Adams said " The teacher affects eternity. One
can never tell where his or influence stops" Shower of Roses to all Teachers...May
the Roses never fade so that the sweet fragrance fills your heart with pleasure and
appreciation that you bloom like a flower throughout the year and spread sunshine into the
lives of children. Dr. Radhakrishnan said once "A good
teacher must know how to arouse the interest of the pupil in the field of study for which
he is responsible. He must himself be a master in the field of study and be in touch with
the latest developments in the subject, he must himself be a fellow traveler in the
exciting pursuit of knowledge.
As put in the words of Sri Aurobindo " The aim of education is to help the child to
develop his intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, moral and spiritual being." Childhood
years are vital to our total existence. Overloading the child with too much memory
oriented learning and formal writing can cripple a child’s sense of wonder. There
should be creativity, a ‘Free Progress’ - each child developing and flowering in
an absolutely spontaneous, inwardly centered and self directed process. A school makes a
break through if it creates a learning environment but it is a parent to make an active
choice for kids and to nurture their talents. It is in their hands to recognize their
potentialities and offer them an Alternative Education, a commitment, hard work,
responsibility, learning the basic skills of reading and writing at own pace with
creativity and open minds in open surroundings in tune to environment, blooming naturally!
So, be a helper, be a guide, instill faith, motivate, inspire and encourage!
Kidsfreesouls is getting re-designed and the new layout will be soon
online.
Kindly visit again for a fresh look!
- ilaxi patel
Editor Online, kidsfreesouls.com
|
TEACHERS' DAY
5TH SEPTEMBER
(As appeared in 'Freesouls' - the Kidsfreesouls Print supplement earlier in
Sambhaav Newspapers)
SHOWER OF ROSES TO ALL
TEACHERS!
HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY!
Mrs. Ansuyaben Jhaveri - Kidsfreesouls (ilaxi's)
Friend & God Mother
Principal, C.U.Shah Prep. School (Jr. & Sr. Kg, GLS)
As Kids Free
souls passes through a phase of ‘Experiences’,Exploring Life, it dives
into the memory lane of past years. Ms. Ansuyaben Jhaveri, a name that I take pride to
introduce her as a Free soul Godmother – a Guide, philosopher and a Friend. An
Educationist who stands most eligible Educator to be conferred a Life Time Achievement
Award for her life time contribution in shaping the future of the younger generation.
Eighteen years ago I met Ms. Jhaveri, a
determined, dedicated, kind, compassionate, warm and a loving woman, highly experienced
and devoted to her profession. She inspired and encouraged me to enter into the field of
Education and expose my Carmelite talents to nurture my interest to help the kids to cope
up with the educational flaws. Today, we find the same Ms.Jhaveri handling the affairs of
the Kindergarten, the most important branch of a much bigger Institute – GLS which
has scaled to newer heights. She is still the same enthusiastic woman, kind, caring,
cooperative and always on her toes, ready to help others. She manages the school affairs
with much ease inspiring and encouraging the teachers and guiding the parents with her
kind support and tactful understanding. She builds an environment for the kids with
modified activities to encourage, build confidence and influence the kids right from the
early age. Ms. Jhaveri is exactly aware of the intellectual growth of the kids and follows
a pattern understood by the kids. She never has any expectations all the years but only
given her moral and intellectual support with her physical presence found all round the
year. Ms. Jhaveri possess a tremendous will power at this age which keeps her going and
heavens bless her, she is an angel in disguise who can be a true friend, who stands beside
you in your happy or hazy days, ups and down or just thick or thin times.
Ms. Jhaveri, a symbol of‘Peace and Humanity’ is a Kids Free soul
mentor who heads our mission to spread the message of love, faith, peace and unity among
kids. KidsFreesouls wishes all the Best to Ms. Ansuyaben Jhaveri, an angel God Mother who has sacrificed her life in devotion to GLS and
the younger generation shaping their future.
Giving Away Medals &
Certificates to children at Annual Day Prize Distribution, N.R. Primary School.(GLS)
Principal Ms. Rita Baker standing beside.
Ms. Rita Baker has ever been
my Friend more!
