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Ekya / May 10, 2022 Posted by : administrator

Source: Reading & Writing

An aspiring writer, Class 3 student’s stories are being featured by Singapore journal

While the pandemic affected children’s reading and writing skills as most of them became glued to their phones, for some, it was the contrary. Forced to stay indoors, many kids took up writing to pass the time, with wonderful results.

Eight-year-old Aaryan Vittal , a Grade 3 student of Ekya School , JP Nagar, got into writing stories during the pandemic and his creative story was selected to be republished by the international Borderless Journal , based in Singapore.

Aaryan said that his mother was his inspiration, as she reads a lot of books and also has a mini library in their house.

In the last two years, Aaryan has written five stories and one poem. The wizard who collected blessings’,’ Little fish’, ‘My memorable Vishu celebration’, ‘Ganesh Chaturthi – A letter to lord Ganesha ’, ‘Aachi thaatha – tell me about Pongal’, ‘My first camper van trip’ — these were some of his creative works.

‘The wizard who collected blessings’ was Aaryan’s first story and it was published by Bookosmia . As the story went viral, it was eventually selected and published on Borderless, an online portal.

“As my mother reads and writes, I also inculcated the same habit. During the pandemic with no offline classes, I was free at home and began to read more and wanted to write. When my first story got published, it made me very happy and I decided to continue writing,” he said.

Borderless is an online journal based in Singapore and was started with a goal of connecting writers and readers beyond boundaries drawn by money, nationality, rituals and cultures.

Aaryan now aspires to become an author. “My favourite author is Liz Pichon , who wrote the Tom Gates series. I would love to be an author in the future like JK Rowling,” he said.

By Iffath Fathima

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Ekya / May 24, 2023

Fun in Sun: Ekya School Summer camps designed for children to Explore, Learn & Play

Source: Brain Feed
Summer camps are a great way for children to spend their holidays in a meaningful and productive manner. These camps not only provide a fun and enjoyable experience but also offer opportunities for children to learn and develop new skills. They allow children to learn new skills, make new friends and have fun while staying active and engaged. With this in mind, Ekya Schools and CMR NPS organized series of camps with an array of activities planned that cater to a range of interests and ages. The camps are being led by experienced and qualified instructors ensuring safety, enjoyable experience and engaging environment for children across ages. The camp began with a meaningful excursion to Munnar as a part of the Outbound Learning Pogram organized for children of Ekya Schools and CMR NPS exclusively, where children got to trek, go kayaking, watching and learning tea picking, and learning the process of tea making, enjoying the natural surroundings of tea estates, activities like raft building, watching martial arts of Kerala, etc. At Ekya Schools and CMR NPS, keeping in mind the benefits of organizing summer camps for its students, they have started offering a variety of courses and skill-based activities. Customized activities like LEGO Robotics / Coding and Robotics, Public speaking and creative writing skills, Art Courses like Drama & Speech, Theatre, Sculpturing and Art on bottle, Warli Art, Paper Mache Pots, etc. Performing arts like Hip-hop dance, Indian Modern dance, Sports activities like Swimming, Basketball, Skating, Karate, and many such personality development programmes have been a part of Summer Camps for students of Ekya, CMR NPS and others who wish to participate. Camps are held on several Ekya School campuses. The best part is that kids from any school may come to our campus, participate in camps and have a good learning and fun time by enrolling into the Summer Camps. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Anamika Radhakrishnan, Head – Student Development, Ekya Schools said, “The summer camps at Ekya School and CMR NPS are designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to learn and grow. Our educational programs are specifically tailored to develop cognitive and social skills and focus on physical fitness and overall wellbeing. Through various activities, we aim to encourage children to be active and engage in physical exercise, which is crucial for their holistic development. With a team of experienced and qualified educators, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality education that equips children with the necessary skills to succeed in the 21st century. At Ekya Schools, we are committed to creating a learning environment that fosters children’s holistic development.”

