Saturday 1 December 2012

Self Forgiveness: There is no risk


[Source: Straight from the Blog healnowandforever.net, with apologise - and- all due credit to the owner of this blog post. Truly inspiring and motivating]

Self Forgiveness: You need only ask

Self forgiveness often feels out of reach. We are entirely too hard on ourselves. Or we take ourselves way too seriously! Still, one of the biggest challenges in my life is Self Blame. Iknow I am not alone.
We feel like we deserve blame and shame, yet we feel like we don’t deserve it in the same breath. Many of us go through life playing this blame game: “Is it me? Is it them?” In a way, that is how the story of blame stays so strong, by discombobulating us. In a confused vacillating state of defense and admonishment, we are more vulnerable and subservient to the wiles of shame and guilt.
Self forgiveness! Dont let your struggle become your identity
Self Blame, along with his best bud Self Doubt, and his life-sucking neighbor, Self Hatred, are enough to drive anyone half crazy! And they have risen to epidemic proportions in our culture. (And we have exported them to other cultures.)
They have got to be stopped!
Blame, doubt, and guilt prevent people from feeling all the love and living the freedom that they deserve, instead making people feel unworthy, unloved, despairing, and afraid. The worst, worst, worst feelings in the world.
Too many people think that they are inherently flawed, (mostly because someone hurt them, yet they blame themselves for it.) On some level they feel like they deserved to have been treated that way. It is the only way they can explain why someone else would do something so horrible.  (Plus the abuser probably told them it was their fault.) For most of us, the abuse wasn’t so blatant, but the negative voices come from somewhere.
We conclude that there must be something wrong with us.
But there isn’t anything wrong with us.
Not. One. Thing.
We are beautiful and beloved. And deserving.
Absolutely without question, deserving of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not condoning something horrible, it is about freeing yourself from the blame game. Freeing yourself from resentment.
People get very afraid of self forgiveness. They feel like if they forgive themselves, then they are “egotistical, uncaring of who they have hurt, or irresponsible.” I know, I have been there.  They feel like shame is penance for what they did. If they let it go, they are “a terrible person” since they NEED to take responsibility for that. (And you know what I think about“need.”) Ironically, if they let it go, they would no longer think that they are a terrible person.

There is no risk to self forgiveness.

Self forgiveness is seeing the you, the preferred you beyond the blame and shame.  Knowing that you are more than what happened to you, more than the names you’ve been called, more than your neediness and more than your bad luck might suggest.
Forgive yourself for “allowing yourself to be abused,” forgive yourself for being anxious, forgive yourself for getting a divorce, for surviving when someone else didn’t, for not being lovable, for not being thin enough, smart enough, for not “saving” your loved one, for being an imperfect mother. (All of that is in your head anyway.) You did the best you could, and you made it here. And I am sure you did far better than you imagined.
Forgive. You will not get struck with lightening. You are innocent.
Shame is familiar, and it is scary to give up. What if forgiveness feels worse? Forgiveness is how we heal, healing–by definition–cannot be worse. You will feel better.
Shame keeps you stuck under a really heavy weight. A weight that is not yours to carry. Forgive like there is no tomorrow, like you have done nothing wrong, because you haven’t. You are innocent.
You are innocent. And loved. Oh so loved.
Don’t forget, forgiveness is a verb, you keep committing to it, shame is familiar. It’ll keep coming back for a while, expect it, greet it, and let it go again and again. 
Are you ready to try? 
For added inspiration, read the short poem  The Calm Came Back by Danielle Boostra.

Saturday 6 October 2012

“Learning opportunities extend far beyond the classroom”

It has been truly said, “Learning opportunities extend far beyond the classroom”. At fountainhead, we strongly believe in this and leave no stone unturned in our quest for the same. Grade 5 learners, on 12th July had such an experience visiting “R. R. Industries”(click on the link), a unit involved in processing Pencils. Learners were quite excited and visited the place with great zeal. In addition they also discovered the process of the most important ingredient in a pencil i.e. graphite, which most people continue to call as “lead”. They were astonished and overwhelmed to see the processing of graphite into its finished state.
To make the wood casings for the pencils, square slats are formed, then grooves are cut into the slats, and graphite sticks are inserted into the grooves. Learners were immensely contented to see the process involved in making the wood casings, shaping the pencils and quality check process. They could easily identify the transformation of matter due to the various changes it undergoes.

