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.

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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

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

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.

CHILD LABOUR AND ITS HIDDEN TRUTHS...

Child labour is a slur on the society which is still continuing in most of the countries, especially the developing ones. Being an Indian when I think of this issue the first question that arises is what constitutes child labour?

Earlier the weaker sections of the society used to indulge their children into labour activities to make the two ends meet at their homes.  More kids meant more working hands and that meant more income. But poverty remains the core truth and here comes the very essential question: Is it necessary to have so many kids if you can’t take care of them or fulfill their basic needs? Their point of view, however, is quiet clear when they say more the number of children, more comfortable will be their lives.

Then it also forces me to think about those children who are participating in the numerous talent shoes of our country or movies or television serials. According to me this too falls under child labour. A child who should go to school, play with peers and should spend his/ her life tension free gets up early in the morning, rehearses the dialogues and portray different characters. The conditions at these places are not at all favourable for the growth of a child. But I do not see anyone raising a voice against this. Parents too should understand that at such early days of life what a child needs is care and nurture and not limelight.

Therefore I can say that it is not only the weaker sections that are at fault, we, the so called educated people are also not responsible behind this flourishing trade of child labour. My heart aches every time I see small child carrying loads of bricks on his shoulders or a small child stands in front of the camera and talks things that are beyond his/her age.

Through this column I want to raise awareness to take a stand against all forms of child labour and make this world beautiful for them too.    

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Meenakshi, Class Educator (JR 6), Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com 

ENVIRONMENT...

A clean environment is very necessary to live a peaceful and healthy life. But our environment is getting dirty day by day because of some negligence of human beings. It is an issue which everyone must know about especially our kids.

An environment is the natural surroundings which help life to grow, nourish and destroy on this planet called earth. Natural environment plays a great role in the existence of life on earth and it helps human beings, animals and other living things to grow and develop naturally. But due to some bad and selfish activities of the human beings, our environment is getting affected. It is the most important topic that everyone must know how to protect our environment to keep it safe forever as well as ensure the nature’s balance on this planet to continue the existence of life.

As we all are well familiar with the environment, it is everything which surrounds us naturally and affects our daily lives on the earth. Everything comes under an environment, the air which we breathe every moment, the water which we use for our daily routine, plants, animals and other living things, etc around us. An environment is called healthy environment when natural cycle goes side by side without any disturbance. Any type of disturbance in the nature’s balance affects the environment totally which ruins the human lives.

Now, in the era of advance living standard of the human being, our environment is getting affected to a great extent by the means of air pollution, noise pollution, deforestation, water pollution, soil pollution, acid rain and other dangerous disasters created by the human beings through technological advancement. We all must take an oath together to protect our natural environment to keep it safe as usual forever.

If we do anything in wrong way out of the discipline of nature, it disturbs the whole environment means atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. Besides natural environment, a man made environment is also exists which deals with the technology, work environment, aesthetics, transportation, housing, utilities, urbanization, etc. Man made environment affects the natural environment to a great extent which we all must be together to save it.

An environment includes all the natural resources which surround us to help in number of ways. It provides us better medium to grow and develop. It gives us all things which we need to live our life on this planet. We should reduce the amount of waste, throwing wastes properly to its place only, stop using poly bags, reuse some old things in new ways, repair and use broken things instead of throwing it away, see how much it would take to repair them, use rechargeable batteries, make use of cfl light, rain water conservation, reduce water wastage, energy conservation, minimum use of electricity, etc.

About the Author:
The Author is Ms. Neha Sharma, Meenakshi Public School
www.meenakshipublicschool.com

Progress of a nation lies in the literacy rate of that nation...

Yes, this is true because education has an impact on all the aspects of our life. Our way of living, standard of living everything is affected by our education. One extra year spent in school can increase our monthly income. Educated people get better opportunities in life then an uneducated one. So education brings economic prosperity.

