THE MONTESSORI JOURNAL: VOL - II (JULY - AUGUST 2023)

“Education is the key that unlocks the golden door to freedom.” - George Washington Carver

Dear Readers,

The most crucial aspect of our child’s existence is school. The child learns important lessons from it that help him or her to grow and thrive. The school teaches engage and be social with everyone. Young impressionable brains need to be piqued with curiosity, and we, as a school provide them with the tools, they need to become better people. We are happy to share about दिशा our e-Journal which means direction.

“The Montessori Journal” is another unique feature of the school which aims to showcase and celebrate the expectations events and achievements of the students learning at SMS, Gurugram. This publication will be released on a monthly basis, providing a comprehensive overview of the notable accomplishments events and celebrations undertaken by our young learners. This monthly journal will serve as a platform to recognize and applaud the outstanding efforts of the students.

Stay tuned every month to witness, discover, and explore the remarkable talents of our young learners with deep and enriching learning experiences.

Happy Reading!

From Courage to Inspiration-KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS

"Salute the valiant Indian soldiers who gave their life to protect the nation, its territory, and its citizens."

Kargil Vijay Diwas is an important day in India that commemorates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1999 Kargil war against Pakistan. It is celebrated every year on 26th July to honor the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers who fought valiantly to safeguard our nation's borders. To instil a sense of patriotism and respect for the armed forces among the young generation, we, at Salwan Montessori School celebrated Kargil Divas in school on 26th July 2023.

A special assembly was organized, and children danced to the tunes of patriotic songs. The teachers explained the significance of the day and together sang the National Anthem with great pride. We salute these young stars for their exceptional portrayal and their contribution to keeping the flame of remembrance alive.

INTERNATIONAL TIGER DAY

"In celebrating Tiger Day Day, we roar in unison, pledging to protect these majestic creatures and safeguard the delicate balance of our ecosystem. Let us be the guardians of our environment."

At Salwan Montessori School, the little Salwanians roared with excitement while celebrating International Tiger Day. With tiger masks, leaf printing and clay tigers, they embarked on an educational adventure. Teachers creatively engaged the little ones through story enactment, craft, and discussed endangered species, and conservation efforts. The celebration aimed to instil love for nature and awareness of wildlife protection. Through their playful roars, these young conservationists pledged to protect tigers and all creatures, ensuring a brighter future for our planet.

FRIENDSHIP DAY CELEBRATION

“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.” — Elisabeth Foley

Friendship Day is a special occasion that brings together students to celebrate the bonds of friendship that make school life memorable. It's a day filled with fun activities, heartfelt gestures, and the chance to appreciate the friends who make our journey through school so much more enjoyable.

Salwan Montessori School celebrated Friendships day on 4th August 2023 with lot of excitement. The day began with lively morning assembly where Principal ma'am and the teachers emphasized on the value of friendship in shaping individuals' lives. Students were reminded of the importance of treating one another with kindness, respect, and empathy. One of the highlights of the day was the exchange of friendship bands. Students brought and exchanged friendship bands as tokens of their affection and camaraderie. It's a heartwarming tradition that symbolized the strong bonds formed within the school community.

FOUNDATION DAY

"Celebrating the past, embracing the present, and shaping the future – on this Foundation Day, we honor the roots that ground us, the moments that define us, and the dreams that propel us as we continue to build the legacy of learning."

Salwan Montessori School celebrated its momentous 24th Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and pride on 6th August 2023. The event aimed to commemorate years of excellence and growth. The event fostered a sense of unity, pride and gratitude among students, staff, alumni and well-wishers.

The celebration commenced with a havan ceremony to seek the blessings of Almighty. The event was graced by esteemed guests, staff, alumni and students. The havan ceremony was followed by a grand celebration which began with lamp lighting ceremony followed by a video showcasing the beautiful memories of the glorious 24 years of excellence. The students showcased their talents through captivating dance performances and acts. The event also provided an opportunity for the Alumni to reconnect and reminiscence. A plantation drive was also organized in line with the school’s commitment to environmental sustainability symbolizing the growth and nurturing of young minds. The celebration was concluded with the most important cake cutting ceremony.

The celebration was truly a resounding success, capturing the essence of the institution’s rich history and bright future. The school yet again promised to work on the path of dedicated learning with determination to shape young minds and nurture future leaders.

Resounding Unity: Independence Day Extravaganza

"Freedom is our legacy, and Independence is our pride!”

Salwan Montessori School proudly celebrated Independence Day with great patriotism and pride on 11th August 2023. It was a day of observance and honoring our freedom fighters. The whole school was decorated in tricolor, looking effervescent and exuberant. The event was a great hit as the parents could witness the flamboyant performances of their children who danced to the tunes of various patriotic songs. The celebration was a magnificent accomplishment, which was highly appreciated by all.

