“Education is the key that unlocks the golden door to freedom.” - George Washington Carver
Dear Readers,
This magazine deals with the events of the first month (April 2024).
The most crucial aspect of our child’s existence is school. The child learns important lessons from it that helps him or her to grow and thrive. 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. I on behalf “Salwan Montessori School” am happy to share about Disha our e-magazine which means direction. This is one small contribution to saving and preserving our scarce vital resource.
Every year SMS comes up with something unique and creative to foster the young minds with curiosity, innovation and critical thinking “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.
Happy Reading!!!
Sneak peek into our vibrant events and celebrations at Salwan Montessori!
"Magical moments and endless smiles filled the first day of school!”
The first day of school at Salwan Montessori School for the session 2024-25 was filled with immense excitement as the school was adorned with colourful balloons. Children were greeted by a Teddy Bear at the entrance, adding a touch of magic to the atmosphere. Teachers warmly welcomed children, their smiles radiating with enthusiasm and encouragement eased any first-day nerves, created an environment where students felt valued and supported.
Interactive and fun games were organized, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the students. Laughter and joy echoed through the corridors to set a positive tone for the new school year, as everyone eagerly embarked on an academic journey together
"Salwan Montessori's Welcome Party: where magic meets learning!
Salwan Montessori School welcomed students with a vibrant Welcome Party setting a joyous tone for the year ahead. Ms. Sona Gombar, the Headmistress, extended warm greetings, initiating festivities with prayers and a special assembly. Children danced on foot-tapping music showcasing the diversity of India, and a captivating magic show ensued. The magic show cast its spell on delighted children and amidst laughter and wide-eyed wonder, children revelled in a magical spectacle, where every trick sparked joy and excitement. Followed by scrumptious lunch, crafts, and games, the day also marked "No Bag Day," promoting sustainability and stress-free learning. It was a memorable day brimming with fun, learning, and eco-consciousness.
Salwan Montessori's Baisakhi celebration was a vibrant fusion of learning and joy!
"Dancing through fields of joy, embracing our rich culture with every step."
Children delved into Rabi crop knowledge through engaging presentations. Mouthwatering dishes made from wheat, gram, oats, and corn adorned the children’s tables. Craft activities added to the festivity, with everyone donning colourful Punjabi attire. Children danced joyously to bhangra beats, immersed in Punjabi culture. Their faces were beaming with happiness and pride as they carried the essence of culture home with them.
Embracing India's heritage with pride at Salwan Montessori!
‘𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞”.
Every year on the 18th of April, the world commemorates World Heritage Day. To raise awareness about the culture and heritage of India amongst our young Salwanians, we at Salwan Montessori School celebrated World Heritage Day. Children were shown a virtual tour of various monuments. Each class adopted a state of India and showcased its magnificent culture, language, food, etc. Children came dressed up in colourful costumes of their chosen state to participate in the state dances and relished the yummy food and delicacies of their state by celebrating Food Fiesta.
The young Salwanians celebrated the whole week by solemnly pleading to preserve & protect the legacy of our heritage and culture.
Our Heritage is our identity! Let's preserve it.
Salwan Montessori School celebrates Earth Day, pledging to nurture and protect our planet for generations to come.
“Understand the worth of Earth, treat it with care and give the love it deserves.”
In our endeavour to spread awareness about conserving Earth and to commemorate our benevolent mother Earth, Salwan Montessori School celebrated ‘Earth Day’ on Monday, 22nd April 2024.
The day started with a special assembly, where the children presented a Nukkad Natak and shouted out the slogans to spread the message of ‘Save Environment, Save Earth’. The enthusiastic dance performances by the children conveyed a strong message about the little things we can do in order to take care of our Earth like- reduce the use of plastic, reusing old items and recycling waste stuff. A tree plantation activity was also scheduled in which parents, children, teachers, and support staff took part in the ‘Go-Green initiative’ by planting a sapling. Also, our little Salwanians made a beautiful ‘Save Earth’ badge to mark the occasion.
The children enthusiastically participated in various activities. Each one of them took a pledge to save Mother Earth by doing simple doable actions.
It was a great day to showcase environmental education and highlight the efforts to save our resources.
International Labour Day celebrated at Salwan Montessori School, honoring our dedicated staff with gratitude and appreciation.
“𝐍𝐨 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫."
