would be the financial jargon which they may find overwhelming and difficult to understand. Hence it becomes important to use age-appropriate terminology.

As parents, we can give a reasonable amount of allowance to our children and ask them to use it wisely for needs, and wants and also save a part of it. This will help them to understand the concept of budgeting. We must also encourage them to make informed purchasing decisions, look for discounts and become a smart shopper.

A simple step like opening a savings bank account for the child and making them understand how a bank account works will introduce them to the importance of keeping money safe. They will understand how regular savings will grow over some time due to the compounding of interest.

Children must be taught about loans too. They need to understand that loans should not be borrowed if one is not sure of financial ability to repay. Also, they need to be taught that loans must be repaid timely, or else they will keep becoming bigger due to accumulating interest.

Older children can be introduced to the concepts of stocks and mutual funds. They can be encouraged to follow investments over time and learn about the dynamics of stock markets.

Schools can introduce financial literacy programs and take initiatives to incorporate financial education as part of the curriculum.

I would like to conclude by saying that it is essential for everyone to be financially literate and wisely invest money to grow it. It is equally important to keep track of investments. One should not spend more than what one earns, even if the earnings are enormous, otherwise, the money will not last very long. Remember, it is your money.

Ekya / October 10, 2023

A Guide To Navigating Academic Stress

Academic pressure and impending board exams can feel like an overwhelming storm, but as a 10th-grade student who's been through the burnout ringer, I've discovered effective strategies to stay afloat. When stress creeps in, I lean on a toolbox of coping mechanisms that help me maintain balance and clarity.

Understanding my panic patterns has been key. I've learnt that giving my all is important, but the outcome isn't a mirror of my worth. I remind myself of this and reframe my perspective. To escape my study-clogged mind, I turn to books – they whisk me away to new worlds, however briefly. Music acts as a soothing balm; I limit panic to 5 minutes and then channel my energy into finding solutions.

Engaging in physical activities is another lifesaver. Running or spending time outdoors channels my pent-up energy, allowing my mind to reset. Moreover, taking up hobbies like painting or playing a musical instrument provides a welcome distraction and cultivates a sense of accomplishment beyond academics.

Remember, you're more than your grades. Embrace your unique strengths, employ these strategies, and watch stress lose its grip. With determination, self-awareness, and a dash of escapism, you'll breeze through the academic whirlwind.

Written By: Ahaana Singhal Student of Grade 10

#TeacherBlogger: From Longing to Belonging: My Journey as an Educator at Ekya School, NICE Road By Ms Disha Dassani Educator, Ekya Schools, NICE Road

A safe space to learn and to teach, to guide and to grow, to mentor and be mentored; my longing to join Ekya School radiates with a healing desire to become a better teacher and, subsequently, a better person.

When everything else is faded and dull in my life, the comforting memories of my childhood keep me going. The reality that I will be a part of this comforting childhood phase for many students draws me to this profession. I would like to be remembered in their fond nostalgia and as one of the stepping stones in their successful career.

I aspire to teach and nurture my students with essential skills like empathy, effective communication and self-reflection in a safe, interactive learning environment.

I hope to brace and embrace all the ups and downs in the journey.

Looking forward to my first batch of learners and thinkers,

Regards,

Ms Disha Dassani

Educator, Ekya NICE Road.

#StudentBlogger: Let’s Make It a Win-Win Year for All of Us! By Ms Sribaghya, Teaching Staff, Ekya Schools, BTM Layout

Let’s make it a Win-Win Year for all of Us!

Do you feel that the excitement observed at the start of your child’s academic year gradually declines? Do you feel that the energy displayed in the month of June is inversely proportional to the month of March?

Fret no further!

Here are a few steps to keep your energy consistent throughout the year:

Plan your priorities:

Where do you want to see your child grow this academic year?

Academics? Co-Curricular Activities? Accomplishing Public Speaking Skills? Building a formal rapport with peers? Improvise Writing Skills? Read a certain number of books? Have a strong hold on vocabulary?

The key is to focus on one single act at a time. Sit along with your child to discuss and decide the goals for the year. Ensure that the decision is mutually beneficial.

Action:

How to begin?

Set a routine for both the parent and the pod. Fix one time and spot per week or on a biweekly basis to reflect on the steps taken to achieve the goal.

Plan B→Z:

Always have a Plan B. You can create multiple backup plans to achieve your goal. If you see a roadblock during the action phase, then switch to an easy, hassle-free route.

As Robert Frost quoted in his poem, Take a road less travelled by!

Reward yourself:

It is very important to acknowledge your efforts. Self-Appreciation doesn’t fall under selfish acts. Give yourself a pat on the back when you see clear visibility in your child’s performance.

Walk and Breathe:

Managing multiple acts can be overwhelming. Try a few walking and breathing exercises every once in a while to keep your mind fresh.

You can also listen to the audiobook- The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.

Have a fantabulous planning time!

All the best!

Find A World Beyond Boundaries

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