Respect- Sunbeam International Varuna

In this heartwarming video, teachers of Sunbeam International Varuna showcase the importance of respecting everyone in our community. Through a poignant depiction, they highlight the vital role of community helpers, such as cleaners, gardeners, and support staff, who are often overlooked.

The video demonstrates how students observe and learn from the way these helpers are treated by teachers and peers. By promoting respect and kindness towards all individuals, regardless of their position or status, we can create a truly inclusive classroom environment.

Join us in this inspiring journey towards fostering empathy, understanding, and a culture of respect for everyone.

Masterclass 2024 

Sunbeam International Varuna

Affecton Vs Rejection - Suparba Roy Choudhary

Affection and Rejection in the context of student behaviour can be likened to the nurturing sunlight and the stifling shadow, each influencing the growth and development of a young plant.

Love is like a vitamin for students that makes them feel important and supported. When the instructors are caring and have an interest in the students, their success, progress, and happiness, it fosters inclusion and motivation. Just like light helps the plant to pass through the process of photosynthesis, affection directs the energy in a student for learning and development. 

In this context, it contributes to their self-fulfilment, personal growth, and improved participation in the educational process. This environment enables the learners to grow, as a plant does well under proper sunlight, show positive attitudes in class, prepare to contribute, and take on responsibilities such as group work. 

On the other hand, rejection serves as the counterpart and denies students the social affirmation that they require for growth. Thus, when students experience neglect, criticism and indifference from their educators, they often develop inadequacy and alienation. Similar to a plant that is denied access to sunlight and will grow stunted and wilted, learners who are rejected may withdraw, rebel or show a complete lack of interest in their academic work. 

This negative environment hampers their growth, hence degrading their performance and worsening their behaviour. Lack of support and non-recognition may lead to students’ self-suspicion affecting their morale to perform and respond. 

To conclude, affection positively influences students’ behaviour while rejection negatively affects students. Huggins compares affection to sunlight and rejection to shadow as affection increases growth, positivity, and activity, whereas rejection hinders development and results in negative behavioural changes. 

Teachers, hence, bear the responsibility of cultivating proper rearing for students, which involves training them while also providing the necessary love to help them thrive in their academic endeavours as well as in other aspects of life.

Suparba Roy Choudhary

Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Right Vs Wrong - Sunbeam Suncity

Right Vs Wrong

Self-esteem plays an important role in the relationship between teachers and students. A teacher's behaviour & actions can either motivate, boost and encourage a student to do well in life or hurt or erode a student's self-esteem & lead him or her to dislike people or things.  

Through this short video, the Sunbeam Suncity team have shown that it's very important to hear a child's concern and to make the right decision.  The importance of listening to children acknowledge their mistakes and builds trust and respect.

Sunbeam Suncity Team 
Masterclass 2024

Right Vs Wrong - QC- R&D Team Sunbeam

In this video reflection, the QC-R&D team explores a thought-provoking situation among students. Learn how uniforms help promote unity and equality in schools with the help of this short drama. 

This reflection is part of our Masterclass 2024 where we explore challenges and situations in our school system with the help of reflections. 

PV Paul, Vani Vij, Divya Upadhyay

Sunbeam Group of Schools 

For more information, please visit our website www.schooleducation.com. For more such reflections, do check our website www.happyteacher.in. 

Love Learning vs Hate Learning - Ranjana Singh

My experiences have been really tough, as  I deal with teenagers. The age group 15 yrs to 18 yrs is really a very difficult age for children as they have a range of issues that is why it is categorised as a complex age. 

They have myriad issues, and the worst part is that nobody understands them. Parents have their own strict or pampering way of dealing with this age group. They have zero tolerance. Since they are not accountable to anybody, they handle their children according to their own way. 

Here the needs of children go unheard and remain unattended. This gives rise to behavioural issues in children which percolates from home but reflects in school.

Teachers have higher responsibilities to handle students' issues with care, keeping in mind the safety of each child sitting in the classroom.

I follow a few skills which my school has enriched me with to bring a better teaching-learning environment in my classroom. My classrooms are happy rooms. Though this was once not that easy. But rich experiences in Sunbeam Varuna made this possible.

Generally, it is noticed students are asked to listen and are not allowed to speak. I remember the book by Helen Keller 'The Story of My Life' where she shares her experience of college. She was desperate to go to college, but once she got admission, she realised that there are lecture-based classrooms and students are not allowed to think, create and reflect.