The smiles and expressions on their faces were “priceless”. An amazing experience and worth travelling the long distance. Learners remained energetic throughout the trip.

And now, they are expected to exhibit their understanding with the help of  a flow chart using “bubbl.us” (ICT integration), followed by procedural writing focusing hypothesis, observation and conclusion (Language integration).

by RITU.CHOPRA@FOUNTAINHEADSCHOOLS.ORG on JULY 16, 2012  • PERMALINK
Posted in G5 RECIPROCITYG5 SYMBIOSISG5 SYNERGY

Reflection

Mr Vardan Kabra was invited to our class as a guest speaker. The objective was to help the students understand their beliefs and its sources. They were even made to ponder over their own beliefs. Few of the questions raised to them are given below:

  • What qualities is God supposed to have?
  • What work is God supposed to do?
  • What is the reality of the world and our nation (good things co-exist with hunger, poverty, war, illiteracy, terrorism, crimes, corruption etc.)?
  • If God is all-powerful (omnipotent), all knowing (omniscient), and present everywhere (omnipresent), then why doesn’t he/she/they solve all the problems of the earth?
  • How can God be caring and yet tolerate so much suffering in the world? Is it because of freewill or because of sins of the past of that person? If indeed we have freewill then does God have a role in our lives?
  • Do people who claim that they can perform magic / miracles really possess some supernatural powers? If yes then why only them? And why are they unable to perform the magic / miracles under all conditions?
  • Does God really exist or not?
The learners were provoked to think and ask questions themselves. Of course the guest speaker mentioned that there is no right or wrong answer. The answers to these questions lie in what we believe in and each person is free to believe what they wish to. What’s important is to understand that we get influenced through a variety of sources (Human Societies) and ultimately we need to make conscious choice to believe something as true or not.


Our guest speaker also talked about the law of probability. Many times when things which have very low probability of happening occur, you feel as if you are blessed in some way. However, you mustn’t forget that however low the probability of an event occurring, they still happen sometime or the other.


So don’t just believe anything. Always think on the scale of probabilities. The thing which you think as illogical or meaningless, put under low probability and the thing that seems to be reasonable or possible, you may put under high probability. He also emphasized more on “questioning” and further added “believe things only after questioning” because once you believe anything you ultimately stop thinking about it. And you act from your beliefs – so your actions could be wrong if your beliefs are not well thought of.


All in all it was a stimulating discussion for our children and helped them clarify their understanding about the Unit’s central idea in a big way.
by RITU.CHOPRA@FOUNTAINHEADSCHOOLS.ORG on JULY 12, 2011  

Ghost lights that dance on Banni grasslands

The Students had a debate on the "Existence of Ghost". A short discussion and various provoking questions were made to make them think and rethink on their belief.

You may also explore the information by typing “bannigrassland” on google and related videos on youtube.


It basically talks about the deserts of the Rann of Kutch, which melt into the arid Banni grasslands hold many unexplained mysteries apart from the varied species of birds. Spread across 3,846 sq km, this grassland is witness to a strange light phenomenon on any dark night.


Locals who have been seeing it since time immemorial, call it Chhir Batti in their Kutchhi-Sindhi language, with Chhir meaning ghost and Batti meaning light.


The light, which is as bright as a mercury lamp changes its colour to blue and sometimes red. It is like a moving ball of fire, which sometime stops or moves as fast as an arrow. On November 5, 2005 the research team found these lights at seven places. They have shown this phenomenon to several experts including well-known American ornithologist Bill Clark. He was amazed and had no explanation, He, however, said that he had not been able to capture this phenomenon on video or a film roll.


No, they are not ghosts as is believed by people in this area. It can be anything. Strangely enough, though this has been a part of life of Banni grasslands for centuries together, no one has been able to come up with a suitable explanation. As long as there is no sound explanation, people would assume these to be ghost lights, He said that these lights can only be seen after 8 pm on dark nights and are always 2-feet above the ground to about 8- to 10-feet in the air.

