Celebrating Young Minds: The Junior Journal
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!
A Glimpse into Gurpurab Celebrations: Nursery & KG
Nursery and Kindergarten students at SJS celebrated Gurpurab with a special assembly. They learned about Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life and teachings, took a virtual tour of a Gurudwara, and sang devotional hymns. The assembly concluded with the distribution of Kada Prasad, fostering a sense of sharing and humility. This experience enriched the children's understanding of the festival and instilled valuable spiritual values.
A Spiritual Celebration by the Primary Wing
To honor the teachings and legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, our school organized a special assembly for Classes I to V. The assembly began with a serene Prabhat Pheri, where students participated in a morning procession filled with reverence.
Devotional songs and a video presentation on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life and teachings followed. Students learned about his values of compassion, humility, and selfless service. To show respect, students removed their shoes and covered their heads.
To further deepen the connection, each student was given Kada Prasad as a symbol of unity and blessing.
A Day of Joy and Wonder: Children’s Day Celebration
Children’s Day was a day filled with magic and merriment at our school. The day began with teachers distributing personalized cards and chocolates, making each child feel special. A captivating magic show amazed the students, followed by a lively dance performance by teachers. Adding to the excitement, teachers of Classes Nursery to II surprised their students with a lively dance performance. Set to cheerful music, the teachers’ dance brought smiles and cheers from the children, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. Students from Classes III to V enjoyed a humorous skit that celebrated the teacher-student bond.
One of the highlights was a heartfelt poem by our Principal Ma’am titled "Let Me Live My Childhood." Through this poem, she reminded everyone of the beauty and importance of cherishing childhood, encouraging students to savor these precious years, free from unnecessary pressures. The office staff presented a playful skit highlighting the significance of listening to children. The day was filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of community, leaving lasting memories for everyone.
A Frame of Memories: A Creative Showcase
The students of Classes III, IV, and V embarked on a nostalgic journey, delving into their childhood photo albums. With a burst of creativity, they transformed plain photo frames into personalized masterpieces.
The students meticulously decorated their frames, adding vibrant colors, intricate designs, and heartfelt messages. The process was not just about crafting; it was a journey of rediscovery, as students revisited cherished moments captured in their photographs.
The smiles on their faces as they inserted their childhood pictures into the frames were a testament to the joy and pride they felt. Each frame became a window into their past, evoking fond memories and sparking conversations.
The competition was fierce, with each student striving to create a unique and captivating frame. Three best entries from each class were selected, showcasing the exceptional creativity and artistic abilities of our young talents.
This heartwarming project not only fostered creativity but also encouraged students to appreciate their past and embrace their individuality. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of nostalgia and the joy of creating something special with one's own hands.
Voices of the Young: Perspectives that Shape Tomorrow"
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
The debate prelims for Classes III to V showcased students eloquently arguing topics like junk food in school, school uniforms, daily homework, and AI replacing teachers. Participants cited facts and examples, expressing diverse views with confidence. They explored health, discipline, self-expression, and the human touch in education. Judges praised their poise and critical thinking. The event celebrated dialogue, creativity, and young minds’ ability to engage with relevant issues, setting high expectations for future rounds.
Igniting Young Minds: A Literary Day Celebration
Our school's Literary Day Competition, held on November 30th, 2024, was a resounding success. The event aimed to inspire students from Classes II to V to explore the world of literature and express themselves creatively.
Students in Classes II and III were assigned books and tasked with designing imaginative book covers. The competition encouraged creativity and artistic expression, allowing students to visualize the stories in their own unique way.
Classes IV and V students were invited to choose a book of their preference and prepare insightful book reviews. The presentations were limited to three minutes, challenging students to concisely convey their understanding and personal reflections.
The competition was inclusive, offering students the choice of presenting in either Hindi or English. Outstanding entries were recognized with certificates and "Book Lover" badges, and will be featured in the upcoming edition of Primary Plus.
This Literary Day competition not only showcased the students' literary skills but also fostered a love for reading and storytelling. It was a celebration of creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for books.
A Month of Learning and Growth for Parents and Teachers
Enhancing Developmental Understanding
A CPD session led by Chandrika, a Special Educator, focused on key milestones in child development from ages 3-10. The session delved into the five critical domains of development: physical, cognitive, social-emotional, language, and adaptive skills. A key highlight was the discussion on executive functioning, which underpins important skills like working memory, self-regulation, and cognitive flexibility. The session also addressed red flags in development, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. By using real-life examples and encouraging active participation, the workshop empowered educators to better understand and support their students' developmental needs.