I made sure that in my classroom, all students get a chance to reflect. I welcomed their questions, I empowered them to choose topics and do volunteer teaching. I praised their efforts, celebrated their success and gave them positive feedback.

I build a strong and respectful relationship with students. Encouraging group work and peer-to-peer learning impacted their performance the most. Through this, I developed their love for learning. I showed them my passion for the subject I teach. I also taught them how to manage time and set goals.

By implementing these strategies, students developed a love for learning. Thus With all happiness, I look forth that children sitting in my classroom are at peace and are also ready to imbibe what I impart, making my classrooms the happy ones with effective - learning ambience.

Ranjana Singh

Sunbeam School Varuna

Love Learning Vs Hate Learning - Shilpi Chakraborty

To help a class overcome the fear of few subjects while focusing on slow learners, a teacher can take several strategic steps:

1. Create an Inclusive Environment-:

• The teacher should encourage all students by celebrating small successes and providing positive feedback.
• The teacher should foster an environment where students feel comfortable for asking questions without fear of judgment.
• The teacher should play smart by pairing the students with buddies or creating small groups so they can help each other.

2. Use varied teaching Methodology-:

• The teacher must incorporate hands-on activities, interactive software,   and practical exercises.
• The teacher must make more and more use of diagrams, videos, and demonstrations to explain concepts.
• The teacher must Introduce educational games that make learning more fun and engaging.

3. Focus on individual needs-:

• The teacher must adapt lessons to meet the needs of different learners.  
• Offer more challenging tasks for advanced students and additional support for those who struggle.
• The teacher must closely observe each child and prepare holistic progress reports so that she can determine the child's progress and where the teacher has to work. 

4. Build Confidence-:

• The teacher should always encourage students to experiment and learn from mistakes without fear of failure.
• The teacher should regularly show students how much they’ve improved, even in small increments.
• The teacher should always try to connect lessons to students' interests and real-world applications to make them more relatable and less intimidating.

5. Professional Development-:

•  Teachers should stay updated with the latest teaching strategies and technologies.
•  Teachers should share strategies and resources with other teachers to find the most effective methods.

 6. Engage Parents and Guardians-:

• Teachers must keep updating the parents about their child’s progress and encourage them to support learning at home.
• Schools should organize workshops or informational sessions for parents to understand the curriculum and how they can help.

By implementing these strategies, teachers can encourage students to learn better with good progress especially those who are slower learners or initially fearful of the subject.

Shilpi Chakraborty 

Sunbeam School Indiranagar 

Affection Vs Rejection - Divya Upadhyay

Affection and rejection are two different emotions which have a great impact on human life. The only difference between the two is a positive and negative feeling. In the context of human beings affection is witnessed as a great source of motivation, and encouragement and sometimes it serves as a great inspiration for others.

Rejection though not taken positively no doubt also makes us strong, confident, independent and develop the power of decision making.

Joy and sorrow are a part and parcel of one's life in the same way affection and rejection go side by side.

Affection is an essential ingredient for human well-being. They are the emotional bonds that connect us with others and make us feel valued and secure. They also influence our development and relationships throughout our lives, from infancy to adulthood. At times, a child who always gets affection is not ready to accept any ignorance in life. Life is too long and everyone needs to face ignorance by some or the other people whom we meet.

Rejection is considered as a feeling of negativity which often depresses a person. Sometimes it acts as a hurdle in the journey of one's life and the people are unable to make the right decision at the right time. Their mind is often full of negative thoughts and ideas which never lets the person to think differently.

As per my suggestion sometimes criticism and rejection do miracles in the life of the people. It enhances the hidden talent of the personal and makes them confident enough to tackle the challenges which come in their lives.

Divya Upadhyay (Q.C.R&D)
Sunbeam School

Respect - Sunbeam School, Bhagwanpur

Respect is a fundamental value that encompasses various behaviours such as listening attentively, valuing other's opinions, showing kindness, and maintaining courteous behaviour.

Parents often serve as the first role models for children. When parents show respect to each other and to their children, they set a standard for behaviour.

Respectful behaviour at home translates into respectful behaviour in school. However teachers today face numerous challenges in maintaining respect in the classroom. Some students may display overt disrespect through talking back, noncompliance, or negative attitudes, making it difficult to maintain a positive classroom atmosphere.

