Adorable Pre-Primary toddlers smear paper badges with the familiar hues of the tricolour, our National Flag. Their endearing smiles and giggles captivate me as I walk past the art room. This sparkling glimpse is one of the many magical moments captured in my mind's eye whenever I visit any of our VIBGYOR schools.Observing another group, this time those of the Primary Section, rehearsing for their group folk song performance in a forthcoming Inter House Competition, my own face lit up with a bright smile of satisfaction at their efforts. I am touched by the earnestness and purposefulness displayed by the Middle school learners who are discussing a poster based on the life of our great leaders. Topping it all is the naughty twinkle in the eyes of the High school students who are sitting comfortably in circles and painting diyas which will be sold, the proceeds to be given to charity.Much as we move towards a more globalised education pedagogy, adopting the best educational practices from across the world, VIBGYOR has always remained true to its commitment to the children of India. And one of the most crucial aspects of quality education is to develop in our students, pride for our country and concern for its progress.As nation builders, we know we have the humongous responsibility of moulding the future of today's youth. We believe in imbibing in our students, love for the motherland and pride in its diverse cultural and traditional customs and practices. Our students respect all religions and regions of our vast country. We provide many opportunities to our students to bring India alive in the classrooms and even beyond. In our hearts, India rules.
Teachers are nation builders and despite the breakneck speed of technological progress impacting today's classrooms, their presence is of paramount importance to students.The term facilitator is now becoming more prevalent, and why not? It goes hand in hand with the quantum of work and the job descriptions of teachers around the world. Long gone are the days of only books and chalk and talk methods. In modern schools one sees how, by using dynamic and exciting teaching methodologies, the learners are drawn into the world of self actualisation and realisation of their aims, aspirations, dreams, goals and hopes.
Collaboration, role play, data sharing, using the internet for research and reference, has become quite the norm. Experiential learning and a sense of connectivity through the net has taken the world of education by storm. Hence, the role of the facilitator extends, at times, to beyond the classroom. She/he is a leader, a mentor, a role model, a counsellor, a coach, a therapist, a seeker, a knowledge base, a disciplinarian, a data collector, a curriculum planner, an event manager and an entertainer among many more avatars.In this context, I have always considered myself blessed to be surrounded by creative, experienced, innovative and fiercely committed teachers at VIBGYOR. The enthusiastic faculty at all the schools of the VIBGYOR Group are self motivated individuals who are passionate about doing their utmost for the students under their care. What excites and satisfies me is the undaunted spirit of learning that each one carries within herself/himself. The childlike curiosity to learn more and more so as to impart that learning to their students is what I appreciate wholeheartedly in my teachers.The advent of newer means of communication has had a tremendous impact in the education sphere. Undoubtedly it makes things faster and easier. Nonetheless, it also increases the work at hand with the teaching staff shouldering more and more responsibilities. This, they do tirelessly and with keen interest. After all, teachers have always been the face of the schools for the most crucial stakeholders i.e. the students. Their interaction and rapport with their learners is their key to success.Hats off to all the facilitators of the world who are striving relentlessly to bring about a change. Take a bow, you hardworking beacons of light, life and inspiration.Happy Teachers’ Day!
