Give a child free time to wonder and to explore and to ask questions. Revathi Balakrishnan did just that and shares how she is reaping benefits
The immortal lines of W H Davies come to mind when one looks at the way today’s children go about their lives. I happened to visit a friend a few years ago and she asked me to come along as she drove her 10 year-old son to his after-school activities. We picked him up from school at 2:45 and she drove him to his art class, then to soccer and followed it up to Boy Scouts. Three activities in one day? My friend reasoned it was all about providing opportunities so that he is competitive in the future.
I am sure that some of you recognise the pace of that crazy schedule. It was just a race to craft the most accomplished daughter.
The next day, I deliberately cancelled all activities and waited to see my daughter’s reaction. First, came doubt, and then it became one of relief and elation on having a whole evening to herself.
“What do I do now?” was the refrain every half hour.
This story is from the January 2017 edition of Brainfeed.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2017 edition of Brainfeed.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Spend on Education an Investment for Future
I am fortunate that I am 18 and still not married,” said Malala Yousafzai the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. Not many in India could say so as parents force children to quit school, especially in the hinterland. It is not just girls but even boys drop out for various reasons. So much is spoken about the demographic dividend and the power of youth in India. However, this ‘power’ can only be harnessed if the children go to school.
One size does not FIT ALL
Desks in straight rows, teacher standing at the head of the class and deciding what would be taught that day, students learning with the same resources and moving at the same pace whether they are struggling or gifted is something we see. No wonder, many of our students see schools as a chore.
Enquiry Based Learning: A Student - Centric Learning Approach
The spirit of enquiry is intrinsic to human nature.Bewildered by a falling apple perpendicularly on the ground, Isaac Newton’s spirit of enquiry led him to discover the law of gravity.
Correlate Subjects for Better Understanding
Correlating subjects can be fun and at the same time enhance one’s knowledge.
Wonder Years Regained
Give a child free time to wonder and to explore and to ask questions. Revathi Balakrishnan did just that and shares how she is reaping benefits
Spend More Time With Children
Spending quality time with children and getting them involved in the daily life activities not only breaks the ice but makes them responsible, feel wanted and prepares them for life.
Its Time to Change the Way Preschools Teach
The time has come to do away with preschools and turn them into Early Childhood Centres. Integrating preschool education with training for pregnant mothers on child birth, rearing, brain development and child development can do wonders argues.
Mentor's Role in Moulding a Student
Mentoring is a professional relationship in which an ‘experienced person’ assists an ‘inexperienced person’ in developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the latter’s professional and personal growth.
Sports for Sport Sale!
As per our research and understanding, all this happens because the purpose of games has always been perceived as winning or losing.
The Agony of Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is best illustrated during the adolescent years which is noticed when youngsters follow a trend more so to ‘fall in line’. Daring not to risk defying the majority, teenagers go with the crowd- a herd mentality is what I would like to put it.