The lights had not harmed any one so far except that if one followed them one could be misled from the road into the thorny jungles. The lights playing hide and seek. Even if you decide not to follow them, they can creep up on you. It is something like the light following you.

by RITU.CHOPRA@FOUNTAINHEADSCHOOLS.ORG on JULY 8, 2011 

Protect environment while immersing Ganesh idol

“Ganpati Bappa Morya”, the inseparable relationship between devotee and God. But how does it connect to the getting Ganesh idol immersed? Well, the immersion of the idols or statues in the ocean, or other bodies of water, and subsequent destruction of them serves as a reminder of their beliefs.

But aren’t they aware of the shocking pollution/destruction during the Ganesh festival? Thousands of idols made from harmful materials like plaster of paris and other toxic metals, coated with deadly paints containing mercury, carbon and lead enters our water bodies and affects the oxygen levels in it. They are not only dangerous to health but also can damage heart, kidney, liver and other circulatory system and central nervous system. Besides polluting the water, they reach humans through food chain, when they consume fish and other sea food.

The students, with the help of the teachers and Nature Club Team, exhibited their understanding and demonstrated great enthusiasm during the field trip. They also initiated and spoke to the people who came for Visarjan on the fifth day of Ganesh Festival, about the destruction caused to the environment. They even talked about the dangers to flora and fauna because the idols don’t dissolve, as they go to the river bed and affect the plant life.

The students initiated to understand the importance of celebrating festivals keeping in mind the need for environment protection and also prevention and control of Pollution. They extended their understanding that there are various laws in place concerning festivities, celebrations/environment protection etc. but they can be successful only if they are supported by people through successful implementation. The Students are determined to speak to their family members, relatives and friends about protecting the nature and spreading the awareness for the same.

Grade 5, would like to grab this opportunity to thank and appreciate all those people involved in promoting the making of idols made out of eco friendly materials. And also Nature Club Team in spreading the awareness and educating people for the same.

As, these polluting idols are a modern invention and nothing to do with religion.

by RITU.CHOPRA@FOUNTAINHEADSCHOOLS.ORG on SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 

Discovering Learning

Jerome Bruner rightly defines discovering learning as a method of inquiry based instructions, helping learners to discover facts and relationships.

“Quizzes don’t just tell us how well we’ve memorized something- they actually help us remember it”. Yes, it proved to be true when a session of quiz was conducted in the class. The students were asked some challenging questions related to their ongoing unit and were also introduced to some new words. The best part of the session was when some of the students were able to identify the new vocabulary. What a fun learning it was!

Before going to the Rajgiri, Students were asked to list down what they know about WETLAND. Once they finished writing, they were expected to think through all the aspects what they really want to know or discover about the topic.

After discussion and various provocations, they identified the various sources of information. The students were completely engrossed during the process. Next day, some of the students shared the piece of information that they discovered. Not only they presented the information with great confidence but even shared few of the facts related to it. And then, the term BIG 6 was introduced to them.

The students revised and revisited their understanding and concepts for the ongoing unit by watching a video. They even initiated and prepared the flash cards and played the game of “Playing Card” within a group. The 4 groups were made of 4 students each, where the leading team member with maximum cards would be the winner. There was absolutely great excitement and enthusiasm within a group. Who does not like to win? Once the game was over, there were 4 winners. The students decided to proceed further and a final game was conducted, and we got the winner with maximum cards, if I am not mistaken with maximum answers. An innovative and a different way to discover memorize and recheck the understanding.

by RITU.CHOPRA@FOUNTAINHEADSCHOOLS.ORG on AUGUST 19, 2011

Reflection

The Students were given free choice in the homeroom period as part of their “Tuning in” activity of the new unit, and were asked to spend their time as per their wish.  They had complete freedom to do whatever they wanted as long as they were back in their classes at specified time.

Once they were back in their class, the provoking questions were made to make them think for the reason as to why they got a free choice? Why no one was there to question them? What did they do, during that time? Would they like to have the similar kind of free choice again?

The Students initiated by expressing  their happiness, joy and pleasure and even their curiosity for knowing the reason. They further added that they were not only amazed but confused as well. The most common thought which provoked everyone’s mind was- Is our teacher upset with us? Is she angry or sad? Are the procedures and routines being followed by all of us or not?

