Our Schools

Ekya / March 05, 2018 Posted by : administrator

At Ekya, we believe in delivering exemplary educational content. Designed with thought and care by our in-house curriculum team, the Ekya curriculum is globally competitive, on par with the international frameworks and modelled after standards used in schools around the world. In this feature of Understanding the Ekya Curriculum, we are joined by Ms. Supriya Punyamurthula, who engineers our Mathematics curriculum at the Ekya Learning Centre, as she takes us through the idea behind Singapore Math and why we use it in our Mathematics learning program.

What is Singapore Math?

Singapore Math refers to the teaching methodology and curriculum of Mathematics imparted to children from Kindergarten to Middle School. It has been coined after the country’s consistent top ranking on an international assessment on student achievement called Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). As of its latest reports, TIMSS ranks Singapore at number 1 – higher than USA, UK, European countries and its South-Asian neighbours.

What makes Singapore Math special?

Singapore Maths is based on Jerome Bruner’s learning theory that advocates the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach. In this approach, ideas are introduced using concrete materials, a pictorial representation follows and finally students engage with abstract symbolism.

Under Singapore Math, the difficulty of a concept being taught is increased in levels, grade after grade to build a stronger foundation. Schools all over the world are adapting to this methodology, with Singapore Math textbooks and workbooks featuring in their core curriculum.

Mastery, Not Memorization

While conventional route of math instruction relies on drilling and memorization of many skills each year, Singapore Math focuses on children not just learning but also truly mastering a limited number of concepts each academic year. The goal is for children to perform well because they understand the material on a deeper level; they are not just preparing for an exam.

 The sequence of topics in Singapore Math has been carefully constructed based upon child development theory. The beauty of this approach is that the majority of students are well prepared to tackle increasingly difficult topics, such as fractions and ratio, when they are introduced in the third through fifth grades. Those students are also then typically ready for algebra and geometry in middle school.

Visualize the Problem

Singapore Math relies heavily on visualization, which is often neglected in the conventional teaching of the subject.

“If I’m going to teach about multiplication I will bring out physical objects and demonstrate how to multiply, and then move to the abstraction of lining up numbers in a multiplication equation. Singapore Math, on the other hand, introduces a middle step between the concrete and abstract called the pictorial approach. It asks students and teachers to draw a diagram of the concepts involved.”

Students also learn to use model drawing to solve worded problems – instead of trying to picture the problem in their heads, then writing out the equation to solve it, students in Singapore Math diagram the elements of the word problem.

Solid Foundation Building

In the traditional approach of teaching, one where a topic is revisited in the course of months or years, or later grades and is taxing for both students and teachers. Singapore Math aims to eliminate this task by building a strong foundation for the learning of the said topic.

Students in the same classroom may learn the concepts at different paces, but ultimately they all learn them and help develop their own solid foundation for further math learning. This prevents the need for reteaching as students move to the next grade.

How Singapore Math fits the Ekya curriculum

At Ekya, we deploy the Singapore Math methodology from K1 to Grade V. We’ve listed out a few examples below:

As part of their group activity, students of Grade I use ice-cream sticks or raw pasta to put equal amounts in each of the circle. This enables them to understand the concept of multiplication.

In a hands-on activity, students of Grade II learn that a balance is a useful tool in comparing the masses of objects

Our Grade III students learn to measure the capacity of containers of various sizes through personal experimentation.

Students of Grade IV explore the concepts of fractions through visual representations

Bar model is explicitly taught beginning in Grade II and extending all the way to secondary algebra. It is a method of representing word problems and number relationships. Students are taught to use rectangular bars to represent the relationship between known and unknown numerical quantities and to solve problems related to these quantities.

Students of Grade IV use the four mathematical operations and solve the problems in the Decimals chapter using the bar model.

 

Opening up to the idea of Singapore Math

While parents would love to sit their kids through learning tables, they might naturally resist the route taken by Singapore Math, especially after they remember how they tackled a concept like fractions or geometry.

