THIS NEW YEAR…

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
 Ring in redress to all mankind.
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
                                                                   
 (Alfred, Lord Tennyson)

As the year goes by and we get ready to embrace a new year we embark on making this year better than the ones which are bygone. We make resolutions and promises that, with the passage of the months, go into the darkness of ignorance. Let us therefore, make this year different! Let us strive to fulfill the commitments that were made long time back. Let us become more tolerant to the world around us and let others live in peace and harmony that we also want for ourselves. Let us make friends and keep friendships alive for lifetime. Let us inculcate sportsmanship and the true spirits of nationality and brotherhood. Let us make education more fun by giving newer definitions to the teacher students’ relationships and let us make lives more meaningful by being less selfish and more forgiving. Let us start living for the ones who are not as fortunate as us and let us spread smiles wherever we go. Let us make the world a healthier and cleaner place. Let us make ourselves smile and hug all around us with smiles.

ISA NOVEMBER ACTIVITY FAIRY TALES WONDER WILL NEVER CEASE

People believe and feel the existence of the God but hardly it is possible to have an interaction with the Almighty power because it is quite unseen, unthinkable, unapproachable and unexplainable so is true with the fairies. There is a lot of churning about the fairy around the world and people talk about the existence of fairy and believe in them. Undoubtedly people think that the stories of fairies will never reach its end and their wonders will never cease.

The project ‘Fairy Tale Wonders Will Never Cease’ provoked children to channelize their thoughts and expressions. Students were able to enhance their creative writing skill and sharpen their missionary process. During the span of activities students were able to analyze and think out of the box.

Under the leadership of Ms Pooja Saraswat accompanied by co-teachers Ms Manisha and Ms Neha the activities started with full zeal and enthusiasm in the month of November. Fortunately, we were linked up with the three grand countries i.e U.K, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Students of Class- V A, B, C were asked to find out 20 new words related to various fairy tales and later the words were sorted, drawn, coloured and then got wonderfully pasted for the wall magazine. The pictures of wall magazine were successfully uploaded and list of words were also sent to the clubbed countries to enable them to compose a song.

To make the program more interesting and thrilling, a video on twisted fairy tale was shown. Towards enhancing their imaginary skill, children were asked to think, imagine and write a twisted end with their own thoughts. It was observed that students came openly with their thoughts and penned down the twisted end on the shown video. All the writings of students were collected, scanned and sent to the student of Vth class of associated countries. The imaginary thoughts of students which were penned down were selected for enactment. Last day of this event which was observed as Fun Day, the selected ones were beautifully enacted by the students and enjoyed by the present audience, teachers and students. They were highly praised for their performances. Photographs were taken and were put at Project space allotted by British Council.

The joyful, thrilling project in which students of Class- V A, B, C participated whole-heartedly and shared their growing imaginary skill with each other to make this event more happening and learning oriented. Lastly, in the end of the project ISA Co- Ordinator of Ms Sonjuhi Khare appreciated the efforts of project members and the students who had participated in this event towards making the project memorable. The feedback from students, parents, judges and teachers were quite motivational and appreciable.

Flora and Fauna - Our Priceless Commodity Is a Activity

The project talks about the unnoticed, useful flora and fauna which are part and parcel of life in Srilanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan & India.

The activity was planned keeping the neighbouring countries in mind and the fact that they are equally rich in flora and fauna. It would not only support academics with real world hands on experience but children would also learn to analyze the figurative use of flora and fauna.

The project stressed on the fact that in our fast paced, media driven world, unnoticed useful flora and fauna are part and parcel of our life. Under the able guidance of the Project Head, Ms Divya Chowdhary and teacher, Ms Anandita, the students ushered an entirely new concept of learning the unmarked species in the month of May, 2015.

Students of class IX were excited to cover the neighbouring countries like Srilanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal .The countries due to tropical temperate forest are the storehouses of flora and fauna. The students were divided in groups .They underwent Rigorous Research and collected 20 names and pictures of useful plants and animals. They were delighted to find that the village communities of associated countries were using them. The entire information was segregated and arranged in Scrap Books.

In order to connect academics with practical world, an Interactive Survey of flora and fauna was done by school students. The data was collected and inference was drawn which encouraged children to take a clear glimpse of the colourful species. The students had a gala time in the sprawling villages and wrote their observation.

An Inter Class Poster Making competition was organised in which children selected one useful plant or animal and made beautiful, message invoking posters .It was a delightful sight to see so many young artists making posters, choosing the species from different countries under one roof which professed that it’s the small world after all event turned out to be a great accomplishment .The week culminated with the Display of Posters that showcased the work of youngsters. Is a Coordinator, Ms Sonjuhi praised the students and the teachers for their endeavours for making British Council activity a great success.

FESTIVALS AND US

Festivals are the times when people forget about their burdens and enjoy freely. They decorate their houses, buy new clothes, enjoy delicious savories and above all reunite with loved ones. Festivals are the times when contacts are renewed and refreshed. People get together and share their thoughts and cover up all that could not be discussed for a while. People meet; go to each others’ homes, exchange sweets and good wishes. However, the trend of festivals is changing now a days. It is seen in recent times a lot of money is drained in the name of celebration. There is a lot of environmental pollution is festivals like Deepawali and Holi. The enjoyment is somehow being lost.