The Students discussed what freedom means to them and also the impact of freedom on their behavior and well-being.

by RITU.CHOPRA@FOUNTAINHEADSCHOOLS.ORG on SEPTEMBER 16, 2011  

Back to Basics


The students in context to what freedom means to them and its impact on their behavior and well being, came with the word “GOVERNANCE”. They started discussing their own issues and conflicts and provoked several questions related to it.
The list of issues were made to make them think as to whom to approach for problems/conflicts or resolutions. They studied the hierarchy of the people and their profile.

The students were introduced with the term, ‘Judiciary’,'Legislature’,'and ‘Executive’. They considered the concept of the school as one organization and the government as another type of organization.Here basically they were trying to understand the concept ‘function’ and the related concept ‘structure’.

They discussed that the head of the school is ‘The Minister’ of the organization and he is the one who designs the structure of his organization under specified legislature. They went through the process, revisited and revised the attributes of the “Learner Profile” and “Attitudes”, and also the ‘Procedures’ and ‘Routines’ of the school. The students also reflected on their learning in regards to “The Leader in me” program. The discussions and provoking questions were made to make them think as to, Are they under the right ministry? What kind of knowledge and skills is our minister trying to inject in the students? What values does the school seeks to promote?

The students even visited their school mission statement. They went further and stated that, under that situation the teachers are acting as an S.M.C. The first face for the students and parents. They visited the ‘Classroom mission statement’ and its purpose.

by RITU.CHOPRA@FOUNTAINHEADSCHOOLS.ORG on SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 

Words are everywhere!..

The word and the world around the word”.

The students as part of their learning engagements played a game of word search in a very different style.

They were asked to omit any 2 letters from the list of alphabets and then the word was given by the teacher to start a game. The students sitting in a circle need to add any new word in regards to its meaning or connections. If by any means they articulate a word initiating with the letters omitted or repetition of the words, they would be disqualified from the game. The Students had limited time and they need to be quick in adding the word.

They enjoyed thoroughly and came with different words and its meaning. They were also able to make connections between two words. The students acknowledged the idea of having such game and enjoyed the circle time.

Thanks to Mr Chris Boreham for suggesting a wonderful, innovative and a fun loving game.


by RITU.CHOPRA@FOUNTAINHEADSCHOOLS.ORG on SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 

Wednesday 21 March 2012

Sir Ken Robinson


Read, Read, Read.....!

Read, Read, Read.....What to read and why to read? Why reading is important? Please give me logic and reasoning as to why should I read when I have tons of other things to do. 

Well, students have been asking me these and many other questions since past few days, in order to understand the significance of reading. I was actually wondering why they are not able to understand, as  reading help us to grow and helps us in getting better with our skills and conventions. Probably they were asking for  precise information and reasoning for the same. 

I started my conversation with them by sharing my own experience and a journey as an educator. In addition, I also shared how reading  has helped me to grow as a better person. When I shared that reading helps us to improve our vocabulary, improves our memory and creativity, they contradict  and said that its not reading but grammar and usages of grammar and language helps us getting better with language and reading simply helps us in covering our curriculum and in identifying new words and vocabulary, which normally we don't tend to use in our daily routine. I gave my consent and added that indeed books gives us wider exposure towards new words and vocabulary, and the possibilities of sharing are endless. They are portable and we can take them almost anywhere. But, by adding book reading to our daily schedule and sticking on it, improves discipline, it makes us use our brain, we think more and become smarter. It is a fundamental skill builder. It also expands our horizons and letting us see what other cities and countries have to offer before we visit them. It requires our focus as we are reading for a long period of time. 

Looking at the time constraint, I made an inquiry box and asked them to post their queries and questions on the same. Next day when I checked to my surprise most of the students got convinced and understood the significance of reading. 

But I am still awaiting for the words from the students who have not posted anything!

Thursday 1 March 2012

Student who interrupt in class...

What can we do about students who interrupt in class? or what shouldn't we do with students who interrupt? 

Well, all teachers have to deal with students who interrupt in class and they can cause real life problems if not dealt efficiently and effectively. These are the students who shout, interrupts during discussion by making rude or silly comments or generally ignore teacher instructions.

As teachers, we need to understand why these students feel the need to behave like this. The most common reason for their behaviour is that they need attention or wish to gain recognition/status. They are missing the sense of belonging and try various strategies to draw attention to themselves.

