#TeacherBlogger: The number one problem in the classroom is not discipline; it is the lack of procedures and routines By Virginia Isaac, Teaching Staff, Ekya school, Byrathi
Our Schools
Very true! These words perfectly echo the truth and reality of all educators and classrooms worldwide. Effective management is about setting expectations well in advance and letting the students know the consequences of breaking the guidelines. As educators, creating child-centric lesson plans – the most important, engaging, enriching and inclusive learning environment- is vital. Still, failure to manage a classroom effectively depicts the wasted time and energy invested in creating those lesson plans.
Simple, it might sound, but classroom management constantly involves utilizing and implementing constructive strategies to create an environment of amicable teaching and learning. You can make the lesson plan to end all lesson plans — the most individualized, engaging, and differentiated activities with opportunities for collaboration and hands-on learning — but if you cannot manage the classroom effectively, your plans only turn out futile.
Classroom management might sound simple, but it becomes more effective when it involves utilizing several strategies and boundaries to create an environment where students can learn in an organized manner. Teachers use words, signals, symbols, cues, and nonverbal communication to manage their classrooms. They understand that every student’s behaviour (positive or negative) represents a communication or need, be it attention, validation or assistance they seek from the teacher or peers.
A few strategies which can be implemented, and I use, to ensure that the classroom environment is cohesive, collaborative, inclusive, independent and manageable are
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Entry Routine is a technique in which teachers establish a consistent, daily routine that begins when students enter the classroom to ensure order and manage time. This technique can avoid the disorder before the beginning of a class.
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Do Now is a brief written activity given to students when they arrive in the classroom. Dictation of a few words, searching for given talks in the textbook, providing the complete forms of acronyms etc., work well before the beginning of the class.
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Task Transitions is a technique in which teachers establish transition routines that students learn and can execute quickly and repeatedly without much direction from a teacher. For example, a teacher might say “reading time” and ask students to read a few lines quietly.
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Signal in the seat should be a technique in which students use nonverbal signs and signals to indicate that they need something, a restroom break, or help with a problem. This technique assists in appropriate communication and helps to minimize disruptions during class.
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Rhyme after me is a method where the teacher uses phrases to draw students’ attention when they can be noisy while doing peer work. For example, the teacher can say “LIS”,… and the students complete the phrase .. “TEN”. Another example is “Macaroni and Cheese….Everybody Freeze” and “Hocus Pocus… everybody focuses”.
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B + Positive is publicly recognizing and praising students who have done something good, such as answering a difficult question or helping a peer. The technique is intended to establish a culture where working in groups becomes easy in which accomplishments and positive actions can be rewarded.
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Nonverbal communication is when teachers establish eye contact or make simple gestures that let students know they are off-task, not paying attention, or misbehaving. The technique helps teachers efficiently and silently manage student behaviour without disturbing them while a lesson is being taught.
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Do It Again is used when students do not perform an essential task correctly, and the teacher asks them to do it again correctly. This can work incredibly for spelling in English and formulas in Mathematics. This technique reinforces the fact that consistent expectations that quality work is appreciated.
Most of all, educators should consistently habitually demonstrate the behaviour they expect from students. Maintaining eye contact, using respectful language, being empathetic, showing concern and ensuring that the student is valued can create an atmosphere of an efficient classroom routine and culture.
Effective and sustainable classroom management is more than just about keeping everyone silent and organized. It’s about building solid relationships with students, encouraging them to participate in their learning, and sharing a little of yourself. A classroom culture that is flexible yet firm for students will always reap benefits.
Ms Virginia Isaac, Educator – Ekya School, Byrathi
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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
#StudentBlogger: Love strawberries? By N.K Harishwar, Ekya School, ITPL
Do you love strawberries? I know I do! So, my parents and some family friends set out to find a strawberry-picking farm where you can pick fresh, juicy strawberries yourself!
The farm was about 35 km(around 22 mi) from Bangalore. It took us about one and a half hours to get there. It opens at 9 am, so we reached there pretty early. A road leads to a car park, which is open and spacious. At the farm, it was very sunny, and luckily, we had gotten caps. The car park stands next to a building and a seating area. A little further, there was a man selling tender coconuts, and even further was a lovely, calm place shaded from the sun by a thatched roof. In the seating area were chairs and some granite on the low compound to sit on. There was also a menu of many things made from strawberries ranging from strawberry milkshakes and sodas to strawberry brownies to strawberry jam and even strawberry papads!
The farms themselves were massive. Once we arrived, their official there told us about all the farms and how they don’t use chemical pesticides. This was the best part because we could eat the fruit right after plucking it from the plant. Once we learnt how to pick the fruit(hold the stem, pinch it and gently pull it), we were told about the varieties of strawberries. Each one had a unique taste. We were then given a few baskets to keep the strawberries.
We began going through the fields, with rows and rows of strawberries. The first variety we went to pick was Murano, which grew among a few guava plants(only on that farm, not always). These strawberries were plump, juicy, and tasty, and they were my personal favourite. We tasted a few and picked a lot of these. We then went to pick another variety called Camerosa, which were smaller, more fleshy and had a slightly sour taste. We then selected a few other varieties, like San Andreas and Nabila. Nabila was on the other side of the road.
Once we crossed the road, on the way, we passed by a tamarind tree. We had a lot of fun, taking a lot of pics, picking gooseberries the old style using a stick, and even trying to climb the tree. Before we left, I had a strawberry milkshake, which was nice and cool in the hot sun. We also had a strawberry brownie with the subtle flavour of strawberry.
Overall, I had a lot of fun picking strawberries. Before we left the farms, we spent some time under the thatched roof, sitting on the tarpaulin sheet. It was nice and breezy without the need for any air conditioning. If you like strawberries and want to spend time with your family and friends, you should go and enjoy this experience.
#StudentBlogger: How Physical Exercise and Meditation Can Help Manage Stress By Dwijesh Bhaskar, Grade 12D, Ekya School, BTM Layout
College life can be challenging, with multiple responsibilities such as classwork, homework, project work, and examinations all piling up simultaneously. It's no wonder students can feel overwhelmed and stressed. However, learning to manage this workload is vital for success in academics and maintaining mental well-being. Fortunately, there are various methods of managing stress, but physical exercise and meditation are some of the most effective.
Physical exercise has been known to produce endorphins that help reduce stress and relax the mind. Training can take many forms, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing sports. A simple 30-minute workout every day can go a long way in helping a student cope with academic pressure. Regular exercise can also improve physical health, further contributing to mental well-being.
Meditation, on the other hand, is a mindfulness practice that focuses on the present moment and trains the mind to remain calm and centred. Regular meditation has been found to reduce stress and anxiety levels significantly. Meditating for ten to fifteen minutes twice a day can help improve concentration and boost productivity, which are crucial for academic success.
Combining physical exercise and meditation can produce even more significant results. Physical activity before meditation can help reduce mental chatter, making it easier to focus and remain calm. Moreover, exercise can help release tension from the body, making meditation more comfortable and practical.
Apart from physical exercise and meditation, students can manage stress in other ways. Some of these include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and seeking support from family and friends. It's crucial to remember that managing stress is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Therefore, students should experiment with different stress-management techniques and identify what works best.
In conclusion, stress is a common experience among students, but learning how to manage it effectively is essential. Regular physical exercise and meditation can significantly reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and boost academic performance. However, these are not the only ways to manage stress; students should experiment with different techniques to find what works best for them. With the right tools and strategies, students can overcome academic pressure and maintain their well-being.
-Dwijesh Bhaskar XII D
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