Hope and Friendship - Welham Boys' School

1. A student who has lost all hope

Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana

We all have come across this famous quote from Bhagwat Gita. We, even as adults, struggle to remember it in our challenging times. To make a child understand and follow this during his dark hour was one of the memorable events of my life as a teacher. 

Ishan Sharma (name changed), class- 5, 11 years, a bright student, had a sinking feeling after grossly underperforming in his favourite subject – Physics. It was not just once, but twice and the situation had shattered the boy. 

Ambitious students often tend to put their heart and soul into academics, and sometimes it gets challenging to tackle failure, especially for those who haven't tasted much of it before. It seems as if their entire life is pinned on their success as a student, sports person, or anything else their hearts and ambitions might desire. These choices can be either conscious or subconscious because of years of conditioning.

And for a case in point, it was academics for this boy- a science lover. The blow had left him in a state very close to despair. He was on the verge of giving up his dream of being a renowned scientist. 

His teachers and parents were fully confident in his abilities; then, what was going wrong?

After having a few rounds of discussions with him, it turned out that there were a few workable reasons-

1. His writing speed was not up to the mark and needed substantial upgradation.

2. The ability to sit for 2.5 hours and focus on the same topic had receded. 

Now the task was to bring the boy to a state of normalcy and then work on the above. We had to reinstate his confidence that it was not his ability but some technicalities which could be easily corrected. So, I started having daily conversations with him for around 20-30 minutes. Each time I made it a point to narrate an inspiring story of people bouncing back from failure and leaving their indelible mark on the sands of time. I included stories of Edison's 1000 failed experiments before the invention of the light bulb to JK Rowling's 12 rejections to emphasize course correction and orientation to act. Especially during such circumstances, it is essential to check what one sees, hears, and does. 

Finally, after about 2 weeks, we noticed a slight shift from focusing on results to focusing on inputs like hard work and systematic work. We also tried to bring him back to playing sports, as this is one thing which teaches children to deal with rejections and failures.

This might not be a unique experience. An umpteenth number of children face this issue, especially after Covid. The past couple of years has changed the lives of many children for the worse. But we must remind them that we are with them in this, and things can be worked on and improved. 

After all, it's the small things which lead to the big!

            2. A student with no friends in school

"A friend overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden" is often said. 

Childhood memories are wrought with friendships – the mischiefs, fun and frolic and even those innocent fights. However, not all children are privileged to experience this. A small bunch is left out. Such children could have special needs or might have become socially recluse because of specific experiences. 

Learning lasts one's lifetime and has many components to it. Education from friends and peers is an indispensable one. These are intangible yet indispensable. 

I had recently encountered one such child- Karan. He has been an introvert from the time I have known him. However, 2 years of Covid and social distancing had made him socially isolated, even mentally. Digital media has replaced real friends and people. He had lost touch with even his best friend. 

Once back to school, he started finding it difficult to adapt. He would somewhat be confused and sometimes muse over the good old days when he, too, would play with his friends, but now the iPad was more captivating.  

Such situations often go unheeded. However, they have long-term repercussions- like lack of resilience, team spirit, etc.- and must be addressed. 

I sensed similar issues like impatience, lack of ability to discuss, taking feedback, and facing a large group of people, slowly creeping into her life and hampering her growth.

The first step was to talk to him, which didn't help much. So, his best friend and I started planning fun activities aligned with the games he liked, like badminton. Initially, we aimed at 20 mins a day. Once we sensed some improvement, we moved on to more creative group activities like flower arrangement and slowly increased the time to 45 mins a day. This is still an ongoing task.

From experience, we all know about children's challenges in post-Covid times. 

Even if it is not to the extent of being categorized as a red flag, the warning signs should not be ignored. It will take a lot of time, patience and energy to understand and get to the root of the problem. Nevertheless, let's do it and give our children a holistic experience of life, even outside books, which they richly deserve. School friendships are the most cherished ones, and moreover, despite everything, man is a social animal, and having friends go a long way toward making a fulfilling life!