To enable our young learners to respect the immense hard work and dedication put in by our Multitasking staff, International Labour Day was celebrated in our school on 1st May 2024. The Drivers, Didis, Gardner, Guard, and Office attendants were gifted with a planter by Headmistress Ma'am and our little ones. The little Salwanians also performed a dance for our helpers. It was a day full of gratitude as the entire team of SMS extended their heartfelt thanks to the support staff.
A Mother's Day Celebration filled with love and appreciation."
"A mother's love is a special bond between a mother and her child that can never be broken."
Mothers are embodiment of GOD and are one who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take. No words can explain the power and beauty of a mother’s love and care. So, to honor the mothers and pay an ode to Motherhood, Salwan Montessori School celebrated ‘ Mother’s Day’ on Thursday, 9th May 2023. The tiny tots came up with their dance presentations to convey gratitude to their moms for their unconditional love. The very enthusiastic Moms also participated in various activities like Ramp Show, Dance Recital and Singing Recital based on the theme ‘ Be the Change’ referring to any positive change that you wish to see in the society, or environment.
It was a pleasure watching the super excited moms with their dynamic and energetic children during these activities. The moms had a splendid time playing various fun games planned, especially for them. The school acknowledged and appreciated the efforts put in by the mother’s for their passionate participation and presented a little token of love that filled the air with heart-warming feelings of love, gratitude, and appreciation.
All in all, it was an enjoyable and memorable day for everyone!
"EMBRACING COLORS, EMBRACING UNITY: OUR COLORFUL SCHOOL CELEBRATION!"
"Life is about using the whole box of crayons." - RuPaul
Red Color Day at Salwan Montessori: where passion meets learning!
At Salwan Montessori School, we embrace the vibrancy of colours through our monthly colour day celebrations. This month, we immersed ourselves in the passionate hue of red. On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, we rejoiced in ‘Red Colour Day’ to introduce our young Salwanians to the captivating world of red, symbolizing love, sensitivity, joy, strength, determination, confidence, and courage. Our little ones adorned themselves beautifully in shades of red, radiating brightness and cheerfulness. Engaging in art and craft activities, they honed their fine motor skills and familiarized themselves with the color red. Their active and enthusiastic participation made the day a delightful blend of fun and learning.
Yellow is the symbolic colour of spreading shine.
Yellow is one of the happiest colours of the spectrum. It is the colour of happiness, cheerfulness, fun. On Monday, 6th May we, at Salwan Montessori School, celebrated yellow colour day. To mark this day very special, students and the teachers were dressed in yellow clothes. The tiny tots looked stunning in their yellow outfits.
The ‘Yellow Colour Day’ celebration was a wonderful learning activity which helped children to sort and classify objects based on colours there by reinforcing cognitive skills. Students actively participated in art & craft activities. Everyone enjoyed doing lovely creative yellow colour craft activities.
HIGHLIGHTS OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
From book to stage, learning comes alive at Salwan Montessori's vibrant morning assembly!
The morning assembly buzzed with energy as children took the lead, hosting an engaging and interactive session. Teachers brought "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" to life, weaving in lessons on healthy eating and good habits. The child-centric approach resonated, instilling values while captivating young minds in a memorable enactment.
Stretching minds and bodies, Salwan Montessori embraces Yoga Day with enthusiasm and vitality!
“ 𝐘𝐨𝐠𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲, 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡”
Yoga day was celebrated in Salwan Montessori school on 25th of April to raise awareness about this ancient practice and to celebrate the physical and spiritual prowess that yoga brings in relaxing the mind and body.
The day began with a brief introduction on yoga day by the class teachers. Through a lively morning session, children were led through a series of warm-up exercises to prepare their bodies for a sequence of asanas. These exercises aimed to promote flexibility, attention, and inner calm. As children practiced seated and standing poses, they simultaneously learned about the importance of yoga in their lives and how it fosters harmony between body and mind. Encouraged by their experience, children pledged to integrate yoga into their daily routine.
Empowering young minds with safety skills!
"Safety is a circle of awareness, empowerment, and action."
In an effort to promote safety awareness and equip students with essential life skills, Salwan Montessori School organized a Safety Circle Workshop in all the classes. This initiative aimed to empower students with knowledge and practical strategies to navigate various safety challenges they might encounter in their daily lives.