She's supported Swagat in its Mission and encouraged kids
as well as Teachers to participate in various Competitions at Swagat & Freesouls
supplements. N.R. School Teachers have written and submitted their Articles (Given Below)
for Print media too. We've taken Competitions like Swagat-Rasna Environment theme coloring
Competition in School, Handwriting,Quotation writing competitions, etc. Also been as Judge
various times for Poetry, story telling, etc. competitions.
Rita Baker was appointed as
the Principal of NR. Primary School in 1994. She said in an Interview, "Right from
the first hour of the first day, I got full co-operation from the Management who never
interfered and allowed me to run the school as I desired. At the same time deep in my
heart I felt secure that the guidance of my management would always be there." The
stand of N.R. School believes that a creative person is one who creates out a vast wealth
of knowledge, conceptual as well as perceptual. The sensory experiences that the students
get from the school develop their perceptual knowledge. And the creative students have
some attributes, abilities and skills that they use during the process of creativity. Our
nation can prosper and progess in real sense only when the educational institutions, right
from Kindergarten to University, develop an atmosphere of truth, love and reverence which
are essential pre-requisites to a disciplined individual. She further said, "At
present what disturbs me most is the fact that discipline has almost disappeared from the
educational field. Doing one thing and professing another has become a way of life. The
parents also have a tremendous responsibility in imparting the education to their wards.
It is heartening to see that some parents are concerned about the kind of education that
is given. Mere academic knowledge alone is of no value. Simply competing for a better
percentage yields no good results. True education should prepare one for the challenges of
life morally and spiritually which is to go beyond the preparation for earning a living.
In a nutshell, I can say, I'm thankful to the Almighty for giving me an opportunity to
serve this institution which believes in cultivation of human virtues by each person.
MRS.
PERIN LALKAKA, Principal, THUMBELINA SCHOOL (PLAYGROUP & JR.KG)
Perin Aunty has ever been a very close friend to me and we
talk for hours together. Our talks mostly relate to tiny tots and their behavior patterns,
eating habits, parental influence and so on! I've performed Music Show of Nursery Rhymes
& Kids Songs at her Nursery School and entertained the kids. Perin Aunty is always
open hearted, caring, frank and honest (of coz strict...hmmm...the 2 year old kid knows
'Perin Aunty' gives sweets and when they're naughty, she's got a 'stare' that triggers
like a bullet:-)
MR. RAJA PATHAK, Director of
Sattva Vikas School,
Udgam School
&
Swastik School
One Man Makes the Difference.....THE LEADER! Mr.
Raja Pathak, a name which is on the lips of many parents, teachers, children. Even the
Educationists, Press & Government officials! Opinions in contrast with an impact, a
very Bold, Determined, Enthusiastic, Powerful Personality! A man, who not only encourages,
inspires others and kindles ray of hope to change the Education system leading towards
better understanding, clear and in tune with the times heading towards the 21st Century to
make the vision dream come true!
Mr. Raja Pathak has the ability of thinking deeply,
ability of effective communication, ability of foreseeing the future of the kids and
thereby, taking necessary corrective action from time to time. He has changed the ways of
education in his way, prepares and trains his children in a manner that gives absolute
results. His share for the Gujarati medium is two folds as he is revolutionary towards
bringing change in their roots of learning. Mr. Raja Pathak makes himself well informed
and aware of the latest developments in technology, educational field and also I have
heard, knocks the doors of the Educational Department. His reputation gives a picture of a
Man who is kind, caring, truthful and honest. He possess the four D's - Dedication,
devotion, determination and discipline. He has deeply involved his life also his whole
family has contributed in education field. His father Mr. Chandraprasad Pathak's influence
on him, made Raja Pathak an Ideal Educationist devoted to his field of Teaching. His
father, a true Educationist won the 'National Award for 'Best Teacher' in the year 1989-90
and imparted education in a fun, interesting and demonstrative way. He taught students in
Khadia in a young age of 13, then began career in 1956 at the V.S. Tutorial and then
always progressed further, encouraging Mr. Raja Pathak who has sweeped changes in
education. Mr. Pathak guides and inspires not only students but also parents and people
who sort for his advice and guidance. Mr. Raja Pathak has a record students who stand
'Toppers' in Board results.
