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Ekya / October 18, 2022 Posted by : administrator

Most of us are familiar with the famous legend of Hamline, the Pied Piper. Dressed in multicoloured clothing, he had a special pipe that hypnotised innocent children, trapping them all into momentary musical pleasure. Their parents did not have the power to stop him; naturally, they watched children walking after him under his spell. 

Pied Piper has evolved from simply being a legend to becoming a part of our everyday lives in the 21st century. Instead of the melody, our children are hypnotised by the extravagant virtual world. Today the internet has seeped into our lives, profoundly influencing and affecting almost all our everyday activities. Therefore, it has taken a deviation from utility to necessity. On the brighter side, it has transformed the world into a close-knit community while inviting the vulnerable section of the society into the darker side of cyberspace. 

According to UNICEF, more than 1/3rd of children in over 30 countries have experienced cyberbullying, and 1/5th have skipped school. Over 80% of children in 25 countries have felt imperilled by online exploitation. 

Although there are downsides to excess internet usage and visibility, with caution and limitation, children can safely surf and learn, know and discover various aspects, which would have been impossible without the internet.  

What can you do as a parent to protect your child from cyber threats?

Protecting children from danger is innate in parents. Whether holding hands while crossing the road or choosing a school with a safe and stimulating environment, you should take all the appropriate steps, and the same can be done in the cyber world.  

  • Observe

Observe your children and analyse the time spent browsing. Analyse how much time they spend learning a new skill or entertainment for educational purposes. Be cautious of their changing behaviour pattern, as when one is addicted becomes impulsive and restless. 

  • Have a conversation

Narrate a few case studies not to scare them but to inform them of cyberbullying, phishing, trolling, scamming, identity theft and more. Have a chat regarding smart usage and share a few things you have learnt or discovered on the internet

  • Set ground rules

Establish ground rules concerning screen time and dos and don’t, such as sharing certain photos or information on the internet without prior consultation. More importantly, guide them through virtual empathy; children will be more sensitive, mindful and respectful towards others online.

  • Enable parent control

Enabling parental control will help you set online curfews and keep you updated on online activities, such as browsing time and content accessed. A few applications will allow you to set a timer; if your child surpasses the appointed time, it blocks the computer/application. 

  • Giving Your Children Trust And Respect

Allowing your children some space to explore, trust and respect them as they use the internet is essential since it will help them open up and share any problems they face.  

Here are a few internet safety tips for kids: 

  1. Be informed of cyber threats such as bullying, phishing, scamming, identity theft and more.
  2. Do not tolerate bullies or hackers, or blackmailers. Take immediate action by reporting or blocking. If nothing works, take the parents’ assistance.
  3. Do not respond to emails or texts from strangers.
  4. Do not click on unknown links or open attachments.
  5. Never accept to meet anyone you meet online.
  6. Do not share your private information with anyone online. 

Virtual protection for your children should be your top priority in a world with extensive internet usage.

We at Ekya schools emphasise that the dangers possessed by the dark side of the internet are unforeseeable. Our expert teachers take the necessary precautions to build a safe and fun learning environment for your children.

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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

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What Is Your Parenting Style?

"Am I doing it correctly?", asks every parent ever. Nothing is "good" or "bad", "right" or "wrong" when it comes to raising kids. Parenting is a tough but wholesome and fulfilling process, with a lot of learning and mistakes involved, and we might always feel underprepared. Did you know that every parent follows a distinct parenting style that is guided by their own childhood experiences, awareness, and individual thought processes?  Here, we shall discuss the various parenting styles, their pros and cons, and how they affect a child's psychology. Early childhood experts suggest four parenting styles based on developmental psychologist Dr. Diana Baumrind's research and Maccoby & Martin's theory.
  • Authoritarian or Disciplinarian
  • Authoritative or Democratic
  • Neglectful or Indifferent
  • Permissive or Indulgent

What Type Of Parent Are You?

