THE MONTESSORI JOURNAL: VOL - VI January to March' 2024

"Embracing the Colors of Knowledge and Celebration: Basant Panchami at SMS"

“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.”-Kofi Annan

𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐢, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐢 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥.The entire school wore a festive look, adorned with yellow decorations, as yellow is the color associated with this auspicious day, symbolizing vibrancy, and prosperity. The day began with a special assembly in the morning, where students and teachers gathered to seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu deity of learning and wisdom.

The special attraction of the day was the cultural program with mesmerizing dance performances, melodious songs, and skits depicting the essence of Basant Panchami and the arrival of spring. Students also recited poems and shlokas dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, highlighting the importance of knowledge and education in our lives. Children also offered flowers and prasad to maa Saraswati and prayed for knowledge and wisdom.

"Republic Day Celebrations: Uniting in Patriotism, Embracing Diversity, and Cherishing Pride!"

“One country, one dream, one identity, every nation has its flaws, but we can work together to make it better.”

The week-long Republic Day celebration at Salwan Montessori School was a vibrant tapestry of patriotic fervor and cultural diversity. Each day brought forth a spectrum of activities that encapsulated the essence of our nation. The event kicked off with exhilarating relay races, fostering teamwork and athleticism among students. Fireless cooking sessions showcased culinary creativity, blending tricolors and flavors without flames. Craft activities allowed students to express their artistic flair, creating tricolor masterpieces. A special assembly resonated with the wisdom of freedom fighters, enlightening young minds about our rich history. National symbols took center stage, instilling pride and reverence.

The theme of unity in diversity echoed through cultural performances, reflecting the kaleidoscope of our nation's heritage. Dazzling dances celebrated the vibrancy of India, uniting us in the spirit of patriotism. This immersive celebration not only honored our Republic but also instilled a deep sense of pride and unity among students, fostering a love for the diverse tapestry that is India.

"Divine Radiance: Celebrating Ramlala Pran Pratishtha"

A celestial aura enveloped our school as we joyously celebrated the 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 in a special assembly on January 23, 2024. The event beautifully illuminated the hearts of our students, enlightening them on the profound significance of the ceremony and the timeless values of righteousness and devotion embodied by Lord Rama. Embracing the cultural and historical importance of the Ram Temple, the assembly highlighted its role in fostering national pride and religious harmony. The air was filled with the enchanting rhythms of traditional dance, adding a touch of divine grace to the atmosphere. This special assembly not only celebrated the spiritual essence of Ramlala Pran Pratishtha but also nurtured a deep sense of cultural understanding and reverence among our students, leaving them with cherished memories of this sacred occasion. To culminate the experience, our students also had the privilege of visiting the majestic Ram Mandir.

"Embracing Generations: Grandparents Day Celebration"

“Love is the greatest gift that one generation can leave to another” – Richard Garnett

Salwan Montessori School celebrated Grandparents Day on Friday, February 23rd, 2024, with a delightful mix of performances and heartfelt exchanges. Children showcased their gratitude and love for their grandparents through dances, skits, and shared reflections, while games added to the festive atmosphere. The Grandparents actively participated with zeal and enthusiasm, sharing wisdom, presenting bhajans, and reminiscing through old songs. This intergenerational celebration fostered a strong bond and expression of appreciation, highlighting the profound impact of grandparents in shaping family legacies. It was a joyous occasion, honoring the love and guidance passed down through generations.

"Salwan Montessori School celebrates Women's Day: Empowering Women, Embracing Strength!"

International Women’s Day was celebrated in Salwan Montessori school to celebrate strength, resilience and achievement of women around the world. The day was full of excitement as all the wonderful mothers and teachers got together to celebrate this day. The beautiful girls of our school had organised a cultural program showcasing the strength and power of women. They also presented a mesmerising act on how every single woman is a reflection of Maa Durga. The celebration also witnessed performances from our multitalented lot of mothers. They also enjoyed dancing together and excitedly participated in fun games, thus making it a wholesome celebration.

"Embracing Artistry: The Vibrant Showcase of Creativity at the Art Mela Event."

Art is an emotion not an object. Art touches are being, and it is the matter of heart. Matter of heart cannot be understood, merely experienced’.

The Art Mela organised on 1st March 2024, at SMS, Gurugram was a vibrant celebration of creativity, imagination, and artistic expression. The event showcased the remarkable creativity of our students, parents, and teachers. The school premises were transformed into a colorful carnival of creativity, with each corner brimming with uniqueness. The event not only provided a platform for students to display their artistic prowess but also fostered a sense of community and appreciation for the arts.

