Dear Readers,
Every year, school plans an exhaustive list of curricular and co-curricular activities to provide best of the opportunities to our young learners to foster the young minds with curiosity, innovation and critical thinking. "The Junior Journal" aims to showcase and celebrate the exceptional events and achievements of the students learning at SJS, Naraina. The publication is released on a monthly basis, providing a comprehensive overview of the notable accomplishments, events and projects undertaken by the learners in a month, within our educational community. 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 and accomplishments of the learners at SJS with deep and meaningful learning experiences which are curated keeping in mind the skills, attitudes and beliefs of the children at this age.
Happy Reading!
Gandhi Jayanti: Celebrating Mahatma’s Values with Heart
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
On September 27, 2024, Kindergarten students held an assembly honoring Mahatma Gandhi. Through songs, skits, and dances, they conveyed Gandhiji's values of truth, cleanliness, and peace. Highlights included a skit on environmental cleanliness and a dance tribute to "Bande Mein Tha Dum." The event instilled Gandhi's timeless principles in young minds, fostering future leaders of empathy and integrity.
To continue the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti, on October 1, 2024, Class IV hosted an engaging assembly themed "Celebrating the Life and Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi." The event featured a soulful rendition of "Vaishnava Jan To," a comedy skit with Munnabhai and Circuit discussing Gandhiji's relevance today, and a powerful skit on India’s freedom movements. The assembly concluded with a thought-provoking video linking Gandhiji’s values to the school's ethos.
Professional Learning and Development Program (PLDP) Cluster Session: Building Leadership and Growth Mindset
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."
On October 22, 2024, the PLDP (Professional Learning and Development Program) Cluster Session at SKV School, Dwarka, focused on enhancing leadership and fostering a growth mindset among educators. The day started with a calming silence practice and covered topics like classroom observation, rapport building, and administrative support through Zero Hour. The session emphasized reframing challenges, and transitioning from a fixed to a growth mindset, and concluded with reflections on leadership growth, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose.
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Furry Friends Take Center Stage: Animal Theme Assembly
"Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms."
The special assembly by Nursery students on October 4' 2024 celebrated pet animals, with students dressed as their favorite furry friends. Each child shared captivating facts about their animal's features and habits, enhancing their understanding and building confidence. This interactive event turned learning about animal care into a fun and unforgettable experience.
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Growing Together: A Window into Classroom Learning
"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."
On October 7 and 8' 2024, the Demo Function of Kindergarten provided parents insight into their children's learning with the theme "Plants." Students showcased their skills through CVC sentences, lively songs, and an EVS segment on plant parts along with Hindi and Math concepts. The event reinforced the vital connection between home and school, leaving parents impressed with their children's progress and the teachers' commitment to fostering growth.
Bringing Lessons to Life: Animated Voice Over Videos with Adobe Express
"A teacher's voice can spark imagination and inspire learning."
On October 5th, 2024, an engaging session on "Creating Animated Voice Over Videos Using Adobe Express" was conducted for teachers of Salwan Schools, specifically for classes NUR to II. Educators learned to harness Adobe Express for creating captivating voice-over videos, enriching lessons with animation and enhancing student engagement. The training empowered teachers to make learning visually appealing and interactive, bridging traditional and digital methods effectively.
Dusshera Assembly Celebration: A Triumph of Good Over Evil
"The victory of good over evil is a timeless lesson we must carry forward."
The students of Nursery and II celebrated Dusshera with an engaging assembly on October 10'2024 featuring a skit based on the Ramayana. Dressed in vibrant costumes, they portrayed characters like Lord Rama and Ravana, captivating the audience. The choir sang a heartfelt song about truth's triumph, culminating in the dramatic "Ravan Dahan." This enriching experience instilled pride in cultural values and showcased the children's creativity and talent.
Celebrating Navratri through Traditional Dance Workshop
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul."
On October 10' 2024, our school celebrated the 7th day of Navratri with a vibrant Dandiya, Garba, and Devotional Dance workshop. Led by renowned dancers Swapna Alase and Shimran Zaman, students from Classes 4 and 5 explored traditional folk forms, gaining insights into Gujarat’s rich culture. The workshop fostered coordination, teamwork, and an appreciation for Indian festivals, promoting cultural awareness and community bonding in a lively atmosphere.
Empowering Educators: The TOT Program Journey
"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest."
The Training of Trainers (TOT) program by CBSE and ISTM conducted on October 4 and 5' 2024 equipped participants with essential skills for effective training. Key components included trainer qualities, lesson planning, NEP 2020 insights, and assessment methods, ultimately enhancing the quality of education in India.
Flip Teaching Project Presentation: Fostering Active Learning
“Learning is best when students lead and explore together.”
On October 10, 2024, Class III conducted a presentation on the Flip Teaching Project, where students demonstrated active learning and engagement. Divided into four groups, they explored diverse topics: Adventure from Kitchen (Group 1), Sources of Food (Group 2), Pronoun (Group 3), and विशेषण (Group 4). Each group researched their topic thoroughly, showcasing impressive understanding and enthusiasm. The project highlighted collaborative learning, with every participant contributing meaningfully and confidently sharing their insights.
Math Minds at Play: Inter-Class Quiz
"Mathematics is not just about numbers; it’s about sharpening minds and unlocking potential."
The Inter-Class Mathematics Quiz for Classes III, IV, and V, held on October 18 and 21, 2024, fostered excitement and friendly competition. With four rounds—Direct, Audio-Visual, Take a Pick, and Buzzer—the quiz tested problem-solving, teamwork, and quick thinking. Teams from Classes III A, IV A, and V A emerged as winners. Engaging rounds, lively hosting, and enthusiastic participation made this event a memorable success.
Inter-School Clay Moulding Festival: Shaping Creativity with Hands and Hearts
"Creativity is intelligence having fun."