India is a land of festivals. All through the year several festivals are celebrated like Dusshera, Deepawali, Christmas, Id-ul-Fitr, Christmas, Holi to name a few. In fact festivals have been a part of the Indian society since a very long time. In India every form of worship and every change in the season there is a festival to commemorate the same. And along with festivals come opportunities to bond, enjoy and celebrate. When we talk of the Indian culture all discussions are incomplete without festivals. However we must celebrate festivals keeping in mind the environment and also those people who are not as fortunate as us to enjoy like us. Standing at the beginning of the festive season I wish we all prosper and make the upcoming days fun filled taking everyone into consideration.    

Abhay Jain

Student, Sr 3

Meenakshi World School

Gurgaon

SPEED AND ACCURACY AWARDED AT MEENAKSHI WORLD SCHOOL

On 17^th October 2015 Meenakshi World School, Sector 10 A, organized an Inter School Skating Competition in the school premises. The competition was held in the Speed Skating Category (In Line Skating and Quads Skating) for students of 4 years to 12 years and the participants were judged on the basis of their performances at the rink. In recent times skating has emerged as a popular sport and a lot of students are taking interest in it. This sport not only imparts physical strength but also helps in increasing concentration and develops a passion for facing challenges. The competition witnessed the participation of 21 schools alongside the host school. The participating schools were Lions Public School, Summer Fields School, Lt. Atul Katraria Memorial School, The Maurya School, Gyan Devi Middle School, Rotary Public School, Ryan International School, Meenakshi Public School, Salwan Public School, Lord Jesus Public School, CCA School, Euro International School (Sec 10 & 45), S.D. Memorial School, Lotus Valley International School, Scottish High International School, Shalom Hills International School, Basant Valley Public School, Blue Bells Preparatory School, Blue Bells Public School and Blue Bells Model School. Mr. Anil Hada, Vice Chairperson of Meenakshi Group of Schools flagged off the first race. The competition was held in two categories- first category was Quads for girls and boys in the categories of 300m, 400m, 500m and 700m for the age groups 4yrs to 6 yrs, 6yrs to 8yrs, 8yrs to 10 yrs and 10 yrs to 12 yrs; the second category was In Line Skating in the same categories as that of Quads. Participants from Shalom Hills School and Lord Krishna International School won accolades by winning in six categories each. Students of the host school also performed well and won medals in three categories.

All the participants displayed brilliant skills and everyone was left astounded by their technical skills. Meenakshi World School keeps organizing such competitions in an attempt to help recognize the latent talents of the students and give them a platform for displaying their skills.     

PERSONALITY OF A CHILD

We come across lot of people in our lives. Each person is unique in himself/herself. People are born with certain traits which they have inherited from their parents and in turn which they have inherited from their ancestors. There is an endless list of these traits. When a child is born, sometimes he is a good combination of certain traits and at the same time there are weird combinations as well. Apart from this when a child is born he is carrying that baggage of combination of certain inherited traits. In addition to that he also carries a brain which is completely like a blank sheet of paper. His life starts when he is still in the womb and he starts to write his experiences. If the mother goes through a difficult time and the way she thinks it does influence the baby. When a baby is born he learns lot of things each experience forms certain impressions. Sometimes he unlearns on his own and sometimes his near and dear ones make him unlearn the things. Only those people unlearn, who introspect, retrospect and some people learn by experience from hit and trial method.

Society, Company and family at home play a very vital role in the personality of a person. So finally a person is an amalgamation of his inherited traits, life experiences and influence of his near and dear ones. A man is combination and permutation of these large numbers of traits and experiences that is why no two individuals are exactly the same. Each one is different from the other. Every day we are changing and we are not the same as we were a week back. Certain dos and don’ts have been taught by our dear ones which we follow throughout our lives. That stops/ prevents us from doing certain things; for instance if the parents’ teach and instill in a child to respect the elders he/she will continue to do so no matter what happens. A person might have had a bad experience with one or two older people but he/she will not stop respecting the elders.  He might be angry but his way of conveying the things will be quite subtle.

Another example is if a person is arrogant and looks down upon everybody it is because he/she was taught to be like this and also it might be that person is very insecure. People generally do not work on their insecurity. If they do so, it will be good for them and for people around them. It is the duty of parents and teachers in school to take keen interest in the child’s development, so that can become a responsible citizen of the society and is able to lead a very happy and free life. I am reminded of a quote which is as follows:

“Educate your children to self- control;, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society.” (Benjamin Franklin)

Ms. Neena Singh

Meenakshi World School

Gurgaon

More important pursuit in life: meaning or happiness?

People who find a meaningful purpose to their suffering are far more resilient than those who fail to do so.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing, the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.

The uniqueness and singleness which distinguishes each individual and gives a meaning to his existence has a bearing on creative work as much as it does on human love. When the impossibility of replacing a person is realized, it allows the responsibility which a man has for his existence and its continuance to appear in all its magnitude. A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the ‘why’ for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any ‘how.

In short, happy people derive much satisfaction from receiving, while those that find meaning find intrinsic reward from giving. Serving others and finding meaning in life are uniquely human pursuits which do not necessarily or naturally lead to happiness. Pursuit of individual comfort is not a uniquely human endeavor; animals are capable of pursuing happiness when satisfying their natural drives. Most importantly, according to researchers, is the fact that meaning transcends the present moment. Happiness is a simple, passing emotion that is felt and experienced merely momentarily, whereas meaning transcends emotion and time. Meaning is a chain that connects past, present and future together. A 2011 study confirmed that experiencing negative events decreases one’s happiness but can potentially increase one’s ability to find meaning in life. Further studies have shown that spending large amounts of time contemplating the past or future leads to a relatively meaningful but unhappy life.