Looking back at how we learnt our Math, importance and marks were both rewarded only for getting the correct answer. With Singapore Math, we’re looking to understand each step in the process of getting the answer- our students should be able to explain how they have arrived at their final step. That’s a big thing that parents need to understand. We may want our children to get the right answer, but we also want them to know why it is the right answer.

For our readers who are interested in finer details of the techniques used in this methodology, click here for a quick guide.

 

 

Explore more

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

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply to Understanding the Science Curriculum at Ekya Schools - Ekya Schools Cancel reply

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

Importance of Reading to Your Child – Ekya Recommends

Why is reading important for infants and young children?

Reading aloud and sharing stories with your child is a great way to spend time together. Reading and storytelling also help promote language, literacy and brain development. Research also proves that children who enjoy reading do better at school in all subjects. Sharing stories, talking and singing every day helps your child’s overall development in a number of ways. Reading and sharing stories can:
  • help your child become familiar with sounds, words, language and the value of books
  • spark your child’s imagination, stimulate curiosity and help his/her brain development
  • help your child learn the difference between ‘real’ and ‘make-believe’
  • help your child understand change and new or frightening events, and also the strong emotions that can go along with them
  • help your child develop early literacy skills like the ability to listen to and understand words.
Just by looking at books with your child, you can be a great storyteller and a good model for using language and books. Your child will learn by watching you hold a book the right way and seeing how you move through the book by gently turning the pages. Reading stories with children has benefits for grown-ups too. The special time you spend reading together promotes bonding and helps to build your relationship. This is important for your child’s developing social and communication skills. At Ekya Schools we inculcate the habit of reading right from the Early Years, in Kindergarten and Montessori. There is a lot of focus on reading in the library, at the storytelling sessions and puppetry classes. For primary, middle and senior school, there is a designated reading week during which there are activities like Book Reviews, D-E-A-R (Drop Everything and Read) and Mystery Readers being conducted annually. The English Language Program at Ekya also offers a wide range of texts from all genres to further the interests of the students and encourage them to delve deeper into the richness of the language. As a parent, there is no more important activity for preparing your child to succeed as a reader than reading aloud together. Fill your story times with a variety of books. Be consistent, be patient, and watch the magic work. We have compiled a set of reading tips that can help parents of Infants Toddlers Kindergarteners First Graders Take a look and happy reading!

Fundraising for 20 Eye Surgeries – Service Learning at Ekya ITPL

Service Learning plays an important role at Ekya, as it helps students identify themselves as part of the community, develop empathy and respect for others, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. As part of the Service Learning programme, our students conduct several fundraising activities at school – newspapers drives, selling handmade scented candles and body scrubs to name a few, with the funds directed to charity. This month Grade 9 and 10 students of Ekya School ITPL successfully raised an impressive amount of Rs. 29,500/- with the aim of bringing a difference to the lives of those who eagerly hope a change. The children decided to use the funds to sponsor 20 eye surgeries, approaching Sankara Nethralaya in Kundalahalli, Bengaluru to help facilitate them. When contacted, Mr. Vikram Chaudhary, Unit Head at Sankara Nethralaya was more than willing to oblige. Impressed with the efforts of our students, Mr Vikram visited the ITPL campus to address them, taking them through an informative and interactive session on Sankara Nethralaya, its vision and the services it provides. He invited our Grade 9 students to visit Sankara Eye Hospital, located at Kundalahalli. Buzzing from their efforts put in for this noble cause, the children were excited to pay a visit to the hospital. A cheque of Rs 30,000/- was handed over to Mr. Vikram on behalf of the hospital. In addition to this, our students interacted with doctors on duty, understanding the various procedures undertaken at an eye hospital. They also got to witness a live eye surgery conducted at the operation theatre; a thrilling experience that sparked curious questions in their heads, each of which was answered by the staff who accompanied them. This was a wonderful learning curve for our young mind. In the words of Leo Tolstoy, “the sole meaning of life is to serve humanity”, we at Ekya Schools, look forward to being part of so many such activities in the coming years.

Find A World Beyond Boundaries

Enquire Now