The Junior Journal: A Window into Young Minds
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!
Touching the Right Notes: A Workshop on Good and Bad Touch
Salwan Junior School, in partnership with Project CACA, conducted a workshop to educate students in grades II-V about the concept of good and bad touch. Led by Ms. Aakriti Gupta, a renowned arts-based therapist, the workshop focused on understanding sensitive areas, consent, and identifying trustworthy individuals. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, the students explored various touch scenarios, learned to recognize danger signs, and developed strategies to ensure their safety. The session concluded with a heartfelt note from the school head, emphasizing the importance of awareness and vigilance.
Understanding Safe and Unsafe Touch: Empowering Parents
On September 7, 2024, a workshop in collaboration with Project CACA was held to raise awareness among parents about the critical issue of children's safety. Led by Ms. Kirti Munjal, a Clinical Psychologist at Fortis Healthcare, the session focused on educating parents about the differences between good touch and bad touch. It provided practical techniques on how to teach children about body safety, empowering them to recognize and respond to unsafe situations. The session also debunked common myths, highlighting essential facts related to safe and unsafe touch. Furthermore, it delved into the psychological impacts of such incidents on children, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and open communication. This collaborative effort aimed to equip parents with the knowledge needed to protect and support their children.
Nurturing Young Minds: Academic Orientation for Nursery Parents
On September 7, 2024, Ms. Sarita Dahiya conducted an academic orientation for Nursery parents. The session emphasized the importance of parental involvement in reinforcing classroom learning. Parents were introduced to the school's teaching methods and encouraged to replicate them at home.
The orientation also highlighted the significance of understanding children's developmental milestones and the need for open communication between parents and teachers. Ms. Dahiya discussed the importance of stimulating brain plasticity and cognitive growth before the age of six.
The session stressed the importance of aligning home activities with developmental milestones and tailoring teaching methods to children's individual learning styles. Parents were also guided on creating effective learning environments at home.
Overall, the orientation provided valuable insights for parents on how to support their children's academic and emotional growth.
Nourishing Our Future: Mid-Day Meal Program
The Mid-Day Meal program, launched in August, has been a resounding success. Students are now enjoying hot, nutritious meals served daily in proper plates. The meals are prepared with meticulous attention to hygiene, offering a diverse menu that includes fresh fruit. To promote healthy eating habits, students are encouraged to take as many servings as they need, while also being mindful of food wastage. Parents receive the monthly menu in advance to stay informed. This initiative aims to cultivate healthy eating habits, foster a sense of community, and instill the value of food.
National Nutrition Week Activities with Nursery and Kindergarten Students
During the first week of September, our Nursery and Kindergarten students enthusiastically participated in National Nutrition Week, celebrated from 2nd September to 6th September 2024. The week was filled with engaging activities designed to instill healthy eating habits and an understanding of the importance of balanced nutrition.
Day 1: Understanding Healthy vs. Unhealthy Foods
The week began with an informative video session where the children learned about the differences between healthy and unhealthy foods.
Day 2: Colorful Fruits and Vegetables
On the second day, the classrooms buzzed with creativity as the children engaged in a coloring activity. This activity not only reinforced their knowledge of healthy foods but also allowed them to express their creativity.
Day 3: Sharing Salads with Friends
The third day brought a hands-on experience where children brought small portions of fruit salads or sprout salads from home.
Day 4: Healthy Meals with Family
We encouraged family participation by requesting parents to share pictures of their children enjoying a healthy meal together at home. The photos sent by parents reflected the joy and importance of family bonding over nutritious meals.
Day 5: Group Activity on Healthy and Unhealthy Foods
The week concluded with a group activity where children brought in pictures of healthy and unhealthy foods, including wrappers of chocolates and chips.
Through these activities, our young students not only learned about healthy eating but also enjoyed the process of discovering new foods and sharing their knowledge with peers. National Nutrition Week was a delightful and educational experience, laying the foundation for lifelong healthy habits in our little ones.