Therefore, to cater to their need and to have win-win situation, we need to synergize and provide them with the activities that encourages cooperative learning, engage them with different roles and responsibilities, praise and appreciate them in public, talk to them with patience, set some natural consequences for them, talk to their parents and understand their perspective, before starting a class ask the whole class to meditate and begin their day on a positive note, if you wish you can share or pass some positive vibration by words/short story to them or read aloud than please do that, re-emphasize on the 7 habits and give them small exercises or roles to perform.

In short, you can grab this opportunity to use this behaviour to teach appropriate social skills. And remember teaching behaviour is just as important as teaching academic subjects.

Saturday 11 February 2012

It Only Takes ONE

ONE song can spark a moment,
ONE flower can wake the dream.
ONE tree can start a forest,
ONE bird can herald the spring.
ONE smile begins a friendship,
ONE handclasp lifts a soul.
ONE start can guide a ship at sea,
ONE word can frame the goal.
ONE vote can change a nation,
ONE sunbeam lights a room.
ONE candle wipes out darkness,
ONE laugh will conquer gloom.
ONE step must start each journey,
ONE word must start each prayer.
ONE hope will raise our spirits,
ONE touch can show you care.
ONE voice can speak with wisdom,
ONE heart can know what's true
ONE life can make the difference,
YOU see, it's up to YOU!
-Unknown Author

Co-operative and Collaborative learning

Does co-operative and collaborative learning work? What are the benefits of co-operative and collaborative learning?
Let us quickly understand, what is co-operative and collaborative learning. Collaborative learning is a method of teaching and learning together. A group of students discussing on any topic or a students from different schools community working together over the internet. Cooperation is working together to accomplish shared goals. Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups to let students work together to maximize their learning in order to achieve their goals. Cooperative learning is now one of the most promising practices in the field of education. The students work together in small groups on a structured activity. Co-operative groups work face-to-face and learn to work as a team. In small teams students can share their strengths and also develop their weaker skills. 

It is indeed an approach to organizing classroom activities into academic and social learning experiences. The students can gain a lot of benefits because cooperative learning approach can give students the chance to develop positive and productive relationships. It gives students opportunities to learn from one another rather than receive information from the teacher or text alone, help them reflect on process, and refine use; encourage them to practice the skill daily and help them know how to do it (T Chart).

Whereas, Collaborative learning can result into more efficient use of time,are fundamental to success in life beyond school, increases the opportunity for enhancing communication skills, participation and responsibility/accountability, demonstrates the social power of learning, boosts students' self esteem and confidence which are critical to learning and last but not the least, improves individual thinking and learning

For more details refer the link below and the book by Kath Murdoch & Jeni Wilson
Co-operative Learning
Concept to class

Thursday 9 February 2012

Is lying purposeful?

Why do children lie? Is lying purposeful? What if a child lie and then confront? What if they behave inappropriately? Why do they bully? 

Well, the perpetual problem that many parents face is lying by their children. Therefore, its important that many parents recognize that all behaviour is purposeful, even the habit of lying.When parents confront their children about their pattern of lying, they may unintentionally make the problem worse. 

Parents need to rethink their perspective for dealing with their children when they lie. Parents should never use the word lying in front of their child/children. It is preferable to use phrases such as "you need to be more up-front with me" or "you need to be honest with me" or "I trust and I know you too". This relaxes the encounter and makes it more likely that you will get to the bottom of the situation.

Children may embellish stories and lie to their friends if they lack self-confidence and proper social skills. Children may feel the need to gain approval from their peers. If you are aware that your child is fabricating information, explore the issue with gentleness or seek professional counseling assistance if necessary.

Some guidelines for parents to cope with children who conceal the truth are:
  • All behavior is purposeful, even lying. Lying is not always intentional deceit/pretence and may be aimed at getting attention from parents or manipulating a situation.
  • All children will lie on occasion. It is inevitable. Remember your childhood?
  • When children tell the truth, reinforce their positive behavior.
  • Never set-up your child by being aware of a lie and then asking him for the truth without discussing that you have information. Acknowledge up-front that you know what's going on.
  • Monitor your children's behavior (without over-involvement).
  • Remember lying is always a byproduct of other more meaningful areas of exploration with your children.
  • As a parent, role-model honest communications and behavior demonstrating integrity with your children. 
Unfortunately, some children are pathological (chronic) liars. These children wreak/cause havoc at home.Remember that lying is purposeful behavior that can be minimized with healthy involvement with your children, appropriate monitoring, sensitivity and understanding, and role-modeling of honest, open, and emotionally expressive communications.

