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

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

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF STUDY AND SELF LEARNING...

A common proverb says that “Self help is the best help”. In today’s competitive world this proverb holds very true. In the fast paced world, everyone is striving to succeed and achieve the best and people are ready to devote hard work and all their sincerity towards the goal that they have set for themselves. But sometimes it is noted that howsoever they have worked behind the goal they fail to achieve the desired results. Have we ever tried to ponder over the reasons behind this? Some probably know and that is why some succeed more than the others. The fact that makes them succeed more than others is their urge to study more and know more. They leave no stones unturned to open all vistas for knowing and gaining knowledge. This is self study and self learning.

Undoubtedly teachers and mentors are very essential in the in the difficult path of attaining wisdom but only that person succeeds who can apply the acquired wisdom on his/her own. And that can be possible only when that person would strive to learn things on his/her own. In the modern world of science and technology self learning has become even easier with technological means and methodologies. E books, online journals, chat sessions, online assessments and so on can be accessed anytime for gaining perfection in the area one is studying or researching on. The social networking sites too are very good means of sharing and acquiring knowledge.

If one wants to succeed there can be no substitute for self study and self learning. It not only helps in gaining knowledge and broaden the horizons of wisdom it is one of the best ways in which a person can fruitfully devote his/her time too. As was once pointed by the great scientist Albert Einstein:

“Never regard study as duty but as the enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit for your own personal joy and to the profit of the community to which your later work belongs”       

About the Author: The Author is Ms. Payal Dan, PGT English, Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com

Good Temper!

Good temper is a very remarkable ingredient in becoming a good human being. We are always inclined to look upon bad temper as a very harmless weakness. We speak of it as a mere infirmity of nature, a family failing, a matter of temperament, not a thing to take into very serious account in estimating a man's character. And yet here, right in the heart of this analysis of temperament, it finds a place; and the Bible again and again returns to condemn it as one of the most destructive element   in human nature. The peculiarity of ill temper is that it is the vice of the virtuous. You might know men who are all but perfect but for an easily ruffled quick temper. This compatibility of ill temper with high moral character is one of the strangest and the saddest problem.

Now society has no doubt whatever as to which of these is worse whether sins of body or sins of disposition. We have no balance to weigh one another's sins but fault in higher nature may be less venial than those in lower.

For embittering life, for breaking up communities, for destroying the most sacred   relationships, for devastating homes, for withering up men and women, for taking the bloom of childhood; in short for sheer gratuitous misery producing power, this influence stands alone. Jealousy, anger, pride, uncharity, cruelty-in varying proportions are the ingredients of ill temper. Such sins of disposition are worse to live in, and for others to live with than sins of body. A man with bad temper could only make heaven miserable for all the people to live in.

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Shikha Arora, PRT Educator, Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com

LOVE: A BLESSING FOR ALL...

Love is pure, vibrant, indestructible and priceless. It is a feeling that penetrates even the most abrasive soul in the universe. It acts as an aid for the abatement of the brimming lava of abhorrence, revenge and despair bottled inside man towards the persistent presence of evil in the society. Love has the infinite power to convert a radical into a soul that pledges to revolutionize the constant, stagnant, perishable state of morals in the society.

Love has wide arms in which it beholds indiscriminately the creatures of life created by the supreme God. It is an infinite force that sweeps away a weeping soul into the brightness of a weeping soul into the brightness of fresh, healthy, glee and cheerful surroundings. It is lovable, wanted and the dream of every breathing soul in the universe to be loves or cared for. Conversing with the roadside beggar rudely shatters his dream to be shown respect to, but is still richer as he has his doting kids and caring partner for whom the love is infinite than his abuser who returns to his lavish house grim by the darkness of lies and deceit. Loving and being loved is therefore the greatest gift to mankind by the almighty.

About the Author: The Author is Ms. Neetu Satija, P.R.T. Educator, Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF TIME...

