Understanding the Social Science Program at Ekya Schools
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Gone are the days when a class in History revolved around marking important portions in a textbook and listing out dates whose significance is not just historical but also for answering questions for examinations. When learning about a country in Geography was about marking its rivers and mountains, states and capitals. The days when a lesson in Civics had an ocean of words sum up the roles and functions of various administrative institutions and governing authorities, frightening students for their lack of enough fingers to remember the points by.
At Ekya, a lesson in Social Science has our classrooms bustling with activities, having done away with marking lines and paragraphs in textbooks and bringing in the “Live the Lesson” experience. In this edition of Understanding Ekya Curriculum, we look at how these subjects are delivered in our classrooms by exploring the Ekya Social Science program designed by the Ekya Learning Centre.
History
History for the young learners at Ekya doesn’t restrict them to learning about the past but gives them the opportunity to understand how and why they should learn about it.
This is achieved by having ‘research about the past’ as the pulse of the history class – students think like historians, posing real questions, finding resources, interpreting information, reporting what they find. They even conduct interviews with friends, neighbours, and family. This inquiry-approach to learning about the past begins at the tender age of first graders, working on the curiosity of our young children.
Students at Ekya imagine themselves to be in the shoes of historical characters or present at significant events during the course of History. They give their own opinions on how they would have dealt with the situation if they had really been there.
Grade 4 students pretending to be historians to learn about the past.
Before the fourth graders went about exploring the Indus civilization, they were given an opportunity to understand how historians try and find out what happened in the past. After understanding why kingdoms and empires grew in India, our children from Grade 5 sailed across the Mediterranean to explore how the people in a small island of Greece started a culture that has had an enormous impact in the modern world.
At Ekya, we bring back the past in our own fun and quirky ways.
History is not just about devouring pages of facts and information. It encourages young minds to understand the past, in order to fully appreciate themselves, and others. It helps them understand the present and contribute to planning for the future. It helps them shape opinions about what happened in the past which they reproduce in form of journals, letters, and narratives.
At Ekya, we don’t just focus on the content of what they learn in class. We are helping our children get familiar with factual knowledge and give them opportunities to nurture the skills required to harvest such information – if they are not familiar with a specific historical reference, they should be able to locate it in place and time, know how to find sources of information and evaluate them, familiarize themselves with context and grasp the significance of the reference.
Geography
While our students study the physical and political divisions of India and the Continents of the World, the learning doesn’t stop there. Geography at Ekya, allows students to understand the importance of the Environment.
Action plans for protecting natural and human environments are given voice within the four walls of every Geography class, chalked about by students after gathering a plethora of resources and research material. They learn how to submit plans to save, restore or conserve a place and its environment
Chalking out action plans to save the forests of India.
Geography at Ekya is about
- Developing curiosity and interest, a sense of wonder and knowledge about the kinds of environment, people, culture and places that exist around the globe, while providing students with a sound geographical knowledge of their own place, India, and of the world.
- Enable students to explore and gain a good understanding of geographical thinking including its perspectives, concepts and ways of explaining.
- Enable students to become active, thoughtful local, national and global citizens, and to understand how they can influence the future of a place.
- Develop students’ ability to ask geographical questions, plan an inquiry, collect and analyze information, (particularly through fieldwork and spatial technologies), reach conclusions based on evidence and logical reasoning, and communicate their findings in effective ways.
- Build the confident and creative use of geographical skills, and to enable students to use these skills to extend their knowledge; make sense of new situations, and to solve problems.
Understanding the climatic belt of Australia.
Civics
Introduced from Grade 3, civics and citizenship is aimed at facilitating the attitudes, values, and dispositions students need to fully participate as active citizens in their communities.
As one of their activities, our third graders play a game without rules to understand the significance of rules and that one should be responsible for one’s own actions. They explore the meaning of democracy by collaborating to frame rules for their own classroom. They become aware of their rights and responsibilities and learn to appreciate the need for making decisions democratically.
Students in Grade 4 understand the meaning of a Government and how it works, at the grassroots, also exploring the differences between rules and laws.
Principles of duty and responsibility are conveyed at Ekya through storytelling. Planning games and making rules for the whole class allows students to comprehend the concepts of the subject. Once they realize their responsibilities as a citizen, and the basic functions of the government, the children then take up projects to solve problems that plague their neighbourhoods. They conduct interviews and collaborate to find a practical solution to resolve these issues.
Our Grade 5 students participate in a role-play to understand which is the best form of government by imagining that they are stranded on an island. Here, they understand how governance works when they are to manage everybody else who are stranded with them on the same island. Through this activity, the students put different forms of governments under the lens, understanding why democracy has become the most popular form of government in the world.
To know more about what each grade covers in the Social Science program, do have a look at our course descriptions through the links below:
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9 at Ekya ITPL(CBSE)
Grade 10 at Ekya ITPL(CBSE)
Grade 9 and Grade 10 at Ekya JP Nagar (ICSE)
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
Diet Tips for the Exam Season – Ekya Recommends
Why Balanced Meals?
Balanced meals and timely snacks make a considerable difference during exams. Children and teenagers have an increased nutritional need owing to the development of their bodies, therefore adequate and proper nourishment is required, especially with all the stress, anxiety and tension that comes with exams. When it comes to nutrition, during this time of the year, a few things should be kept in mind- A calm stomach keeps a calm mind. Feeding yourself with healthy snacks and timely meals help.
- Compliment your study plan with a diet plan built around it. Plan it and adhere to it.
- Eating right helps boost your immunity which fights off any possibility of catching an illness during exams.
Calm the mind with a calm stomach
To begin with, let’s see what foods should be included and what to be avoided for a happy stomach:
How do we achieve this? Here are a couple of tips you can try at home:
- Replace fizzy soft drinks and sugary drinks with lemon, fruit juices, clear veg/non-veg clear soups during winters.