I conclude "Attitude determines Altitude' and so Rajabhai
as referred by Kidsfreesouls is a King (Raja) with a golden heart. I respect Rajabhai and
whenever I meet him, he has always been a source of Inspiration and guided me in right
direction. Kidsfreesouls wishes Rajabhai 'All Success' for his new venture 'Sattva vikas
School' - A school with a Difference!
MR. RAJA PATHAK is the Director of
Sattva Vikas School,
Udgam School
&
Swastik School. He is also an
Advisor to the NCERT for Computer Education in Schools
Schools Gaining PCs but Losing Playgrounds
- By Raja Pathak (As appeared in Times of India, Dec 2, 2007)
The
education scenario is absolutely transformed from the days when we
were studying. Being in the field one sees that the transformation has
become constant phenomenon. We are racing against time to be at par
with the level of education in other states.
Technology, which has become such an indispensable part of education,
has proved quite a leveller. It has brought extreme uniformity in
education. With computers and technology one can have the same
resources in a school based in a village, a metro or a mega city. What
needs to be explained is how one uses this very technology in a
different and newer manner.
With
the introduction of teaching, the administrative work of schools has
reduced to a great extent. There alre also so many options available
in audio and visual competent with cheap options readily available.
If
we think of Ahmedabad as a mega city, what we lack is schools with
good resources, considering the number of people migrating to the
city. What is commendable in the last few years is the increased
number of English medium schools in the city.
The
importance of education in English has become the top priority for
most parents in all sections of society because of the awareness and
consciousness of the parents.
Obviously, the lack of knowledge of spoken English has proved to be a
handicap for Gujarat but we are trying hard to remove that tag. The
interest to learn computers and the bombarding of the problem by the
media has changed the atmosphere in the typical Gujarati homes. They
are now more open to English and look up to it, making it
indispensable for the parents as well as children to learn it.
Besides all the issues that the education in schools face, two major
problems are the lack of play grounds and secondly the deteriorating
reading habits of the children. Both these observations have a deeper
and lasting impact on the generation that is in school today. The
students have become extremely impatient and get distracted very fast.
Their energies do not get a constructive vent and thus the problems
like short temper, aggression and misbehavior have become common.
The
Government needs to intervene immediately and make play grounds
mandatory for any new school. One could also initiate co-operative
play grounds or community stadiums to promote sports amongst the
children.
SUNANDA SHAH
Principal - N. R High School
She's
ever been Supportive and a great source of Inspiration.
I've been as a Guest when she Organized a Teacher's Day in 1998. Here's her
Writing below:
By SUNANDA SHAH
Principal, N.R. High School, Ahmedabad
There are three kinds of actions - Action with thought, Action with speech and
Action with Body. Action with Body is less harmful. For example, when irritation forces
your action to raise your hand to slap a person, it is an instinct and you soon tend to
forgive and forget. Your next reaction towards the same person may be a kind gesture or
loving feelings which is a mild form of action. Sometimes, your speech is harsh for any
disappointing and irritating action by someone. This will hurt and give malign feelings to
him disturbing his surrounding environment too as it plays on his mind. This is the
reaction of Speech. But the very important is the Action with Thought which is powerful.
Thoughts linger on the mind and creates an impression which influence the whole world
around you. Sometimes you have a strong desire to harm someone but your action restraints
you as the thoughts accumulate, resulting into mental torture to your own self as
well as harnessing the peace of the other. When you throw a stone in the pond, it creates
ripples in the pond which reaches the border and from there, returns back from where it
started. Similarly, our good or bad thoughts influence the world around us in more or less
quantity.
It is such a powerful media of action that a person who is locked in the prison can
continue influencing people with his power of thought. Hence, humans can do positive work
for the world with their concerned Action. One need not have the riches nor power. Neither
it is required to meet people or move in society. One can sit erect, be positive, think
positive and influence people around with good Thoughts and good deeds. By this way, one
can change the world and enemies can turn to be friends. To sum up, "Thought is a
slow process but effective" as said in the words of Madame H.P. Blavatsky
from the teachings of Theosophy.