TEEJ CELEBRATION

"Embracing tradition, celebrating womanhood, and dancing with the monsoon rhythms – Teej brings joy to every heart."

The Festival of Teej celebrates the bounty of nature, arrival of rains and greenery surrounded by beautiful celebrations and customs. The children of Salwan Montessori School celebrated Teej on 18th August 2023 with great joy and fervor. The young ones got dressed up in traditional dresses and danced to the tunes of folk songs and celebrated the festival with a lot of excitement. Children did traditional block printing to understand the essence of our rich culture and customs.

RAKSHA BANDHAN CELEBRATION

“Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero."

The bonding between a brother and a sister is simply unique and is beyond description in words. Priceless thread, Rakhi is the epitome of love between brother & sister. Raksha Bandhan was celebrated in Salwan Montessori School, with lots of love and happiness on Tuesday, 29th August. Raksha Bandhan celebration commenced with a special morning assembly. A talk by the teacher was presented to mark the significance of the occasion. This was followed by a fascinating story enactment by the teachers to honor the brother-sister bond and love.

The captivating dance performances by students to emphasize both sisters and brothers protecting, helping and loving each other for a better tomorrow, was one of the highlights of the day. The students also extended their sentiment to trees, promoting 'Vriksha Bandhan' for environmental responsibility. Musical renditions and a heartfelt dance performance added depth to the event, reinforcing values of care, protection, and ecological consciousness.

DANCE PRESENTATION

“Dancing is surely the most basic of relevant of all forms of expression. Nothing else can so effectively give outward form to an inner experience”. – Lyall Watson

During the much-awaited summer break our tiny tots were given a very creatively designed holiday homework which was based on the theme Pancha Kosha Vikas. In this a number of activities based on various phases of a child's development, appropriate experiences that support their interest in exploration, experimentation, and self-direction were given. These experiences were driven with happiness that led to enriching experiences.

A very important element of Pancha Kosha Vikas is Annamaya Kosha which is physical development. Based on this theme children were given a list of dance numbers and were asked to learn and present these dance steps on anyone song of their choice as we believe that dance not only nurtures physical coordination but also fosters creativity, confidence, and self-expression. So, as a follow-up on 19th and 20th July we organised a dance presentation to witness the extraordinary talent and exuberance of our young dancers.

Our little stars of Nursery and KG class worked diligently and passionately to create a mesmerizing performance and left everyone spellbound.

MANGO DAY CELEBRATION

“Let the sweetness of the mango remind you that life is also sweet”

The Mango Day Celebration in Salwan Montessori School on 21st July was a sweet and colorful affair, as children brought their favourite mango varieties to share. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they proudly displayed their mangoes and described their flavors. The event not only fostered a love for mangoes but also promoted healthy eating habits among our young learners.

Culmination Day- Theme 1

‘SPECIAL ME’

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” — Benjamin Franklin

It feels so elated to see our little learners grow so fast and have successfully completed the first unit of Term I on the theme ‘SPECIAL ME’. We, at Salwan Montessori School organized the CULMINATION of Unit 1 Special Me. Culmination activities are a perfect medium to showcase the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the unit. Such events have several benefits for young children, like presenting before the audience is motivating for the students and takes learning deeper.​

Little Scientist at Work

Engaging young children in science experiments is crucial for laying a foundation of future learning. These experiments spark curiosity and a love for exploration. Through hands-on activities, children develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They foster creativity, enhance motor skills, and encourage teamwork. Early exposure to science experiments cultivates a positive attitude towards learning, deepens their understanding of the world, and nurtures a lifelong passion for scientific exploration.

Team Building Activities

Team building activities play a crucial role in promoting collaboration, communication, and social development among young children. Team Building Activities were organized by the Salwan Montessori School to foster collaboration and social development in young Salwanians. Through various activities, children got an opportunity to interact with their peers, develop important social skills, and establish a sense of belonging within a group. These games involved children cooperating and working together to achieve a common goal rather than competing against each other.

GREEN COLOUR DAY

“Green is the prime colour of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.”

Everything around us is an array of colors. Green is the most common color in the natural world, think of nature and see green in all its glory expressing renewal, life and energy. In order to emphasize the importance of green colour, Salwan Montessori School had green color day celebration on Monday, 8th August 2023. All the students and teachers came dressed in different shades of green. Students were taught the identification and recognition of green vegetables, leaves, trees and various other green objects. To provide sensory experience to our little ones for exploring this colour, making grapes with bottle cap printing and pea pods activity was conducted in which children took part with great enthusiasm.

Celebration of green colour day provided an opportunity for practical learning experience and made their day more enjoyable.

