Our Schools

Ekya / September 08, 2022 Posted by : administrator

“The number one problem in the classroom is not discipline; it is the lack of procedures and routines.” ~ Harry Wong

Very true! These words perfectly echo the truth and reality of all educators and classrooms across the world.  Effective management is all about setting up 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,  but failure to manage a classroom effectively depicts the wasted time and energy which has been 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 create 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 are unable to manage the classroom effectively, your plans only turn out to be 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 manage their classrooms with words, signals, symbols, cues, and nonverbal communication. They understand that every student’s behavior (positive or negative) represents a communication or need, be it attention, validation, or assistance that they are seeking out from the teacher or peers.

Few strategies which can be implemented  and I personally use, to ensure that the classroom environment is cohesive, collaborative, inclusive, independent, and manageable are

  • Entry Routine is a technique in which teachers establish a consistent, daily routine that begins as soon as students enter the classroom to ensure order and manage time. This technique can avoid the disorder before the beginning of a class.

  • Do Now is a brief written activity that students are given as soon as they arrive in the classroom. Dictation of a few words, searching for given words in the textbook, giving the full forms of acronyms, etc., work well before the beginning of the class.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Rhyme after me is a method where the teacher uses phrases to draw the attention of students 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”, “ Hocus Pocus… everybody focus”.

  • B + Positive is the act of 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.

  • 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 behavior without disturbing them while a lesson is being taught.

  • Do It Again is used when students do not perform a basic task correctly, and the teacher asks them to do it again the correct way. This can work especially for spellings in English and formulas in Mathematics. This technique reinforces the fact that consistent expectations that quality work is appreciated.

Most of all, educators should always make a habit of demonstrating behavior that 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 isn’t simply about keeping everyone silent and organized.   It’s about building strong relationships with students, encouraging them to take part in their learning, and sharing a little of yourself. A classroom culture that is flexible yet firm for students, will always reap benefits.

 Virginia Isaac, 

Senior School Teacher,

Ekya School, Byrathi

Explore more

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)

Leave a Comment

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#LeadershipBlogger: 7 Reasons Why After School Activities Are Important For Children By, Asha Doris Head of School, Ekya BTM Layout

7 Reasons why after-school activities are important for children

Learning is not limited to the classroom but goes beyond it as well. Here are 7 reasons why after-school activities are essential for children as it helps develop their personality.

1. Helps them learn a new skill

Be it language,  sport, or an art form, after-school activities add value as children tend to explore and learn a different, new skill or build on what they are already learning at school.

2. Gives them a healthy recreational time

Children, when engaged productively, are likely to spend less time glued to a smartphone or screen. The after-school activities encourage children to spend time practising skills and pursuing their passion in a relaxed atmosphere promoting a healthier lifestyle.

3. Builds social and emotional skills

After-school programs can provide the social outlet that many children crave.  While learning is still the top priority, the experiences they build by meeting other children with a similar passion as theirs help develop social skills, instil values of teamwork, build confidence, and other essential 21st century skills.

4. Discovering their passion

Trying new activities and learning things that interest them helps children discover their true passion and decipher what they like and don’t. It also indicates the skills they would like to develop in the future.

5. Good for their Resume

While this may sound way too far in the future, the skills children develop through their K-12 years can significantly add value to their resumes, mainly when they apply to universities. Most universities now look at how holistically rounded the applicant is instead of just looking at the academic accomplishments.

6. Inculcate Time Management Skills

The task of juggling school work and after-school activities might seem challenging initially, but it is an opportunity for students to learn the importance of managing time. They will learn to manage well as time progresses and also become better at it, nurturing one of the most valuable skills they can have as adults.

7. Boosts academic performance

Several studies have shown that extracurricular activities impact child development and improve academic performance and study habits. Children show more significant levels of attention in class and are less likely to develop disruptive behaviour.

Education requires problem-solving, creative and critical thinking skills. Extracurricular activities impact these areas to varying degrees.

Finding a space that offers various afterschool activities can be challenging; however, you can find a list of afterschool activities offered by Ekya and CMR NPS:-

  1. Basketball

  2. Hindustani Vocal

  3. Guitar

  4. Violin

  5. Keyboard

  6. Chess

  7. Table Tennis

  8. Drums

  9. Western Vocal

  10. Karate

  11. Aerospace Education

  12. Dance (HipHop/Bollywood/BBoying)

  13. Skating

  14. Robomations

  15. F1 in Schools India

  16. Start-Up Young

  17. Public Speaking

  18. "Quizzing by QShala"

  19. Solve Ninja Bootcamp

  20. Theatre( Speech & Drama Program)

  21. Art of Storytelling telling

  22. Debate Wars

  23. Drone Wars

  24. 21st Century Skill Module

#TeacherBlogger: Kindness By, Mrs Ann Philip Teaching Staff, Ekya School, Byrathi

The past two years and more have influenced both children and adults in more ways than we can understand. Children have seemingly lost their connection with those around them; they have become technology addicts and have lost their ability to socialize. This has led them to be self-centered, selfish, and insensitive to the ones around them. They often become anxious about the present, resentful about the past, and worried about the future. Adults too face a similar challenge in their day-to-day lives.

Coming back to school, showcases these effects in many children's interactions with their peers and teachers alike. Short attention spans, super sensitive reactions, insensitivity to others, lack of desire to follow instructions, lack of respect for peers and teachers, and a lack of politeness bordering on being rude are some of their visible behavioral patterns.

The teacher faces the brunt of this and has been tasked with bringing a sense of order both in their behavior and the way they think.

To inculcate a peaceful and mindful atmosphere in the classroom environment, the teacher must be intentional and decisive in his/her efforts to realign children’s thoughts, words, and deeds.

Kindness is key to bringing our children to think outside of themselves, to think of others, and consciously consider actions that will promote an atmosphere of peace and happiness in the classroom and at home. Kindness has an impact on the well-being of a child and in turn, encourages well-being in others.

To develop this in the classroom, there are a few pointers that the teacher can encourage. They are:

  1. Be a role model of the behavior you would want your children to follow. Intentionally encourage your children with kind words and compliments. Take time out to do this in the classroom setting. Show children that they can find good in every situation. Help them see that by speaking words that build rather than words that pull down, we can make a big difference. Also, something as simple as a smile can be a great tool.

  2. Having shown what needs to be done, encourage children to do the same. Appreciate them for doing it. Set aside specific times in class to practice this.

  3.  Encourage children to share their resources. Look out for opportunities to help and share with others. During craft, project work, and playtime, be sensitive to others’ needs and concerns. Remind them to reach out to help their peers in need. Help them develop random acts of kindness.

  4. Help the children to list out activities and chores at home that they can get involved in. Follow up with them to see whether they have done this. The more they do it both in school and at home, the quicker they become habituated to doing it.

  5. Encourage children to vocalize their appreciation and love for others both in class and at home. The more they hear each other doing it, the more they are motivated to do it.

  6. Bring a smile to your face. Help the children to list out things they can do and say to bring a smile to someone’s face – those at home, at school, and those they meet along the way.

Developing and encouraging kindness in the class helps reduce anxiety, stress, and self-centeredness. It benefits the teacher, it benefits the children and most definitely benefits their families and in time, will benefit society too.

Find A World Beyond Boundaries

Enquire Now