Ekya / May 24, 2023

Bee-lieve it! Students of EKYA School introduced to the new Bee Hotel Initiative to promote sustainability

Source: Education World
While options for summer camps are aplenty, Ekya school in Bengaluru is offering its students an innovative summer assignment- to raise bees. To encourage sustainability initiatives and promote the importance of environmental conservation, Ekya Schools has collaborated with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in their one-of-a-kind ‘Bee Hotels’ initiative. Interested students from all five branches of Ekya have opted for the Bee Hotel and will be participating in the activity. These bee hotels will be looked after by the students during the summer vacation. This initiative targets studying solitary bees in Bengaluru. Experts believe that unlike honeybees, solitary bees do not build hives or display any aggressive behaviour, making it safe for children. Ekya School Byrathi hosted an interactive talk about conserving biodiversity in cities where students interacted with researchers from ATREE. Dr Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools and Provost, CMR University, said, “We have introduced the Bee Hotels as we firmly believe in the importance of transcending the limits of the classroom and raising our students’ awareness of the world they inhabit. Moreover, the Bee Hotel initiative engages the entire family by facilitating collective learning about sustainability and conservation”. “We believe that our students must understand the impact of their actions on the environment,” said Smriti Agarwal, Head of School, Ekya School Byrathi. “By implementing this initiative, we are not only creating a secure environment for bees but also educating our students about the significance of sustainability and conservation.” Students will be recording their observations on the Bee Hotel App. These observations will help further the research program at ATREE to integrate these important pollinators into urban life.

Ekya / May 24, 2023

Gautam Aravindan: A Compassionate Youth Paving the Way for Robotics With A Purpose

Source: Edugraph

The soft hum of electronics filled the air as Gautam Aravindan tinkered with his latest creation in his room. It was a 3-degree of freedom (DOF) camera positioning system for machine vision, and it was his most ambitious project yet. As just a second-year PU student at CMR National Pre-University College, ITPL, Gautam had already made significant strides in the field of robotics and electronics, driven by a passion that had sparked in him at a young age.

Recently, he presented his projects in electronics, robotics, and single-board computers at CMR National PU College. The session covered basic sensors and actuators, delved into the world of robotics using a robotic arm controlled using a Raspberry Pi and a remote control, and discussed the exciting potential of single-board computers. Gautam conducted the session to spread awareness to his peers regarding the amazing potential of the world of robots and computing and that there are no age constraints to building robots. He hoped to have inspired his peers to explore it further.

It all started when Gautam saw a robot on TV and was fascinated by its functionalities. From that moment, his interest in electronics and computing only grew, leading him to explore distinct ventures of robotics and ultimately becoming a field he wished to pursue when he grew older. With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping him indoors, Gautam utilized his time to learn the fundamentals required to build projects related to electronics, robotics, and single-board computers.

Amidst the pandemic, Gautam upskilled himself and expanded his knowledge, creating several impressive projects. From a Laser Security system for safety purposes to a reverse parking system using a Raspberry Pi single-board computer, he had done it all. He had even created several 3-D printed and designed home-based products, such as laptops and mobile stands.

During his journey, Gautam encountered various challenges that strengthened his persistence and determination to achieve his goals. For example - Amid the pandemic, when he couldn't access the required components for his projects, he dismantled his old toys and repurposed them for his work. And with every challenge after that, Gautam's unwavering dedication towards his projects sharpened his problem-solving abilities.

Amongst his numerous projects, Gautam had a particular social concern he wished to address using robotics and electronics - the growing necessity for elderly care. Gautam believes these fields have a wide range of applications and could be used to solve several real-world problems and assist in research ventures. He hopes to address this issue by building a robotic companion for the elderly based on their respective needs.

For people interested in learning more about robotics, technology, and computers, here’s what Gautam suggests - “Explore these ventures in-depth using the Internet. Take advantage of e-learning platforms that offer paid and free courses with certification. Get hands-on exposure by building projects - using beginner electronics kits which are easily accessible on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, etc”.

Gautam Aravindan's dedication to electronics, robotics, and single-board computers is impressive, and his work is an inspiration to many. His passion for these fields has led him to undertake several impressive projects and has given him a broader perspective on the role of these technologies in society. His work on building a robotic companion for the elderly is a testament to his commitment to solving real-world problems through technology. Gautam's journey in this field is one to watch out for, and we look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.

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CBSE to promote art-integrated education for engaging learning

Source: Experiential Learning

To enable students to find meaning through experiential learning, CBSE is promoting art integrated education to make learning joyful.
Joseph Immanuel, director, Academics, CBSE, says “Art integrated education is a pedagogical practice. For example, through Bharatanatyam, teachers can help students understand angles and degrees. These pedagogies make children connect learning with real life. It makes learning joyful and interesting. Art integrated education is not about perfection in art but how to use art to teach a subject.”