The workshop included interactive discussions, role-playing scenarios, practical demonstrations. Students gained confidence in assessing risks, handling emergencies, and practicing safety measures. The workshop reflected on the school’s commitment to safety and preparedness as we strongly believe safety comes first.
"TINY TEAMS, BIG DREAMS: BUILDING TOGETHER, GROWING FOREVER!"
"Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success." - Henry Ford
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.
Little Explorers at work! Igniting curiosity and fostering a love for science through fun experiments. Let the adventure begin!
"Little Scientists, Big Discoveries: Toddler Tales in Science!"
Introducing children to science at a young age assists in their brain development. Interesting science experiments enhance curiosity and develop mental facilities apart from becoming a major fun element in the classes. Our young explorer can do lot of fun experiments using material that they like to play with. Children are intrinsically programmed to learn and explore. So, in order to provide opportunities to our young learners to develop a scientific approach and lifelong love for science, Project Little Explorer at work has been taken up, under which the children perform a variety of Fun Experiments and enjoy the process of learning.
"Fostering confidence and verbal skills! Our Show and Tell Activity empowers young minds to express themselves proudly."
"𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡, 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠."
To strengthen the verbal skills and foster public speaking competency of the young minds, Salwan Montessori School organized a Show and Tell Activity on 30th April. The students participated in this activity which helped them to build their self-confidence and self-esteem. It enabled them to improve their descriptive skills by communicating feelings, thoughts and emotions. This event helped our tiny tots to build their social, emotional and language skills.
Math Magic
“Math magic we explore with glee, Counting, shapes, and patterns, it's a sight to see.”
Love for mathematics, spatial thinking, critical thinking, problem solving, and even effective communication skills can be developed by making Math a fun and enjoyable subject. Through interesting activities, hands on experiences and fun games, we at Salwan Montessori School help children develop love for Maths. Children were given a plethora of opportunities to understand and revise various mathematical concepts through loads of fun and frolic.
Apple Challenge Week promotes healthy eating and active living for our little ones.
𝐀𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲!
Salwan Montessori School hosted an engaging challenge "Apple Challenge Week" for children centered around healthy eating and wellness. Through this Apple Week Challenge, children learned about the benefits of nutritious snacking and the importance of oral hygiene. This challenge encouraged them to make healthy choices and stay active.
LIFE SKILLS
We have created a monthly theme where we teach our little ones about the values with different activities and real-life examples. We have divided curriculum into three basic categories, which complement and reinforce each other:
1) Social or Interpersonal Skills: communication, negotiation/refusal skills, assertiveness, cooperation, and empathy.
2) Cognitive Skills: problem-solving, understanding consequences, decision making, critical thinking, and self-evaluation.
3) Emotional Coping Skills: managing stress and feelings; self-management and self-monitoring.
"UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: STUDENTS ENGAGE IN EMPOWERING WORKSHOPS!"
"Smile Bright: Dental Workshop for Healthy Teeth and Happy Faces!
Dental workshop: Teaching children the importance of good oral hygiene with a smile!
A dental workshop for children is a great way to introduce them to the importance of good oral hygiene habits. Salwan Montessori School conducted a dental workshop on 26th April 2024 by Dr Heena Munshi and Dr. Sanjay Yadav renowned dentists, to teach children how to take care of their teeth, how to brush properly, and how to avoid dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
The interactive workshop was fun and engaging, as the dentist used pictures, videos, and artificial dentures to keep the children engaged and interested. They also showcased the technique of proper way of brushing the teeth.
During the workshop, they discussed healthy eating habits and how certain foods can affect dental health. Dr. Munshi and Dr. Yadav did the dental screening of all the children and gave them toothpaste to encourage healthy dental habits. By participating in the dental workshop, children learned the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits, which will benefit them throughout their lives.
"Instilling essential life skills through 'Table Manners and Etiquettes' workshop”
“𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞.”
Salwan Montessori School is dedicated to providing comprehensive growth for students, as evident through our workshops. The "Table Manners and Etiquettes " workshop was taken for our Montessori to instill essential life skills, teaching them the value of respect, consideration, and proper behavior during mealtimes. Such teachings prepare them for various social settings and future endeavors. Children also designed a table mat for themselves through vegetable printing. The workshop on Table manners and Etiquette has equipped the children with valuable social skills that will serve them well in various settings.
STRENGTHENING PARENT INTERFACE
"Salwan Montessori's Coffee Morning: Parents Engage, Learn, and Connect!"