Here are some strategies to foster respect:

1. Fairness and Consistency -Teachers should ensure that all students are treated equally and justly.

2. Conflict Resolution -Address conflicts calmly and fairly. We should use conflicts as teaching moments to discuss respect and understanding.

3. Encourage Participation-Teachers should create an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued and encouraged to participate.

4. Building Relationship-Take the time to understand student's backgrounds, interests and challenges. This personal connection can build trust and respect. By implementing these strategies both students and teachers can create a respectful and supportive classroom environment that enhances learning and personal growth.

Team Bhagwanpur, Masterclass 2024
Sneha Singh, Sanyogita Dubey and Reeta Tiwari.

Affection Vs Rejection - Shalini Tiwari

कई बार शिक्षक बहुत जल्दी किसी बच्चे के बारे में धारणा बना लेते हैं कि यह तो ऐसा ही है क्योंकि वे केवल बच्चों की क्रियाएँ और उसके व्यवहार के आधार पर आलोचना करना शुरू कर देते हैं और उसकी अवहेलना करने लगते हैं किंतु एक शिक्षक के रूप में सर्वप्रथम हमें उसके उस व्यवहार के कारण को जानना चाहिए। उसके लिए बच्चे से वार्तालाप करना चाहिए जैसे परिवार के सदस्यों के बारे में और उसके दिनचर्या के बारे में इत्यादि। 

हमें कभी भी बच्चों से इस तरह के प्रश्न नहीं करने चाहिए कि तुम्हारे परिवार में कौन-कौन है उसके स्थान पर आप यह बात करें कि अपने परिवार के बारे में कुछ बताओ जिससे वार्तालाप को विस्तार मिल सके किन्तु यह तभी सार्थक होता है जब हम बिना कोई धारणा बनाए उसकी बात सुने। जब हम इस तरीके से बच्चों में रोचकता दिखाते हैं तो धीरे-धीरे बच्चा भी अपने विचारों को व्यक्त करने लगता है। फिर, हम उससे उसकी की गई क्रियाओं पर चर्चा कर सकते हैं और उसे सही गलत में फर्क करना सीखा सकते हैं ।

किसी भी बच्चे को मार्गदर्शन देने के लिए सबसे पहले शिक्षक में सहानुभूति की अपेक्षा समानुभूति की भावना होनी चाहिए क्योंकि जब उसकी समस्या या दर्द को समझने से ज्यादा महसूस करने का प्रयास करेंगे तो शायद हम सही मार्गदर्शन कर सकते हैं ।

जहाँ तक बच्चों के प्रति अभिभावकों एवं शिक्षकों के अलग-अलग दृष्टिकोण का प्रश्न है, इसे हमें एक साथ चर्चा करके एक स्थाई परिणाम पर लाना आवश्यक है जिससे कि हम सभी मिलकर उस बच्चे की सहायता कर सके जो आंतरिक भय या उदासीनता से जूझ रहा है।

शालिनी तिवारी

सनबीम स्कूल इन्दिरानगर, वाराणसी

Love Learning vs Hate Learning - Deepti Sharma

Michelle, a child of destiny, could not hear or see. Her unimaginable condition made her emotionally distraught and ill-behaved to the extent that her father considered putting her in a mental hospital. But then her life took a turn when an ‘eccentric teacher’ entered her life.

The teacher taught her to ‘Never Give Up’.With her guidance and coaching, Michelle earned her graduation degree although it took her 19 years of failing before she could wear that graduation gown. But as life came to a full circle, a few years later Michelle's teacher was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and that's when Michelle held her teacher's hand and taught her to "Never Give Up" and helped her teacher to navigate her remaining life.

I believe that Michelle and her teacher were the luckiest student and teacher duo, to have found each other at the right time to do their part. If I can bring even a small change in my student e.g. brushing the teeth before bed or Respecting Women around, I have done my part. 

To me, the definition of a successful teacher is when her student carries a bit of her everywhere he goes. Love is an emotion of giving, caring, and never giving up. Love is an essential component of continuously trying. Just like a painting is beautiful with bright colours. The efficiency of the human brain can be enhanced with positive emotions as they affect the cognitive process of learning. 