  • The Authoritarian Parent
"Do this because I told you."  "Finish your vegetables if you want dessert."  "Timeout, buddy!" Authoritarian or "helicopter" parents often say similar things and love to hover around the child. High expectations, the urge to control all aspects of their life, and low responsiveness are highlights of an authoritarian parenting style. Authoritarian parents demand cooperation and respect by establishing iron-clad rules, evoking fear, and behaving strictly. Communication is mostly one-way and punishments are often handed out if rules are broken.  Resultantly, children may:
  • get overly reliant on parents
  • become insecure with low self-esteem
  • throw temper tantrums
  • experience behavioural problems
  • have poor socio-emotional and coping skills
However, being authoritarian sometimes is not the worst. Since authoritarian parenting clearly defines rules, children are more likely to exhibit good behaviour and are more goal-driven because they adhere to detailed plans. Also, authoritarian parenting strongly focuses on the child's safety, so it diminishes the possibility of indulging in risks.
  • The Authoritative Parent
"You must eat healthy food if you want to become strong." "Do you think you could've done this in a better way?" "Let's finish our homework before we go out to play." An authoritative parent also has high expectations for maturity and achievement, but they respond warmly and set boundaries using reasoning and explanations. They've open discussions on issues, negotiate rules, acknowledge feelings, and believe in making kids aware of morals, goals, and values. Being supportive and affectionate helps them regulate negative behaviours. Resultantly, children:
  • are more active, happy, independent, and content
  • develop high self-confidence
  • exhibit less aggressive or violent tendencies
  • behave more rationally
  • are more socially competent and securely anchored to their beliefs
  • believe in expanding their learning
However, as children step into teenage, authoritative parents need to be a little more strict to deal with rebellion, apathy, and anger.
  • The Indifferent Parent
"Did he finish his homework today?" "Where is she?" "Why is the food still on the table?" The above statements reflect an uninvolved parenting style. Indifferent or uninvolved parents may often lack knowledge about their child's whereabouts. However, it may not be intentional. Sometimes the parents are busy in their jobs (due to financial constraints), dealing with mental issues of their own, overwhelmed by unexpected pregnancy, or have a low self-esteem themselves so they believe that the child would do better outside their supervision. Resultantly, children may:
  • turn more impulsive
  • find it hard to self-regulate
  • turn aggressive to demand attention
  • grow mature before their age because they need to raise themselves
A little guidance and lots of social support can help neglectful parents overcome issues and connect with their child.
  • The Permissive Parent
“You don’t want to eat green? Okay, let’s eat chocolate.” “Didn’t clean your room? Make sure that you tidy it up this weekend.” “So, you’re saying you don’t understand maths in class. Let’s find you a tutor.” Permissive parents often find themselves saying all this. They're highly responsive, warm, and indulgent but have low expectations, and don't enforce rules or set boundaries as they're afraid to disappoint their children. Since they can't say "no" to kids, they often end up pampering them. As a result, children may: 
  • fail to learn to respect rules
  • easily manipulate adults into doing their bidding
  • exhibit egocentric tendencies and poor self-control
  • frequently experience fights and breakups as a result of their inability to deal with social interactions and relationships.
Permissive parents need to be a little more rational and strict when setting limits and expectations, as it’s good for their child in the long run.

Which Parenting Style Is Most Effective Today? 

Well, no one can answer this question with a 100% guarantee. However, early childhood research states that authoritative parenting may yield the best outcomes in children. Just remember that balance is the key! We can raise our kids beautifully by raising ourselves in the process. We, at Ekya Schools, take ownership of your child's learning because we understand the pressure our parents go through, especially during the early childhood and teen years. We firmly believe that parents are major stakeholders in their child's learning process. So, we have thorough one-on-one meetings where our teachers and parents collectively discuss the learning gaps and join hands to apply best solutions for improving children's performance. We also conduct parenting workshops and offer guidance & counselling for our students’ personal and professional development. Get in touch to know how we're your partner in parenting!

Which Is The Best School In Bangalore For NRI Children?

A parent's comprehensive guide to choosing the best schools in Bangalore for NRI children… Brain development research indicates, ‘crucial changes in children occur during early childhood’ (when children transit from home to school) and ‘adolescence’ (when they pick up critical life skills and form a unique perspective). Most exposure during these years comes from the time spent in schools, around friends and educators who play role models. Thus, we can't overlook the importance of school in a child's life. Browsing school websites and brochures, scheduling visits, or making the right decision could be challenging and time-consuming, especially for NRI parents who’ve just returned from a foreign country. Mentioned below are the key factors that must be considered while searching for the best schools in Bangalore.