Living and thinking solely in the present might make a person happier, but it will not contribute to a greater purpose. Serving others takes many forms. The most obvious and highly valued appear to be those which serve the homeless, battle injustice, or raise up young children. 

Regards:

Ekta Arora

Art ala Carte

It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength and

Whosoever loves much performs much.

The campus of Meenakshi Public School, Gurgaon on Saturday 26 September 2015 resounded with the laughter of children who flocked the venue from 11 reputed institutions of Gurgaon. There were a wide range of activities and the primary wing left no stone unturned to exhibit their fine motor skills through Finger Tip Painting, Book Mark Making, International Tribes Mask Making , English Debate and International Folk Dance from classes I to V respectively.

Children from classes I to III came up with amazing ideas and inspired others to be creative. It was a great delight to see children for the debate competition discussing and drawing inference on the topic “Are Batman and Superman misleading idols?”The vivacious dancers set the floor on fire with their energetic performances.

Students had a great learning experience. The principal, Ms Vipula Saxena addressed the audience and told that the competitions of such kind give a platform to display our vivid ideas. We also learn by interacting with others. Ms Sonjuhi ,ISA Coordinator stressed that the learning about global and development issues has been a key feature of the school and we are incorporating at various levels for cultural understanding and awareness of various nations. Ms Farah Awasthi, Primary wing Coordinator thanked the judges for sharing their precious time and teachers for putting in hard work and efforts to upgrade the youngsters.

Workshop on Increasing Concentration

With an aim to address the needs of the students and expand the horizon of knowledge by controlling their mind, a fun filled interactive workshop was held at Meenakshi Public School, Sec-10 A Gurgaon on 21 September 2015 for classes IV and V. The resource person, Ms. Seema Nagar from The Times of India group stressed on increasing concentration span and behavioural issues. To help students focus better and deal with examination related concerns, riddles were asked. A series of exercises and mind games to improve concentration were also practised with the students.

The resource person also elaborated on love for junk food and sprouting up of behavioural issues. She gave easy methods to refrain from distractions. The Principal, Ms. Vipula Saxena addressed the kindled minds and told that as partners in education we are preventing children from falling into the trap. Overall it was a wonderful and encouraging session.

SERVICE TO MANKIND

As students do we just have to be with our books and only gain theoretical knowledge without even being concerned for putting that knowledge to any practical use? Is that knowledge and efficiency fruitful for us or for others? Does our responsibility end with just reading and shutting the books? The answer to all these questions is a big NO. Being knowledgeable is not the only requirement; we must be aware of everything that is happening around us. Knowledge and wisdom increase if they are spread around. One of the ways for us (students) to use our knowledge precariously is to get involved in voluntary work.

The books that we study are written by world observers. That is the reason they satisfy our curiosity and help us in thinking rationally. We can, therefore, truly utilize the knowledge gained from the books into practical usability. A very good example is to educate others about health and hygiene. We know that one of the greatest problems the world is facing today is diseases caused due to lack of hygiene and cleanliness. Knowing the science behind bio degradable and non- bio degradable waste we can educate people about these things. This will not only be a practical application of theories but also a work that would prove beneficial for the society. After all who doesn’t dream of a disease free society? There are many other areas where students can actually raise awareness and make a difference. Taking up teaching classes of under priviledged children is yet another example. By teaching their own skills will be brushed and future leaders of the country shall be born.

This life is supposedly very precious and if we can use our brains, energy and our lives in doing good for the society that would be the best return gift to Nature who has given us this life and a wise brain to think and understand. As Mother Teresa said:

“The Simple Path
Silence is Prayer
Prayer is Faith
Faith is Love
Love is Service
The Fruit of Service is Peace”

BY:

Rahul Shyokand

Student, Grade SR 6

Meenakshi World School

Gurgaon

Education and Life

Education is the basic requirement for every nation; no nation can survive without it. Education is the main stone which builds the nation and helps it prosper in future. Hence education is the most powerful tool to bring about any desired change in our lives. This blog is a unique socio-entrepreneurial enterprise that gives us a link between education and life. It gives a merger of traditional Indian values and modern education, for a better and a substantial life. This blog aims at bringing positivism to the society altogether.The benefits of education are endless. The personal satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment upon receiving a college degree is one that cannot easily be topped. College education is becoming even more important than it has been in the past. A bachelor's degree is now becoming a minimum requirement for many jobs that previously only required a high school degree. True, a college education nowadays is expensive, however, the return on your investment can be almost certainly guaranteed. The pros of education far exceed the cons. It is important for one to have an education for one's ownsatisfaction, as well as better job opportunities and it is a good investment for one's future.

Superstitions are baseless, useless and may affect your life negatively. Illiterate and uneducated people often tend to hold certain superstitious beliefs. Education and awareness are the best ways to combat superstitions and replace such beliefs with reason and logic.

We live in an ever changing world. New technologies keep coming up and if you don’t want to be left behind, you must keep up with the world which is moving really fast. Without education it will be really difficult for you to adapt to all these changes. An educated person is much more aware of the latest technologies and all the changes that are taking place in the world. For example, an uneducated person may not know about the benefits of the internet whereas an educated person uses this gift of technology regularly for work as well as for entertainment.