Search the full text of Guardian of Angels
AUTHOR OF
Guardian of
Angels: A Practical Guide to Joyful Parenting
PUBLISHED BY
BOOK SURGE
AN AMAZON.COM COMPANY
My
Book is available at leading International Bookstores on the
web. Grab Your copy Now online at Amazon.com or order/Buy from the nearest
Bookstore in your area.
- ILAXI PATEL
Value Education has been the buzz of the system with
the New Gen' kids. Paul's Book is highly appreciated and recommended in India too coz one
of the reputed School has gone for the Translation of the book into Gujarati language so
as to use the same as a Guide for Teachers and Parents for development of kids. In a busy
world, today's Parents face a tough time upbringing the kids with value education. Adults
play a major role in promoting physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual well being
of a child. Dr. Paul Coleman present six fundamental formula on how to interact with kids
with smart talk on basic topics concerning kids issues. With the ever rising cases of
divorce, drug abuse, sexual harassments, etc. Paul provides practical tips.....
Discipline without shouting or
spanking
By – Jerrylk. wyckoff , Barbara
c unell
Book Review by: Blossomsmile ilaxi @ Amazon
It's been said 'Spare the Rod, Spoil the child'
these days with the new Gen kids! Sorry, not very true but no Spanking! Playing pranks and
making mischief as a child is really tons of fun but every kid needs a code of conduct - a
Discipline to adopt behavior patterns and possess self control. Children need to be taught
to pause and think of the consequences that may result from their various behaviors. It is
critical for educators to model self discipline. Younger children tend to throw tantrums,
be rigid, stubborn, have sibling rivalry, be possessive, etc and these are the trial times
for the parent to tackle firm where situations demand disciplinary action. In this book,
instead of spanking,the authors effectively provide measures to cope up in situations when
its hard to draw the line with their loving kids. The flash card approach is a plus point.
Verbal spanking is an option to spank the kid. Words said in loving way, clear and firm
voice would have its effect than abusing word war. The book says all about practical
suggestions to adopt and check those flaws in kids for their own good without spanking the
child. By controlling own words and actions, parents demonstrate to their kids, a healthy
way to react to stress. A good pick for young parents, should say!
It is said "A great teacher is not simply one who imparts knowledge to his
students but one who awakens their interest in it and makes them eager to
pursue it." In modern era, teaching is not a mechanical process. It has
become an art. Teaching is no longer simply giving lectures in the class or
to make the students learn or write but overall Teaching means, making
subjects interesting, easy to learn and understand. A teacher is a spark
plug not a fuel pipe and so, applying various teaching techniques in the
classroom makes a big difference for the development of the child.
Story telling is the most effective method to attract a child’s
attention. They grasp the concepts of teaching very effectively through
story telling. They can be inspired, encouraged and motivated through this
indirect way of communication. They can form good habits, instil faith, have
courage, learn moral values and also learn simple mathematic calculations
and word play. Children learn by way of Charts and simple Projects which
makes learning more interesting. Poems can be taught with action and with
aid of audio cassettes. Debates has prooved to be a better communication
system encouraging the children to voice their views and pick up the
language to speak flawlessly. Another way is the group activities
encouraging the kids to answer a set of Questionnaire in a quiz form.
To sum up, Teaching in Classroom demands specific talents to tackle with
the behaviour patterns of children and not only in the classroom, grooming
kids is a delicate process and should be performed with love, care and
understanding.
Discipline is necessary in every organization but children are now always in
a position to understand the necessity of rules and regulations. They should
be inculcated in them with love and care. Corporal punishment brings in fear
without understanding.
As an ideal teacher, we would set an example by doing things which we
would like our students and colleagues to follow. ‘Spare the rod and spoil
the child’ is an adage of the past times. Instead of using rods in the
classroom, as a wise, caring and understanding teacher, we should tactfully
deal with classroom problems. A teacher must make herself interesting,
tolerant and win over the hearts of her pupils. She should possess the power
to diver their spirits towards serious studies. Punishment only leads to
aggressiveness in the child. Hence, in my opinion, rational behavior
of a teacher and morally clean atmosphere are the essentials to be aimed at.