SHOW AND TELL

"Words without actions are meaningless for kids"

To help our children get a plethora of opportunities to perform on stage, develop confidence and to enhance their communication skills, Salwan Montessori School organized a ‘Show and Tell’ activity on Thursday, 24th August and Friday, 25th August, 2023 on the theme- Our Green Friends. Children chose topics from "My Favourite Fruit/Vegetable/Other things that we get from plants”. Children got an opportunity to stand up in front of their friends and speak about their favorite topic, with the help of very creative props, on the stage. This actually facilitated the tiny-tots to come out of their shell and build confidence. Little Salwanians thoroughly enjoyed this activity.

PODCAST

“Whispers of Imagination: Tales Unraveled in the Story Podcasts

Stories have the power to connect us, to inspire us, and to ignite our imagination. They remind us of our shared humanity and teach us valuable lessons about life, love, and resilience”.

Commencing the journey of bringing stories close to the students, while at home as well, Story Podcast was initiated last year. Continuing with the journey of storytelling , Phase –1 of audio podcast was commenced with the teachers taking on interesting stories and connecting via with follow up quiz. Imagination soars high, as students dive into the world of storytelling, honing their creativity and communication skills. Through the magical medium, they themselves learn the art of expression, empathy, and teamwork, while listeners across the school, are transported into the fantasy world of wonder, laughter, and learning .The Story Podcast is an inspiring symphony of teachers voices, weaving dreams and leaving lasting imprints on curious hearts.

LIFE SKILL

CARING - JULY

“Children are not things to be molded but are people to be unfolded.”

Care is another form of love. Caring allows an individual to connect with others, respecting human dignity and responding with compassion. Actively listening and being emotionally present, as well as providing support, are important aspects of a caring relationship. One of the biggest reasons being caring is so important is that it gives us the ability to help others and understand when others are in need. “Caring means you are willing to put the needs of others first. Children will be able to understand their moral duty to care for one another. Being kind to others, sharing with others, being considerate of others' feelings by using the words "please" and "thank you," having compassion for the less fortunate, and forgiving someone who has wronged you are just a few examples of how to be caring.

HONESTY - AUGUST

“The first step towards an abundant life!”

Honesty means we are truthful in what we say and do. It means people can rely on us because we have integrity. Honesty is the basis of a trusting relationship. It helped children in setting and recognizing limits, communicating ideas honestly and politely, and creating lasting connections. It serves as the cornerstone of our relationships' trust. We must instil in our children the value of honesty and the necessity for respectful, kind, and sincere communication. Working through the Pillars of Honesty:

• Accountability- The first step to being honest is owning your actions. Below write down one way you are accountable for yourself. (Ex: Putting my own sparring bag in the car).
• Integrity- Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Below, write down one moral or value you never compromise on. (Ex: I am always honest when it comes to chores).
• Courage- Courage is the ability to face your fears.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL: LIFE ON LAND

“Our school is a happy place where we learn, play, and protect our planet together."

At Salwan Montessori School, we have a special mission to care for nature. Our little Salwanians plant seeds and water plants, just like they take care of their toys. They learnt about animals and their homes, taking care of strays, etc.

They understood the cleanliness around them. They pick up trash and keep their surroundings clean. Through story time they were sensitized about life on land. They drew colorful pictures of animals and trees, shared their importance with their friends and families. Through fun games, they realized that when they look after nature, they're like superheroes for the Earth!

Empowering School Leaders: POISE Program at Salwan Education Trust

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

From August 12 to 15, 2023, Salwan Education Trust organized a three-day residential leadership program at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad. This spiritual retreat center facilitated various sessions, including Heartfulness meditation, leadership development, and mindfulness practices. Participants engaged with Daaji, the Heartfulness Guide, discussing strategies to improve students' well-being, reduce screen time, and instill values like gratitude and self-discipline. The program also explored the Heartful Sequential Engagement Approach, ethical education, and nonviolent communication techniques. It was a transformative experience that equipped school leaders with tools to create a positive impact on students' lives.

As part of future plans, the school aims to integrate meditation into the daily routine of the students as well and implement the Brighter Minds program for cognitive growth, enhance the school's greenery, and explore solar panel installation. This program marks a significant step in Salwan Education Trust's commitment to holistic education.

STRENGTHENING PARENT INTERFACE

"The magic happens when parents, students, and teachers come together, united by a common goal of nurturing knowledge, growth, and excellence."

PHONETICS WORKSHOP

'Reading is the gateway skill that makes all the other learnings possible'-Barak Obama

Learning to read and write is the most important skill a child acquires at the young age. And phonetics lays the foundation for this skill of reading and writing. To work in collaboration with the parents and to make them an integral part of their child's learning journey Salwan Montessori School, organised a Phonetics workshop on 19th August 2023. The motive behind the workshop was to bridge the gaps between the parents and the classroom teaching strategies. The parents attended the workshop with lot of enthusiasm as they were very keen to learn the new skills and clear their doubts which would benefit them in teaching their children and to be an active part of their learnings. The workshop was very successful and highly appreciated by all.