The Art Mela served as a testament to the importance of the arts in education, providing students with a platform to express themselves and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around them. Beyond showcasing individual talents, the event fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of creativity that defines our school community. As we reflect on the success of the Art Mela, we are reminded of the transformative power of the arts in shaping lives, fostering connections, and inspiring positive change.

Young storytellers shine with creativity and flair, captivating hearts.

In a delightful showcase organized by 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐢 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥, 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Each class transformed into a vibrant storytelling arena as young talents enthusiastically narrated various tales. Armed with colorful props and expressive gestures, these budding storytellers brought stories to life, showcasing not only their linguistic abilities but also their creativity. The event not only fostered a love for storytelling but also emphasized the importance of effective communication and imaginative expression in our little learners.

"Supermarket Exploration: Hands-On Learning for Practical Life Skills!"

"Experiential learning: the bridge that connects the classroom to the real world, transforming theory into tangible understanding."

In today's fast-paced world, supermarkets play a crucial role in our daily lives. They are not just places to buy groceries; they are also hubs of economic activity and social interaction. To understand the dynamics of a supermarket, students need to go beyond textbooks and immerse themselves in a real-world setting. For which we arranged a Super market setup in school along with purchasing vegetables from a vegetable seller to provide our students with hands-on experience in a supermarket environment. By actively engaging in this experience, students gained a deeper understanding of various concepts related to money, buying selling, customer behavior, and practical life skills. It was a fun-filled experience for the students and they thoroughly enjoyed the same.

"Dive into the World of Numbers: Numeracy Week Ignites Curiosity and Fun Learning!"

"Mathematics becomes an epic adventure when learning is infused with excitement and discovery, paving the way for a lifetime of numerical exploration."

Numeracy Week at Salwan Montessori School was a vibrant celebration of mathematical learning! Various engaging activities were organized, focusing on numbers, pre-number concepts, shapes, and numerical concepts. Students delved into exciting math games, puzzles, floor snakes and ladder and hands-on activities to strengthen their understanding. From shape hunts to number pattern challenges, the week sparked curiosity and fostered a deeper appreciation for mathematics among students, making learning both fun and enriching.

"Literacy Week: Where Words Dance and Emotions Sing in journey of education!"

"Early literacy is the cornerstone of academic success, building strong foundations for comprehension, communication, and critical thinking."

In the engaging classroom activity "Tiny Hands-Big Names," pre-primary students embarked on a creative journey by writing their names on cards. They then expressed their emotions for the day by drawing corresponding emojis, capturing feelings of happiness, sadness, amazement, and excitement. This interactive exercise fostered self-expression and emotional awareness in young learners.

Additionally, as part of Literacy Week celebrations, our school conducted a dynamic and interactive activity called “Action Words Hopscotch.” This innovative initiative aimed to blend physical activity with language learning, providing a multi-dimensional approach to literacy education. Through “Action Words Hopscotch,” we instilled a love for language, inspired active learning, and empowered students to embrace literacy in all its forms. We hoped, skipped, cried, smiled, danced, and jumped filled with excitement, exploration, and endless possibilities for learning!"

"Fueling Curiosity: Science Week Sparks Wonder and Exploration in Young Minds!"

"Science experiments: where imagination meets investigation, and innovation is born."

Science Week celebrated in our school served as an excellent platform to instill curiosity, foster exploration, and ignite a passion for science among young learners. This event provided an immersive experience where children engage in hands-on activities, experiments, and demonstrations, making learning fun and interactive. The various science experiments conducted, were simple yet captivating, tailored to the age group teaching them various principles in a playful manner.

A Nature Walk and Outdoor Exploration was also organised so that the children could observe plants, insects, and the environment around them. The children were encouraged to ask questions, make observations. Science Week celebration served as a catalyst for inspiring young minds and fostering a lifelong love for science laying a solid foundation for future scientific learning and discovery.

"Exploring AI Week: Igniting Curiosity with Digital Adventures and Innovative Learning Experiences!"

“Technology can become the “wings” that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before – if we allow it.” – Jenny Arledge

Salwan Montessori School celebrated AI Week with a whirlwind of online games, embracing the marvels of technology. Through interactive platforms, they delved into educational adventures, discovering new worlds and concepts. From decoding puzzles to virtual storytelling, educational coding platforms, virtual and augmented reality experiences, each activity sparked curiosity and creativity and innovation. The students navigated digital landscapes, fostering problem-solving skills and digital literacy promoting cross-cultural understanding among their students. AI Week wasn't just about fun; it was a gateway to a future of digital tools and AI powered applications with technology enriched learning experiences.

