Teaching Mindfulness to Children

Mindfulness gives children the skills to get more in tune with their inner and outer environment, understand and regulate their emotions and gain more control. One of the best ICSE schools in Patiala shares some tips.

The Walk-On-Thin-Ice Exercise

The first step in teaching mindfulness to children is to tell them about the importance of understanding their bodies and their movements and becoming more aware of them. One great way of achieving this is to make them move as if they are walking on thin ice so that they walk more slowly and carefully.

Start the Habit of Journaling

Encourage your children to start a journal about specific activities they perform during their day or you can get them to tell these to you and you can note them down in a journal. The first few times they’ll provide you with vague information but with time they’ll give more detailed recollection of their day as they become more aware. This helps them in paying attention to the present.

Take the Help of Scents

An effective way to develop mindfulness in children in an engaging way is to make use of scent, which helps them become more aware of the present moment. Give them a fragrant flower. Ask them to close their eyes and breathe in its scent deeply. Then ask them more questions about it like what it smells like, what they think of its smell, etc. This way, children become more aware of their sense of smell.

Blindfolded Taste Test

Children often eat in a hurry without paying attention to the taste, texture and smell of the food. Get them to become more mindful of what they eat and get more in touch with their taste buds with the help of the blindfolded taste test. Tie a blindfold around their eyes and give them some food. Ask them what they taste and take a guess at what it is.

Try Some Yoga

Yoga has multiple benefits for the mind, body and spirit for people of all ages. It helps establish and get in tune with your mind-body connection which also enhances mindfulness. Start with simple and easy kid-friendly yoga poses. Practice yoga in the morning along with your kids so that they make it a lifelong habit.

The best ICSE school in Patiala suggests you to have fun while teaching mindfulness to your kids for optimal results.

 

5 Highly Effective Science-backed Studying Techniques

More often than not, we think that studying for longer hours produces better results but the trick is to study smartly and effectively. Being the leading ICSE school in Patiala we explain how students can maximize their learning potential by using research-backed learning techniques.

Pre-test

It has been proven by research studies that pre-testing is an effective way of enhancing post-test results and performance. If students practice answering questions before learning concepts and theories, then, even if they give wrong answers, it improves their future learning.

Spaced Practice

Students, start spacing out your study sessions. What does it mean? Focus on a topic for short periods on different days. Yu may feel like you are forgetting initially, but this technique improves memory retention and recall value. Flash cards and self-quizzing work really well for spaced out study sessions.

Self-quizzing

An interesting way to enhance your learning outcomes is to start the practice of self-quizzing. Whenever you are studying a new topic, think about it from the perspective of an examiner. What kinds of questions can be asked on a test? Prepare a list of such questions and practice answering them, even if you think you know them well.

Interleaving Practice

When you study and practice the same kinds of problems over and over again till you perfect them, you may end up getting bored with it. A better technique is to study a related set of problems rather than the same types of problems. Instead of solving numerous division problems, focus on solving problems that are a mix of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Paraphrasing and Reflecting

Reading reams of paragraphs can seem is difficult enough and them retaining that information is even more daunting. How to combat this? Whenever you read such paragraphs, understand the concept and rewrite it in a way that’s easy for you to understand and memorize so that you can explain it to someone else easily. Then reflect on it and ask questions related to it. Try to relate whatever you learn to prior knowledge.

As one of the top ICSE schools in Patiala, we advise our students to study for shorter periods of time but with greater intensity, using the right learning techniques and strategies if they want to enhance their academic performance.

The Correct Way to Measure Your Child’s Progress When Learning Online

Virtual classes have become the new norm yet it’ll take some time before children, parents and teachers adjust successfully to it.  As the leading ICSE school in Patiala, here are some effective ways to know whether your child is learning well when studying at home.

Talk it Out With Them

Even better, request that they converse with you! Perhaps, at dinnertime with other relatives you can ask your kid what they learned in their online class.

Ask them to share just one thing; however that one thing will probably branch off into a bigger discussion. Requesting that your youngster disclose what they've learned to somebody other than their teacher is a decent way to check whether they've held any data.

Assign Them Some Project

Rather than doling out tests, you can give your kids projects. Give them a formula and educate them to significantly increase it by duplicating fixing sums (some of which can be portions!). Request that they plan a straightforward plan to play out some essential household chore or task.