Leveraging Technology for Effective English Language Teaching
Ms. Japsifat Kaur Bhatia attended a panel discussion on November 16, 2024, focused on enhancing English language teaching through technology integration. The session highlighted the importance of using tech tools like Quizizz, Magic School, Acadeli, Kahoot, Busy Teachers, and the Teaching English website to make language learning interactive and engaging. The discussion also emphasized the value of incorporating virtual tours into lesson plans to provide students with immersive learning experiences. By understanding the potential of technology, educators can create dynamic and effective learning environments that inspire and empower students.
Nurturing Young Minds: A Webinar on Children's Mental Health
A webinar on children's mental health was organized by Salwan Public School, Gurugram, on November 23, 2024. The session aimed to equip teachers with the knowledge and tools to support students' mental well-being.
The webinar emphasized the importance of early identification and intervention of mental health issues, aligning with the principles of the NEP 2020. It delved into the impact of hormonal imbalances and the bio-psychosocial model on mental health. Additionally, the session covered behavioral analysis techniques and the significance of parenting styles in shaping children's emotional well-being.
The counselor highlighted the importance of creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. Techniques like positive reinforcement and the creation of support groups were discussed. Future sessions will focus on lesson planning strategies and catering to diverse learning styles. By fostering mental health awareness, this initiative aims to create a healthier and more supportive learning environment for students.
Empowering Educators: A CBSE CBP on 21st-Century Teaching
A Capacity Building Programme (CBP) organized by CBSE on 23rd November, 2024, was attended by Ms.Tajinder Kaur and MS. Surmeet Kaur. It focused on enhancing teaching methodologies. The session emphasized the importance of aligning teaching practices with Bloom's Taxonomy and 21st-century competencies.
The program delved into the three domains of child development: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. Through interactive activities, participants explored strategies to assess and nurture each domain. A practical exercise involving the preparation of kheer highlighted the significance of crafting questions that target all aspects of learning.
By fostering a deeper understanding of effective teaching strategies, the program empowered educators to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences for their students.
A Transformative Workshop: Empowering Elementary Math Teachers
A one-day workshop led by renowned author Ms. Ashalata Badami offered a comprehensive approach to teaching elementary mathematics. It was attended by Ms. Geeta Choudhary. The session focused on integrating critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills into the learning process.
Key strategies highlighted included the ELPS approach for concept building, hands-on activities to understand fractions, and the use of movement and visualization for place value and arithmetic operations.
By connecting mathematics to real-world experiences through activities like math walks and STREAM integration, the session inspired teachers to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences. This workshop equipped educators with practical tools to enhance their teaching practices and empower students to become confident and critical thinkers in mathematics.
Nurturing Young Minds: A Deep Dive into ECE Philosophies
A comprehensive online workshop on "NEP- Gijubhai, Froebel, and Vygotsky: The Trinity in ECE" was conducted by Dr. Swati Popat Vats on November 30, 2024. The session explored the contributions of these influential thinkers to Early Childhood Education (ECE) and their alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The workshop delved into the philosophies of Gijubhai Badheka, who emphasized joyful learning through storytelling, freedom, and experiential activities. Friedrich Froebel’s concept of kindergarten as a place of play and structured learning was explored, highlighting the importance of holistic development. Lev Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory, emphasizing the role of social interaction and scaffolding, was also discussed.
The session connected these theories to the principles of NEP 2020, which promotes play-based, experiential, and holistic learning. By understanding these foundational philosophies, educators can create engaging and child-centered learning environments. The workshop was a valuable opportunity for teachers to enhance their pedagogical practices and contribute to the holistic development of young learners.
Early Intervention for Mental Health: Empowering Teachers
A webinar on early identification of mental health concerns was conducted on November 30, 2024, for teachers at Salwan Junior School. The session aimed to equip educators with the skills to recognize and address mental health challenges in children.
The webinar focused on understanding age-appropriate mental health markers, identifying common concerns like attachment issues and school refusal, and recognizing the impact of underlying disabilities on emotional and behavioral development.
Teachers were introduced to behavioral strategies and the concept of the 4Ds to assess the severity of mental health concerns. The session also highlighted the significance of building trust, understanding individual learning styles, and collaborating with parents to promote children's mental well-being.
Promoting Mental Wellness: A Workshop for Parents
Salwan Public School, Gurugram, and Salwan Junior School, Naraina Vihar, jointly organized an online workshop on "Mental Health of Students" on November 28, 2024. The session, led by Ms. Roshni Mehta, a Clinical Psychologist from Fortis Healthcare, aimed to raise awareness about mental health concerns and provide practical tips for parents.