Education is what you need if you want an answer to your ‘whats’ and ‘hows’ and ‘wheres’. It helps you understand the world you live in. You get to know more about your surroundings as well as the whole world through subjects like history, geography, science etc.Education majorly affects our understanding of the difference between right and wrong. An educated person is well aware of the consequences of wrong/illegal actions and he is less likely to get influenced and do something which is not legally/morally right. Also, a number of uneducated people who live a poverty stricken life owning to lack of opportunities often turn to illegal ways such as theft and robbery to solve their problems. If you are educated, you are well aware of your rights, the law and your responsibilities towards the society. Hence, education is an important factor which contributes in social harmony and peace.

MANISHA(PRT ENGLISH)

CHANGING EQUATIONS OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

The relationship between a teacher and a student is very special but complex too. In the twenty first century, education is as imperative as food, shelter and clothes. The urge to succeed and move ahead compels everyone to join a rat race that is governed by competition and aspirations. This race begins at childhood itself when parents strive to get their child admitted to the best school as per their ability. This is precisely where the teacher and student get introduced for the first time and a bond is made which binds them together for the entire lifetime. Even though several teachers come in the journey of the student but the intrinsic quality of the relationship remain the same. Respect, love, devotion and admiration keep this relationship alive for lifetimes.

However, this equation is somewhat changing with the changing times. With the introduction of e-learning the distance between the teacher and student has increased. The students do not feel the necessity of a teacher when he/she can get all information from the internet. Moreover the policies of the government as regards education has added to the woes of the teachers who feel that they have no more say in the student’s life- a mere act of disciplining a child is now termed as torture, homework has become the synonym of burden and so on. On the other hand the fact that the selfless love and affection of teachers has decreased is also true. Teachers are now more concerned about the end of the month benefit that they receive in this profession. It is thus not an exaggeration when it is said that the world in today’s time is based on the calculations of monetary benefits. As teachers it is our responsibility that we try and change the scenario otherwise that day is not far when the divine relation of the student and teacher shall be a distant thing of the past and we shall have nothing but memories to lament on.     

PAYAL DAN

PGT ENGLISH

MEENAKSHI WORLD SCHOOL

GURGAON

A Way to Success...

When a child learns to stand up and tries to walk, he is found to fall down again and again. And by nature and instinct, he gets up, and again tries to step forward, although again he falls down. But ultimately, he succeeds in walking. The same thing had once happened with each one of us, when we were children.

Similarly, in spite of his repeated failures, a man having perseverance does not admit his defeat. He tries again and again, and finally attains success. A persevering person is one who has tremendous self-confi­dence, indomitable determination, and a natural urge towards hard labour, and untiring energy to continue till the last, without grumbling or expressing dissatisfaction.

Perseverance is the secret of success. Without it, no great achievement is possible. Even if a person is not very talented, nor highly knowledgeable, but of an average merit, still he can succeed in life simply by his perseverance. Every action has its reaction. So hard labour has no alternative. It must yield results.

A person who is highly intelligent, and a scholarly genius, but is lethargic by nature, and reluctant to diligence, can hardly prosper in life, because he does not know how to use his brain and labour in the right direction. In this world, all the great things have been made or constructed only by perseverance.

Say, the lofty monuments, the palaces, the cities, the buildings etc.-all were built only by long and hard labour. 'Burj Khalifa was not built in a day'. It took many years to build the beautiful  and the tallest building. It is through perseverance of thousands of diligent men that such magnificent structures can be erected:

In human life, perseverance plays a very important role. Modern science, architecture, literature, music-in every sphere of life-perseverance is the root cause of success and glory. Shakespeare did not compose such voluminous works just in a day. He had to work hard during days and nights with tremendous perseverance to create such great masterpieces.

The modern scientists, too, carry on their experiments day and night for years together in order to attain success. If one looks at his own life, he can very well understand that whatever he has so far gained, he has gained it only by his hard labour, and not by chance or magic, or by someone's grace.

Therefore, perseverance must be practised from the very childhood so that the noble habit becomes a part and parcel of one's life. With that great asset or goodwill, a man can walk easily on the hazardous road of his life's journey; and success will be his and his only.

www.meenakshipublicschool.com

HOW A FEW WORDS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE...

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue”

The tongue is a small part of the body and yet it boasts of great things. In our homes and with our children, the tongue has the power to destroy. How many adults are still struggling because of the angry words they heard as children? “You Idiot!”, “You are so stupid!” and “I am sick and tired of…….”. Do parents have not said things they later regret? But while the tongue has the power to destroy, it also has the power to develop and improve.

Our words of affection and security can build up and bless those we love. We should have trust on our children. Positive words and thoughts motivate their brain and action. So, as parents we should choose our words wisely. It will regain their childrens’ self control and confidence.

“Language shapes our behavior and each word we use affects the personality. The right words spoken in the right way can bring us good manners, attitude etc., while the wrong words- or even the right words spoken in the wrong way can lead your child to disaster. We must carefully arrange our words, if we want our children to achieve their goals and bring out dreams to execute”.

Negative, annoying, irritating words can create anxiety and increase depression in childrens’ unconscious mind. So it is high time in this modern world if we want our children to face the world with confidence we need to be patient because our words can change their future.

About the Author:
The Author is Ms. Meenakshi Prajapati, TGT, English, Meenakshi Public School
www.meenakshipublicschool.com

ISA Activity in our School...

Learning is a continuous process and the school is playing a very important role in this process during the formal education of a child. School shapes this learning and this learning becomes a fun if it is done by play way method of teaching. Playing MATHEMBOLA was a project and a step towards learning while enjoying.