Education brings awareness. It helps in overcoming orthodox norms of the society and even superstitions. As a result a society with more number of literate people is more capable of fighting with social evils.  In fact education helps you become a useful member of the society. An educated member certainly has a greater chance to contribute to his community.

Today we are living in the era of technology. World is really growing fast in the field of technology. An educated person is much more aware of the latest technologies and all the changes that are taking place in the world. It is difficult for an uneducated person to adapt to all these changes.

Education also helps us in gaining confidence and earning respect. Educated people express their views with confidence. They are also able to guide their society. An educated person who helps others by his knowledge is always respectful for others. So educated people are like precious gems for the society.

That nation has more scope of growth in which more people are contributing towards its growth.   

It is well said by Mahatma Gandhi, “What is really needed to make democracy function is not knowledge of facts, but right education.”

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Shalini Sharma, Class Educator, Blooming Buds

www.bloomingsbudsmws.com

The right of a child: A safe and happy child

The birth of a child brings happiness and prosperity to house. It brings a new meaning to a man and woman. It completes and make them parents. It bring two families together. As a child grow a parent also grows.

Since the day we bring a life in the world for our happiness, it is our responsibility to protect them , educate them, secure and nurture them with love and care. A child is like a wet cement; what we write or what impression we give it, creates an image . To create a better human being the base is from the birth . It is very important for a child to have cooperation from the society and family. The impact on a child can make and break the child. A human brain since the evolution is curious to know and explore. So the right information and from the right source is important. Here comes the role of a school where the child is groomed to have a better personality. “It is the right of every child to have a safe and happy childhood”.

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Shilpi Gupta, Educator, Blooming Buds

www.bloomingbudsmws.com

8 Important Reasons for Teaching Kindness in Schools...

Most people have heard the phrase ‘random acts of kindness’, which refers to a selfless act of giving resulting in the happiness of another person.

It seems we just can’t get enough of those addictive feel good emotions and with good reason.

 Scientific studies have shown that kindness has a great number of physical and emotional benefits, and that children require a healthy dose of the warm and fuzzies in order to flourish as health, happy, well-rounded individuals.

A great number of benefits have been reported to support the theory of teaching kindness in schools:

1. Happy Children

Science explains that the good feelings we experience when being kind are produced by endorphins that activate areas of the brain that are associated with pleasure, social connection and trust, and it’s proven that these feelings of joyfulness are contagious, encouraging more kind behaviour by the giver and recipient.

2. Increased Peer Acceptance 

Studies show that kind, happy children enjoy greater peer acceptance because they are well-liked.

3. Improved Health and Less Stress 

It’s widely documented that being kind can trigger a release of the hormone oxytocin which has a number of physical and mental health benefits. It can significantly increase a person’s level of happiness and reduce stress.

4. Greater Sense of Belonging and Improved Self Esteem

Small acts of kindness are reported to heighten our sense of wellbeing, increase energy and give a wonderful feeling of optimism and self worth.

5. Increased Feelings of Gratitude

When children are given an opportunity to help others it provides them with a real sense of perspective and helps them appreciate the good things in their own lives.

6. Better Concentration and Improved Results

kindness is a key ingredient that helps children feel good as it increases the serotonin levels..

7. Less Bullying

Teaching kindness and compassion in schools, not only fosters the positive behaviour that creates warm and inclusive school environments, but helps children feel that they belong. It’s documented that the effects of bullying can be significantly reduced by integrating kindness based programs in schools.

8. Reduced Depression

Research has discovered that an act of kindness increases levels of serotonin (a natural chemical responsible for improving mood) in the brain. It’s also found that serotonin levels are increased in both the giver and receiver of an act of kindness, as well as anyone who witnesses that kindness, making it a wonderful natural antidepressant. 

Kindness can be taught, and it is a defining aspect of civilized human life. It belongs in every home, school, neighborhood, and society.”

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Shweta Dora, PRT English, Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com

DISABLED PEOPLE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS THEM...

