Effective Ways of Note-Making and its Benefits

Effective note-making is an important practice that any learner or educator should become habitual. Note-making is a learning process in itself as it helps in understanding the information that the learner receives and processes and absorbs. Note-making becomes the utmost important when a student goes through a lot of new knowledge in a class and should be able to store the same and retrieve it from his/her memory whenever necessary or required.

Kaintal Senior School, ICSE school in Patiala presents you with some exceptional note-making benefits:

1.Alertness: Note-making keeps the mind and body active.

2. Mind Engagement: Listening carefully and what to include in notes keeps the mind engaged and actively involved.

3. Organizes Information: To understand and remember the knowledge, note-making provides a record of what a child has learned and sets up a base for the exam revision.

Active listening is an essential part of note-taking, and only a few students are taught how to do this. As learning begins with listening and without active listening, one cannot take notes effectively.

Now, let’s discuss some note-making methods for formatting and structuring. Some ways work well for some students than others:

1. General Note-taking: This method includes writing down the key points delivered by the lecturer or teacher in the classroom. One develops his system of shorthand and draws various pictures or diagrams to make it more visual.

2. Mind Mapping Technique: It is a technique wherein different facts and ideas are related which enhances creative problem solving. It contains lists and sequences, usually visuals which use both left and right brain functioning. The mind-mapping framework helps the student to think from general to specific and keeps the subject in perspective.

3. The Outline Format: It is a highly logical structure and a formal way of outlining the information using Roman numeral for main topics, Arabic for supporting details, and making use of keywords and short phrases throughout the outline.

4. The Cornell Format: In this method of note-making, the student divides the page into two parts, one for note-taking, which is bigger than the other part, i.e. questions/keyword columns. At the bottom, it contains the summary of each page.

Note-taking techniques differ in the style of each subject matter. One method that might work for an English subject might not work the same way for Mathematics. Students need to develop the habit of making notes to remember what they have learned and understood the concepts in a much profound way.

One of the best schools in Patiala, Kaintal School, develops the practice of note-making among their students to make them successful learners.

5 Effective Ways to Boost Creativity in Children

Creativity can be learned like any other skill with the right approach. People who possess a creative mindset are better at problem-solving, willing to take risks, adapt to change and harvest the new opportunities. So being creative is one of the most important skills that can be taught to children.

5 Effective Methods to Teach Children to be Creative Thinkers are:

1. Encourage Reading: One of the best ways to teach children to be imaginative is to encourage them to read. Reading books and novels, especially the ones based on fiction and fantasy, makes the mind wander to the places and situations that they have never experienced in real life situations, which in turn develops empathy and thinking skills, ultimately, cultivating creativity.

2. Provide freedom to explore: Let your child and students explore the places and things on their own. Take them on field trips, research labs, and libraries. Also, encouraging them to participate in different activities and games will teach the child to think creatively and independently.

3. Thought-Provoking Questions: Have sessions with the student wherein you ask the child some thought-provoking and creative questions. It would make them fall into a creative process that includes both imagination and fun. Moreover, they will learn to think outside the box.

4. Critical Thinking: Children can learn this skill if they are allowed to tackle their problems on their own. Your support should be limited to let them think about the problem and let them come up with the solution themselves. Encourage them to have a creative approach. This will also give them the necessary confidence in their own thinking abilities.

5. Integrate Arts: Arts is a discipline that allows students to create and see things in a whole new way. Like other subjects such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Arts along with design, provides the path to inculcate creative learning, innovation and encourages natural curiosity. Moreover, art also allows the student to experiment with new things.

Kaintal School, ICSE schools in Patiala imparts an all-round development by igniting creativity and provide a joyous learning environment for the students.

Exam Preparation Tips | From the Principal's Desk

The exam time is the most stressful part of the school year. It is important to be positive and physically fit for the exam. Think of it as a way to demonstrate knowledge and not as some imposing challenge. Go to the exam focused and relaxed.

We at Kaintal School, being the best ICSE schools in Patiala, have come up with the following tips that will guide you through time management.

DO A LITTLE PRAYER:

Every day take out some time to do a little prayer as it builds up your confidence level and brings good luck.

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE EXAMS:

• Fear for the exams may make you lose focus.

• Get into a regular study habit from the beginning rather than just before the exams. This will help you gain confidence.

• Have a positive attitude, do not compare yourself with others, and set a target according to your potential and grasping ability.

• Prepare syllabus thoroughly and solve previous sample papers.

• Self-study helps and gives the required confidence.

• Do a lot of group discussion with your friends, it helps you to clear all concepts.

• Divide the syllabus and subjects according to the days left.

• Do not hesitate in getting your doubts cleared and asking questions to your teachers and friends.

• Organize the study material for your study plan and proceed for preparation.

• Do the difficult stuff first but avoid getting stuck, skip it and get help later.