~Vandana Sahay, Neelima Parmar and Monika Gupta.

Hope and Friendship - Jaspreet Kaur

A student who has lost all hope 

If it was a real-life situation, were you successfully helping him/her overcome their problem? 

Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. As an educator, every day comes across several incidents where students lose hope. Here I will tell one real-life incident where a grade V student lost hope and how I motivated her and brought a smile to her face. 

Incident- In Grade V, one new girl student was admitted. When she spoke something, she fumbled a lot. There was some medical health issue. When she joined our school, a group of students laughed at her in class. The next period was mine. I asked that girl, "Why are you crying?" 

She explained everything to me. Firstly, I counselled those students not to make fun of others; they wrote apology letters too. Lat,  I hugged her tightly. Then, I started to appreciate the girl whenever she gave an answer. Whether the answers were not right sometimes, all students still enjoyed her by clapping. Gradually, I observed that girl always had a smile on her face. She is an intelligent girl, and her percentage drastically improved that year. I brought candies on her birthday in Grade V and distributed them in class. I told her that her father had sent those candies for her. When she went back home, she came to know the truth. Now, the girl is on senior campus in Grade VIII, but she still messages me on special occasions and always calls me if she needs help. 

Outcome- I acted as a facilitator and friend and was ultimately successful in helping her to overcome her problem. 

A student with no friends in school 

What is your advice to educators who want to inculcate these values in their students? 

Friendship is a state of enduring affection, esteem, intimacy, and trust between two people. In all cultures, friendships are important relationships throughout a person's life span. 

Incident- In the middle of the session, one boy got admission to Grade V. He came from a village. Other students are studying together in Grade Nursery. 

This new admission student boy could not adjust to the new environment in a new place. He is below average student. I have already made a buddy system in my class. I made buddies and seating arrangements for new students with the class monitors. Now he can read all languages with confidence. It's near about three months now. Now all students in my class talk to him in a  friendly way. He shares all his problems with his new friend. He is very delighted to be here in our school.  

Advice- The teacher should appreciate and always try to motivate students for their excellent work. They should also encourage them to develop pro-social behaviour. Students should be taught to help and be kind and honest with others. Values-based education is an essential part of student's lives; it establishes an environment that allows them to grow in their academics, social and expertise. Values help in the formation of positive thinking. It helps in developing understanding and relationships between students and teachers. It also enhances attitudes and ways of looking at situations that allow them to achieve their objectives and success in all the ups and downs. Values-based education is an essential part of students' lives; it establishes an environment that helps them grow in their academics, social and expertise.

Values help in the formation of positive thinking. It helps in developing understanding and relationships between students and teachers. It also enhances attitudes and ways of looking at situations that allow them to achieve their objectives and success in all the ups and downs.

~Jaspreet Kaur

Kamla Nehru Public School

Hope and Friendship - Rectifier BHIS

Hope and Friendship- Rohin and Buzo

"Dogs teach us a very an important lesson in life: The mailman is not to be trusted"- Sian Ford

For centuries, dogs have been labelled as "man's best friend," offering companionship and loyalty to their human counterparts. This is evident in the life of Rohin who had a dog named, Buzo. Buzo used to play, love, and take care of Rohin. As time passed on, Buzo became a member of the family and a close buddy, especially to Rohin.

Buzo was the alpha dog of their house. Whenever Rohin came after his work, he used to hug him tightly. It was the love and friendship between them that could not be explained. Buzo was so adorable that it never gave up on his master cum friend.

 One night, there came a thief to the house to catch hold of the money. But he saw the dog and thought if he could take the dog too and sell it in order to get more money. Thus, with a lot of difficulties, he dognapped Buzo. The next day when the family realized the fact, they started looking vigorously for Buzo.