Online games have become quite the rage now. Millions of youngsters, especially teenagers are getting addicted and consequently becoming more and more isolated and aloof from reality.Recently, as you all must be aware, a game or rather a social media phenomenon known as the Blue Whale or the Blue Whale Challenge has been in the news. Governments and police in many countries have been investigating to gather proof of its links to many cases of teenage suicides. A boy in Mumbai and another in Kerala have been the latest victims. This game has been so devised by its Russian creator that 50 tasks have to be performed in 50 days and photos posted online as proof of completion. Each task is worse than the other and the final challenge is to say goodbye to the world...i.e. commit suicide.Parents have been warned of the dangers of their children falling victims to this game. Teenagers who are isolated from family and friends and have lost a sense of connect with the world are easy targets. Once caught in the trap, they cannot opt out. Threats of grievous harm to the players and their families prevent gamers from leaving the game before it ends. Watching horror movies and self cutting are among the vile acts that are part of the different levels of this vicious game.How to identify the victims:I strongly advise parents to watch out for many or all of these tell tale signs such as a teenager spending too much time isolated and away from company, playing online games excessively, using the internet continuously, being non communicative and secretive, not participating in celebrations and happenings at home, lack of interest in studies, dropping grades, keeping away from outdoor games and trips, mood swings, change in behaviour and habits, irritability...Parents on the alert:Parents have an important role to play. It isn't really easy to wean teenagers away from a game which has an almost hypnotic effect. Warnings, arguments and stern measures such as not talking to the child or cutting off pocket money or grounding her/him could produce a counter effect and may actually see the child rebelling or becoming even more drawn to the game.How to help:Approach the issue sensitively, talk to the child, find out which level has been reached, reason it out, have more 'together' family time, involve a trained and experienced counsellor for additional support, reassure the child that the entire family is with her/him, some yoga and meditation sessions too might alleviate the matter and once the child's confidence is gained, approach people (doctors, lawyers, police) who can help.It may not always be an addiction to the Blue Whale game that may keep children distanced from family and friends. However, there is no substitute for vigilance! It is imperative for the well being of our children.
A school is a mini world by itself and could be the setting of a daily soap opera. I mean, here you will find friendship, drama, comedy, enthusiasm, competitiveness, innovation, ideas... and the list is endless.All teachers will have their own collection of anecdotes. These are almost mini sagas; while some of them are quite uplifting, others may bring tears in your eyes, yet others may induce uncontrollable laughter.I still remember the day, a few years back, when one young freshly appointed teacher entered his class to wish his students a good morning. They responded politely. There was a moment of complete silence after which the roomful of teenagers proceeded to create such a ruckus that they could have well resembled a crowd of overexcited frenzied football fans watching a match in a stadium. Ties were removed and thrown away, each one was bellowing to the loudest tone possible, tables were pushed aside and chairs upturned...some books were ignominiously scattered all over the place, leaving the new recruit totally flabbergasted. Alarmed, he fled the scene.Another colleague told me how a student was so fascinated with the periscope he had newly made in the preceding Physics period that throughout her one hour Geography class he viewed her through it. However, surprisingly, he answered all the questions which she asked him at the end.In my early days as a teacher, once I had called my students to the school auditorium to rehearse for a choral recitation competition. Much to my exasperation, students sauntered onto the stage at their own sweet pace, each one more reluctant than the other. When the poem was finally recited, it was done in complete silence! While the mouths and lips of the performers were moving, there was absolutely no sound and not a single word could be heard. I realised that no one was actually reciting the poem because no one had learnt it! Each student had thought that she/he would just pretend and lip sync while the others would recite the poem! I don't know who was more shocked, the students or me!Such incidences certainly make school an exciting place. The only reward a teacher looks forward to is that special bond which develops between the students and her. Our assessments happen in our classrooms every day. That is what makes it so unique. That is what keeps us going.
Rapidly changing times, a generation of dynamic youth exposed to a wealth of information, and parents wondering about the legacy their children will inherit.
The future will be drastically different from what it is now and equipping our children with the right survival skills is crucial. The world today is dominated by a few factors that require observation and understanding. Climate change is now an undeniable reality. Technology, with its rate of progress, will eliminate many current applications.So, what are the pre requisites to be successful in the future? What should the children imbibe to become inheritors of an idyllic world?Most importantly, emotional intelligence and creativity will go a long way to make our children resilient. Add to that a passion to excel in one's chosen field. Keeping the ear to the ground, developing an open minded approach, seizing opportunities that come along, also, a willingness to be a lifelong learner.For young people, thinking of themselves as a work in progress, as continuing on their journey to excellence, is a fantastic attitude to cultivate. It keeps one feeling young and fresh and raring to go.To be close to nature and aware of issues is also imperative. This sensitivity led a 16 year old girl from Bengaluru to develop an app to monitor water pollution in lakes. She not only won awards and accolades for her work but a minor planet in the Milky Way is going to be named after her.Let us inspire our children to think positively for the present and the future.
Let us tell them:
Dream and keep dreaming...keep adding to your dreams...let them soar as high as your imagination can take you. Work to achieve your dreams. And then you will be one among the stars.