CREATE A GOOD STUDY PLAN:

• Prepare a time table starting to study. Give the tough subjects more time and easier ones less. Decide clearly, what, when, and how much you will study each day.

• Write a diary with a daily track to ensure continuity of things to do.

TAKE REGULAR BREAKS WHILE STUDYING:

Research has shown that the human brain cannot concentrate for more than 30 to 50 minutes continuously, so take 10 minute-breaks to recharge your brain, by doing things you like to do. Don't keep your routine fluctuating. Avoid last minute revision.

SELECT A PROPER ATMOSPHERE FOR STUDYING:

• Choose a comfortable and relaxing place to help you concentrate on what you are studying.

• Study in the silent hours of the morning when you can concentrate more or say NO to distractions.

• Don't try to study while the TV is on.

• Do light physical exercises.

• Parents should create a supportive environment at home so that children can prepare well with a stress-free mind.

SIT STRAIGHT:

Never sit on the bed or lie down on it while studying. Remember to sit straight with your feet slightly raised and parallel to the ground. Placing the feet on the ground causes ionization and induces sleep.

MAKE NOTES WHILE STUDYING:

• While studying make small notes in the form of keywords or phrases or diagrammatic representations, so that you can remember all points during your revision. An ideal note could include all important formulas and figures and also other important points.

• Do a written practice of the formulas and definitions which are important. Study according to the marks distribution.

• Think about when your brain works best-Morning, Night or Middle of the afternoon.

SLEEP WELL AND EAT WELL:

• Sleeping for 6 hours and not more than 8 hours, will greatly affect your performance in the exam. Our brain is said to be most active from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and in the evening from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and can retain the most at that time.

• Fasting will affect your performance adversely, so eat well but keep to a normal diet. Heavy meals containing rice, fats, spices, fried potatoes or non-vegetarian food are best to avoid as they rob the oxygen of brain and make you feel drowsy. Eat things which supply continuous energy to the brain for long spans of time. For e.g. sprouted food, high protein diet, green vegetables, curd, milk, honey, chocolate with cocoa etc. Don't forget to have a glass of water before you go to bed, to keep your brain cells charged.

PRACTICE YOUR PRESENTATION SKILLS:

• Practice writing answers in points. In essay questions don't forget to underline the keywords or important points. Try to write neatly and legibly.

• Read the question paper thoroughly.

• Before writing the answers, analyze in your mind as to which questions to attempt first. Attempt question papers carefully.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF:

• Last but not least, remain confident and believe that you can do well.

Kaintal School, counted among the top ICSE schools in Patiala, believes that following these tips will help you to be stress-free during exams and secure good results.

Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Virk

Principal

Kaintal School

How to Instill A Sense Of Discipline In Your Child

With lives getting busier and an ongoing metamorphosis of the Indian culture vis-a-vis the western culture, which advocates freedom in a way that may not be good for younger children. Disciplining children presents a colossal challenge in itself that may seem next to impossible to surmount.

The staff at Kaintal school, top ICSE school in Patiala, has advice on this matter, to discipline your child in an effective and assured manner.

Change your approach

Create a system for the child to base all aspects of his life on. Do this by

•  Make sure you plan the day for your child and make a time table the child has to follow. Make sure to cover everything when making that timetable. Schedule his leisure time as well as time spent on studies.
•  In a similar way, make a chart for their meals and make sure the child has a balanced diet comprising of all seasonal fruits and veggies.
• An optional approach can be by introducing a reward-based approach. Make sure you reward your child both by praising and further by giving them whatever they like.

Always try to balance your approach. It is important for you to be stern but at the same time, the child should not lose confidence in you. Also, base your approach by what the child has to deal with otherwise in the household. If there is already someone who is very strict or very lenient, try to compliment that person by being the opposite but at the same time not overdoing it.

Nourish the bond

Make sure you are approachable for the child. Always have some time for a fruitful conversation where the child is comfortable enough to discuss his or her life with you. Never compromise on this. Always make sure you try to discuss all aspects of life to get them ready to face life themselves. Never underestimate them children are actually smarter than adults as they can focus on a particular thing sans of any distractions. Moreover, they are still young, they are yet to form any prejudices or stereotypes that adults have already in their mental approach.

Change yourself

Never forget that you are a role model for your child. They learn to behave first from you than others. So be the person yourself first, what you expect your children to become. Respect them and others around if you want them to be respectful. Be hard working yourself if you want them to work hard.

Never

Shout or spank them. It is apparently the easiest thing to do. But it will end up ruining your child’s life. It will have a ripple effect and affect the child in more ways than one. With time your shouting and screaming will stop to make any difference to the child and the child may end up being defiant or will start lying or keeping secrets from you. The children will lose confidence in themselves and in you.

All these methods are sure to reap in the rewards. Please be patient with them.

