Archives 2022

According to the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Eve is known as Old Year’s Day or Saint Sylvester’s Day. It has always been a source of excitement for the entire planet dating 4000 years back in time. For instance, People want to bid goodbye to the year which is in its ending a few hours before it becomes a time in history.

The different ways to spend New Year’s Eve with kids

• Hosting A themed Party 

Hosting a theme-based party can be a cool thing to do from a kid’s perspective. Thematic Dress Codes, Thematic Food & Thematic decorations will give them immense happiness and they will definitely enjoy their hearts out. Events in the party like Face painting, Dancing and other On & Off Field games. This can be of great joy to the kids and for sure make the last day of the year quite memorable for them.

• Making New Year’s resolutions

New Year Resolutions are taken by everyone but making new year’s resolutions for kids can have a lifetime impact as the kids might get rid of any bad habits which can be rectified through the new year’s resolution. Though the new year resolutions should be fun based and not a serious lifetime resolutions and end up getting your child confused. On a broader dimension through this, we can also get an idea of the development of the child’s maturity and the ability to understand the difference between right and wrong but never mind it can come later in life and not anytime soon.

• Attending a New Year’s event

Attending a New Year’s event filled with all the heavenly joys with a bunch of kids and their parents can also be a way to celebrate it effectively. At these events, people dance and sing around with delicious food and drinks, so all the children can have a game of cricket or football in the background. Other fun rides and gaming activities present for the kids can add up to the mood for celebration.

• Creating A bucket list or wish list

Creating a bucket list or wish list will also be a good thing to do which can have a decent amount of significance. Things the kids would like their parents to buy them or trips they would like to go on with their parents can be listed out on this day and their parents can promise to fulfil all of their wishes and in return, the parents can even place a condition as to how they would like their child to behave or perform at school in the coming year.

• Visiting Amusement Park/Zoo/Museum 

Visiting an amusement park for fun rides and other activities or visiting a museum or the zoological garden to reach out to the wildlife is always going to be fun without any doubts but on new years’ eve, it can be memorable due to the festive atmosphere.

• Going on a short adventurous trip

Going out for a short adventurous trip either with family or organised by the school can also be an option to spend the last day of the year. Hiking or trekking or winter camps organised by the school can help the kids to discover a lot which remained undiscovered to them all along. Through this, we can also help discover their hidden talent or identify any liking towards a special field.

• Celebrating with family

Celebrating with family can be another good way to spend new year’s eve. Making merry with family and friends will also end up exciting and pretty much memorable before bidding goodbye to the dying year. Exchange of gifts and surprises along with unboxing presents accompanied with a wholesome favourite dish. Celebrating with friends and family can also strengthen the family roots along with the bond between the family.

• Bake cakes and prepare dishes under adult supervision 

Baking cakes and cookies will also be a source of fun and happiness as children tend to be interested in cooking and baking as they grow up seeing the elder members doing it. So this could be another experience they would love to experience. Children at young ages have a habit of copying the elders in the family and they would love new responsibilities bestowed on them by the elders. So baking cakes or cookies can give your children a day to remember.

• Recap of the year spent (Positive & Negative) 

An entire recap or very much like highlights of the last year. The ups & downs of the year through a video or static image presentation in the family theatre room will be an interesting way to look back at the year passing out. Having a second look at the achievements be they academically or non-academically can also have a positive effect on the children. This can help them to go forward in life with confidence and getting over the mishaps will help the children too. New things learnt in the last year or good memories of the last year along with the mistakes committed can work as a reminder about the children’s development and things which are not to be repeated in the fresh approaching year.

•  New Year countdown every Hour & Last minute with Fireworks @ 12.00 AM welcoming the new year. 

Counting the remaining hours down before the new and fresh year breaks in can be fun too. Starting from 12 AM to 12 AM, counting the last 24hrs of the last calendar year followed by a loud countdown of the last minute starting at 11.59 PM which will be further followed by colourful, bright and beautiful fireworks lighting up the night sky and welcoming the 1st hour of the fresh new year.

Some innovative and exciting ways to spend the new year with the kids in an appropriate environment making it a day to remember and last but not least surprising your kids with their favourite gifts should be included in order to give your child a happy beginning to the fresh year and welcome the new chapter in life.

The concept of education extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom. A well-rounded development involves intellectual, moral, physical, and social growth. Educating your child is the first step to securing a bright future for them. School activities beyond the curriculum ensure a balance between textbook studies and extracurriculars.