Emotions are like an On/Off switch for learning. Emotions like joy and confidence have the power to motivate the learners whereas emotions like anger, frustration, and embarrassment are negative emotions. They can actually make the learning journey more difficult. An emotionally distorted class can be controlled by the power of positive emotions and the controlled body language of the teacher. 

Learners respond differently to the same stimuli on the basis of their emotional state of mind. Being aware of and managing one’s emotions may not be the easiest thing to do. Teachers are Superheroes in the life of learners who are juggling with complex emotions. I, being a happy teacher, facilitate ‘Super Heros’ realising their ‘Super Powers'.

Deepti Sharma 

Gyanshree School, Noida

War Vs Peace - Chandrani Singh

 

War and peace are complex concepts that even young children encounter through various media and experiences. Exploring these topics in a classroom setting for children can be approached with sensitivity and age-appropriate content. 

This aims to provide educators with strategies and resources to introduce the concepts of war and peace to the students in an accessible and engaging manner.

Understanding What is War:

Definition: Begin by explaining war as a situation where groups of people fight against each other, often causing harm and damage.

Examples: Use simple, relatable examples such as conflicts on the playground or disagreements between characters in stories to illustrate the concept of conflict.

Feelings: Discuss the feelings associated with war, such as fear, sadness, and confusion, and validate children's emotions by creating a safe space for discussion.

Impact: Help children understand the impact of war on families, communities, and the environment using age-appropriate language and visuals.

Exploring Peace:
Definition: Define peace as a state of harmony, where people get along with each other and work together to solve problems peacefully.

Examples: Highlight instances of peace in everyday life, such as sharing toys, resolving conflicts with words, and showing kindness to others.

Feelings: Discuss the positive emotions associated with peace, such as happiness, safety, and friendship, and encourage children to share their experiences of feeling peaceful.

Importance: Emphasize the importance of peace for building strong friendships, creating a safe environment, and making the world a better place for everyone.

Activities and Resources:

Storytelling: Read age-appropriate books or tell stories that depict themes of war and peace.

Art Projects: Engage children in art activities where they can express their thoughts and feelings about war and peace through drawing, painting, or collage.

Role-Playing: Encourage children to act out scenarios where they resolve conflicts peacefully and demonstrate empathy and cooperation.

Peaceful Practices: Teach simple mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and calming strategies that children can use to promote peace within themselves and their surroundings.

Conclusion
Introducing the concepts of war and peace to students can lay the foundation for empathy, conflict resolution skills, and a sense of global citizenship. By providing age-appropriate explanations, fostering open discussions, and engaging children in creative activities, educators can empower young learners to contribute to a more peaceful world, one small act of kindness at a time.

Chandrani Singh 
Sunbeam Indiranagar                
Masterclass 2024 Reflection 

War Vs Peace - Sneha Singh

Choosing between war and peace may be a bit extreme for describing a new workplace, but I understand the analogy.When considering a new job, it's essential to weigh the potential challenges (war) and the positive aspects (peace).

When I walked in the school premises after a break, it was a mixture of emotions. It was nostalgic, with a sense of familiarity, and perhaps some apprehension about changes.

    

The war (challenge) in a workplace can include adapting yourself, understanding new workflows and processes, building relationships with new colleagues, and overcoming the initial learning curve.

Reconnecting with familiar faces brings a sense of peace and positive familiarity. Knowing the work place and colleagues from previous work experience can foster a supportive environment, ease the integration process and contribute to a more comfortable atmosphere.

I believe, navigating the professional landscape involves both war-like challenges and peaceful opportunities.

Sneha Singh 

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Masterclass Batch - 2024

Reflection: War versus Peace in Class

1. In your journey so far, have you been the ‘different’ student/teacher joining a new school? 

Have you been on the other side too - of welcoming a ‘different’ person into your world? How did that go?
Based on the session, reflect a little on what could have been the pros and cons of your own experience joining a new space and welcoming another joining your space. What could have been better in both, if any? Or list any possible learnings from them. 

2. Reading about high-risk behaviour in the classroom, did any incident in your classroom or outside, come to mind? If yes, how did you handle it? What was the final resolution like and does this session add some more learnings to perhaps add to your style of handling?

If you haven’t experienced a high-risk scenario in your classroom, imagine yourself to be in Roma’s place and reflect on how you would have tackled it. 

Why Relationships Matter - Sanyogita Dubey

PC- LinkedIn

It’s not an exaggeration to say that lack of relationships can be deadly. Relationships have the power to influence physical and mental health.