‘Navigating Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Care and Education’

Under the banner ‘NAVTIKA’, powered by Salwan Education Trust, the third edition, Navtika National Symposium 3.0, was organized in virtual mode to know the potential impact of AI under the theme ‘Navigating Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education’. The symposium stressed the importance of embracing change and fostering resilience in integrating AI into Early Childhood curriculum.

The Keynote address delivered by Dr Jagendra Singh and Dr Sapna Yadav, highlighted several beneficial features of AI that has potential impact on early childhood education. They reiterated that AI teaches us important 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives and work environments, understanding its capabilities and limitations becomes essential. AI empowers individuals to make informed decisions, innovate, and adapt to evolving technological landscapes. Ms. Mrunal Ganjale, a dedicated teacher at ZP School Pimpalgaon, Pune district, also a National Teachers Award recipient, was invited to share her school's innovative approach to education at the symposium. Despite being in the interiors of Maharashtra, Ganjale has empowered her school with AI and implemented several innovative initiatives which have transformed the learning experience for her students, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication and innovative spirit serve as an inspiration to educators everywhere, demonstrating the power of education to transcend boundaries and empower students to reach their full potential. The symposium, thereafter, saw a few memorable snippets from the AI Fest held at Salwan Public School, Gurugram, wherein the children were seen being introduced into the transformative and captivating world of AI. The Eminent Speakers for the Panel Discussion were Mr Vipul Joshi, Ms Paramjeet Kaur Dhillion, Ms Maya Menon, Dr Sween Saini, Ms Vineeta Garg along with the moderator Ms Sona Gombar who shared about the challenges and opportunities of the technological driven world. The insightful discussion, led by a panel of experts, delved into multifaced aspects, unravelling the roles of AI in education, its application for educational purposes, the promising future of AI and the evolving dynamics between physical and Digital learning. There were approximately 700 attendees on screen and about 500+ on YouTube who attended the Symposium.

The Navtika National Symposium 3.0 served as a dynamic platform for educators and stakeholders to explore the integration of artificial intelligence in early childhood education. The event showcased opportunities for innovation and collaboration, highlighting the potential of AI to enhance teaching and learning experiences for young children. In conclusion, the symposium highlighted the transformative impact of AI in early childhood education and emphasized the ongoing need for dialogue and collaboration. By working together, educators and stakeholders can ensure that AI is effectively leveraged to benefit all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with special needs.

"Nurturing Parenthood: Empowering Parents through Positive Parenting Workshop"

"Parents, teachers, and schools: three pillars of support standing strong together, shaping the educational journey and championing the success of every student."

Parents in today's society are supposedly under constant pressure to do everything "perfectly"—a quest for perfection that probably makes parenting feel challenging. Therefore, it is essential that parents take part in parenting programmes designed to give them more control. To help parents in this endeavor, Salwan Montessori School on Saturday, 27th January, organised a parenting workshop for them. The workshop was taken by the Headmistress Ms. Sona Gombar who gave them insights on fantastic positive parenting techniques and apprised them about strategies for handling difficult behaviours and tantrums. Parents were very satisfied and happy to learn about new approaches to handle their bundle of joy empathetically.

"Fostering Partnership: Empowering Parents in Early Education through the Parent Academy!"

"In a child's education, parents are the foundation, teachers are the builders, and collaboration is the key to constructing a successful future."

Parent-teacher collaboration in the early years of a child's education is of paramount importance. This partnership between parents and educators lays a strong foundation for a child's development and academic success. Since the early years of a child's life are a critical period of growth and development, the collaborative efforts of parents and teachers play a pivotal role in shaping a child's future. This partnership creates a supportive environment that fosters learning, emotional well-being, and social development.

To bridge the gap between classroom teaching and parents and to make them equal partners in their child's learning, Salwan Montessori School has taken the initiative to launch Parent Academies where parents will be exposed to different modules and strategies crucial to their child's development. The third session of the Parent Academy took place on February 3rd, 2024, the modules covered during the session were Socio-emotional learning, conducted by Dr. Puneet, the Psychologist, and the importance of AI in Early Years by inhouse team of teachers. The session had an amazing impact on the parents as they were given the opportunity to seek expert advice. It was a great success and was appreciated by all.

SUSTAINABILITY SUPERSTARS AWARD - GOSHARPENER

SMS was honored with the distinguished Go Sharpener Sustainability Superstar Award for its proactive sustainability efforts within the school. The event was attended by the 140 top school principals, teachers, coordinators and students taking Sustainable initiatives, by promoting SDG Goals & environment protection.