There are many different classes, sports teams, and programs that allow children to focus on a particular interest outside of the typical educational curriculum, including sports, arts, special-interest clubs, etc. Besides offering academic, social, and physical benefits, they also strengthen a teenager’s college application. 

A growing number of parents have realized the importance of extracurricular activities to a child’s development.In order to make the most of their energy and discover their potential, children should participate in at least two co-curricular activities.

What are the benefits of extracurricular activities?

• They boost confidence
• Encourages time management
• Hones teamwork and leadership
• Help develop communication skills
• Helps children in finding their passion
• Develops into a means to de-stress the mind 

What are the various extracurricular activities available at GD Goenka Dakshineswar?

Theatre 

Theatre provides a platform for students to explore their love for acting. It not only boosts their confidence but also polishes their communication skills which are necessary for everyday interactions and, ultimately, professional life. Theatre is more than just delivering dialogues on stage, it requires an individual to step in the shoes of the character and to think and feel how they would. Children carve for themselves a beautiful future through means of theatre which takes them to various inter-school competitions in their city or even outside. It is a great means for students to make creative choices and express themselves through drama.

Sports 

Sports are the best way to strengthen your teamwork and leadership skills. Sports can also help you maintain your fitness and strength. Cricket, chess, table tennis, karate, taekwondo, and football are among the sports available at GD Goenka. Most tournaments are held amongst the students of different houses which improves their bonding, sportsman spirit, and comradeship. Encouraging healthy competition, a desire to win, and pride in one’s accomplishments.

Debate 

Model United Nations (MUNs), mock trials, and debate teams are all excellent opportunities for aspiring politicians. Group activities, such as debate, may help students learn and comprehend material that is beyond the reach of an individual, while simultaneously giving them the opportunity to discuss and collaborate with their peers to come up with a number of solutions. This educates students not just to voice their thoughts and speak their minds, but also to respect the opinions and beliefs of others.

Creative Writing

Creative writing is an excellent way of improving vocabulary and communication skills. Students can not only express their views and imaginations but also look beyond the strict black-and-white of life. It is an extremely fruitful discipline that allows young minds to express their feelings in a safe environment. Regular practice and working on your craft can even make you one of the top novelists or poets of your time.  

Music

Early musical education aids in the development of brain areas connected with cognitive and language development. Learning music also improves memory skills. In addition to being therapeutic, learning, playing, and listening to music can provide emotional stability to students.

Music classes are enjoyable extracurricular activities that keep kids involved and interested in the process. Our music classes allow students the opportunity to learn and develop a whole new skill. They are given theoretical knowledge of the various musical instruments along with the practicals.

You should encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities. Even if they don’t enjoy them at first, you need to push them to give it a try at least. At GD Goenka Dakshineswar, we believe in promoting students’ passion, creativity, and leadership through a wide range of skills-based learning options.

Before we jump into the importance of educating young children about gender equality. Let us quickly understand what we actually mean by “Gender Equality”. When we talk about gender equality, by no means do we try to assert that men and women are equal. Men and Women, both, differ from each other in terms of physical attributes, emotional attributes, and in nature. However, when this distinction becomes a hindrance in their growth in society and affects their rights and opportunities, such unfair treatment is referred to as ‘Gender Inequality’. Simply put, gender equality is defined as a state in which both men and women have the same rights and opportunities unaffected by their gender. 

The need to erase gender-based discrimination arises from as early as adolescence due to the gender stereotypes that they are exposed to at home, in schools, and through television. Such stereotypes teach young boys and girls what society expects of them, how they are supposed to function, and what attributes are strictly “feminine” or are too “macho”. If we look around us, everything is distinct on the basis of gender, from clothes to food, toys to entertainment, and even lifestyle products. From the moment we choose pink for girls and blue for boys and keep mechanical toys in the “Boys” section and fill the “girls” section with makeup, kitchen sets, barbies, and grooming toys, we subconsciously plant the seeds of discrimination in their fragile, innocent minds. Stereotypical gender roles continue to be reinforced online, on television, in games, in songs, and in books every hour of every day. And since we as adults are internalising the same message, gender-based norms are only becoming more ingrained.

Hence, it is vital to undo the harm and allow them to view each other as fellow participants and candidates in the race of life. Even the UN, outlining its Sustainable Development Goals, has placed gender equality in the fifth position out of its 17 goals to achieve by 2023. As experts have pointed out, even small actions like exposing children to non-stereotypical characters from books and movies, or dividing housework equally at home, can redefine behaviour patterns for the next generation, and broaden the reach of women for resources and opportunities. 