The project was accomplished with the students of class VIII in the month of July as a part of one of the British Council activities. The project started with the meeting of Maths teachers although the guidelines and working strategy had already been decided long back when the action plan was submitted.

On 16 July the teachers, Ms Swati, Ms Rubina and Ms Rachna  under the flagship of HOD Maths, Ms Asha Arora asked students to undergo vigorous research and find ISD codes of various countries. Next day the teachers collected the ISD codes and randomly selected 40 countries . Alist of codes and countries were given to all the students and through a questionnaire their learning outcome was assessed.

The fundamental terms used in Mathematics till class VIII were then related with these codes and yet through another questionnaire the students were judged. The knowledge of prime numbers, composite number, square, square root, area of triangle were being revised in a very quick and easy way.

Tickets comprising 64 boxes were prepared by students  and teachers assigned ISD codes . Finally the day arrived which was long awaited by our dear students to play the magical game of MATHEMBOLA. The students played the game by striking off the number spoken by the teacher in terms of either ISD codes or mathematical statements.

The enthusiasm and the excitement soared high when the results were announced and the prizes were distributed by ISA Coordinator, Ms Sonjuhi .The principal, Ms Vipula  Saxena appreciated the efforts put in by the mentors .Over all, the activity was fun yet a great learning experience.

The Power of Positive Thinking...

“Very little is needed to make a happy life. It is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

This stands true to a large extent. Our lives are made by thoughts and ideas. We become finally what we think. Over the years what we read and hear and hold in our thoughts condition our mind with positive thinking. We become inspired and uplifted citizens.

“Two men looked through the prison bar.

One saw mud, the other stars.”

Do we ever stop to think how successful a failure can be? The most important test of a man’s character is not how he behaves after success but how he sustains his defeat.

The basic necessity of every human being is assuredly to know how to meet trouble when it comes, since much trouble in life is self- manufactured. It is wise to think positively. Life is not always a bed of roses. Troubles do come and in different forms. Positive thinking builds a person in the spirit, conditions him in the mind so that when adverse situations arise he has equipment and resources to handle them constructively. So when a situation looks hopeless thinks positive. When everything looks impossible , refuse to accept defeat. When unexpected damage wrecks our dream, then what? Never dwell on what we have lost because if we do, we will be discouraged and defeated. Always look at what we have left not what we have lost!

www.meenakshipublicschool.com

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY...

Miracles happen to men and women in all walks of life all over the world .In whatever endeavour you choose with cutting edge scientific research of yoga, one can increase health and even cure the body of common ailments. The words of wisdom came from the principal, MsVipula  Saxena ,Meenakshi  Public School, Sec 10 A Gurgaon when the school celebrated the International Day of Yoga.

The school children are practising the art of yoga in their regular schedule to achieve happiness, peace of mind and above all concentrating on the studies.  Days ahead the preparation for the day started under the guidance of the yoga instructor who was guiding and advising for hand and head coordination. The mentor was also very particular about exhaling and inhaling air which forms an integral part of yoga.

On a cool, pleasant morning the celebration started with the address by the principal, stressing on yoga and it’s Karmic Effect. The ISA Coordinator ,Ms Sonjuhi highlighted the fact that Yoga originated in India and one must practise yoga to enjoy the pages of life’s book .Pranayam ,Kapal Bhati,Butterfly aasan ,Tree aasan, Lion aasan  were put together by the students. One after another  the aasans followed and children were happy participating and learning this beautiful art of Indian heritage.

WAYS OF SUCCESS...

1. Think for yourself:-There are probably a lot of people around you who are more than willing to tell you what is not possible for you and very few who can help you to connect with what is possible.You have to think for yourself.

2. Have clear goals in mind:-Put your dreams in writing,so you can remember to think about them everyday.

3. Imagine yourself being,where you want to go:- Live your dream now,as if you have already realized your goals.You can do this in little ways that are symbolic of what you are creating in your mind.As an example,if you want more money,imagine that you are more abundant now and spend a just little more on things.This symbolizes flow.Letting go of money with greater ease also invites more into your life.

4. Notice when oppurtunity knocks:-thinking your way to success includeswatching for results of your new thoughts in oppurtunities to learn more,do more and be more.

5. Keep heading towards your goals:-If your goals are your reason for being,giving up is not an option.Take action and keep going in the direction of your dreams.

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Shraddha Chawla, TGT Science, Meenakshi Public School.

www.meenakshipublicschool.com

Necessity is the Mother of all Invention...

Let us begin and create an idea a state: and yet a true creator is necessity, which is the mother of our invention.

It has been rightly said that necessity is the mother of invention. Most of inventions and discoveries owe their successful operation to necessity. Unless there is want we cannot struggle to attain the goal. The history of human progress in all walks of life is the history of man’s endeavor to reach new goals. When man felt hungry, he started hunting the animals and started growing crops. The need for shelter led man to build huts and houses. The need for quick travel resulted in the invention of the fastest means of transport making the world small. At the time of necessity, the human mind, which is creative and imaginative, think in a very quick manner?

 In this age of science, deadly weapons are being manufactured due to necessity. The fear of the enemy has forced the power-hungry countries to invent such destructive weapons.

The proverbial cow’s necessity of water forced it to find a way to quench its thirst. In the political life it is again necessity which leads us to think of new forms of government –whether or otherwise in pattern.

As new needs arise, fresh methods are devised to meet them. New plans are hatched to find solutions to different problems. Necessity makes us bold, zealous and eager enough to fulfill our needs. Necessity is a blessing in disguise.