Progress Matters More Than Percentages

Don’t be misled by marks and percentages. Instead focus on how much progress your child is making. Just because your child is answering only 60% of the questions correctly, doesn’t mean he hasn’t grasped the concepts properly. He may have done 40% of the questions right a week ago but now has moved on to 60%. That’s real improvement. However, if he remains stuck at 60% then you need to investigate why.

Observe Their Learning Process

Observe the little details like what is the reaction of your child when he can ‘t find the answer of solution to a problem, how much time he takes to solve questions, what kind of questions take more time from him, does he ask for or need any help, are there any topics that interest him more than others. When children are actively involved in their education and learning, it becomes more fun and fruitful.

Being one of the finest ICSE Affiliated schools in Patiala, we advise parents to step back instead of stepping in. What does this mean? Give them some space to learn and figure out problems on their own instead of letting them become too dependent upon you.

Raising Kids That Are Inclusive of Others

We live in a world where people are being more inclusive of others in order to create a more compassionate, understanding place for everyone. So how do you help your child become more inclusive? The leading ICSE school in Patiala shares some tips.

Encourage and Accept Individuality

It’s not only important to respect your own individuality but that of others as well. Children should be taught to respect other people’s uniqueness, individual personalities, habits, preferences, beliefs, looks and interests. We all matter in this world and bring something special and useful to the table. When this is understood, kids will be more accepting and inclusive of others.

There Should be No “In-Crowd”

Make your kids understand that the concept of the in-crowd is flawed and superficial. It doesn’t bring any real value. Also, the in-crowd may not be the best crowd. It’s more meaningful and fulfilling to focus on values of kindness, empathy, mutual respect and co-operation. Don’t invest too much in latest gadgets as this promotes materialism in kids and don’t attach acceptance to it.

Be More Friendly and Approachable

It is important for kids to reach out to others and initiate conversations. They should make other children in the class feel heard and values because everyone want to feel they matter. Motivate them to be friendly with new or reserved kids in the class. Ask them to recognize one good thing about a child they find annoying. This will teach them there’s good in everyone.

Empower Your Child

In the pursuit of being inclusive, your child should not feel left out by others. It is as important for your kid to feel valued, seen, heard, loved and appreciated by others. If the other child doesn’t reciprocate the same and is being emotionally or even physically belligerent towards your kid, then he doesn’t have to put up with that. It is acceptable to establish healthy boundaries even among children.

No one feels good to be left out. Building a spirit of inclusivity, both in the children and in their learning environment is something that we take seriously at one of the top ICSE schools in Patiala.

Protect Your Mental Health and Wellness While Remote Learning

The entire nation is reeling under the weight of coronavirus again. In such situations, studying can become somewhat stressful, even remote learning. Being one of the top ICSE schools in Patiala, we value your mental health and are suggesting the following tips to stay calm and relaxed.

1.      Healthy Diet

Eating clean, healthy and organic foods is linked with better physical health, improved concentration, enhanced memory, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and better overall cognitive function. So avoid binge-eating your favorite junk food and switch over to fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

2.      Enough Sleep

Inadequate amount of sleep makes you tired, exhausted and overwhelmed. It makes you lose focus and attention. This causes stress in the body as the body is unable to produce the right amounts of serotonin and dopamine to prevent depression and anxiety. So get at least 7-8 hours of sleep daily to preserve your mental health.

3.      Get more exercise

Regular exercise is just as important as a good diet and enough sleep. Individuals who get daily exercise are shown to have reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, better mood and blood circulation. Just 30 minutes of any form of exercise every day is sufficient.

4.      Social support network

It is important for your emotional well-being that you are connected to your friends, family and other social connections. Our social network provides us the much needed emotional comfort and support needed to keep us afloat.

5.      Do Some Hobby

Your hobbies provide you a chance to take a break from the monotony of everyday life and engage in something you like. Hobbies make you feel light, refreshed, happy and creatively satisfied, giving you a much-needed respite.

6.      Practice gratitude

Whenever you start feeling overwhelmed or anxious, pick out a journal and write down all the things that you every week, are grateful for. It could be something minor or something really big, doesn’t matter. Try to include new things every week. Research has shown it leads to more happiness and reduced rates of depression, stress and anxiety.

