Child Parent Connect E-Magazine (May, 2021)

1 EU S S I 1 2 0 2 / 5 0 CHILPARCO Children Parent Connect - Mother's Day Edition

© Letters from the readers & suggestions, Advertisements in Child Parent Connect E-Magazine are Welcome at [email protected]

© I have always wondered what dreams are made of, why do Alka Mahajan people dream and how does it connect to reality. Strong Founder and Director convictions, strong support systems, like-minded friends, a goal Chilparco to bring about a transformative change coupled with one's dreams to actualize them are a winning combination, dear readers- as one stops living when one one stops dreaming. The euphoria of releasing the first edition of Chilparco's e- magazine Child Parent Connect is absolutely unparalleled. \"If there is a rainbow to be touched for a moment or life to be enjoyed- Do it- do it now! If there is a dream to be realised or someone to be surprised, Do it ,do it now!!\" The editorial team of Chilparco has been a dynamic power house of energy ,ideating, supporting and that made the journey of bringing out the first edition so worthwhile. Our aim is to make the world a beautiful place by our new age parenting theme of blending with the trends.Meeting our children half way in our relationship together letting them nurture us as we nurture them ,learning exploring, experimenting, innovating, travelling, eating, praying, organising together. Remember in the old playground game Simon' says with children sitting in a circle emulating Simons every action? How well your child will be able to learn will depend entirely on the parent. The magic begins when instead of pointing out the way to your child walk each step with them. Happy Parenting! For the gorgeous mommies out there- a very happy Mother's day to the queen of our hearts!! We are what we are because of you! Our first edition of child parent connect is dedicated to our lovely mothers!! Gratitude to our friends and well wishers for supporting our endeavours. Cheers

© The Editorial Team

© Mathews K Thomas Founder Happy to know about the launch of your e magazine. I am All India Educators Forum sure this endeavour to connect AIEF. parents and kids will be a blessing to many. The changed times needs inititiatives like this to foster and blossom good relationships. Best wishes Alka Mahajan mam for your new venture. This e-magazine will definitely benefit a lot of parents in overcoming challenges which they face in their daily lives. With your experience as an acclaimed educator and your versatile knowledge the magazine is something which we are looking forward to. Once again hearty congratulations and all the best for your mission to reach out and make a difference.

© Mr. Ravi Shankar. Founder of Igniting Dreams of I applaud the efforts of Ms Alka Mahajan and team Chilparco on the launch of the young Minds first edition of their monthly magazine- Child- Parent- Connect. Parenting in the new normal is fraught with challenges and the right direction coupled with perseverance and patience can go a long way in the nurturing of young minds and igniting their passions , giving wings to their creativity!!!! Kudos for a job well done. Hello, its Magy Hijazi from Lebanon . I Magy Ali Hijazi am a biology teacher at Kamal Salhab Educator, Microsoft Expert from Public School and Imperial College Lebanon Hosh in addition to being a technological trainer. On behalf of my organization and my country , I would like to wish chilparco - a new age parenting forum best of luck in all of their achievements . blessed efforts Much love and respect Magy hijazi

© Parenting is a journey where the Ms Nina Arakal family moves from one vehicle to Founder Mind and Me the other. The rides may Happy life coach. sometimes be slow, sometimes fast and most of the time bumpy. The extremely exciting part of this journey is that there is no destination. One doesn't 'arrive' anywhere. The happiest moments are the now moments and these can be the most precious gift from a parent to a child. Focusing on the 'now' makes the rest of the journey smooth. Enjoyyyyy! I wish Alka Ma'am and the entire team of Chilparco all the very best for all future endeavours

© Principal Anny John Maulana Azad Memorial Parenting means rearing of English medium school a child or children with care love and guidance given by a parent.A good parent is someone who encourages the child to do something right he/she enjoys doing, provides them with protection and care inorder to ensure their healthy developement into an adult, instills in the child strong ethics of life, corrects the child when he is wrong, teaches the importance of respect and hardwork and imparts to the child a will power to face the different phases of life. Warmest congralutations on your achievement Alkaji. Keep up the good work. Best wishes for the launching of CHILPARCO magazine.