Education begins with life. A teacher as a person is more important than a
teacher as a Technician. According to Ralph Waldo Emerson "The secret of
education lies in respecting the pupil" Each child has self respect. If a
teacher keeps this in mind, lesser will be the Classroom problems. All
students are not alike. Some needs more warnings whereas some need repeated
attention. It is said "To teach is to learn twice" and so, at the time of
teaching, a teacher is fully engrossed in explaining and 98% of the class is
fully concentrating but if a single child plays mischief or disturbs the
link, the whole class is disturbed. No doubt, the teachers is annoyed and
quite like a human feeling, would like to thrash the child. Just because of
2% of the students, 98% should not suffer! Fear grips them for their
negative behavior once the teacher is annoyed.
Students should be made to understand the right and wrong, class
manners, school rules and than even after this, a student does not pay heed,
he should be punished so as to arouse fear. The fear should not be aroused
at such an extent that the student refuses to come to school or has a school
phobia or becomes a psychic patient. Sometimes, it becomes necessary that
the Teacher goes against the proverb ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’
Some kids are ill mannered, confused and frustrated. Their family atmosphere
plays a major role, they are severely punished at home and naturally, they
would pour out their outbursts in school and become stubborn. Teachers
should be considerate, have sympathetic attitude to such children. However,
as it is said "Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them, makes
an impression" - True, Impressions last on the memories for a life time. So
is the relationship of teacher-student that lingers in memory to be
remembered with fondness for the close ties all through the years.
MS. VAIDEHI HARKARE-Educationist N.
R. Primary School, Ahmedabad
HOW TO TACKLE BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS OF STUDENTS
A child is like a mirror. Whatever comes his way, falls and creates an
impression upon his mind. Behavior, as such, is an expression of a child
with respect to a particular situation. These expressions vary from one
child to another. This variance is attributed to various factors like his
upbringing, family background and his relation with his parents. Behavior
patterns vary in school and at home. The behavior of a child in school
defines his nature as a student. Some typical behavior of children in school
pose hindrance to their learning process. Some case studies can be explained
as below:
Diffident Child : These types of children always keep themselves
away from any kind of discussion or competition due to lack of confidence.
This slows down their learning process. The reason that can be attributed to
such type of behavior could be over dominance at home by elders and lack of
encouragement to express themselves. These children need a very high level
of motivation and confidence boosting dosage from parents and teachers. They
can be encouraged to participate in various debates and competitions. They
should be appreciated for their achievements or praised even for simple
efforts. This action would encourage them and make them more confident.
Mischievous Child : Such children try their hands with all kinds
of pranks. These children are destructive minded and are difficult to
control them. Over freedom by parents make such kids have no fear. They
possess over superiority complex and are over confident. Such kids behave
normally with teachers like the way they behave with their parents. The sure
way to control such naughty children is to keep them occupied with some
activity or the other. They can efficiently manage to monitor the class,
help the teacher with small classroom tasks which might make him aware of
certain responsibilities. Pampering such children means inviting trouble for
him and for others too. Pampering should be avoided even if he is a single
child at home as for a teacher in school, all students are equal and
unreasonable demands are not fulfilled in school.
After all, the behavior of children are not intentional but the root
cause needs to be identified. It is necessary that parents and teachers
should have a good understanding for betterment of a child.
MS. HARITA
RAVAL-Educationist N.R. Primary School, Ahmedabad
ROLE OF A TEACHER IN DEVELOPING READING HABITS
The Book, once considered to be the best friend has now acquired a status of
much dreaded foe. There was a time when children used to love reading books,
storybooks, comics and novels. Nowadays, kids shy away and refrain from
picking books to read. With the advent of satellite channels, a child is
exposed to digital trash. In search of quality entertainment, they stick
like glue to TV Sets watching silly comedy and stupid cartoons. Whereas,
Reading develops innovative thinking in children unlike TV wherein children
see what it offers. Books provide a greater freedom. A child can decide what
he or she would like to read. Unfortunately, reading habit is dying very
fast. If a Library is equipped with books, it is the responsibility of a
teacher to see that the children make use of the library to the fullest and
make a long lasting friendship with the books. This can be accomplished by a
teacher who is devoted to books. She has to be a book lover and an ardent
reader. It is difficult for an overburdened child to take interest unless
the child is motivated for reading by the teacher. A teacher can cultivate
reading habits and build a child’s character. By narrating interesting
stories, a teacher can inspire the kids. A teacher must play the required
role to instill moral values by mastering the ancient art of story telling
and also provide good selection of reading material to the children. Parents
too can contribute towards forming reading habits in their kids. They are
the ones who can purchase books for them, narrate stories and form a regular
habit of reading every day.