What is impossible in the world?

Man can achieve anything he wants provided he puts in hard labour and sincere efforts, where there is a will there is a way. Constant efforts do bear fruit.

Where there is some necessity there is some invention, some research in order to meet that need. All our inventions and discoveries are the direct result of our pressing needs.

What are the needs that necessitate invention?

There is relatively simple three step process to get what we desire. It is:

                  Get a clear understanding what we ultimately wish to accomplish;

                  Compare our existing process, experiences and to the process that is needed to get what we wish to accomplish within the new environment where we get what we wish;

Working patiently, with single mindedness, on removing the differences between the two. 

MEANS OF TRANSPORT...

Collage activity on the topic MODES OF TRANSPORT was organised for the students of classes 3 and 4. It  is an outstanding way of teaching them in a practical manner.Under the guidance of their respective subject teachers ,the pupils pasted different modes of transport on the provided cut outs.The activity proved even more beneficial when they expressed themselves through art in an open way and the activity enhanced their learning skills. Teachers motivated and guided children to express them effectively.

Next was the scrapbook making activity which motivated the primary students to learn how to classify different modes of transport according to place where they are used-sky,sea or land.The students pasted pictures of various kinds of transport used in countries like Australia, UK,Germany and India. The activity improved their ability to segregate and categorise.The children even wrote a few lines about the development of transportation from ancient to modern era. The teachers emphasized the importance of vehicles and reinforced knowledge through the activity.

After the completion of scrapbooks, the students had countrywise group presentation where they analysed different aspects of transport modes. Pupils were able to characterise the transport management process and development of transport in various countries.The children enhanced their communication skills. They equally developed vocabulary and were able to present information logically.

Power point presentation on the theme Importance of Means of Transport was shown in the  audio-visual room to the students .The enthusiastic students participated in an interactive session .They were thrilled to see the development in transport and were trying to comprehend the relation between efficient transport system and high economic growth .

After every activity, a brain storming questionnaire was given and students were evaluated on the depth of understanding . The students’ answers reflected their first hand learning experiences. The students learned about their brothers in different countries.

On the successful completion of the activity, a positive reinforcement was given to the students by the teachers in form of plentiful praises.It sparked their imagination and are more informed children.

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Farah Awasthi, Primary Co-ordinator, Meenakshi Public School

www.meenakshipublicschool.com

Child Labour...

Child Labour refers to the practice of engaging children in economic activities. These children are deprived of primary education and exposed to mental and physical dangers. The curse of child labour has deeply penetrated in Indian society. In the latter part of the 20th century, child labour remains a serious problem in many parts of the world. Many of these children live in underdeveloped countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Their living conditions are crude and their chances for education minimal. The income they bring in is, however, necessary for the survival of their families. In other cases, children are bonded, working to pay off an initial cash advance from the employer with escalating interest which leaves them effectively slaves. In this project , information has been shared on some of the legal and programmatic initiatives undertaken in India over the last decade or so to address the problem of child labour. These programs remain committed to the full eradication of all forms of child labour wherever it might exist in India, beginning with the most exploitative and hazardous forms and have adopted this goal as part of national policy. Both the Indian courts and the National Human Rights Commission have been paying increasing attention to the issue. India has also been participating in the International Program on Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) of the ILO. But the problem remains vast, and finding resources for rehabilitation schemes, given the magnitude of the problem, is a continuing challenge.

The International Labour Organization estimates that 215 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 currently work under conditions that are considered illegal, hazardous, or extremely exploitative. Underage children work at all sorts of jobs around the world, usually because they and their families are extremely poor. Large numbers of children work in commercial agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, mining, and domestic service. Some children work in illicit activities like the drug trade and prostitution or other traumatic activities such as serving as soldiers. Child labour is serious threat to Economic growth. Uneducated children of today cannot contribute much in the economic prosperity of the country. At present the outlook of educated men has been completely changed. They acknowledge the significance of manual labour. Even educated young men of upper class do not hesitate to do all sorts of laborious work. They have felt that there is dignity of labour. They must labour to earn their bread instead of being burdens to others. An ordinary labourer without education is better than an idle educated man because he earns his bread with the sweat of his brow. His work is as sacred as to worship God.

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Rachna Mehta, TGT Maths, Meenakshi Public School

www.meenakshipublicschool.com

SCHOOL DAYS: HAPPIEST DAYS OF LIFE...

School is a place where you grow, where you start understanding the world, from where you begin your mistakes and start improving upon them and above all it is place where you have unadulterated fun. Yes fun… where you enjoy your life with your friends and teachers. School is that easy part of your life where you have no worries. That is why we always long to go back to the school days even when we are successful and content in our lives.

There are some people who hated or who hate going to school. I think that may be their teachers were/are not that supportive or an even greater reason would be they did/do not have good friends. There are also some people who love to stay inside their shells and do not like to socialize. Some people also like colleges more than schools because schools have several restrictions that colleges do not have. But colleges might give you freedom but it can also make you self centered. People start misusing the freedom and start doing big mistakes. These mistakes can sometimes be so big that they might have to pay it with their lives. That is why rules are very important and schools are the best places that teach you stay disciplines, follow rules and also have self control.

Schools are the best places that we can ever go to. Friends are made who stay on for the entire life. Teachers teach not only the subjects but also the values that help in building the strong foundation of virtuous and successful life. It is that heaven where one can relax and remain tension free. That’s why it has been rightly said that:

No matter how much you think you hate school, you will always miss it when you leave.