© Once again, my heartiest congratulations to the team for this As a parent to a young daughter and laudable effort because now parents someone who has a strong bond with his parents, I strongly feel that parents need and children both will CHILL to nurture the all round development of together with CHILPARCO! their child and help them develop a confidant personality. Exposing them to stories from our culture, history and mythology, informing them of issues, both national and international, introducing them to new animations and being a part of their cartoon watching time and playing games with them helps on a big scale. In short, every parent should go the extra mile because when you do so, you stop being just parents and end up becoming something much more valuable and important - their 'Friends'. In this context, I would like to congratulate the wonderful Ms. Alka Mahajan and the entire team of Chilparco for coming up with a fantastic initiative and launching the first edition of their monthly magazine, Child Parent Connect. I genuinely believe that this magazine Mr Suhail Mathur will be the first of its kind and will usher Award winning author in a revolution in the literary space, The Book Bakers which has been bereft of a magazine on such a pertinent issue as well as on this scale. Having gone through it, I can vouch that the magazine is not only informative but also acts as a handy guide that can help enhance the parent and child relationship.

© The Learning Stem School, Pipariya, Madhya Pradesh.

©Ecstatleicamrnoinmgents of

© Q. What makes Learning Stem different? / about School? A. The Learning Stem International School is a stem of a tree that branches out to the world of education, learning and wisdom. The school believes in developing a strong value based education model that helps establish strong foundation and orientation for learning, curiosity and inquisitiveness for various disciplines like language,science,technology ,mathematics etc.Our motivation is to give a space in which each student finds and understands his/her full capacity. Through our institute we try to develop all round advancement of characteristics that will cultivate strong academic, social and imaginative aptitudes. Vision Our vision is to be a learning school that ignites inquisitive minds. Mission Our mission is to nurture the students to become successful, responsible and ethical global leaders with a passion for lifelong learning who aim to make the world a brighter place full of compassion, curiosity and creative fire. Q. How is the quality education and inclusive education ensured? A. *training school managers, leaders, principal and teachers to better support each child; * providing better teaching methods and skills; * partnering with families and supporting them to improve their parenting skills; * strengthening children’s self-esteem and raising their educational aspirations; improving parents-teacher communication; * enhancing community support for education. Q. The relevance of co-scholastic and scholastic activities? In order to ensure overall development of students, both Scholastic and Co-Scholastic activities aspects need to be given due recognition. All-round development of the child’s personality includes the assessment in Scholastic as well as Co- Scholastic aspects. Continuous assessments to ensure that the students get knowledge of the academic subjects is very necessary to measure scholastic development whereas Co-Scholastic Activities, on the other hand, develop knowledge of the society which involves Life Skills, Work Education, Visual and Performing Arts, attitudes and values. The school's focus is to design the curriculum including scholastic and co-scholastic activities so as to facilitate the students acquire skills to face the challenges in their life.

© Q. Share your online teaching experiences? A. Necessity is the mother of invention – goes the saying and this is when the concept of smart teaching, digital technology and online teaching has come to the rescue. The school has been conducting live online classes ever since lockdown was announced.  The school has subscribed to G-suite for Education from Google and all its teachers and students are having their own individual id's under school domain where they have access to variety of features like virtual classes on google meet, email access for all, digital content uploaded in the form of educational videos, notes, pdfs as per lesson content in google classroom for each subject and for each class. Teachers are adapting themselves well to this challenge and the students seem to lap up the lessons well. Online tests are being conducted .Concepts are being taught in the form of Power point presentations, recorded video and audio lectures. Study material and notes are being uploaded regularly . Teachers and students both have upgraded their skills. The only flipside is that the screen time has increased significantly.