End goal
Syed Aliya, Narayana e- Techno School, Chennai, says that Art can be integrated with education in several ways, such as using Art to teach Math concepts or using it to teach about a certain period in History. Art integrated education can be beneficial for both students and teachers, as it can help engage students and make the teaching material more relatable.

Art integrated education is different from art education, adds Aliya. Art is a tool to teach other subjects. In the case of art integrated education, the end goal is to provide new ways of visualising and articulating the concepts. It can develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, teamwork and better communication, she adds.

Holistic approach
“Using different art forms enables teaching abstract concepts with much ease and interest. Art integration learning helps in the quicker understanding of the topic and also increases the retention capacity of the students. Learning through arts caters to different students possessing different skills of intelligence --naturalistic, spatial, visual, musical, kinesthetic, etc. This will drive a holistic approach and the overall development of students,” says Deepa Rani, head of school, Ekya School BTM Layout, Bengaluru.

Art Education enables students to develop an appreciation of art. “Art education is generally the process of encouraging sensorial explorations involving artistic and creative expression, such as music, drawing, painting, singing, theatre, etc. This can be either scholastic or co-scholastic. It enables students to work with their ideas, and materials in a non-verbal form. In art integration, the various art forms become the centre of the curriculum. It breaks the monotony of teaching, and makes the class interactive and conducive to learning,” says Rani.

She adds that as the learning is more demonstrative in nature, it creates an eagerness to learn, enables students to become more independent and develops 21st-century skills such as expression, creativity, critical thinking, reasoning, problem-solving and collaboration, etc. It leads to the development of leadership, teamwork and competency skills in students allowing them to relate to real-world problems or situations.

“It provides an equitable learning environment for all learners. Every child may not be able to express themselves in the way we want. They can use art in their learning. Every occupation we pursue has the application of art as well as core subject concepts. Be it designing, technical drawing or architecture, marketing and advertisement, or even entrepreneurship, arts experiences boost critical thinking. So it’s time children are given the freedom to learn in the best way that suits them,” says Kavita Nagpal, Principal, Orchids The International School, Masjid Bunder, Mumbai.

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Summer camps hot again in Bengaluru; swimming top choice among kids

Source: Summer Camp

BENGALURU: With the fall in Covid-19 numbers and the easing of most restrictions, summer camps are back after two years and parents are enrolling their children in various activities. Swimming has returned as a popular choice, with parents saying it helps their wards stay healthy and is an important life skill.

Umesh Marnad, a businessman, has enrolled both his children — aged six and nine – in swimming classes at a pool in Koramangala. “I want them to compensate for the lack of physical activity in the last two years. I think swimming is a great full-body exercise and is good for height growth,” he said.

Ashok, manager of Chitrakoota Kaushalya School & Swimming Centre, said students are excited to be back on the ground and especially for swimming classes. With fully booked batches until the end of June, Ashok said the demand has forced them to add more batches and even introduce some for adults.

“The sweltering summer has added to the demand for swimming. Children are wary of playing outside in the sun, but swimming is an attractive option as they get to play in the water,” he said.

Joyita Chatterjee, principal of Chitrakoota Group of Schools, said: “Parents also sit back and watch their kids enjoy themselves in pools.”

Homemaker Sangeetha BN’s nine-year-old son was adamant about going for swimming classes. “His demand started a year ago when covid was still at its peak. We could finally enrol him now,” the Basavanagudi resident said.

Other courses have also gained popularity this year.

Ayesha Sirajuddin, head of South Campuses, Ekya Schools, Bengaluru, said that apart from swimming and basketball, chess is popular among those looking for summer courses. “Basketball, throwball, robotics, public speaking, skating and karate are also sought after,” she said.

Farah Nasir, founder of English Hour Academy at Benson Town, said both online and offline classes are popular among parents. “The courses sought after include personality development, creative writing, effective communication for adults and language skills,” Nasir said, adding that some parents are still waiting for schools to reopen to send kids for offline classes.

Aloysius D’mello, principal of Greenwood High International School, said: “The response for summer camps has been overwhelming because children have been deprived of non-academic activities because of online classes. Parents too are relieved by the return of summer camps as it was a struggle for them to ensure kids don’t spend too much time on gadgets.”

Social development hit

He said they have noticed that many kids are still behind in their social development. “Summer camps help children interact with their peers and take part in activities that will boost their mental and physical health. Our summer sports camp in football, badminton, swimming and hockey has already started along with an online summer chess camp by renowned professionals. Children from class 1 onwards can spend their vacation productively here,” he said.

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