People learn to safely manage worries, fears, hopes and dreams in healthy relationships. This capacity builds intimacy, closeness, and a sense of security that has a far-reaching impact.

When a person feels supported by a healthy relationship, there is a sense of safety. There is excellent security in knowing it is okay to share deeper needs, self-doubts and concerns without fear that the person you’re confiding in will shame you or make you feel bad for appearing weak (vulnerable?) or needing support.

Sanyogita Dubey
Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur

Masterclass (Batch- 2024)

What School Means to Me? - Sneha Singh

 

• Excitement
• Friendship
• Learning
• Teachers
• Passion

In the dynamic realm of education, schools serve as hubs pulsating with excitement, where the tapestry of friendship weaves tightly among students. Learning becomes the vibrant heartbeat, echoing through classrooms, while dedicated teachers impart knowledge with unwavering commitment. 

Within the walls of academia, passion ignites, fostering a deep connection to the pursuit of understanding. Excitement permeates the air, creating an atmosphere ripe for exploration and discovery. 

Together, these elements form the quintessential essence of the word "School," encapsulating the multifaceted experience that shapes not just minds, but the very fabric of lifelong connections and intellectual fervour.

Sneha Singh 

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Masterclass -Batch 2024

Freedom & Peace: Samriddhi RPKM

When you were a student, what were the three most critical instances where in you felt that more freedom at your disposal would have allowed you to realise your goals/potential in a better way? Do you think any of those circumstances exist even today?

Choice of subjects: As a student, I often felt limited by the subjects available. I wished for more freedom to choose the subjects that truly interested me and aligned with my career goals. This would have allowed me to realize my potential in a better way by pursuing my passions and strengths.

Extracurricular activities: I felt restricted by the limited options for extracurricular activities at my school. More freedom to explore a wider range of activities would have allowed me to develop various skills and interests, ultimately helping me to realize my potential more holistically.

Independent projects: I often wished for more freedom to pursue independent projects and research that went beyond the standard curriculum. Having the autonomy to explore topics of personal interest would have allowed me to push my boundaries and achieve greater academic growth.

These circumstances still exist today, as many educational institutions have rigid structures and limited options for students to explore their interests and strengths. However, there is a growing movement towards personalized learning and flexible curriculum, which aims to provide students with more freedom to pursue their goals and potential in a better way.

What is it about human behaviour, according to you, that causes people to give up peace and adopt violence? How do you think classrooms can be used to shape peace-loving individuals?

Human behaviour is complex, and various factors contribute to individuals resorting to violence. Social, economic, and political factors, along with personal experiences, can influence this behaviour. Classrooms play a crucial role in shaping individuals' values and attitudes. Fostering a peaceful environment involves:

Promoting Understanding: Encouraging empathy and understanding diverse perspectives can reduce misunderstandings that may lead to conflict.

Conflict Resolution Education: Teaching conflict resolution skills equips individuals to address disagreements peacefully, fostering a culture of dialogue rather than confrontation.

Cultivating Open Communication: Creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing themselves can prevent suppressed emotions that might escalate into violence.

Emphasizing Emotional Intelligence: Developing emotional intelligence helps individuals manage emotions effectively, reducing the likelihood of impulsive, aggressive behaviour.

Incorporating Peace Education: Integrating peace education into the curriculum can raise awareness about global issues, tolerance, and the importance of cooperation.

Positive Role Modeling: Teachers can model peaceful behaviour, demonstrating how to handle challenges constructively.

By addressing the root causes of aggression and promoting positive values in educational settings, classrooms can contribute to developing peace-loving individuals.

Samriddhi @RPK Moradabad

Seema Kulshreshtha, Rakhi Gupta, Saraswati Singh, Saloni Bharadwaj, Anju Gupta, Gurpreet Kaur, Meeta Gulati.

Freedom & Peace- Avighna RPKM

A. When you were a student, what were the 3 most critical instances where you felt that more freedom at your disposal would have allowed you to realize your goals/potential in a better way? Do you think any of those circumstances exist even today?

As a student, I remember feeling that having more freedom to explore different subjects and choose my own learning path would have helped me realize my goals better. I also wished for more freedom in expressing my creativity and pursuing extracurricular activities. And of course, having the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them would have been valuable too.