There are many sayings about time. No one can deny its importance in his or her life. It plays an important role in one’s life. God has created this world for a reason and if we closely observe Nature, we would find plenty of things that come on time. The sun, the moon, the stars and the planets continue their motion in specific orbits and on a fixed time. The high tide and the low tide as well as the season totally depend on time. We always panic on hearing the word “time- table”. But it is the most organized and systematic way of doing our scheduled work. It briefs you about the approximate amount of work you can do within a limited time you have. It is very well said that “Failing to plan is planning to fail”. So making a time table for your daily routine can change your life completely. It helps you to utilize your time effectively and efficiently.

If we are not managing our time- table and working accordingly to a proper schedule we will face problem in the end. So time management is extremely important for all of us. If a student does not come on time it means that he does not realize the value of time. If a farmer does not cut the crop on time, then he also does not realize that he is wasting his own time. Luck always knocks the door of that person who realizes the value of time. Try to be punctual in everything as time is the most precious thing in the world because time once passed becomes your past and the past can never be revived. Only those who value time reach the summit of success in life.

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Harsita Chittora, PRT Educator, Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com

THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT FUTURE IS TO CREATE IT...

“The best way to predict future is to create it”. This seems to be a very simple sentence but when we ponder upon it we feel it’s real essence and discover that this statement hold true in every sense. It is human tendency to worry about the future. Some people say that their luck controls their lives and hence they go through ups and downs in their lives. Can we just blame our luck for our downfall? NO. I certainly do not subscribe to this view. In the court of the Almighty we are showered with the fruits that we deserved and nothing more than that or even less than that.

Having said all this the question that arises is how can we shape up our own future? If a person works with integrity, sincerity and hard work then he/she is bound to succeed in life. We should always remember that every great achievement actually started with a small step. Hard work never tires anyone. In fact a day spent doing one’s work with sincerity and dedication is the most rewarding and satisfactory one. We should always remember that our tomorrow depends on our today. Whatever we do now we would find it’s reflection in the future.

It would be clear now to all inquisitive minds that sowing the seeds of hard work would always bear the ripe fruits of success and fulfillment. A popular saying goes:  “When you are born, you cry and the whole world rejoices. Live your life in such a way that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.”

About the Author:
The Author is Ms. Shashi Yadav, PRT Educator, Meenakshi World School
www.meenakshiworldschool.com

EXAMINATION WOES...

“Your child is extremely stressed. Please take care that he is not left alone and let him do the things he likes to do”, said the counselor at school. Deepti was extremely worried. How can a child merely ten years old be depressed and stressed? This is the most beautiful time of any individual’s life and all that children need to worry about is the games they are going to play the next day or plan the next prank for the teacher. Deepti was actually flabbergasted like a lot of other parents who face the same problem. After pondering for a while she realized that it was none other than she who was to be blamed for this condition of the child. She had forced him to shun all his activities and just concentrate on studies and it was her son who was facing the brutal consequences.

This is not just the case with Deepti and she can’t be blamed too. The systems of examination have actually deprived the child from his basic rights of playing and enjoying life. What parents and teachers are concerned about is studies and only studies. However they cannot be blamed too. In this highly competitive world the only savior for a child is good education. Never the less the problem remains and the vicious circle seems unending. One solution can be to establish a balance between the teacher, student and parents’ relation. If all work in a proper coordination no one will be over burdened. Being experienced people the teachers and parents should understand the feelings and the ability of the child. Everyone cannot be good in academics; so why not try to encourage the child to do something he/ she is good at. The motto of the society should be to build a strong foundation where a child will be able to feel confident about his/ her own capabilities and is not jealous or let down by someone else’s success. Life is after all not a bed of thorns but is more like a bouquet of roses where some thorns are there as a part of the rose itself. 

About the Author:
The Author is Ms. Payal Dan, PGT English, Meenakshi World School
www.meenakshiworldschool.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

Letter from the Management - Meenakshi World School

Dear Families,

It is my great joy and privilege to welcome you all to Meenakshi World School.

My Family and I have been devoted to creating educational opportunities for children in Gurgaon at Meenakshi Group of schools, sector-10A, Gurgaon. Nearly 18 years ago my grandfather whose dynamic vision with a futuric approach was towards education laid the foundation of Meenakshi Public School. Meenakshi World School’s foundation was laid 5 years ago. My family has continued to expand on their interest in educational philosophy and their commitment to the field of education.