Teachers Helping Students to Become Global Citizens

Our world is becoming increasingly complex and small. The Internet has brought the world together, humans have never been more connected or interdependent. These changes gave rise to the concept of Global Citizenship. Global citizenship refers to the rights and responsibilities that come with being a member of a global community. It binds one to be entitled as an individual whose actions support the community’s purpose and values. 

With this ever-growing community of ours, there is a need to nurture and cultivate children who understand the concept of humanity and are responsible for a better future. Kaintal School, one of the best ICSE Affiliated Schools inPatiala, understands this responsibility as an institution responsible for shaping the future of young minds. Here is a list of ways through which teachers can help the students in becoming a global citizen.

Compassion

Preach compassion among the pupils. Global citizenship brings along a whole set of rules, rights, regulations, and responsibilities. These rights, responsibilities, and values are consistent with the concept of “humanity”; being benevolence, mercy, as well as the thirst for knowledge and the willingness to help others. 

Harmony

Global Citizenship should be introduced to the students as a mindset rather than just a part of the curriculum. The heart of global citizenship lies in humanity. When students are aware of the wider world and have a sense of their role as world citizens, it is easier to meet the needs of a peaceful and prosperous world.

Co-existence

Most of the disputes all over are world are recorded over the fact that people are unable to understand the strong yet extremely simple concept of co-existence. A global citizen always respects and values the diversity in society. Try to teach the students that people of different ethnicities, origins, and ideologies can co-exist peacefully.

Global citizenship nurtures respect and tolerance for others, global awareness, and empathy. Kaintal School, one of the Best ICSE Schools in Patiala, suggests that it is important to bring in a global perspective and demonstrate global citizenship for the citizens of tomorrow.

Education for a Lifetime

I have been a part of Kaintal School for the last fourteen years. My experience in this school has been wonderful over these years. This school has been a great reason for the discipline in me. It is said that parents are the first teachers of a child but the parents teachings are of no use if the teacher is not cooperative. The teachers of Kaintal School have been completely cooperative. They have always been my helping hand. Teachers are the ones who helped to explore the best in me.

I became a part of this school in 2004. I joined the school as a tiny tot in Prep-I. I still remember the first day when I came, I was crying very loudly and I was begging my parents not to send me to school as I had a misconception that schools are another form of hell and teachers are the devils waiting for us to join the school and torture us. I realised the first day how wrong my thinking was. After joining Kaintal school, I realised that teachers are the angels who uplift our souls.

I have been a brilliant student since the beginning but the brilliance was of no use if I had chosen wrong path. My teachers have always shown me the right path. Not only teachers, but other staff also play a vital role in the overall experience of studying in this school. All the peons, cleaners, drivers and assistants have also been very friendly. None of them has ever been harsh with me.

Over the years, I have experienced many changes in the school. Since Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Virk was appointed as our Principal, our school has been scaling new heights which were unexplored till now. She is the one who encourages students  not only to study hard but also to participate in extra-curricular activities and sports. This school is the one that made me relish my talents in bhangra and softball. I represented our school at the district level as the captain of the school softball team and it is all because of our sports coach, Mr. Sarabjit Singh that we got a silver medal. I participated in various extra curricular activities and achieved a lot.

Whatever I am today, is all because of Kaintal School. Had I joined some other school. I would not have been so confident and satisfied. Whatever I am today, whatever I’ll be in future, the whole credit goes to Kaintal School.

LAKSHYA

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My journey of EDUCATION

I still remember those days when I was hardly 5 years old and my teacher used to hold my hand to teach me how to write English alphabets. She devoted her time to every single student giving individual attention. It can well be said that “A teacher is like a candle who burns itself to brighten up the future of young minds”.

A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning space and cordial learning environment for teaching of students under the direction of teachers. A school plays an important role in widening the out­look of its students. Virtues such as perseverance, sincerity, truthfulness, tolerance, discipline and obedience are developed in pupils. It provides an opportunity for the students to be disciplined. They show discipline in classroom, playground, hostel, and library among other places.

Today when I go down my memory lane, I realise that “Woah! I am proud of my school ” because of the achievements and glories our school has achieved in all aspectsof life. From proper teaching to developing a child into an ideal student, our school has proved its mettle over the years. Our school motto “Karam Shiksha” is a perfect one.

At the end of the day, I realize that whatever I am today is because of my school. It has given me an identity which I can say without any doubt no one could have given me. Kaintal School has groomed me into a disciplined, punctual, patient and self – independent individual. I thank each and every teacher in our school and specially our honourable Principal Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Virk who has brought a turf of development and progress since she has been a part of Kaintal School. 

Today when I am mature enough, I can surely say that thousands of scoldings which teachers give us are really beneficial for us as they are the ones who are making our future a glorious one. Education  is the key to unlock the world, a passport to freedom which is made by school and in my life it is Kaintal School.

KABIR WALIA

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