Sunday 29 January 2012

Parents as Role Models

All Children are born innocent, like an empty book which still has to be written in. Their parents, friends, as well as their environment determine what their life story will be. Can a child feel unloved, helpless and hopeless, that he will attack those around him? Are our children growing up without dreams? who is responsible for this anger within them?
Children need adults who are role models of positive behaviour. We need to consider our actions. Children copy what we do. Take a look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? What are your morals and values? Are you teaching them to your children?
Children need mentors. We should take the time to talk with them. Since the breakdown of teh extended family, children are spending less time with the people that love them. In many families, both parents are working long hours and are either too stressed, tired or disinterested to bond with their children. Society and business have a responsibility to provide families with time and support so that this fragile relationship can be nurtured.
All children are born with an instinctive desire to learn and explore their world, and it is our responsibility as adults to encourage this.

Sunday 22 January 2012

Which stage you are in?

Dear Children

You know what you are, but you don't know what you can become! Indeed, You are a diamond! Just the way diamonds are rare, so are you!. The question therefore is not whether you are a diamond, but which stage you are in? It could even be that you are yet to discover it. In fact, most of us live life without discovering that we have diamond within us!. At times, even when we realize that there is a diamond in us, we never bother to cut it properly; or rather, fail to get the right teachers who can cut the various edges properly and bring out the light inside. At times, we discover the diamond, and even cut it, but fail to polish it properly; for it's only when we polish well, cut diamond properly that it starts to dazzle! And some of us are diamonds that may have just lost their sheen a little and require some more polishing.

A belief can do wonders. You must believe you can.In fact, the worst thing in life is not that many children don't think they can, but that many children despite knowing that they can, still don't! Almost anything you do will seem insignificant. But it's very important that you do it. You must be the change you wish to see in this world.

The first quality that makes a diamond so invaluable is its carat weight. In you that carats are your passion and positive energy. The second quality that makes for a great diamond is its cut. The cut involves a lot of hard work. In you it could be your performance and dedication. The third quality that makes a diamond visibly great is its colour. In you its your personality and skills. And finally, the fourth quality that makes a diamond great is its clarity. In you, its your perspective and principles.

Which stage you are in?

Thursday 19 January 2012

I can....!



"Those who think they can do ___ do,
 Those who think they can not ___ do not".

This is true for all of us, but it is specially true for young children. The responses of parents and other adults have a powerful effect on children's actions. Adults reactions actually teach children how competent or incompetent they are. Have you ever noticed how proud your children are of their accomplishments? They often argue with you to "Watch this!" or "Look at what I made". Young children need to be seen as capable and strong, but they lack the skills and knowledge that grown-ups have.The list of things they can do is much shorter than the list of things they cannot do. They really need your help in learning that they can do things.

To help your children develop confidence in themselves, focus on their strengths and successes, show them you have faith in their abilities, reflect their achievements in a positive but realistic manner, build the child's sense of basic trust, learn why child acts the way he does, express your unpleasant feelings verbally, accept child's unpleasant emotions,teach the child how to deal with angry and unhappy feelings, provide ways for child to feel success, respond to child's actions immediately, teach and demonstrate respect for your own and others, give the child plenty of praise; warmth and physical signs of affection, take photographs of the child and display the child's art work.

A child feels good when adults are supportive, give choices and use democratic methods. So avoid being too strict or too pessimist. Also, a child feels contended when his/her needs for love, security and belonging are met, and feels upsets when he/she gets too little attention and feels neglected and unwanted.

Self-confidence is like a ripple. When children feel capable in one area, the feeling is likely to spread to other areas of their lives. Encouragement builds and restores a child's self-confidence.Encouragement is more than praise. In fact, praise often causes discouragement because the children consider it either as being undeserved or as your wish for them to succeed beyond their capacity. Encouragement expresses faith in children as they are, not in what they could be.

As an adult, use your power wisely while demonstrating respect and appreciation for your child's growing need for self-determination and a strong self-concept.