Empowering Young Leaders: A Teachers' Day Celebration
Teachers' Day 2024 was a special occasion that empowered our young students to take the lead and express their gratitude for their teachers. Our Junior Student Council, comprised of students from classes IV and V, was entrusted with organizing and executing the celebrations.
The students began the day by welcoming our teachers with traditional tilak and handmade cards, creating a warm and appreciative atmosphere. The program that followed was a testament to their creativity and vision. In addition to shabads, personalized poems, and a heartfelt shukrana song, the students showcased their talents in dancing, acting, and singing, further enriching the celebration.
Later, each teacher was gifted a memento and a certificate recognizing their hard work and dedication. These tokens of appreciation served as a tangible reminder of the students' gratitude and respect for their educators.
This celebration served as a reminder of the incredible potential our young leaders possess when they are given the opportunity to lead with faith and positive reinforcement. Their efforts not only honored their teachers but also reflected the values of gratitude, respect, and creativity that are integral to our school community.
Parents Take Center Stage on Teachers' Day
Our school's Teachers' Day celebration was a unique experience as parents took over classrooms, leading engaging lessons and fun activities. From mental math to art classes and outdoor games, parents provided students with a variety of learning opportunities. The enthusiastic participation of parents created a memorable experience for students and strengthened the school community.
Ms. Harsheen Kaur, a dedicated educator from the Montessori Department, was honored with the prestigious Best Educator Award from the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM). This recognition is a testament to her exceptional contributions to the field of education and her unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds.
A Century of Stories: Celebrating Our School Podcast's 100th Episode
Our school podcast has reached a significant milestone: its 100th episode. What began as a simple initiative has evolved into a dynamic platform that unites teachers, parents, and students.
The journey started with teachers sharing stories to engage students. As the podcast gained popularity, parents joined in, strengthening the teacher-parent partnership. Students then took the lead, recording stories for their peers, fostering peer learning and creativity.
To enhance engagement, we introduced follow-up activities and recognized student achievements. Clear rules and deadlines were established to maintain a structured learning environment.
The podcast featured a diverse range of stories, including epics, moral lessons, festival tales, and Sudha Murthy's Grandma's Bag of Stories. These stories have enriched our students' language skills and understanding.
The 100th episode featured a special interview with our Head Boy and Head Girl, who interviewed their grandparents about their childhood. This heartwarming session connected generations.
We awarded certificates to regular listeners to encourage further participation. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing our journey of storytelling, learning, and community building.
Champions of Knowledge: GK Quiz Results
The GK Quiz Competition was a thrilling event held on September 9, 2024, featuring teams from both Class IV and V. The competition tested students' knowledge across various topics, including World Religions, World Flags and Currencies, Famous Personalities, Current Affairs, and SDGs. The event consisted of four rounds: Direct Question Round, Audio-Visual Round, Choose Your Pic Round, and Buzzer Round.
Results
Class IV
Champions: Team B (Ridhaan Khurana, Vanika Bhatia, Samrath Kalra and Saurabh)
Second Place: Team D (Hetansh Arora, Ronit Chauhan, Shatakshi Vishal and Srishtee Chadha)
Third Place: Team A (Ajooni Singh, Aryan Akhtar, Anshika Pandey and Ikmann Singh)
Fourth Place: Team C (Aadira Dubey, Aaditya Bajaj, Anshveer Singh and Kavya Sharma)
Class V
Champions: Team D (Astitva Kataria, Ansh Tanwar, Abhyan Yadav and Chirag Yadav)
Second Place: Team A (Ayesha Afroz, Divyam Chowdhary, Satyashiv Pradhan and Vivaan Hari)
Third Place: Team B (Kaira Dhawan, Lavish Joshi, Samrat Grover and Vivaan Sethi)
Fourth Place: Team C (Suryansh Sharma, Prikshit Kumar, Kashvi Singh and Sachpreet Singh)
Several audience rounds were conducted throughout the competition to keep the audience engaged. The enthusiastic participation from the audience added to the overall excitement of the event.
The GK Quiz Competition was a resounding success, showcasing the knowledge and skills of students from both Class IV and V. The event not only tested their general knowledge but also encouraged critical thinking and teamwork.