Having more freedom in choosing their own learning path would have allowed students to explore subjects that interested them the most. Sometimes, the curriculum felt a bit rigid, and they wished they had more flexibility to pursue their passions. Additionally, I believe that having more freedom to express their creativity and participate in extracurricular activities would have enriched their overall educational experience. Lastly, I think having the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them without fear of judgment would have encouraged students' growth and development.

These circumstances still exist today, but I believe there's been progress in providing more opportunities for students to have greater freedom in their education. Also, I believe there have been positive changes in education systems to provide students with more opportunities for personalized learning and self-expression.

B. What is it about human behaviour, according to you, that causes people to give up the peace and adopt violence? How do you think classrooms can be used to shape peace-loving individuals?

I think various factors can contribute to people giving up peace and resorting to violence. It could be due to a lack of understanding, fear, anger, or even a desire for power or control. Sometimes, people may feel that violence is the only way to address their grievances or protect themselves.

Here are three real-life situations involving students and their choices regarding peace and violence:

A. Imagine a scenario where a student witnesses bullying happening to a classmate. Instead of joining in or ignoring it, the student decides to intervene peacefully. They stand up against the bully, using assertive communication and empathy to diffuse the situation and protect their classmate.

B. In another situation, a student is part of a heated debate in the classroom. Instead of resorting to aggressive arguments or personal attacks, the student actively listens to others' perspectives, respects differing opinions, and engages in constructive dialogue to find common ground and promote understanding.

C. Let's say there's a student who faces discrimination based on their background or identity. Rather than responding with violence or anger, the student chooses to educate their peers about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of treating everyone with respect. They organize awareness campaigns, initiate discussions, and foster a culture of acceptance and unity within the school community.

In each of these situations, the students demonstrate the importance of choosing peaceful approaches to conflicts and promoting harmony within their classrooms and beyond.

Let me give you one more example -

Imagine a situation where two students in a classroom have a disagreement. One student feels frustrated and resorts to using aggressive language and even physical force to express their anger. The other student, instead of responding with violence, chooses to remain calm and tries to understand the root of the problem. They engage in peaceful communication, actively listening to each other's perspectives and finding a solution through compromise. In this scenario, the second student demonstrates the ability to prioritize peace and resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.

Classrooms can play a crucial role in shaping peace-loving individuals by promoting empathy, understanding, and conflict-resolution skills. Teachers can create a safe and inclusive environment where students learn to respect and appreciate diversity. They can teach about the consequences of violence and the importance of peaceful communication.

Encouraging open dialogue, fostering a sense of community, and teaching problem-solving skills can also help cultivate a peaceful mindset among students.

By instilling values of empathy, kindness, and respect, classrooms can contribute to shaping individuals who actively seek peace in their interactions with others.

Avighna @RPK Moradabad

Ritika, Shwetank, Evon Anthony, Neeru, Saymeen, Swadha, Deeksha

Freedom & Peace - Siddhi RPKM

Freedom & Peace

A. When you were a student, what were the 3 most critical instances where in you felt that more freedom at your disposal would have allowed you to realise your goals/potential in a better way? Do you think any of those circumstances exist even today?

When I was a student, one of the most critical instances where I felt that more freedom at my disposal would have allowed me to realize my goals or potential in a better way was when I passed my intermediate and was very confused about which field to opt for. 

During that time I didn't find any guidance or help from my surroundings, still, I tried to search a lot and seek opinions from my teachers as I was willing to study something related to designing buildings or architecture; for which I prepared well and cleared my AIEEE exam. 

This gave me a chance to seek admission but I could not do it as my relatives didn't permit me to go out of the city for higher studies because I was a girl. It always hurt me that I was not given the freedom to explore more and know my potential.        

B. What is it about human behaviour, according to you, that causes people to give up peace and adopt violence? How do you think classrooms can be used to shape peace-loving individuals?

There are many causes of violence including frustration, exposure to violent media, violence in the home or neighbourhood and a tendency to see other people's actions as hostile even when they're not.

The most common motivation for violence can be viewed as inappropriate attempts to handle emotions. Often, violence is the medium used by an individual to openly express their feelings such as anger, frustration, or sadness.

There is definitely a tendency for violence because violence is quick, easy and effective. Watch really young kids playing together. They quickly realize that if someone tries to take their toy, they can protect their plaything with a quick wallop from the potential toy thief. We have to teach children Negotiation, Compromise, Sharing and Cooperation.