These are no doubt trying times for everyone. Kaintal School, the best ICSE school in Patiala, values the mental and physical well-being of its students and hopes they are all staying safe and healthy.

Making Students Responsible Social Citizens

Academic achievement is one of the leading aims of many schools these days but it is equally important to raise students who will grow up to become responsible social citizens of India. As one of the finest Patiala ICSE schools, we make students socially responsible in the following ways.

1. Active Participation in Awareness Programs

Children learn best by doing. When they are simply taught about something within the confines of the classroom walls they will forget it sooner or later. But active and dedicated participation in awareness activities, programs, workshops and drives exposes them to practical experiences which lead to better understanding of ground reality and the situation at the grass-root level and deeper engagement with the community. For instance, participation in cleanliness drives will make students realize how dirty their surroundings are, where the rubbish comes from, why people litter, their psyche and how to educate people to reduce pollution.

2. Discussing Social Issues in Classrooms

It is important to impart social science education in classrooms to children where they are taught about the issues plaguing the society and how we can contribute to eradicate them. Teachers must make opportunities for peer-to-peer learning where students share their opinions on socio-cultural issues with each other, have healthy debates and discussions about them and form educated and well-informed opinions. The learning environment has to feel easy, one that ‘inspires’ and ‘fuels’ children to work for the betterment of the society as the motivation for involvement in social issues has to come from within the student and not forced upon them.

3. Community Volunteer Work

Community work and volunteering are the real practical experience and actual work that brings about real change. Good schools like Kaintal School encourage participation in volunteer activities. For example, organizing events like a drive to collect clothes for underprivileged kids where students volunteer brings them face-to-face with the plight of such kids. It makes them more aware and gives them a sense of fulfillment as they feel they have made some concrete contribution to the society. They start to broaden their perspectives.

4. Structure Curriculum to Include Social Projects

The school curriculum should be designed to include projects and activities that center around social issues. For instance, the school exhibition can held on the theme of water conservation practices for the economically weak. The annual program can be based on the issue of education of poor kids. Even music and dance can be used to teach about social issues. School clubs and societies can take up projects that are relevant to social issues as they lead to more engagement.

At the best ICSE School in Patiala, we believe in making students socially responsible citizens of India by providing them opportunities to participate in social awareness programs, drives, activities and projects.

Nourishing a Culture of Inquisitiveness

Questioning is natural to human instinct, and the search for the truth has always kindled the progress of civilizations. We believe in examining rather than simply succeeding the previous reforms. With our technology-driven education classes, we, an educational institution placed among the finest ICSE school in Patiala believe when students are provided constant opportunities to grow and discuss complex questions, they are empowered with intelligence, curiosity, and intellectual courage. We can make our classrooms places that support students to keep asking issues, which are the basis of learning.

Designing a Spirit for Questioning

We aim to improvise questioning strategies that allow students to develop confidence in their ability to build significant questions and share their responses. We have also established classroom procedures for recognizing discussion to feel safe in bestowing their thinking with their peers.

Daily Inquest

Rendering regular opportunities for questioning builds morale in students’ understanding to create their questions. Meanwhile, the question breaks, students, can write down problems they have and can do so through oral or digital discussions with peers.

 

Inquiries are a source of continuous knowledge

Inquiries are the key to new insights that are translated into innovative imaginations that then help to drive the way to the prospect. With our maxim set to deliver holistic education leading to the best quality teaching, we have involved interactive sessions along with co-scholastic pursuits to bring out the unique soul hidden inside every child. Leaving behind the conventional way of thinking, a tender mind can take a leap into the pool of expertise and become innovative only if it is exposed to unconditional wisdom and freedom to ask. Through regular practice and possibilities to contribute essential questions in the classroom, all pupils begin to naturally and independently create questions about what they read, listen, and implement. As students learn to generate questions, they also discover that they have the potential to spur progress in their world.

 

We, at Kaintal School, being one of the best ICSE schools in Patiala, firmly believe that breaking through the convention is critically important to make a permanent impression and it can only be accomplished by letting the mind breathe behind the usual. We inspire our students to keep up their inquisitive spirit and always help them surmount all the constraints of the mind to become a free soul.