Despite global disparities in education, many false myths and ideas persist. Some of them are: 

• Boys are stronger than girls. 
• Boys excel in maths and science while girls like art and literature
• Teaching is a girl’s job, boys like to play with tools
• Girls need to pursue female-oriented jobs 
• Boys are competitive, girls are timid 
• Girls are emotional beings, boys need to “man up” 

While we are living in a time where gender inequality and traditional ideas are experiencing a downward shift, such false notions continue to hinder progress. To ensure children grow up understanding equality and advocating for equal educational opportunities for themselves and others, it is essential to instill and model equality.

How to Teach Gender Equality to Kids 

Have the hard conversation – Raise thought-provoking questions like, “who do you think should run errands around the house?” or “D’you know what gender equality is?” Ask them about their views and try to positively influence them in the right direction. 

Be a role model – Young children are always watching and picking what adults around them say and do. Think of the areas you need to work on and practice the change you want to make. Actions are always louder than words, so if you practice what you preach you are more likely to achieve the desired goal. 

Break the Stereotype – In a time when we are surrounded by heavily gender-biased content, we must start with ourselves. Erase the line of distinction at home by shunning the concept of “gender roles”. For instance, a girl child is supposed to help with household chores and the boy helps the dad in the business. Encourage equal participation from both genders in whatever task is at hand. Similarly, at schools, it is important that the curriculum views and promotes men and women as equal in value and capability.  

At GDGPS, we strive to erase gender-based discrimination whether it is acquiring knowledge or staging the same. We further believe that women are at par with men and thus offer equal opportunities to our students.

The term examination is the most hated by almost every student. We not only fear taking an exam but the mere thought of it gives us anxiety. Exam is the reality of a student’s life, it is the assessment process which determines your academic performance of the year. It is natural for a student to feel pressured, under-confident, and unprepared. We all want to score higher marks, and get validation from our teachers and fellow students. The thought of failing them is the greatest cause of stress. 

Be it  a preschooler, a 12th standard student or someone taking an entrance exam – stress is the common feeling among all.  While a certain amount of stress may be beneficial, too much exam stress can cause individuals to perform poorly. The pressure may result in feelings of anxiety or nervousness, and this exam stress can interfere with the individual’s daily life. Therefore, it is very important to identify its various causes and take care of oneself at such a crucial time.

Here are some major causes which lead to exam stress:

• Financial disparity
• Lack of preparation
• Poor studying habits
• Parental Expectations
• Disinterest in the subject

Steps to overcome exam-stress: 

Sometimes dealing with stress can be difficult.  Inculcating a few good habits can calm you down, easing the entire process. To eliminate last moment exam stress, it is important that a student follows a systematic, planned and organised approach from the beginning of the session. It includes attending all classes, taking notes and regular revision of the lessons taught in school. De-stressing methods are second in step, which might be adopted if the student feels jittery during the exam season. 

1. Determine Your Goal – To achieve quantitative results, identifying your goal and adhering to  it is a MUST. If you aim to score a 90%, your preparation must be of that quality. Write down your scope for the next 1 month and analyse your progress regularly. Make sure your routine is flexible and has enough time for leisure and breaks. In such cases, a gradual increase in study hours proves effective and consistent. 
2. Identify Your Weaknesses – Not all students excel in all subjects, we all have our likes and dislikes, subjects in which we need a little extra effort. Revising and studying only the subject we find interesting could negatively affect our end-term results. For instance, you might need only an hour to prepare for your Maths exam but require three times more time for Science. It is very important to focus on all subjects. Devote extra time on subjects in which you are not as strong. Scoring well in a few subjects and scoring poorly in the rest can hamper your overall performance. 
3. Take A Break – When we study for our exams, we tend to be too harsh on ourselves. We put ourselves in unreasonable situations by expecting unreal results. It is not mandatory to study every hour of the day. The goal is to prepare ourselves to take the exam and not to count the number of hours we spent studying. You might be studying the entire day and still might not be able to retain even a single answer. Our mind and body needs rest after exertion. So work hard but with regular breaks so that your body and mind can relax and you can rejuvenate your energy and work hard with more zeal.
4. Reduce Screen Time – The moment you open your books – you find reasons to use your phone, either to check your syllabus or Google a piece of information. We take longer breaks than the study time only because we get so caught up in our gadgets. Researches have shown that overusing mobile phones not only causes distraction but also affects our mental health. Pro tip – Keep your phone on silent mode or away from you during your studying hours. 
5. Physical Exercise & Meditation – Practising yoga and breathing techniques will help you to stay calm and focused. It will also increase your concentration during exams. Channel your fear, doubts and anxiety through a positive medium by means of regular exercise to boost confidence and reduce stress. Cycling, walking, jogging, swimming, and playing any sport can help overcome stress.