The police gave them a crime number and ran a search on the facts given by the family, but nothing came up. Rohin used to sleep on the sofa night after night with the windows open, hoping to hear his bark. He believed that there is light despite the darkness.

Then, after three months, Rohin found a photo of Buzo on a Facebook account: a dog dealer was advertising him for sale. He looked terribly skinny. Rohin had to do something. He sent the dealer a message using a fake profile, “I would like to buy the dog at any price offered by you.” He replied saying about the price and the place to come to take the dog.

When Rohin and the mother reached the spot with the police, they couldn’t bear to look. Rohin heard his mother saying, “It’s definitely Buzo.” Rohin opened the boot to get his lead and suddenly Buzo broke free from the dealer and leapt into the car. Rohin got in next to him, sobbing with joy and sadness. He was skeletal and smelled awful. He looked at Rohin and wagged his tail a couple of times, then began shaking. He then crawled into Rohin’s lap and pushed his head inside his coat.

The family was really happy. Buzo never gave up on his master which is hence proved by this incident. He regained the weight he lost. Later, the dealer and the thief were caught and put into jail for their crimes. Buzo became even dearer to everyone’s heart including the police. He was a loyal dog who got escaped by his close friend from the clutches of the man who tried to sell him.

After a couple of years, Buzo died but it was still remembered by Rohin and the family. He remained in his heart forever. The bond he had with the dog began the moment he came into his life and never stopped growing. Rohin told his mother, “a dog is a selfless friend, who gives away his/her life expecting nothing in return but an ample amount of love. Buzo was just like that.” Rohin knew the fact that there is nothing truer than the love showered by man's best friend, dog.

“You may have many best friends but your dog only has one”

Rectifier @ Billabong High International School, Thane

-Pallavi Harkare, Prerna Khanna, Rajeshri Mohite, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Priyanka Iyer, Kalpana Dodia

Honesty and Respect - Rectifier BHIS

Honesty & Respect - Inseparable Duo

It is said that “Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned” - Anonymous.

The boys in the school were very excited. Adrenaline was running high as the much- awaited inter-school sports meet was to be held at the end of the month. The selections were scheduled for that afternoon. Vikram and Ram were close contenders for the 100-metre race.

Ram was the most popular boy in his class due to his consistently good grades, and Vikram was the most unpopular for his usual below-average grades. This had made Vikram extremely jealous - a mindset that even the teacher couldn’t get rid of, despite her efforts. One night, he decided to try out a devious plan on Ram which he thought was harmless. He poured some oil just near Ram’s bed so that when he got up for practice the next morning, he would trip and fall and probably hurt himself. Sure enough, the next day, unfolded exactly as Vikram had hoped. The doctor advised Ram 2 weeks of rest which meant that he couldn’t participate in the race. Eventually, their school lost the race, while everyone secretly wished Ram had participated.

The school schedule limped back to the usual, post the competition. One day, the teacher called Vikram to her desk. She expressed her concerns about his grades as he had secured only passing marks so far. She told him that in order to move up to the next academic year he would need at least 80% by the end of the year. She decided to let one of the students in the class help Vikram out in a  Buddy System. She picked Ram for this task. Ram was very glad to be of help to Vikram. This kind gesture shocked Vikram. He wondered if Ram was mocking him or was an incredibly sincere person! Soon, Ram made a study schedule and started tutoring Vikram. In due course of time, Vikram began to realize what the other students and the teacher saw in Ram. He began to recognise that Ram was intelligent and generous, without a sense of bias. At last, he felt as though he had a real friend whom he could count upon. But  the guilt at what he had done gnawed at Vikram. Every day he would consider confessing to Ram; but was held back by the fear of losing the only friend he ever had.

Both Ram and Vikram worked hard and soon they took their exams. It was time for the results. On the day of the outcome, all the children waited expectantly and Vikram, in particular, held his breath.