BRINGING LAURELS TO SCHOOL: Our Super Stars

🌟 Congratulations to our brilliant skater, Vaidehi Panchal from Class KG B, for her outstanding achievement! 🎉🏆. Vaidehi has secured the 3rd Rank in the Under-5 Girls Quads Skating competition! 🥉🌟 Her dedication, hard work, and passion for skating has made us feel proud!

Vaidehi's remarkable success serves as an inspiration to all our young students. It reflects the excellence and determination that our school strives to instill in every child. 🌟💪

Let us all join hands in applauding Vaidehi for her fantastic achievement and wish her the very best for her future endeavors! 🎉

LITTLE PICASSO

"A young heart, a vibrant palette – Little Picasso's legacy unfolds."

Aarav Yog Anand, a budding young artist and a student of KG, has showcased his remarkable artistic talent through a captivating painting that vividly captures the essence of day and night. With a skill beyond his years, Aarav's artwork transcends the boundaries of age and experience, reflecting his innate creativity and passion for the arts. Through masterful strokes and a vibrant color palette, he has beautifully depicted the transitioning landscapes from the brilliance of daylight to the mystique of the night sky. Aarav's painting not only demonstrates his artistic prowess but also serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the limitless imagination and potential that reside within our youngest minds. As he embarks on his artistic journey, Aarav Yog Anand holds the promise of a future where his talent continues to blossom and captivate the world.

PARENTING TIPS SHARED EVERY DAY

• "Discipline should be a means to guide, not to instil fear." - Discipline, when approached thoughtfully, serves as a guiding compass for children rather than a source of fear. It's essential for parents to recognize that discipline is about teaching them the difference between right and wrong, helping them develop self-control and decision-making skills. By emphasizing guidance over fear, parents create an environment where children can learn and grow while feeling safe, respected, and supported in their journey towards responsible adulthood.
• "Patience isn't about enduring but embracing the magical moments of discovery with your young child." - Patience in parenting isn't just toughing it out; it's diving into the enchanting journey of discovery with your child. It's finding joy in every slow or crazy moment, basking in their wonder. Through patience, you turn everyday situations into treasured memories, making the ordinary truly magical for both you and your child.
• "The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence." - Denis Waitley - As parents, the most valuable gifts we can give our children is guiding them to be accountable for their actions, teaching reliability and self-discipline. At the same time, nurture their confidence and resilience by allowing them space to explore, learn, and develop their unique abilities. These gifts will prepare them for a successful and fulfilling journey in life.
• "Blend love and discipline, ignite curiosity, and nurture trust through open communication." - It's essential to strike a balance between being affectionate and setting boundaries to provide a stable environment for your child's growth. Nurture their curiosity and love for learning to cultivate a lifelong passion for education. Encouraging open communication ensures your child feels safe sharing their thoughts and concerns, strengthening your bond and building trust between you and your child.

Under the banner of NAVTIKA -SYMPOSIUM

PANCHA KOSHA : LEARNING TO RELEARN AND DISCOVER

Navtika Symposium 2.0

To understand and give a broader perspective to the Panchakosha, the ancient concept of Education within the framework of NCF and to make this an integral part of Early childhood Education, the Salwan Group of Schools under the aegis of Salwan Education Trust, New Delhi organized the Second Edition of Navtika National Symposium on ‘Panchakosha : Learning to Relearn and discover the essence of Contemporary Education’ under the banner of NAVTIKA in virtual mode. The speakers for this enriching session were (Prof) Dr Venita Kaul, Dr. Seema Negi, Ms. Seema Tuli, Ms. Amrit Nagpal, Dr. Shipra Suneja, Dr. Vasavvi Acharjya and Ms. Devika Nadig. Pancha Koshas, originating from ancient Indian philosophy, refers to the five layers or sheaths that comprise an individual's existence, emphasizing the holistic nature of human beings.

Vedanta investigates the human uniqueness into five layers/sheaths koshas or levels. It uncovers the fundamental components that give the universe and the microcosm system. It shows us the instrument of the body, brain, and soul, from the gross components that make up the actual body to the more inconspicuous parts of the psyche and awareness. It distinguishes every component, shows us its capability, and shows us the relationship of the multitude of components with one another. All the enthusiastic participants from all across the schools including educators, principals, and parents participated in the symposium. The interactive session on the Pancha Koshas provided a transformative journey into the intricacies of human existence, offering participants a new lens through which to view their children and their world, and how integrating the wisdom of the Pancha Koshas into their children’s lives can bring forth their holistic progress.