Feeling stressed or nervous during exam seasons is pretty normal but it is very important to not let these feelings overpower your true potential. Therefore, it is important to include certain disciplinary measures in your day-to-day lives to reduce stress and anxiety. 

What is Stress?

Stress is synonymous with the word tension. Anything that gives you tension causes you stress, be it emotional, psychological or physical strain. Stress is not restricted to any particular age group, however, it is true that it is more common among adults but that certainly doesn’t mean that a young child cannot be under stress, and to our disadvantage children might not even realise themselves that they are stressed or what is stressing them out. Therefore, it is our responsibility as parents, to keep an all round vigilance on them and remain watchful towards the slightest change in their behaviour. 

Common Behavioural Traits Of Children Under Stress

• Clinginess 
• Tiredness
• Restlessness
• Mood swings
• Hyperactivity
• Increased aggression
• Lack of concentration
• New or recurring fears

How Can We Help Our Children?

To adults, childhood seems like the most carefree time of life, which is true but things like school, social life, approaching exams create a certain pressure that can be too overwhelming for kids at times. It is impossible to shield them from stress but helping them in difficult times would solve all their problems.

A child’s response to stress can be both healthy and unhealthy. Although they may not initiate a conversation about what’s bothering them, they do want their parents to reach out and offer support.

Here are a few tips: 

Notice when something’s off – Communicate with your child when you notice changes in their behaviour, express what you think it could be but be very mindful of your words and tone. For instance, instead of saying “Why are you still stuck on it?” try saying, “Why is it bothering you so much?” Avoid making them feel bad about it, be sympathetic and try to understand them. 

Listen to help – When you ask your child to share their troubles, it is vital that you listen to them with an open mind. Listen to understand, not reply. Be attentive, empathetic, caring and most importantly be patient. Don’t cut them off midway and start giving your solutions. The goal is to let them know that they are being heard. Encourage them to share more by asking important questions such as, “And then what happened?” or “How did you react to it?” Let your child know that what they’re feeling is okay. 

Label their feelings – Many kids do not understand what they are feeling or find it difficult to identify their feelings. If you find your child frustrated or annoyed, label their emotions to help them develop emotional awareness. The ability to do so reduces kids’ chances of reaching the behavioural boiling point where emotions are expressed through behaviours rather than verbal communication.

Find ways to distract them – If there is a particular problem that is causing them stress and anxiety, discuss things that could help them de-stress. Play the role of a silent partner and let your child think of ways that could help them. Ask them why and how they think a certain solution would be beneficial to them. Encourage them while keeping a close watch. 

Inform school authorities – If there is something at school that is troubling them, speak to your ward’s class teacher in order to make sure that your child is taken care of. Children spend most of their daily hours in schools, it is important that the school is made aware of their wellbeing. This not only eases your tension but also ensures that extra attention and care is given to the kid. 

Last but not the least, just be there. Kids do not always open up about their problems and that is alright. Your support and presence is sometimes all that matters. Keeping them company, spending time together might lift their spirits. The sight of your child unhappy or stressed hurts, but resist the urge to fix everything. Instead, try to help your child grow into a good problem solver – a kid who can face life’s ups and downs, express emotions, and bounce back after a setback.

Having said that, G.D. Goenka takes pride in their trained and talented faculty who have been building a healthy environment. We are also taking the necessary steps to reduce overstress, be it in forms of exams or carrying heavy textbooks or extra co-curricular activities which otherwise acts as a motivation booster. 

Many children struggle with transitions which are common triggers for behaviors that range from annoyance, whining, and stalling to upsetting tantrums and meltdowns. Changing schools, leaving friends, and moving causes great anxiety among them. Some take it well whereas some can’t. Transitions for some students result in academic difficulties, emotional problems, poor motivation, decreased attendance, and increased dropout rates. 