If we want our children to be non-violent, we cannot use violence to discipline them. Rather, we can direct our children's energy by giving them a job or task. We can model for children how to apologize and help them apologize when they have hurt someone.

This is especially true when children fight with a sibling or other child. When a child tells us of a problem, we often respond with solutions—such as "Be nice to one another", "You have to learn to share", "Give him the toy, you've had it long enough," or " If you can't take turns, then the toy will be put away."

But these solutions are not permanent. We should teach the children proper discipline or behaviour from time to time.

Discipline means “to teach.” When we discipline our children, we are turning their misbehaviour into an opportunity to teach them how we want them to behave. To do this, we need to be clear on how we want them to behave rather than just focusing on what we don’t want them to do.

The ultimate goal of discipline is to teach our children self-discipline so that they can make good choices about how to behave.

Siddhi @RPK Moradabad

Sanskriti Tandon, Priyanka Ruhela, Lovely Singh, Swati Saluja, Soni Bhatnagar, Manjit Palit

Freedom and Peace - Saumya RPKM

Freedom 

Freedom is the state of independence where one can do whatever one likes without any restriction by anyone. They have the right and are free to do what they can think of (ethically). Freedom has a different meaning. because everyone has a different opinion about freedom. So, it can be called a state of mind where you have the right and freedom to do what you think.

There are three instances where we felt that more freedom at our disposal would have allowed us to realise the potential better. (experience of Mrs. N . Narula)

Instance 1- When I was in class 9th. My teacher always explained every topic in English. Because of my hesitation at that time, I was unable to ask my queries or problems from the teacher. I feel now that if I were free to ask questions from the teacher, I'd have secured better marks in class 9th.

Instance 2- As a girl, I was not allowed to wear Western dresses and go outside. I feel that, if I were permitted for the same, I would have been more confident.

Instance 3- I was not very good at Art as my art teacher never encouraged my artistic skills. So I lost interest and still couldn't draw anything confidently. I feel that If I were encouraged by my teacher, I would have gained at least some interest in Art.

We do not believe any of these issues are faced by students at the current time or these issues are sparse. Women have become more empowered and our education system has grown a lot,  promoting every student's potential.

Peace 

Peace means a state of quiet or an absence of disturbance or agitation. It can also describe a relationship between people characterized by respect, justice and goodwill. Peace can describe calmness serenity and silence.

Violence - It's the act of purposefully hurting someone. Many different factors cause violent behaviour. The more these factors are present in life, the more likely we are to commit an act of violence. 

Causes people to give up peace and adopt violence -

The most common motivation for violence can be inappropriate attempts to handle emotions. Often, violence is the medium used by an individual to openly express their feelings such as anger, frustration or sadness. Other times, violence can be considered as a form of manipulation for individuals to try and get what they want or need. 

Aggressive behaviour can also be used as a form of retaliation. A means by which one uses to even the score. Other factors which can be the cause of violence -

1. - The influence of one's peers
2. - Having a lack of attention or respect
3. - Having low self-worth
4. - Experiencing abuse or neglect 
5. - Witnessing violence in the home or community

Classrooms can be used to shape peace-loving individuals -

Students learn the skills and information necessary to resolve a conflict without resorting to violence through Peace education. Peace education is centred on the concept of social justice and non-violence. It advocates for a fair and inclusive society where people can coexist peacefully without encountering discrimination.

Ways to use the classroom to shape peace-loving individuals - 

Storytelling, role-playing games and other activities that provide children with the chance to practice interacting with one another are just a few approaches to teaching empathy. To inculcate empathy among students, you can promote social-emotional learning in the classroom. 

Teachers should prioritise peace education in their classrooms since it is a skill that can be mastered. Through peace education, you can teach students the origins of conflicts and critical thinking skills. It enables them to comprehend potential causes of conflicts which may stop them from engaging in such conflicts (violence) in the future.

Saumya @ RPK Moradabad 

Rashmi Wright (G. Leader), Ekta Sharma, Nidhi Narula, Rajni Gupta, Beena Singh, Shaifali Johri, Asha Singh 

Freedom & Peace- Ashtalakshmi RPKM

Human behaviour is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, and the shift towards violence often stems from a combination of social, psychological, and environmental elements. Factors like frustration, fear, inequality, and a lack of effective communication can contribute to the abandonment of peace in favour of violence.

