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Ekya / November 25, 2021 Posted by : administrator

More than a year into the pandemic, online schooling has become the new normal for education. However, the entire last year felt like a temporary thing – and we were all thinking about how we’d be back in offline school with a year. Well, since we’re all slowly coming back to offline classes and adapting to the new normal, here are some of the things I’ve learned along the way, which have helped me adapt easily and can hopefully help you too!

Monitor your screen time :

Having a long exposure to the screen is inevitable, with education, socializing, and downtime – all done online, but it comes with several repercussions. So, taking a 5-10 minute break every 1-2 hours is something we should all follow. Utilizing the breaks in between classes to get something done, like cleaning up your room or drawing, or reading a chapter of the book you’re currently reading is also a simple way to give your eyes some rest.

Focusing during class : 

Studying during online classes is not an easy feat to achieve. With distractions through the internet right at your fingertips, focusing during class is understandably hard. To help with focusing, log out of your chatting accounts on the device you’re taking classes on. Try not to switch tabs during class and keep your phone away to reduce notifications

Self-studying :

Study without the internet. Use physical copies of books or download PDFs of the books you’re using online so that you can disconnect from your wifi and only focus on the topic you are currently doing. Also, don’t type your answers, write them.

Take notes :

Taking running notes is an easy way to maintain focus, and remember concepts. It’s alright if your notes are messy during class, just note down what you think is necessary, and later categorize and make it neater. Writing what you learn in your own words makes it far easier to understand, and it helps in cementing the topic. Look up different ways to write notes, such as the Cornell or sentence methods, and follow what suits you the best.

Downtime :

Since everything is still partially online, the need for fresh air and no screens has been at an all-time high. Make sure to take at least a 15-minute walk outside your home, or spend some time with friends (while remaining safe). The fresh air and lack of internet will not only revitalise you, but it will also help you clear your mind so you can work on your tasks effectively.

Implementing these simple things in your daily routine will make a huge difference, and is sure to help make online schooling a little bit easier, if not a lot more.

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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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#CounsellorBlog: Attention Seeking In Teenagers By, Noelle Joy Counselling Specialist, Ekya ITPL

"Am I a child or an adult? One pace ahead of childhood, two paces behind Adulthood."

I am sure this question pops up in every teenager's mind. Often when they cannot do a task and are immediately hauled up by parents and teachers, “You are so grown up, and yet don't you know this?” However, when they accomplish any feat, they are termed as ‘child prodigies.’

Teenagers today face innumerable challenges and distractions around them. Caught between the real and the reel world - Most of them use these media forms to draw attention to themselves - they thrive on the adulation/ sympathies soaking in all the attention they get. These are often in likes, shares, and reposts they receive when they update their stories or upload their pictures on socials like Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook. Every little happening from their personal life to their school /social life becomes a sensation- often worth posting - just to avail the validation from a couple of strangers - This is termed as “ATTENTION  SEEKING SYNDROME.

Now, how does this begin? Let’s look at Reema and Rakesh, parents to an adolescent. Reema works in a prestigious school while Rakesh is a manager in a bank. They have everything they need - a luxurious bungalow, the latest gadgets, help with all the chores, and of course, the most expensive car to travel in.  As they finished the day’s routine and were winding up for the night - Rakesh was busy watching the news while Reema was going through a  questionnaire she had given her students. Suddenly she gasps and sobs. Her husband enquired what had happened. She reads out the answer from the questionnaire "My parents have given me everything one could ever ask for -When  I return from school, they make sweet talk, ask about my life, and then immediately engross in their mobiles. I honestly wish they would spend time with me - tell me stories, play with me, understand that I feel lonely". Rakesh suggests that  Reema should have a conversation with the parents regarding the same. The students’ answer stunned the father when she said it was their own child who had written it.

This is but one example which ends up being an excuse for adolescents to search for alternative sources that will satisfy their urge to be appreciated, sympathized, and supported. They turn to the most accessible source - social media. Social media often plays a significant role in connecting an individual to various people. In these groups, you make any number of friends while also gaining sympathy, empathy, attention, adoration, validation, and feeling accepted - this keeps them hooked. Social media ends up being a compass on which one bases his/her/their life - resulting in drastic changes. Parents tend to ignore the behavioral modifications and proudly stand to claim how their child is tech-savvy.

Adolescence is a stage when hormonal changes are at their full pace. One’s family needs to be supportive, attentive & alert to the emotional needs of their kids. Lack of this leads teenagers to scourge social networking sites for the same. They create fake accounts, exposing their details, which often leads to a state of misuse - in turn leading to a loop of anxiety, depression, and even suicide.

The need of the hour is to adapt and adopt techniques that will keep them busy and develop their personality.  INVOLVE- in family, community, and society-based jobs. Taking an early neighbor to the bank/hospital or market.  Conduct basic tech classes for your family and community adults who need to learn new systems. INCULCATE values through your example, making their breakfast, washing the dishes irrespective of gender, visiting the elderly old grandparents, and listening to them may mean giving up on their screen time. INSPIRE- through their mistakes, disappointments,  defeats, loss - A setback is typical; however, getting up to face the challenge is real!

These teenagers must never be treated as a child, for that is a stage of life that they have surpassed. It is better to treat them as if they had greater value than they actually show than if they had less and let them feel that their merits and self-respect are disregarded.  But, above all, it is the education of adolescents that is important because it is then the child enters adulthood.

#CounsellorBlog: Mindset By, Anushree C N, Counsellor

All of us have this desire to look cool and to be intelligent. We feel intelligence can be gathered through what we study and that’s the only way to gain intelligence. But in reality, intelligence is the ability to think on your feet, the ability to keep growing and to continue to be curious and alert. The key is in our mindset.

There are two kinds of mind-sets –

Fixed Mindset – where intelligence is static and

Growth Mindset – where intelligence is developing and learning continuously.

A fixed mindset leads to a desire to look smart and hence we unconsciously become rigid in our ways. We try and stick to the known path, avoid challenges and when faced with any challenge we tend to give up easily.

We do not like to put in too much effort as we fear failure. This may lead to us being hard on ourselves and developing perfectionism as a coping mechanism. We are unable to take in negative feedback and easily feel threatened by others’ success.

A growth mindset on the other hand leads to a desire to keep learning and hence we tend to look at life as a learning process. We are not scared to face challenges as it only teaches us how to approach life better thereby increasing our persistence and we become more resilient.

We see effort as an ingredient to our success and hence we do not shy away from putting in the effort required. This also opens our minds towards criticism as we get a valuable lesson from this as well. We are also able to feel happy for others’ success as they become an inspiration to achieve more!

As we can see, with a Growth mindset we can reach greater heights and also gain a sense of greater free will…..

The choice is yours.

-Anushree C N, Counsellor

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