A Day of Wonder: Exploring Amrit Udyan
On September 10th, 40 students from Class V embarked on a captivating educational trip to Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Bhawan. Despite the scorching heat, the trip was a memorable experience. The students marveled at the beautiful gardens, including the Bonsai Garden, Circular Garden, Musical Fountain, and Rose Garden. They were awestruck by the massive Banyan trees and the vibrant peacocks. A visit to Bal Vatika provided a delightful conclusion to the trip. As a souvenir, the students received badges, making the day even more special. The trip to Amrit Udyan was a resounding success, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and grandeur of the Presidential Estate.
Shivansh Shines at Indian School Talent Search
Shivansh Kawatra of Class III has achieved remarkable success, securing a gold medal and a certificate at the international level Indian School Talent Search competition. His exceptional performance earned him a 14th-place ranking.
Garvik Tripathi from Class III secured gold medal in 21st North India Taekwondo Championship 2024, showcasing his superior skills and determination. His victory was a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Teachers Explore Latest Educational Trends at DIDAC INDIA 2024
On 20th September 2024, two of our teachers, Ms. Anupam Sharma and Ms. Sarita Dahiya, had the opportunity to visit the DIDAC India Fair at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre) in New Delhi. The event, recognized as Asia’s largest exhibition for Educational Resources and Technology-based products, provided a rich platform for exploring the latest trends and innovations in the education and skill sector.
With over 13 years of success, DIDAC India attracts education leaders, policymakers, academicians, and professionals from across the globe. The 2024 event was organized in partnership with prestigious international bodies such as the British Education Suppliers Association (BESA), Worlddidac Association, and supported by various ministries of the Government of India.
During their visit, Ms. Sharma and Ms. Dahiya explored cutting-edge educational tools, resources, and solutions aimed at enhancing the learning experience. Their insights and findings from the fair will help to bring innovative ideas and technologies to our school, ensuring we stay at the forefront of educational excellence.
As educators, it is vital to keep up with evolving trends in education. The knowledge gained from DIDAC India will contribute to providing our students with enriched learning experiences, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the modern world.
Drawing Insights: A Holistic Approach to Assessing Children's Development
The workshop on "Documentation and Developmental Assessment of Children's Drawings" provided valuable insights into how children's artwork can serve as a window into their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Dr. Swati Vats, a renowned expert in child development, conducted the workshop on September 14, 2024, via Zoom. Over 850 participants attended the session, including teachers from various schools.
Dr. Vats emphasized the importance of drawing as a tool for assessing curriculum goals, emotional expression, creativity, and understanding. She discussed how drawing can be used as evidence for curriculum goals outlined in the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), such as cognitive development, emotional expression, and creativity.
The workshop highlighted the significance of documentation in the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) system. By collecting and maintaining a portfolio of children's drawings, teachers can track their growth, development, and alignment with curriculum goals.
The session also emphasized the therapeutic benefits of drawing, especially for younger children who may struggle to express their emotions. Drawing can provide a safe outlet for children to process their feelings and thoughts.
Overall, the workshop provided valuable insights for educators on how to effectively use children's drawings as a tool for assessment and understanding. By incorporating drawing into the HPC process, teachers can gain a more holistic view of children's development and support their learning journey.
Leadership in Challenging Times: Insights from SJS
Ms. Gunjan Bhatia, an English faculty member, recently participated in the Directors' and Principals' Meet at Salwan Public School, Rajinder Nagar. As a panelist, she shared valuable insights on effective leadership in challenging times, focusing on managing anxiety and maintaining focus. Her heartfelt Hindi poem on coping with stress and anxiety resonated deeply with the audience. Ms. Bhatia's contributions showcased the exceptional quality and dedication of SJS faculty, reflecting the school's commitment to the holistic growth of its staff.
Sessions aim to elevate the teaching-learning process through the exchange of best practices
Ms. Sarita Dahiya has been chosen as a facilitator for the upcoming Professional Learning Development Program (PLDP) cluster sessions. This recognition is a testament to her exemplary skills and commitment to professional growth.