In the context of classrooms, fostering a peaceful environment involves several strategies. Firstly, educators can emphasize conflict resolution and emotional intelligence, teaching students effective ways to manage their emotions and peacefully resolve disputes. Additionally, incorporating lessons on empathy and understanding different perspectives can promote a culture of tolerance.

Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment is crucial. This can be achieved by addressing bullying, and discrimination, and promoting respectful communication. Teachers can also integrate mindfulness practices, encouraging students to reflect on their actions and promoting self-awareness.

Ultimately, shaping peace-loving individuals in classrooms requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of violence and cultivates essential skills for conflict resolution and understanding.

As a child, I was given the freedom to learn, explore, and challenge ideas while building and sharing my own opinions. This freedom gave me a platform to learn, explore, and challenge ideas while building and sharing my own opinions. I was free to take “reasoned exception” to concepts and theories presented in the classes and to disagree with opinions I would hear from my instructors. 

Our  “views, beliefs, and political opinions” shared with a teacher during professional interactions were kept confidential and were not shared by the teacher with others but it was made sure that we respect other students by listening to those with whom we disagree and respond with our own ideas and opinions respectfully.

This has helped me to respect the opinions of others and if I disagree on something to show it respectfully to others.

Ashtalakshmi @RPK Moradabad

Poonam, Sonia, Tabinda, Charu, Ritu, Meenakshi, Krishangi

Freedom and Peace: Arya RPKM

FREEDOM

Q. When you were a student, what were the 3 most critical instances where you felt that more freedom at your disposal would have allowed you to realize your goals /potential in a better way? Do you think any of those circumstances exist even today?

A. 3 instances where I felt that more freedom would have allowed me to achieve my goals in a better way are mentioned below- 

INSTANCE 1 

A few years back when I was in college studying Fashion Designing, I was given an assignment. The assignment was to prepare a range of garments inspired by Jaipur’s heritage. But just cause I couldn’t join my friends on the Jaipur trip as I had to manage secondary data. While others researched everything by visiting the places and meeting the people, I just searched everything on Google and did my assignment. Since I couldn’t go to Jaipur due to some family reasons, my assignment was affected and so were my marks. 

INSTANCE 2 

After completing my post-graduation, I got a job offer from a well-known fashion brand. The only problem was that they wanted me to shift to Mumbai. But I didn’t have the freedom to shift to Mumbai because that was the year 2021 i.e.; my parents didn't allow me due to increasing Covid 11 virus cases. I lost a great job opportunity which could have been my career’s turning point. 

INSTANCE 3 

It was the 2015-16 academic year of my school, I was in class 12th. I was in my school basketball team. There was a state-level tournament in Delhi. Because my preboards were coming next month, my teacher suggested I stay back and work on my academic results rather than attending the tournament. There I had to choose between the two most important one-time opportunities of my life. I still wish I had the freedom to grasp both of them.

Talking about the present, no such instances occur now. Even if in future any such circumstances happen, I am sure to handle the situation more wisely so that I won’t have any regrets later.

PEACE

Q. What is it about human behaviour, according to you, that causes people to give up peace and adopt violence?

Human behaviour leading to the adoption of violence is often influenced by various factors, including socio-economic conditions, cultural norms, and personal experiences. Individuals may resort to violence as a means of expressing frustration, asserting power, or dealing with perceived threats.

In classrooms, fostering a peaceful environment involves addressing multiple dimensions. Firstly, educators can incorporate conflict resolution and emotional intelligence training into the curriculum. This equips students with skills to manage conflicts peacefully and empathize with others. 

Moreover, promoting open dialogue and understanding diverse perspectives can reduce misunderstandings that may escalate into violence. Creating a safe space where students feel heard and respected contributes to a positive classroom culture.

Additionally, teaching subjects that emphasize critical thinking and ethical decision-making can empower students to make choices that contribute to a peaceful society. Encouraging collaboration over competition and instilling values of tolerance and empathy can further shape individuals prioritising peace over violence.

In essence, a comprehensive approach within classrooms that combines education on conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making can play a crucial role in shaping peace-loving individuals.

From 

Arya @ RPK School Moradabad

Dhiraj Gupta, Naina Soni, Rekha Kapoor, Suman Singh, Sandeep Negi, Naushaba Sami and Isha Sharma.