When children are made to change schools, they are confronted by standards of behavior, teacher expectations, and social pressure to fit in with their peers. Additionally, children who cannot speak the predominant language at school face an additional challenge. That is one way of looking at it; If children are well-versed in coping strategies, transitional periods can offer great opportunities for growth.  

The right assistance and guidance can make the entire process smooth, happening and be fruitful for them. There are many ways parents and teachers can help kids have an easier time but it requires a couple of experiments to figure out what works best with each particular kid. They can collaborate, plan and support student transitions by acknowledging their concerns and by creating a sense of belonging in the new environment.

Here’s a list of strategies to help children cope with transitions 

Acknowledge their feelings – Transition in itself is a difficult process, and with young children having to experience it, it gets all the scarier for them. Talk it out, listen to their views, acknowledge their feelings, and try to show them the positive sides of it. For instance, building excitement in them about having more friends, new teachers, a new playground, and a big library full of their favourite books might cheer them up. 

Reduce Anticipation – A child’s mind runs riot imagining all the good and the bad that can encounter them in an alien environment. Take them on a tour of their new school, and notice the behavioural changes in them, such as being clingy, angry, or irritated. Lastly, give positive insights on the transition from a personal experience, either yours, their siblings, or a close friend/relative. 

Set Realistic Expectations – Do not picture a fantasy-like image in their mind. Settling in a new place takes time, they might feel out of place, take time in building relations, and face difficulty in coping academically. Let them know that it is a part of the entire process and it is okay to feel that way. Encourage them to enroll in various skill-building programs. Most importantly, believing in oneself is extremely important. The children must know that teachers are always going to be around to help and guide them. 

Be available throughout – Understand that your child may need extra time, attention, and support. When there is a change, they may regress to an earlier developmental stage. During difficult times, families are a necessary source of love and support – spend more family time. Be respectful of their emotions, their concern might be minor to you but to them, it can be a major crisis. 

Explore ways to cope with concerns – Since it will be a significantly new environment for your kid, they naturally might not be as expressive. Make sure you are asking important questions like, ”how was school?”, “did you make any friends?”, “you seem sad”, or “Is something troubling you?” Remind them that adjustments take time and the initial days in a new school are often overwhelming. Your attitude can help your child; let them know you are confident in their ability to adjust well.

Every September 5, India commemorates the birth anniversary of its second president, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who believed teachers were the best minds in the country. The story goes such that on receiving the presidency in 1962, his students wanted to celebrate his birthday as ‘Radhakrishnan Day’ but he refused and instead proposed observing 5th September as Teachers Day’, ever since then, his birthday is observed as Teachers’ Day all over the country.

Imagine what it would be like had there not been any teachers. Who would have taught us our maths, science and the rules of ‘their’ and ‘there’? How would we explain ourselves using the right words? Had it not been for one individual who believed in the institution of passing knowledge forward, the world would have been deprived of the precious gift of knowledge. We would not have known how to use our intellect, to let  “mesmerising” slip out unconsciously when awestruck by nature’s beauty. 

As a noble profession, teaching is also a responsibility of shaping little minds into knowledgeable, polite individuals. As rightly stated by Lt. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, “In order for a country to be corruption-free and become a nation of beautiful minds, three key individuals can make a huge difference. They are the father, the mother, and the teacher.” It is poignant to think about the impact teachers have on every student’s mind and society as a whole.

Teachers are the second most important part of every child’s life, after parents, moulding and nourishing an individual’s talent and capabilities. Their role is often that of second mothers for their students since they spend most of their time around them. Their influence goes beyond the scope of textbooks to shape a child into a socially responsible individual. The storehouses of knowledge strive to create a world that is fair, unbiased, kind, sophisticated, and well-informed. Hence, to honour teachers for their infinite contributions to society, teachers’ day is celebrated.

As usual, the GD Goenka Public School Dakshineswar, celebrated Teacher’s Day with incredible fervour and enthusiasm. The teachers were received with flowers and greeting cards at the door. The students with the help of Mrs. Sujata Chatterjee, principal of GD Goenka, Dakshineswar, planned a fun-filled program for the day. The students paid tribute to all the teachers by a series of performances. A lot of dancing, singing and games were involved after which the cake cutting ceremony was held followed by a delicious lunch. Finally, the teachers were handed gifts and were bid farewell. 

To teach is to spread knowledge, here’s to our teachers and their commendable efforts in shaping us and our lives. “One book, one pen, and one teacher can change the whole world.”- – Malala Yousafzai