The teacher announced everyone’s grades and said, “This semester, we have a surprise entry in the top 10...Vikram with 82%!!”                                               It was a glorious moment for Vikram and the first person he ran to and hugged was Ram! He couldn’t thank him enough. After school, he decided to tell Ram everything honestly. He told Ram of his terrible plan, driven as he was at that time by sheer envy. His heart was racing throughout the whole time he spoke. But to his surprise, Ram told him, “That’s okay Vik! Things happen, and I’m sure you didn’t do it consciously. Your jealousy had consumed the better part of you. You’re asking for forgiveness now, and that shows me that you’re a good person!”

Vikram was ecstatic beyond words. He was in tears and hugged Ram. His respect for Ram increased tremendously.

After this, they were more popularly known as the “Inseparable Duo”.

Honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake from turning into failure, and simultaneously gaining respect.

Honesty is very important in building trust, making friends and being a successful student. Being honest can be difficult for kids, but is important.

Rectifier @ Billabong High International School, Thane

- Pallavi Harkare, Kalpana Dodia, Rajshri Mohite, Prerna Khanna, Priyanka Iyer, Mahalakshmi Iyer

Mother - Prerna Rathod

Prerna is an educator
at The Fabindia School

She is a friend,

Helps me follow the trends.

She is the best cook,

Helps me with my books.

She is a daughter,

And our family's laughter.

She is a wife,

She gives the best vibes.

She is a mother,

Doesn't let me suffer.

She is strong,

A shoulder to cry on.

My daughter, my love.

She is beautiful,

Makes my life wonderful.

She is a candle of light,

Makes our future bright.

She came to our life like a fairy,

She is my secret diary.

She is my first love

And the biggest reason to live on earth.

                                                       

The best gift from God,

She is the Best Mom.

Sandeep Dutt: A School Coach

A school coach—sometimes called a school-improvement coach—is typically an individual hired to advise a school on how to improve its academic program, instructional effectiveness, and student performance. While a school coach acts much like a consultant, the use of the term “coach” is usually intentional—i.e., it’s meant to distinguish the school coach’s role from those of other professional educational consultants. While the specific role and responsibilities of school coaches may vary widely from school to school, there is some degree on consensus on what a school coach is, and is not, within the education community. For example, school coaches are usually mission-driven or expertise driven, as opposed to project driven, in the sense that they bring a particular educational perspective, belief system, instructional expertise, or advocacy role to their job. School coaches are often hired specifically for this reason: they are committed to helping schools achieve a specific goal, such as increasing educational equity (an ethical or social-justice goal) or expanding and improving the use of new learning technologies in the classroom (an instructional or programmatic goal). 

While school coaches may be independent contractors, many are employed by nonprofit organizations or universities, and they may be hired by a state agency, school district, or school or by an outside organization or foundation. In many cases, school coaches are employed as part of a school improvement project. School coaches may work on a fee-for-service model—i.e., they provide narrowly defined services on a short-term contract that may be renewed annually or every few months. Yet it is also very common for school coaches to be contracted for a multiyear commitment as a school undertakes a comprehensive restructuring of its academic program. 

In some cases, school coaches are described as “critical friends”—a common education term that refers to fellow professionals who are understanding, supportive, and empathetic but who are not hesitant to speak candidly about problems and provide constructive criticism about what needs to change. In this way, school coaches are similar to athletic coaches: they are experienced professionals with specialized expertise who advise, train, and mentor the team and who is not hesitant about making individuals put in the practice and hard work necessary to succeed. 

School coaches are often former educators and school administrators who can understand the workings and internal politics of a school from an educator’s perspective, although some have previously worked in other professions outside education, such as psychology, business, or communications. Coaches typically have expertise in skills such as group facilitation, interpersonal dynamics, public speaking, and conflict resolution, and they often help educators communicate, collaborate, and solve problems more productively and cooperatively. In some cases, though, a school coach will provide “coaching” on a specific issue, such as training teachers in specialized instructional techniques.