Major Criteria For Choosing The Right School

Major Criteria
  • Leadership Team
Leadership Team A school is made of people- the management, educators, and staff. Children mostly observe their actions, gestures, and personalities that shape their behaviour and interests. Thus, the right school for your NRI child is where they feel connected, welcomed, acknowledged and allowed the freedom and flexibility to pursue their curiosity. An educational institute led by a seasoned and visionary leadership team builds a strong ethos based on values like empathy, gratitude, grit, respect, etc. Their vision inspires young minds to ‘make a positive difference’ in the world.
  • Environment
Students develop best when they grow in a safe, affectionate, and stimulating environment, which supports exploration, growth, and learning. Parents should choose a school that ensures the physical and emotional safety of students and where the staff is sensitive to their socio-emotional needs. It's important to check on-campus safety measures for toddlers (like CCTVs, GPS-enabled transport, anti-skid staircases, etc.) when searching for the best kindergarten and Montessori schools in Bangalore. 
  • Curriculum and Teaching
Curriculum and Teaching It is recommended that parents select the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore for NRI children, as the IGCSE curriculum is benchmarked to the highest global standards. You can also go for the best ICSE schools in Bangalore or the best CBSE schools in Bangalore that implement an inquiry-driven, skill-based, holistic curriculum to facilitate a love for lifelong learning.
  • When the curriculum is curated in-house by experts, it facilitates immersive experiences and meaningful learning opportunities for students. (personalisation)
  • An ideal curriculum aims at gradually building on students' existing knowledge (student-centric) and critical life skills like observation, research, decision-making, problem-solving, etc. (skill development).
  • It lays emphasis on understanding by design and experimentation (hands-on learning) with age-appropriate and practical time schedules, routines and programmes to ensure future readiness (structured).
  • Academics should be balanced with co-curricular activities and provisions for all-round development of little minds (holistic).
  • The syllabus and pedagogy (teaching style) have to be universal and futuristic to facilitate overseas learning and employment opportunities (global).
  • Students’ learning outcomes should be evaluated on the basis of the honing of skills and application of knowledge (skill-based assessment).
The curriculum alone cannot ensure the academic success of students. Educator’s intervention plays a crucial role here. Rigorous training, professional development, and consistent pedagogical evaluation prepares educators to play the role of mentors and growth facilitators in the classroom, not just teachers.
  • Infrastructure & Facilities
Infrastructure & Facilities The school’s infrastructure and facilities should be appealing and conducive, with appropriate stimulation to support different learning styles. Attractive interiors, comfy seating, and diverse facilities (like libraries, swimming pools, activity clubs, performing arts, different sports arenas, community participation, CSR projects, etc.) motivate children to go to school every day. It encourages greater participation in activities, improves students' focus, and sparks their interest in learning. Other important factors to consider are your location and budget. It’s recommended to choose a nearby school to cut down on long-distance travel.

Ensuring A Smooth Transition

Ensuring A Smooth Transition Switching schools is a big change for children. They've to leave their old lifestyle and friends behind to settle in an unfamiliar environment. It is hard to cope with new cultures, routines and learning patterns. Open communication and emotional support are keys to successful transition. Parents should maintain consistent communication to ensure preparedness. Introduce little tweaks in the child’s routine to help them settle and be open to listening and accommodating their feelings. Also, ensure they're thoroughly familiar with the city, neighbourhood, and school before starting a new phase.

A Look At Different Grades and Learning Programmes

Learning Programmes Parents can enrol their children in:
  • Early Years (Pre-nursery to Kindergarten): 
Early Years Search for a pre-primary programme that builds a happy, solid and resilient foundation for your toddler’s learning.
  • Elementary School (Gr. I to V): 
Elementary School The elementary programme of the best primary schools in Bangalore aims at expanding students' knowledge, generates social awareness, and ensures all-round development through physical, mental, social, emotional, intellectual and ethical learning experiences.
  • Middle School (Gr. VI to VII): 
Middle School Curriculum in the middle years should challenge students to think outside the box, expand their understanding, and apply theoretical knowledge in a real-life context. Go for institutions that develop a deeper understanding of technology, various languages, sciences, and  mathematics, etc.
  • Senior School (Gr. IX to XII): 
Senior School The senior classes should help develop your child's intellectual expertise and prepare them for higher education. Choose an institution that provides greater exposure and viable career options, builds professional skills, and helps students understand varying perspectives.

What Is The Best Syllabus For NRI Students?

Best Syllabus The choice of syllabus depends on the expectations and learning goals of students. There are four options available in India.
  • IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education):
IGCSE Enrolling in the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore secures students’ chances of getting admitted to an overseas college or university. Since the syllabus complies with global standards, it’s easier for students to pass international exams (like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.).
  • CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)
CBSE Enrolling in the best CBSE schools in Bangalore is suitable for students who wish to crack competitive exams (like UPSC, NEET, IIT, CAT, etc.) in India. The CBSE curriculum is job-oriented and focused on technical knowledge.
  • ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education)
ICSE Admitting your child to the best ICSE schools in Bangalore is a good option if you prefer the score system over grade marking. The ICSE/ISC syllabus is globally recognised, holistic, and focuses on practical activities, language learning, and technical knowledge. It is geared towards helping students crack Olympiads and international exams.
  • State Board (Karnataka Board)
State Board (Karnataka Board) State board is best if your child wishes to settle in Karnataka and compete for state-level government jobs. It lays emphasis on regional languages, cultures, and state affairs. Getting Admission At The Best Schools In Bangalore Getting Admission The admission process is quite simple. Parents just need to check the age requirements for various classes and obtain the online or offline application form. They can tour the campus or experience a trial class to get familiar with the institutions. The duly filled application form has to be submitted to the school with mandatory admission documents (like birth certificate, previous academic records, ID proof of parents, vaccination card, caste certificate, and student photographs) along with the application fee. Following this, students are called for assessment, which includes a written test and an interactive session with the management. The application is accepted based on the child's performance. Thereafter, parents can pay the fee to enrol their child. Choosing the right school could have a long-lasting impact on your child's future. Therefore, parents should acquire detailed information, ask the right questions and get feedback from the locals. Select a school that takes ownership of your child's learning.

Ekya, one of the best schools in Bangalore, is the right choice for your child because it is where your child will live their lessons every day. Get in touch to discuss your child’s growth opportunities with us.

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