About the Author:

The Author is GARGI SINSIAWAR, STUDENT, GRADE: X, MEENAKSHI WORLD SCHOOL

www.meenakshiworldschool.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF ART...

Pablo Picasso once said “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off your souls”. In the present world this statement holds true to every word. As we grow up different types of tensions engross us and we end up in states of frustrations and depressions. A state of peace and an outlet to let off emotions is then required. I feel that art is the savior that can not only help in unleashing those emotions but also spend time in an effective and fruitful manner.

Art is now considered as the first language after the evolution of human beings on earth. It is now proven that pictorial representations were the only modes of communication in the beginning. The discovery of several caves paintings around the world is a proof for the same. In a time when language creates so many problems isn’t art still a better way to communicate? For young students and even for adults art can work as that medium that can help them in making this world a better place for themselves as well as others. Diving deep into the world of crayons, paints and also shaping up new dreams through mundane things like paper and clay art gives you that outlet through which you can reach ultimate destinations of peace and solitude. It is probably for this reason that even psychologists suggest this way to utilize time and make the mind free of worries. Schools and colleges have seriously introduced this part as a vital part of the curriculum and career opportunities in this field are galore. It can therefore be easily surmised that art is that passion that can create wonders for life from all perspectives.Art nourishes the soul and nurtures the mind…   

About the Author:

The Author is Palash Mondal, Fine Arts Educator, Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com

EARTH DAY...

Celebrating Earth Day 2015, Meenakshi Public School hosted a daylong event featuring skit, fun and drama for the kids and also gave a message to the community that we love nature and we here to save our MOTHER EARTH. Many people think climate change is a remote problem, but the fact is that it’s already impacting real people, animals, and beloved places all over the world, and these Faces of Climate Change are multiplying every day.

Earth day is an annual event celebrated on April 22, on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Primary wing of Meenakshi Public school, Sector -10 A Gurgaon also celebrated the day. It was the day where we wall participated and made efforts to create awareness about the importance of Earth day and how it can impact the environment and create a healthy living.

I was very impressed with both the level of interest in this event and the creativity of the skit and enthusiasm that was visible on every little Meenakshians of class V C. They expressed the joy and happiness which they experience in the school while learning and growing in the conducive environment. All of the students who took initiative in the program should be applauded. “These youth are the future leaders of our communities. Their engagement and interest in our environment helps to teach their peers hot to save environment and encourage adults to do the same”.

Students learn traditional subjects including Maths, Science, English and Computers, but classroom academics at Meenakshi Public School come with an added value to the students that now they have strong sense of connection and responsibility for the natural world. They can put their hands together in ensuing we save the Earth by doing small things will impact in a big manner.

A Healthy Food Foundation For Kids...

“Good nutrition plays an important role in helping children achieve good health”.

Balanced nutrition is just as important for kids as it is for adults. Eating healthy food improves learning and increases energy levels, while poor diet intake leads to sleepy days in school and also weight loss.

         5 Healthy Eating Habits Which Kids Can Easily Adopt

It’s never too early for kids to learn and adopt these easy and healthy eating habits which will be beneficial for them for their whole life.

1.     Off to a good start: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially at a young age as the kids need to concentrate at school. Every parent should check that their kids get used to having a balanced breakfast every morning which includes fruits, protein and cereal.

2.     Regular rules: Every family should practice of having dinner at a set time instead of quick dinners in front of TV at irregular time. Parents should also try to have food together as it not only strengthens the family bonding but also the way to keep an eye on how the kids eat.

3.     No rush: Kids should be taught to eat slowly and chew each bite well. The brain also registers hunger and fullness after several minutes, so the faster they eat, the more they need to eat.

4.     Snack savvy: We should encourage our kids to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables instead of cookies and other sweet and fattening foods because fruits and vegetables will help them to stay fit.

5.     Rethink the basics: Whole grain bread and cereals to be served, intake of red meat to be avoided, quantity of canned food intake to be reduced.

By being careful with the kids eating habits, we can always reap their healthy life.

EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY...

In the global world of 21^st century e books have replaced text books and notepads have replaced notebooks. E learning has changed the entire education system. When I was a student my teachers asked me to write notes on whatever was taught and at the same time I had to concentrate on what the teacher was speaking. However, the scene is entirely different now. With the help of technology we are connected to classrooms worldwide and thereby connect to what the other side of the world is doing. Not only that but it has become a common norm these days to exchange thoughts thereby making the world smaller and smaller with each passing day.

A very important benefit of technology in education is the use of audio-visual aids. Through the use of these students can come out of the mundane world of the books and enter into the digitized world where nothing is incomprehensible or unreachable. The student can learn according to his/her own pace and if he/she gets stuck anywhere the option of replaying is always there.

However, every coin has two sides. Technology has its set of disadvantages too if abused or put into use for unfair means. It can make a person lazy and inactive. The students are the ones who can fall prey to these adverse affects. It is therefore very essential to monitor and keep a check. Even though e books and notepads and think pads have made the work easier there still cannot be any competition with the tradition ways of studying that are reading and writing. In my opinion technology should be used for making the work easier. We should never become too dependent on it as that would be harmful.  

About the Author:

The Author is Mr. Rajesh Sahni, PGT Physics, Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com

THE ART OF CONCENTRATION...