Another variation on the school-coach role is the on-staff coach—a full-time or part-time school employee who provides coaching services to educators in a local school system. While on-staff coaching may take many different forms, and job descriptions may vary widely, these positions are often created for educators with highly specialized experts who are tasked with delivering professional development to teachers. Two common positions, for example, are literacy coaches and learning-technology coaches; the former helps teachers improve the quality of reading and writing instruction in all subject areas, and the later trains teachers in how to use new technological devices and products as instructional assets.

While there are no formal credentialing organizations for school coaches, many organizations around the country offer training, resources, and support networks for school-coaching professionals.

- The Glossary of Education Reform by Great Schools Partnership is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

When I teach, I am like a ... जब मैं अपने सबसे अच्छे रूप में अध्यापन कर रही हूँ

जब मैं अपने सबसे अच्छे रूप में अध्यापन कर रही हूँ , तो मैं अपने आप को एक 'सच्चे मित्र' के रूप में देखना चाहूँगी । क्योंकि मित्रता एक ऐसा रिश्ता है , जो जन्म से  नहीं होता, बल्कि हम उसे अपनी पसंद से अपनाते हैं। हम अपनी वे सभी बातें जिन्हें अपने माता-पिता से शेयर नहीं करते, वे सभी अपने मित्र के सामने निसंकोच प्रकट करके अपने आप को तनाव मुक्त कर लेते हैं । सच्चा मित्र आँखें बंद करके हर जगह अपने मित्र का साया ही नहीं बनता, बल्कि उसका हमराह और रक्षक बनकर सदैव उसके साथ खड़ा रहता है। मित्र की सही बात पर समर्थन करता है तो गलत बात पर उसका विरोध भी करता है। गलत आदतों, गलत विचारों और गलत तरीकों से उसे सचेत और आगाह भी करता है। अवसर आने पर दीप की तरह प्रज्वलित होकर उसका पथ- प्रदर्शन और पथ- संचालन भी करता है । सही दिशा का ज्ञान कराता है। सही बात पर समर्थन करता है, तो गलत बात पर उसके विपरीत भी जाकर उसे प्यार से सही-गलत की पहचान कराता है ।जो निष्पक्ष होता है। सुख-दुख दोनों ही परिस्थितियों में सदैव हर हाल में अपने मित्र के साथ खड़ा रहता है। जो कभी भी अपने मित्र का विश्वास नहीं तोड़ता। सीखने में उसके मौजूदा ज्ञान, कौशल और अनुभवों में वृद्धि करके नए दृष्टिकोण को प्राप्त करने में उसकी मदद करता है। बातचीत की यह प्रक्रिया सीखने में मुख्य भूमिका निभाती है, क्योंकि इससे छात्रों को उनके विचारों को स्पष्ट रूप से प्रकट करने की प्रेरणा मिलती है ।आपसी बातचीत के द्वारा उन्हें नई बातें सीखने में मदद मिलती है । छात्रों की बातचीत का उपयोग उनकी समझ और प्रगति के मूल्यांकन के एक साधन के रूप में करके उसके अनुसार अपनी अध्यापन योजनाओं में बदलाव करता है।अपने नियमित कक्षा शिक्षण के दौरान भाषा सीखने का आकलन कैसे करें? इस पर विचार करता है । हमेशा अपने छात्रों को बोलने और सुनने के अच्छे नमूने देने की कोशिश करके स्पष्ट रूप से बात करके स्वस्थ वातावरण का निर्माण करता है। उत्तर देने वालों के साथ दृष्टि संपर्क बनाकर  प्रश्न पूछकर उनके उत्तरों के माध्यम से उनकी रुचियों को जानता है और उन्हें उसे व्यावसायिक रूप से अपनाने की प्रेरणा देकर उसकी सफलता सुनिश्चित करता है।
- Kalpana Jain, educator at The Iconic School