On 19th October 2024, Salwan Junior School hosted the Inter-School Clay Moulding Festival, where young students from six schools under the Salwan Education Trust displayed their artistic talents. Themed "Animal World," the competition allowed students from Nursery to Class II to mold their imaginations into captivating creations. The day was filled with artistic performances, joy, and teamwork, concluding with a heartfelt closing ceremony where winners were recognized and creativity celebrated.
Radiance of Diwali: Celebrating Light and Eco-Consciousness
“Let the light of Diwali illuminate hearts with joy, unity, and respect for nature.”
On October 28, 2024, students from Class KG to II came together for a memorable Diwali Assembly. The young participants, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, celebrated the festival with a mix of cultural performances and meaningful messages. A skit on Green Diwali promoted eco-friendly celebrations, while lively dances and a story on Dhanteras added depth. The assembly concluded with a captivating "Asht Devi" dance and a spirited quiz, leaving everyone inspired by the essence of Diwali.
Sukrana Ceremony: A Heartfelt Tribute
“Gratitude is the heart’s way of celebrating those who make a difference.”
On October 28, 2024, students from Classes III to V led a touching Sukrana Ceremony, expressing gratitude to the dedicated support staff who work tirelessly to keep the school a safe and nurturing environment. The students offered heartfelt thanks and extended warm Diwali wishes, honoring the staff's invaluable contributions with words of appreciation and respect.
October Arts Extravaganza: A Month of Creativity and Celebration
"Art is the universal language that connects us all."
The month of October was filled with festive joy and creativity at our school, as students celebrated Gandhi Jayanti, Dusshera, Diwali, and the Inter-School Clay Moulding Competition. Through vibrant activities and artistic projects, they paid homage to these important events. Their enthusiasm and creativity were a testament to the school’s dedication to promoting cultural values and fostering artistic expression.
Shining Achievements of Our Young Champions
Active Listeners of the Podcast in October
Insights from the Teacher's Desk
Screen Time Sanity: Unplugging Your Child for a Brighter Future
In our increasingly digital world, screens have become an integral part of our daily lives. While technology offers numerous benefits, excessive screen time can have significant negative impacts on children's physical, mental, and social development. It's crucial to strike a balance and encourage healthier habits.
The Perils of Excessive Screen Time
a.) Physical Health Compromised: Prolonged screen exposure can lead to a host of physical ailments, including poor posture, eye strain, and reduced physical activity. This can increase the risk of obesity, sleep disorders, and other health issues.
b.) Mental Health at Stake: Excessive screen time has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. It can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and irritability.
c.) Social Skills Stunted: Constant screen engagement can hinder the development of essential social skills, such as empathy, communication, and cooperation. Children may struggle to form meaningful relationships and may experience feelings of isolation.
d.) Academic Performance Impacted: Excessive screen time can negatively impact children's focus, attention span, and academic performance. It can make it difficult for them to concentrate in class and complete homework assignments.
Practical Tips to Reduce Screen Time
1. Set Clear Limits:
- Establish specific screen time limits for weekdays and weekends.
- Use parental control apps to monitor and manage screen usage.
- Be consistent and enforce the limits to avoid power struggles.
2. Create Screen-Free Zones:
- Designate specific areas in your home as screen-free zones, such as the dining room and bedrooms.
- Encourage family meals and bedtime routines without screens.
- Create a peaceful and stimulating environment for relaxation and quality time.
3. Encourage Outdoor Play:
- Plan outdoor activities, such as bike rides, park visits, or sports.
- Organize playdates with friends to promote social interaction and physical activity.
- Explore nature, go for walks, or simply spend time in the backyard.
4. Rediscover Traditional Pastimes:
- Engage in board games, puzzles, or card games.
- Read books together, tell stories, or listen to audiobooks.
- Cook or bake together, involving children in age-appropriate tasks.
5. Foster Creative Pursuits:
- Encourage children to explore their creativity through art, music, writing, or crafts.
- Provide them with the necessary materials and support.
- Enroll them in art classes, music lessons, or drama clubs.
6. Digital Detox Days:
- Plan regular screen-free days or weekends.
- Engage in activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and connection with nature.
A Brighter Future, One Screen-Free Moment at a Time
By implementing these practical strategies, you can help your child reduce screen time and develop healthier habits. Remember, moderation is key. Encourage a balance between screen time and other activities to ensure your child's overall well-being. Let's work together to create a brighter future for our children, one screen-free moment at a time.
Remember, consistency is crucial. Start small, be patient, and celebrate your child's successes. Together, we can empower our children to thrive in a digital age.
Tajinder Kaur
For primary students, here are two great educational websites.
Funbrain - www.funbrain.com
Funbrain provides games, books, and videos covering subjects like math, reading, and problem-solving. Tailored for kids in primary school, it combines education and entertainment to make learning an exciting adventure.
Education.com - www.education.com
Education.com offers a wide range of resources, including worksheets, games, and interactive lessons across various subjects. It caters to different grade levels, helping children practice essential skills in a fun and engaging way
Enchanting Tales for Young Minds: CBT Children's Literature Picks
"The Magic Drum"
This enchanting tale follows a young boy who discovers a magical drum that brings his wishes to life. The story highlights themes of kindness and the importance of using one's gifts wisely, making it an enjoyable read for children.
"Tales from Panchatantra"
A collection of classic Indian fables, this book features stories that convey moral lessons through the adventures of animals. The engaging narratives and beautiful illustrations make it perfect for 8-year-olds, fostering both imagination and learning.
Credits:
Created with images by • ant - Woman hand using smartphone to send and recieve email. • Юлия Усикова - Spring floral arrangement of jasmine flowers on a green background with copy space. • JJAVA - Thank you