"The magic happens when parents, students, and teachers come together, united by a common goal of nurturing knowledge, growth, and excellence."
It's amazing how the world begins to change through the eyes of a cup of coffee. Salwan Montessori School organized a Coffee Morning for the Parents on Saturday, 4th May 2024. Coffee mornings provide parents an open platform to discuss, and exchange ideas and strategies in a relaxed setting while enjoying a cup of coffee together.
This informal platform gave parents the chance to ask questions, share experiences and give suggestions. Parents were given insights into talking and listening to their children attentively, about NEP, its implementation and its implications. It was an enlightening morning with lots of learning experiences.
CPD PROGRAM FOR EMPOWERING TEACHERS
"MORNING MEDITATION: EMPOWERING TEACHERS, INSPIRING CLASSROOMS!"
Incorporating a 15-minute morning meditation into the daily routine not only benefits teachers individually but also have a ripple effect on the overall classroom dynamics, creating a more conducive and positive learning atmosphere for both educators and students alike. The teachers at SMS start the day with a brief morning meditation. It has turned to a powerful ritual for teachers, setting a positive tone for the day ahead and fostering a calm and focused environment in the classroom. Morning meditation contributes to emotional resilience by creating a space for self-reflection and emotional regulation. Teachers are better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of the school day with a sense of inner balance. The positive energy cultivated through meditation creates a more supportive and empathetic classroom environment. This transformative experience equips teachers with invaluable skills that can be integrated into their daily lives, promoting a harmonious classroom environment, improved focus, and a compassionate approach to both teaching and learning.
Book Review Session
"Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary."
To ensure a robust book reading and review system in Salwan Montessori School , an insightful session was organised on Saturday, 27th April where teachers delved into AI and Panchkosh articles. This initiative empowered teachers to explore new pedagogical approaches and deepen their knowledge. Collaborative discussions sparked innovative ideas for classroom integration. Such sessions foster professional growth and create a vibrant community of lifelong learners among educators.
PODCAST
“Whispers of Imagination: Tales Unraveled in the Story Podcasts"
Salwan Montessori School has taken the initiative to start a captivating Story podcast and successfully launched podcasts aimed at fostering language development in young learners. This innovative approach leveraged the power of storytelling to engage children, enhancing their vocabulary, comprehension, and overall communication skills. Through carefully crafted narratives and age-appropriate content, the podcasts created an immersive learning experience, sparking curiosity and encouraging active participation. This initiative not only cultivated a love for language but also laid a solid foundation for future academic success by making learning enjoyable from the very beginning of a child's educational journey.
Cultivating Well-Rounded Individuals: A Symposium on Early Childhood Development
The "Holistic Development in Early Childhood" symposium, a collaborative effort between ECDF and Salwan Education Trust on 20th April, 2024, brought together experts to explore nurturing well-rounded young minds.
Dr. Venita Kaul's session emphasized a comprehensive approach to early childhood development, encompassing emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being. Creating nurturing environments that prioritize children's emotional security, promote active learning through play, and encourage exploration were key takeaways. Collaboration between educators, families, and communities was highlighted as essential for optimal growth during these formative years.
Dr. Vasavvi Acharjya's session focused on fostering emotional intelligence in children. Strategies for building empathy, social-emotional skills, and peaceful conflict resolution were discussed, emphasizing the creation of harmonious environments conducive to emotional well-being.
A panel discussion explored the need to revise and update early childhood program standards and curriculum to reflect current research and best practices. The focus shifted to designing curricula that caters to the diverse needs of young learners and promotes holistic development.
Ms. Sonia Wadhwa shed light on innovative pedagogical approaches that leverage technology responsibly. Discussions centered on integrating technology to enhance learning experiences, while maintaining the importance of human connection and creativity.
Ms. Amrit Nagpal stressed the importance of fostering a growth mindset in children. Encouraging resilience, perseverance, and a belief in the power of effort and learning were highlighted as crucial for navigating challenges.
Mr. Manish Naidu explored the interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors in shaping cognitive development.
A concluding panel discussion emphasized the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem encompassing families, communities, and educational institutions. Strategies for fostering partnerships and collaboration to provide a nurturing environment for holistic growth were discussed.
The symposium served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and exploration of interconnected aspects crucial for the holistic development of young children.