© Let us view this short video and then or standard XII the grading of games contemplate where we went wrong as makes the students not only comprehend Educators... the concept but grasp it and then https://www.youtube.com/watch? implement it in their day to day life. v=dqTTojTija8 The following video not only justifies but also reinforces the above conviction. Have we ever wondered why our https://www.youtube.com/watch? children abhor school or the education v=uvyUUDp4zNY system? It is neither rocket science nor an The point is, are we allowing our children enigma that needs to be unravelled; it is to think both creatively and out of the just the complacency of the educators, box, while learning the techniques of where they feel the system is functional problem solving? If the game Mario Cart- and is churning out professionals, but 8 was able to teach 10 year old Gryffin fail to acknowledge whether deep Sanders how to safely maneuver a car in learning is taking place along with the oncoming traffic, at 60 miles an hour, matching the prerequisites of when his great grandmother collapsed due employability. to a heart attack, then how are we justified in ignoring the importance of You cannot teach today the same way games in the teaching-learning process! you did yesterday to prepare students for They are absolutely pivotal. tomorrow. -John Dewey The following is a link for kids to see the examples of the various games for Let us look at one aspect of infusing life learning new concepts. These can be into the classroom. The secret is played physically. adopting Gamification, in simple terms https://afineparent.com/gift- every concept is taught through a game. guides/learning-games-for-kids.html Whether you are in pre-nursery

© when using game based learning 54% of teachers believe that game They can be online games as shown in the following article: based learning is essential for pedagogy https://www.gettingsmart.com/2016/12 /the-7-great-educational-online-games/ Gamification reduces the pressure on What are the benefits of Gamification? the children, the teachers and the parents or caregivers who help the 1. It’s based on fun and frolic and is students with their academics. simply engaging and interesting. CAUTION: 2. It’s an interactive method of Gamification is such a useful aid and learning as opposed to being a tool to facilitate learning, but there is passive student in the classroom. a flip side to it: 3. Cognitive and motor skills 1. It is not practical to use developed Gamification for Learning at all 4. Audio-visual impact and digital times. The students must know understanding that sometimes traditional 5. Coming to know if you have methods are required to teach. 2. Too much screen time is not good comprehended the correct option for the children, it stresses their 6. Problem solving and Critical eyes. thinking involved 3. Getting hooked to games must be 7. Creativity and imagination honed 8. Deeper Learning as opposed to avoided. 4. Giving choices is very important. superficial understanding 9. Student friendly and easy to The same games can result in boredom, resulting in poor understand learning by the students. 10. New games can be custom made as 5. In today’s world where per the needs of the students adaptability is needed, getting Statistics have shown that 74% of hooked to a device or a particular teachers globally use digital games for way of learning is not such a good improving the process of learning idea. 93% of instruction time is consumed

© Gamification should not only include digital games. Students must get involved in physical games too to learn a concept. These games do not require much expenditure or preparation time and the learning outcome is no different than using digital methods. Simple games like Hopscotch, Seven Tiles, Dog in the Manger can be improvised to teach innumerable concepts and ideas. The games must be simple and easy to comprehend and the learning outcomes should be clear. The process must take the students from the known to the unknown gradually, encouraging them at each level. Please remember that in the Teaching-Learning process: IF IT MATTERS TO YOU, IT STAYS WITH YOU!

©

© The marvel of Creation is a Mother. She lives for others, is the first one to get up early in the morning and the last to retire for the evening. She accepts her child with open arms, no matter what. Before I can tell her my pain, she already knows. For her I am the most exquisite child and she never compares me to another. She conceals my foibles and shortcomings but is firm when I waver from the right path. She will sacrifice her everything for me and stand by me when the world has shut its doors. If I have committed the gravest error and then go to her, her first thought would be whether my child has eaten any food. Mom I can never thank you enough for those sleepless nights in hospitals where you were always by my side. Mom there is no one quite like you and I can never express sufficiently how much I love you! Stay blessed Mom... ~Dhira Madan