The PLDP sessions aim to enhance the teaching-learning process through sharing best practices, peer-led discussions, and reflective practices. As a facilitator, Ms. Dahiya will lead these dynamic sessions, ensuring that participants benefit from interactive and practical knowledge-sharing experiences. This opportunity will enrich both her personal development and the collective expertise within the institution.
Navtika Symposium 4.0: A Holistic Approach to Early Years Assessment
The Navtika National Symposium 4.0, held on September 21, 2024, focused on the theme of "Holistic Assessment and Evaluation in Early Years." The symposium brought together over 1000 attendees on various social platforms.
The event began with welcoming addresses by Ms. Sona Gombar (Headmistress, SMS Gurugram) and Dr. Indu Khetarpal (Editor-in-Chief, Navtika Journal and Former Principal, Salwan Schools). Dr. Anupam Ahuja (Former Professor, NCERT) delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the significance of holistic assessment in early childhood education, especially after the implementation of the NEP.
The symposium featured engaging sessions on modern gamification and traditional puppetry. Ms. Namya Joshi (A Minecraft and Adobe Student Ambassador) conducted the session on gamification, demonstrating how Minecraft can be used for assessing critical skills. A student from Sat Paul Mittal School showcased amazing gaming techniques for learning and assessment. Ms. Sangya Ojha (Puppeteer and Co-founder, The Puppetarians) led the session on puppetry, highlighting its potential for holistic assessment.
The panel discussion included Dr. Mayuri Dutt (Psychologist and Science Communicator), Dr. Abirami Vivek (Counseling Psychologist), Dr. Pooja Maggu (Professional ECED Expert), Ms. Kashmira Jaiswal (Principal, Navrachna International School, Vadodara), and Ms. Prabha Dixit (IBEN Programme Leader, IB PYP Expert). The discussion was moderated by Ms. Sabinder Kaur (School Coordinator, SJS Naraina).
The symposium concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Parul Srivastava (Joint Director, Adolescent and Mental Health, Child Development Division, NIPCCD), who emphasized the key factors discussed during the event and the importance of adopting holistic assessment practices in early years.
Overall, the Navtika Symposium 4.0 provided valuable insights and practical strategies for educators to implement holistic assessment and evaluation in their classrooms. The event fostered discussions, shared best practices, and emphasized the importance of meeting the diverse needs of young learners.
A Proud Moment: 18 Educators Recognized as Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts
It is matter of immense pride for the school that Microsoft has recognised the efforts of our educators’ for transforming education through innovative practices and technology integration. 18 of our faculty members are selected as Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts. School is so proud of their achievement. hashtag
A Milestone Achieved: Our School Becomes a Microsoft Showcase School
We're thrilled to announce that our school has been recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School! This prestigious title highlights our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. We're honored to be part of this exclusive global community and to contribute to the future of education. Thank you to #MicrosoftEdu for this recognition and to our dedicated faculty for driving digital transformation.
Recommended Websites for Children
Funbrain
Funbrain is an educational browser game website for children and adults. It was the site where Diary of a Wimpy Kid was first published before being turned into a successful book series and movie franchise.
Cool Math Games
Cool Math Games is a fantastic website where learning meets fun! There are tons of games to explore, from puzzles to math challenges. It's like a playground for your mind! You'll have a blast while getting smarter.
Recommended Books for Children
The Vedas and Upanishads for Children is a wonderful and enriching read not just for children (as the title suggests), but for adults too! The writer undertakes the onerous task of decoding for young readers some of the oldest, and most significant, of Hindu scriptures: the Vedas - and the Upanishads, which are embedded in the Vedas.
Grandma's Bag of Stories by Sudha Murthy
Who can resist a good story, especially when it’s being told by Grandma? From her bag emerge tales of kings and cheats, monkeys and mice, bears and gods.
Meet a bear who ate some really bad dessert and got very angry; a lazy man who would not put out a fire till it reached his beard; a princess who was turned into an onion; a queen who discovered silk and many more weird, wonderful people and animals.
This beloved and bestselling collection of stories by India’s favorite author, Sudha Murty, has sold countless number of copies and entertained generations of children in the subcontinent.