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude”—Scott Hamilton

When we think of the word “Disability “, we generally form a mental picture of a person on a wheelchair. But we need to understand that there is a spectrum of disabilities, including physical, intellectual, visual, hearing and psychology. Disability is not impairment itself but rather it is attitudes and environmental barriers that often result in disability. Disability therefore is a social issue. Research indicates that societal attitudes and behaviours towards person with disabilities impact their lives and continue to do so leading to them having negative and devaluing experiences, including bullying, harassment, isolation, rejection, segregation, lack of relationships as well as lack of control over their lives.

Can something be done to prevent this kind of ostracism faced by people with different needs? Such social stigma and discrimination can be combated, for example, through direct personal contact and through social marketing. The need of the day is to bring about some legislative and societal changes and its proper implementation. And more importantly, what is required is a change in the societal attitudes towards people with disability.

We need to understand that people with disabilities want to be recognized for their abilities, not their disabilities. And Man is God’s creation. And it is the responsibility of every human being to respect God’s creation. It is the duty of each one of the citizens to work towards bringing about a change in the attitudes of the people towards persons with disabilities, so as to make the atmosphere more conducive, and thereby to make the world a better abode for them to reside in. While we may have a long way to go in this direction, each one of us needs to take a pledge to make a beginning.

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Gurpreet Kaur, Student Counsellor, Meenakshi Public School

www.meenakshipublicschool.com

Small Wonders...

In the busy world when the world vies to go ahead and create several new worlds there is no place where one can find solace to sit back and wile away some time in leisure. Life is racing and we, mere players in this theatre of life, are participants to the race. No one wins in this race but some people surely loose. They lose their peace, solitude and above all their heart and selves. Can there be any practical solution to this whole game of losing and never winning? In the game of gaining control and acquiring power we are left with the basic question who really are the players and who are the on lookers. The onlookers are they who are perhaps the most vulnerable beings the almighty created, the children. They are indeed the most vulnerable, the most innocent and at most times the most fragile beings on earth but how many people really care and really realize this fact even when the fact remains true to every word. In our race to win and dominate, we almost always forget that wittingly or unwittingly they become our pawns. Our demands exceed their interests and capabilities. Our ambitions surpass their dreams and our desires pose the biggest hurdle and threat to their happiness.

All parents and grownups want the little ones to be disciplined and well mannered. This want, apparently seeming selfless and perfect, actually comes as a punishment for the child wherein he is left disturbed and most often makes him/her stubborn. As grownups we tend to medicate even before knowing what the illness actually is or where exactly is it hurting. We complain about kids that they do not go out and play and are busy with video games or movies but do we ever stop to think whether we have given them the space and time to go out and play. In our ride up the success ladder we have acquired all the open spaces to build our mansions of ambition and what they are left with is one small balcony where they try and set up their world. We never try to enter that world lest our precious time is wasted and try our best to bring them out too because for us their world is utopia and holds no meaning. We sulk when obesity and teeth disorders plague our children but forget that it is we who supplied them the doses of chocolates, ice creams, burgers and pizzas in compensation to the time that we devoted to our offices, our colleagues, our friends, in the club playing cards and the late nights watching a football match instead of sharing the simple joys of life with the children.

Let us stop from our very busy lives and ponder over our own childhood, our parents and our lives which we have left behind a long back. We were a bunch of happy people even when our sources were limited. Our children have indefinite access to resources but somehow their access to happiness and the simple pleasures of life has been lost. That is why instead of gazing at nature and gasping at its beauty from their window seats and travelling to the unknown just by closing their eyes their minds are lost in the six inches display of their mobile phones. In the rush to score the maximum marks they have forgot to appreciate what they are studying; in becoming the best singer, the best dancer and the best artist they no longer treat these as arts but as burdens which exist along with the other subjects to haunt and torture.

Let us pause for a while and do some serious thinking and gift our children their childhood as no gift could be better than this and nothing would make them happier. In doing so the closed doors of our peaceful living might open as well.

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Payal Dan, PGT English Teacher, Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com