© “Kids have the power to change the too. Aadya is leading an initiative world. They are known to be the called Right Green where she great changemakers” educates the people about how to Every year we celebrate earth day on grow native plants and maintain the 22nd April. It started back in 1970s. ecosystem. She says, “if you want to bring a change you need to go out and But in 1990s the earth day celebration went global covering 200 do it yourself” million people of over 141 countries. Rakesh Krishna K a 15 yrs old boy made a seed sowing machine called In 2000 the earth day celebration seedographer which sows seed at recorded over 5000 environmental fixed distance. This saves time as it groups and 184 countries. 2010 sows quick and fast. According to him showed up 193 countries with 75000 this machine is eco-friendly and will promotes dry sowing and lane system global partners. In 2020 50th which will save 50% water. He has anniversary of earth day was made an innovation where it will not celebrated and almost everyone is only help mother earth to get the working hard to save the earth and green cover but show the beauty of celebrate this day with full enthusiasm involving the young blue colour i.e., water. changemakers too. Kids takes lot of Kumari Prasiddhi Singh, a 7-year-old enthusiasm to show their love for mother earth. There ways are social volunteer from Tamil Nadu planted 9,000 trees to feed birds and different. Aadya Joshi from who converted squirrels and give fresh fruits to junk lot into a beautiful garden. The everyone. She is founder of Prasiddhi garden has native plants which attract variety of species of insects, Forest and created 8 fruit forest in birds and animals. This not only schools and public places. At this age protects the species but there habitat she is trying to change the world around her and saving earth.

© Eiha Dixit a 6 years old girl from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh spread awareness about Plantation & its advantage and works for the welfare of environment and society. She planted 2500 sapling on her 5th birthday creating a record. Licypriya Kangujam is a 10 years old child environmental activist from Manipur India. She is one of the youngest climate activists working globally and has addressed world leaders at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2019 (COP25) in Madrid, Spain asking them to take immediate climate actions. There are many more environmental kids’ activists whose names should be mentioned one is Greta Thunberg, Ridhima Pandey and Aditya Mukarji all working on different aspects to protect our environment and celebrate the earth day in their own ways. These kids are the real changemakers that are influencing the lives of millions of people. At such an age if they can be revolution makers why cant we grown be. Come and make your child also play his or her role to protect mother earth if you want to live a healthy and beautiful life in coming years.

© The alarm rang at 5:30am!!! She’s a working mom. Mom Was switched off and rang and her daughter Moon. And promptly at 5:45am and then the reason she laughed so again at 6:00am! She groaned. hard is that nothing felt more Opened WhatsApp with half- messed up and chaotic than one eye and the first thought her current life and yet it was that flashed across her wine- just right. And she had Moon. filled rem-induced Broca’s And that was all that area in the frontal lobe was, mattered. Mission Moon. “Damn!! I am 40 today!”. And there is no forgiving that She herself didn’t know how sentence. None. she did it every day. She She yawn-smirked with mixed didn’t know how she would feelings, set the dog out onto get up in the mornings, after a late-night corporate the balcony, waddled to the kitchen, hydrated herself, put sundowner and get not only a kettle of water onto the Moon looking presentable and stove and tried to pour out her set for school, but herself as feelings to the brewing well! Hair, make-up, clothes- Darjeeling Tea. The tea was that-can-shame-a-20-year- just right. Just like the 40 old-wannabe-model-category, years of her life that had just grown-up banker shoes… but gone by. Just right. There was she did. no judgement here. She laughed loudly.