As a student growing up in our Indian School system that offered a traditional model of education, (rote memorization, teacher lectures from the front of the class and over pressure to perform), I am acutely aware of the need for the expansion of our educational philosophy and learning opportunities for children in India. India is a multifaceted society that requires creative leadership and innovative direction, and education must address these needs and adapt to the changing need of the world around us.

Today, some of the best minds in the world are focusing their attention towards schools and learning. We now know that to be successful in an ever evolving world means children must learn how to learn. It is important for children to move beyond traditional methods of education to begin to learn how to access resources, evaluate information and critically analyze data. Interacting in an internationally minded community means children must develop effective communication skills, be able to think flexibly, entertain multiple perspectives and collaborate to build upon a collective body of knowledge.

At MWS, our mission informs everything we do. From our individualized curriculum to our state of the art facilities, each piece of our community is designed with intention. Our students are the beneficiaries of this thoughtful design. They learn, create and play in the unique spaces on our campus, designed by teachers and architects that promote curiosity, collaboration and innovative thinking. Here students gain a deep understanding of concepts and build fluency with academic skill that are imbedded in the research driven curriculum developed by our knowledgeable faculty. They foster friendships, learn how to listen deeply and express themselves confidently through the purposeful design of our multi-age, collaborative classrooms. They learn to take risks, ask questions, entertain multiple perspectives and reflect on their process through the guidance and modeling of teachers who are passionate about learning.

Meaningful learning is the dream that has led me to work tirelessly to bring the vision of MWS to life. It is the same commitment we bring to creating an education that offers your children the opportunity to foster their passions, recognize and develop their intellectual and social gifts and successfully engage the global community around them. I invite you to come and experience the innovation of MWS education.

www.meenakshiworldschool.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

Meenakshi World School - Where Learning Gives You Wings!

Traditional education tends to value a limited range of knowledge and skills but more recent research suggests that intelligence is not unitary but multiple. Meenakshi World School aims to give students a broader, deeper, richer educational experience by recognizing each student’s strongest talents.

Meenakshi World School started its journey on 11^th April 2008 and is registered centre of the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), the world’s largest provider of international qualifications. The school’s approach to learning encourages the all round development of its students not just because International curricula demands it but because today’s survival depends upon it.

The Multiple intelligence research of Dr. Howard Gardner of Harvard University provides a new insight into student – centered learning. Different individuals have different aptitudes. By using the strongest ‘aptitudes’ or ‘intelligences’ a starting point we can educate more effectively by teaching different students the same topic in different ways according to their particular intelligences. In a class situation, this approach allows students to benefit from each others’ strengths and to develop their Competence in their Weaker as in their Stronger intelligences.

The curriculum of Meenakshi World School includes the Initial Learning of Blooming Buds at stages of Mulberry (Pre –Nursery), Waterlilly (Nursery) and Sundrop (KG), Cambridge Primary Checkpoint in Grades I to VI,   Cambridge Secondary1 in Grades VII and VIII,  Cambridge Secondary2 (IGCSE)  in Grades IX and X, Cambridge Advanced (AS and A levels) in Grades XI and XII. The School also proposes to offer the ICSE and ISC Curriculum from Grade IX onwards and the IB Programme in Grades XI and XII.  The Student Teacher ratio 20:1 gives a boost to individual attention. To provide an international benchmark in English, the school has tied up with Trinity College, London to Conduct Graded Examination in Spoken English (GESE) and integrated skills in English (ISE) exams for the students.

Aiming at making its Students the all rounders, it provides world class facilities in every other way. It has outstanding set ups to groom children in different activities like Visual arts and craft, Dance, Drama, Music, Lawn Tennis, Skating, Indoor Games, Yoga, Gym, Swimming, Cricket, Football and many more.   

It believes in providing dynamical educational environment by encouraging learners to face the demand and challenges of an evolving world.

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Praveen Malhotra, Sr. Coordinator of Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com