Concentration is defined as your ability to direct your thinking. The art or practice of concentration, no matter if studying biology or playing pool, is to focus on the task at hand and eliminate distraction. We all have the ability to concentrate but there are times when concentration leaves us. Think of times when you were “lost” in something you enjoy: a sport, music, a good game or your favorite movie- that can be defined precisely as concentration as these were the times you were totally into the activity. But there are times when your mind wanders from one thing to another. These are the times when:

- Your worries distract you

- Outside distractions take you away even before you know it

- The material is boring, difficult and/or not interesting

In all the above mentioned moments the mind is disturbed and the guilt of not doing the right work at the right time torments you. While the problem of distraction is harmful for everyone, the worst sufferers are the students for whom it is of utmost importance to concentrate and study diligently. These tips might help in dealing with this problem:

Before engaging in your studies try to center yourself with silence; clearing your mind of distractions that may disrupt your productivity.

- Make a dedicated place only for studying. Eg. Chair, table etc.

- Stick to routine and make an efficient study schedule

- Focus

- Incentives as food treat, walk, calling your friends etc. help to de-stress and thereby increases concentration in the later works that you might do

- Change topics

- Take regular, scheduled breaks that fit you

- Give yourself rewards after fulfilling stipulated tasks

By all these practices you can be assured to notice changes. These practices will benefit not only students but also all those who want to do a work sincerely and effectively. Whenever your thoughts start wandering scold yourself and say strictly “Be here now”. As a popular saying goes: “Success is like a camera. Only focus on what is most important. Ignore trivial details. Concentrate on your main goal image for success. Develop your pictures. If they don't turn out, don't give up. Take more shots at it. Always be persistent. Focus on making success clearly happen.”

About the Author:

The Author is Mr. Pankaj Sharma, P.G.T. Chemistry, Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com

Be Resilient...

Being Resilient means being blessed in disappointment because when you will be resilient you will see your life’s problem in different way and can overcome the troubling situation easily and soon. Resilient means to be capable of tackling your problem, sorrow, mistakes and failure by thinking yourself to be a part of it and not responsible for all wrong happenings and take your failure as a step towards improvement and growth.

A resilient person or child can cope up easily with their bad situations. We all feel bad, helpless, disappointed or go through stressful time but the problems and situations are different depending upon the age, environment, boundaries, pressure, target time limits, family and friends support and upbringing.

Sometimes we think that the other person is having less problem and most of the time for children we think that they don’t have any tension or problem but we don’t see the things from their point of view which a parent must do. They should talk to their children about their problems, atmosphere outside and how do they feel when they are with them or with their friends.

Parents should guide them and keep telling them about handling the worst situation whether it is their performance in cultural programme or their position in class. Parents should share their experience also with their children how they handled that time whether that experience was good or bad. By doing these things parents can help their children to be resilient and children will also feel good by sharing their feeling about a particular thing how do they feel and what should they do.

Sometimes parents feel ashamed or pressurized when their children can’t score well in exams and teachers complain or if any other parents tell them about the best performance of their children. You feel sad and take tension, sometimes you pressurize your child also and it affects the mind and health of your child. If you are resilient you will not see the things in negative way. You would try to improve your child’s performance rather than comparing and pressurizing the child to do the same as others are doing. If your child scores 20 out of 50 you will try him to score 30 not 49.

No one is perfect by birth so you should try to be resilient to overcome your drawbacks to develop resiliency. You talk about your problems with others who make you feel good and show you the right way to come out from that situation, give time to yourself .You should not feel that I can’t do this is not my cup of tea. The people who did this they were very superior or have much better qualities than me. Don’t think I shouldn’t do this, I can’t do it and I should quit.

A spider tries several times to make his web but fails most of the times but doesn’t quit and tries again and gets success. We must also try to be resilient.

I would like to share my own experience for the same thing, once I was told to write something on a topic for that I did my work but It was not appropriate and I was called by my seniors and they made me understand and the way they talked to me was very supportive and I did not feel that I have committed a blunder I thought that I have made mistake like others and I thought that I will do my work again with more hard work and I did the same. The support from family and peers or seniors help you a lot to be resilient. You should keep a positive view, confidence in your strengths and abilities, try to find out the solution of that difficulty rather that regretting and cursing your self. By being resilient you will find a different and good way to live your life in stead of feeling ashamed and failure. If you will be resilient you will never quit you will always try again.

About the Author:
The Author is Ms. Neetu Arora, PRT, Meenakshi Public School
www.meenakshipublicschool.com

SOCIAL NETWORKING...

Every coin has two faces- heads and tails. Everything has its good and bad effects. It is up to us how to use or misuse anything that is given to us.

Social networking is also one of the things which if put into constructive use can be very good. People are in touch with each other by just a click of the mouse. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and personal blogs are a few means through which people exchange their daily views and update themselves about what is happening in the world. Moreover it is certain that if something is happening in some part of the United States it is bound to affect people living in India as well. Hence it becomes utmost important to be informed.

It is also very fruitful to promote any social cause or to make people aware of any social evil in the society. Recently, a girl was molested and the youth were out on streets to demand justice for her and within few hours the entire world became one in the demand for justice for the victim.

On the other hand it also has its baggage of vices. People misuse it to exploit the youth, mislead people and cheat financially through social networking sites to ask for bogus donations. It also enhances people from not meeting in person. Virtual exchange of welfare and information prevents the personal human touch. On my opinion people are not concerned to spend quality time with their near and dear ones.

In the end, I would like to say that a perfect balance of both the proper use of social networking must be maintained in one’s life in order to have a good healthy life.    

About the Author:

The Author is Dr. Jagriti Gautam, PGT Science, Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com