- Coffee and tea may give you an instant boost but should be ideally avoided as it may cause acidity issues. It can be replaced with a cup of hot chocolate or lightly sweetened buttermilk.
- Pizzas can be made at home by replacing the pizza base with whole wheat roti and can include freshly chopped tomatoes, choice of your favourite veggies/chicken and sprinkled with cottage cheese/paneer.
- Who doesn’t love burgers? choose burger buns that are smaller than the usual. The high-fat sauce can be replaced with thick creamy hung curd, lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes and cucumber along with homemade potato/chicken cutlet.
- Instead of French fries or highly processed potato chips, opt for baked, grilled and tawa roast potato chunks with herbs and flavourings such as coriander, lemon and pepper.
- To accompany these dishes, skip the high-fat sauces with thick creamy hung curd, tomato salsa, pudina or coriander chutney.
Stick To The Plan
Always remember to allocate time for meals and snacks when you plan your study timetable. A sample diet/ study timetable is as follows:
NOTE: This is a sample plan that you can use as a guide. Chalk out your own plan based on your schedule, your exam dates/time and other considerations such as health or medical conditions. Your study time can be replaced by the choice of your chores based on your individual needs. The quantity of food items is not mentioned as it may vary with the age, gender and physical activity level of the student.
Fight Illness With Food
During physical and/or mental stress, water-soluble vitamins, which are required to boost immunity and combat fatigue, start to dip. Include Vitamin C-rich foods in your diet. Fruits like oranges, guava, amala, strawberries, papaya, and kiwi along with vegetables like capsicum, broccoli and tomatoes are good sources of the Vitamin. As with Vitamin C, Vitamin B is also equally important, required for sustained energy and absorption of nutrients and is found in fish, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy, fortified cereals, apple, soy milk, bananas, green leafy veggies, and a certain variety of cheese.How To Stay Stress-free During Exams?
• Stick to your diet/ study plan on most days. • Eat small frequent meals. • Hydrating yourself at regular intervals will keep you alert. • Breakfast is a must on all days especially on the day of the exam. • At least 8 hours of sleep is a must. There is evidence that students who sleep adequately perform well. • Avoid using laptops, mobiles, tabs, watching television before retiring to bed. • Include your favourite physical activity even during exams such as walking with a friend or dancing for fifteen minutes, as it boosts brain cells for better performance. • De-clutter your study room. We hope these few guidelines during exam help you all to perform better, feel better and be stress-free. We wish our students the best for all their papers.Bangalore’s Garbage Crisis – Grade 4 Design Thinking at Ekya
Through the process of Design Thinking, students brainstorm, categorize, organize information, conduct research and interviews, ideate and make prototypes that solve real-world problems. They work with multiple perspectives, learn to access and make sense of information, apply critical thinking and intuition, iteratively learn from failure and create solutions that integrate the emotional and the analytical.Brainstorm After an introductory activity set the ball rolling, our fourth graders huddled for several rounds of brainstorming. A number of ideas floated across the classroom, some revolving around Universal Dustbins to banishing waste to space and particular planets; others explored the possibility of bots segregating waste at its source. The students even offered to incentivize efficient waste management by proposing a machine that allows children to play games if and when they segregate their waste properly. Observation An integral part of Design Thinking is observation as it enables the students to understand the gravity of the challenge they are dealing with, the key factors that they have to consider while ideating and creating their prototypes and the roadblocks they may face in the process. Our children met and observed Pourkamikas, members of BBMP who help segregate waste on the streets, They even keenly observed their own family members at home, peers in class and support staff at the school, jotting down copious observations Interviews With their observations recorded, the children grabbed the opportunity of interviewing the Asst. Commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike(BBMP), shooting a wide range of questions on the administrative body - from its objective, how it feels to work at BBMP to whether BBMP had studied other municipalities to understand best practices that Bangalore can adopt. Using their observation and interview material, with references from newspaper articles about Bangalore's waste management, user empathy maps were made. These maps helped the students arrive at interesting points of view: - People tend to litter their surrounding plot or vacant grounds in their neighbourhoods because of a lack of dedicated space. - Waste is not segregated at source because people may not be patient enough to deal with the procedure or that they do not like handling dustbins or the odour that comes with it. Feedback Having studied the user empathy maps closely, the students arrived at the decision of focussing on specific users, to solve challenges specific to them. They created designs and blueprints for products and ideas, sharing it with the entire class for feedback. During this session, students offered critique, also taking the time to share their appreciation of what they liked about each project. Prototyping With ideas in place, blueprints finalized, the teams proceeded to build their prototypes. Described by many as their favourite part of the design thinking, our children had a riot putting together their models. Some had to deal with conflicts within their team over material, individual responsibilities or bringing the whole team on board to go with an idea - which they addressed democratically.
Once ready, the models were proudly displayed for user testing by teachers and other teams. With the showcase done, the students reflected on their journey with design thinking, exchanging notes on the impact their models would have on the city's garbage crisis and also exploring what they wanted to do differently.
The chocolate vending segregator is designed to reward children with chocolates when they dump waste into the correct dustbin, thus incentivizing segregation.
Design of attractive dustbins to interest people in segregation.
Classroom Segregation Bot
The dustbins have the facility for children to put waste into four categories (dry, wet, hazardous and sanitary). They punch in their name whenever they dump waste. A bot would monitor the process and submit a report to the teacher on children segregating waste consistently. There are specific monthly rewards for children segregating waste properly like extra PE periods.
Game on segregation: A game designed to interest children, the idea is to make it available at kiosks around different communities, to spread awareness of the importance of segregation.
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