The Book, once considered to be the best friend has now acquired a status of
much dreaded foe. There was a time when children used to love reading books,
storybooks, comics and novels. Nowadays, kids shy away and refrain from
picking books to read. With the advent of satellite channels, a child is
exposed to digital trash. In search of quality entertainment, they stick
like glue to TV Sets watching silly comedy and stupid cartoons. Whereas,
Reading develops innovative thinking in children unlike TV wherein children
see what it offers. Books provide a greater freedom. A child can decide what
he or she would like to read. Unfortunately, reading habit is dying very
fast. If a Library is equipped with books, it is the responsibility of a
teacher to see that the children make use of the library to the fullest and
make a long lasting friendship with the books. This can be accomplished by a
teacher who is devoted to books. She has to be a book lover and an ardent
reader. It is difficult for an overburdened child to take interest unless
the child is motivated for reading by the teacher. A teacher can cultivate
reading habits and build a child’s character. By narrating interesting
stories, a teacher can inspire the kids. A teacher must play the required
role to instill moral values by mastering the ancient art of story telling
and also provide good selection of reading material to the children. Parents
too can contribute towards forming reading habits in their kids. They are
the ones who can purchase books for them, narrate stories and form a regular
habit of reading every day.
MRS. CHANDNA SEN
SR. EDUCATOR - N.R. Primary School, Ahmedabad
COMPETITIONS - Cup of Love!
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy! This known saying fits well in
case of competitions too. Striving for academic excellence with no scope for
healthy competitions makes one stagnant with no room for further
development. Competitions are most essential and are a part and parcel of
education. Without it, knowledge is incomplete. Healthy Competitions in
longer run, develops all round personality, increases thirst for knowledge,
flourishes talents, builds self confidence and acts as window to the open
world. It is obvious that various Competitions, Projects and Programmers are
held throughout the year. Fair judging by the Judges would produce galaxy of
stars among students, draw the potentialities in them and expose their
hidden talents. Internal and external competitions play a vital role in a
child’s progress. Internal competitions like Fancy dress, music, poetry
recitation, story telling, handwriting, reading, rangoli, etc.
inspires and encourages children for participation bubbling joys within
for achievements and gives a feeling of accomplishment. External
competitions exposes them to the outer world, thereby nourishing their
interests and leading them to guide to wuthering heights of success. This
inculcates thirst for educational activities and creativity, thereby
changing their attitude for their overall personality.
As a plant in the nascent stage needs a congenial environment for
further nourishment, similarly students need a congenial atmosphere to
attain perfection for their real intellectual development. The creation of
real human being comes through actual participatory learning process.
I thank all Teachers, Parents, Readers and all those who believe in me and
my Teaching techniques. Since years of my experience teaching kids English
and preparing them to face challenges at every step, my main focus has
always remained on Reading and their overall Development. Kids never flower
to bloom without the support of adults who motivate and encourage them. They
need to nurture their talents.
I specifically Thank all the Online
Teachers for their regular visits to Kidsfreesouls.com. By making use of the
Kidsfreesouls Contents in various Classroom Project, Kidsfreesouls is "NIE-Newspaper
in Education" since quite a year. I value your Feedback and look forward for
your comments, suggestions and ideas. Do get in touch with me at
Google
Educator's Group and also contribute your Articles for this Teacher's
Page.
Contents of this site may be used for Educational, Information or
Entertainment Purpose.It should not be reproduced in any other way without
written permission of the
Editor (ilaxi patel),
Kidsfreesouls, Ahmedabad. (India)