Ms. Mehta highlighted the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among children and discussed common signs and symptoms of distress. She emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment, avoiding comparisons, encouraging diverse perspectives, and preparing children for life transitions.
The session also stressed the significance of digital detox for parents and encouraging children to limit screen time. The interactive Q&A session allowed parents to seek clarification and share their concerns. By providing valuable insights and practical advice, the workshop empowered parents to support their children's mental well-being.
Our School's Contribution to NCERT and UNDOC's RiseUp4Peace Initiative
We are proud to share that our school this year has participated in the prestigious RiseUp4Peace initiative, a collaborative effort by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and NCERT. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of education in schools across India, fostering responsible and model citizens of tomorrow.
Emphasising the initiative's relevance and impact, over 70 policy-makers, educators and young champions ideated and charted a roadmap for fostering peace, inclusion and lawfulness in education -- as envisioned in NEP 2020 and NCF 2023 -- at a 'RiseUp4Peace' policy consultation meeting convened by India's apex curriculum body, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and UNODC South Asia in New Delhi on 22nd November 2024.
Our Head of School, Smt. Sonia Wadhwa, and our talented Class IV student, Ridhaan Khurana, represented us at a close group discussion with policymakers at NCERT. They actively engaged in brainstorming sessions, contributing valuable insights towards shaping educational policies. This event highlighted our school's dedication to quality education and our commitment to the 'RiseUp4Peace' initiative, which focuses on empowering young minds to resist negative influences and embrace positive values.
We are honored to be part of this transformative journey towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all students. We are also excited and looking forward to our Annual Cultural Day on 23rd December 2024 at the Airforce Auditorium New Delhi which will also showcase our initiatives to spread the message of peace and harmony in the community.
Training of Trainers by ISTM and CBSE:
Our School Head- Ms. Sonia Wadhwa attended a two days training program organised by CBSE catered to empower master trainers to train the other aspiring trainers and resource persons. It was a great capacity building program to enlighten attendees on various aspects of training, education, NEP 2020, NCE 2024, Art Integration, Digital Pedagogies and Experiential Learning. She is now associated with CBSE as a key resource person to train other education leaders. She also brought back various innovative practices to be implemented in our school system.
Inspiring Learning: A Teacher's Reflections
Growing Green Minds: Empowering Kids for a Sustainable Future
Teaching environmental awareness to primary school children is crucial, especially as pollution increasingly impacts their daily lives. In many areas, including Delhi schools now have to implement "pollution breaks" to protect students from harmful air quality which is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
Pollution, stemming from vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and improper disposal of plastics, harms the planet and affects children’s health.
Poor air quality keeps kids indoors, limits physical activity, and impairs emotional and academic growth. However, schools and families can work together to instil values of environmental responsibility, empowering children to make a difference.
Hands-On Learning is one effective approach. Children learn best by doing, so encouraging activities like planting school gardens or creating compost bins. Growing herbs and vegetables teaches them the life cycle of plants and the rewards of nurturing nature. These activities help children connect with the environment practically and meaningfully.
Eco-Friendly Projects Teachers and parents can guide students in building bird feeders from recycled materials or creating posters about conserving water and energy. Parents can complement these efforts by encouraging children to upcycle household items into useful tools or decorations.
Storytelling and Role Models play a critical role. Books like The Lorax by Dr. Seuss inspire children with their powerful messages about protecting the environment. Teachers can use these stories to spark discussions, while parents can model eco-friendly behaviors such as reducing waste and conserving water.
Encourage Critical Thinking by using everyday moments to discuss questions like, "Why recycle?" or "What happens to plastic when we throw it away?" These conversations help children understand their role in safeguarding the planet.
Green Routines reinforce sustainable habits. Schools could organize "No Waste Wednesdays" to promote reusable lunch containers and minimize food waste. At home, parents can involve children in simple actions like turning off lights or walking instead of driving. Parents can ensure their homes adopt practices like proper waste segregation and energy-saving habits, complementing school efforts.
By fostering these practices, schools and families can shape a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Together, we can inspire children to see themselves as caretakers of the earth, ready to create a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.
Inspire young minds to think critically and act sustainably with stories that spark a passion for protecting our planet.
Written by - Ms. Japsifat Kaur
Nurture Young Minds with the Power of Reading
Reading is a gateway to endless worlds, sparking imagination and fostering a love for learning. By encouraging your child to read, you're not just providing entertainment; you're investing in their future.
Here are some recommendations to keep your child engaged and learning:
Get Your Kids Moving and Grooving!
Encourage your child to stay active and healthy with these fun and engaging YouTube channels. Dancing, yoga, and workouts can be a great way to burn energy, improve coordination, and boost mood. Let's get moving together!
Credits:
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