Mo©m herself didn’t know how panache. She attended Investor events and she did it. She made birthday parties with breakfasts and packed complete elan and she lunches, got a reluctant and a squirmy Moon to sit down and finished her day job and eat said breakfasts, while rushed home to start her simultaneously preparing harder, more demanding herself mentally for emails and job of coordinating and tasks and actionable that were overseeing study classes, waiting for her at her desk, cooking dinner, having the read her business papers and did a spot of meditation… but all-important table conversations, all the while she did. Mom did school runs, deftly smiling and trying not to navigating the morning traffic feel too bad about the better than M. Schumacher moments that she has and then hauled herself across the city (or sometimes even missed. Mom cooed over Moon’s feisty adventures of further inter-state) to wherever her meetings were the day, refereed skirmishes with maids and scheduled and arrived on time… but she did. the house elders, read bedtime stories all the Mom fielded terse board room while ensuring that the meetings, pediatrician uniform shoes and books as per the timetable are all in appointments, moody PTMs, order, finding time with Moon’s violin classes and testy Moon’s daddy…..but she conference calls with equal did.

© Mom didn’t know how she did it. She gulped down the Darjeeling Tea. The manic laugh had changed to a chuckle as she finished her reminiscences. She took a deep breath, wore her sneakers and leashed the dog. 40 is just another number, another day. She is Mom and her Mission Moon had just about as started. She still had a long way to go, but right now, the dog needed a run!! ~ Sanchita Mukherji

© Stress doesn't have to ruin your life or your health. In Reduce your caffeine intake times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to “Caffeine - The gateway drug” keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks. High doses can increase stress and anxiety something positive Physical Exercise Write it down “Good things come to those who sweat!” \"You can make anything by writing.\" Exercise is one of the most important things you can One way to handle stress is to write things down. do to combat stress. While recording what you’re stressed about is one approach, another is It might seem contradictory, but putting physical jotting down what you’re grateful for. stress on your body through exercise can relieve Gratitude may help relieve stress and anxiety by focusing your thoughts on what’s positive in your life. mental stress. Activities - such as walking or jogging that, involve Chew gum repetitive movements of large muscle groups can be For a super easy and quick stress reliever, try chewing a stick of gum. One study showed that people who chewed gum had a greater sense of particularly stress relieving. Supplements wellbeing and lower stress. One possible explanation is that chewing gum causes brain waves “Be the kind of person who takes supplements - then similar to those of relaxed people. Another is that chewing gum skip the supplements!” promotes blood flow to your brain. Several supplements promote stress and anxiety 7. Spend time with friends and family reduction. Here is a brief overview of some of the most Social support from friends and family can help you get through common ones: stressful times. Lemon balm: Lemon balm is a member of the mint Being part of a friend network gives you a sense of belonging and self- family that has been studied for its anti-anxiety worth, which can help you in tough times. effects. 8. Learn to avoid procrastination Omega-3 fatty acids: One study showed that medical “Procrastination is the thief of time!\" students who received omega-3 supplements Another way to take control of your stress is to stay on top of your experienced a 20% reduction in anxiety symptoms. priorities and stop procrastinating. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an herb used in Procrastination can lead you to act reactively, leaving you scrambling Ayurvedic medicine to treat stress and anxiety. to catch up. This can cause stress, which negatively affects your health Several studies suggest that it’s effective. Green tea: Green tea contains many polyphenol and sleep quality. Get in the habit of making a to-do list organized by priority. Give antioxidants which provide health benefits. It may lower stress and anxiety by increasing serotonin yourself realistic deadlines and work your way down the list. 9. Practise yoga levels. Aromatherapy “Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your “Sensual aromatherapy is powerful stuff!” practice, the brighter your flame!” Some scents are especially soothing the mind. Using scents to treat your mood is called aromatherapy. Yoga has become a popular method of stress relief and exercise among Here are some of the most calming scents: all age groups. Lavender While yoga styles differ, most share a common goal to join your body Rose and mind. Vetiver Yoga primarily does this by increasing body and breath awareness. Roman chamomile 10. Listen to soothing music Neroli Listening to music can have a very relaxing effect on the body. Sandalwood Slow-paced instrumental music can induce the relaxation response by Ylang ylang Orange or orange blossom helping lower blood pressure and heart rate as well as stress hormones. Geranium ~ Durga K Nair.

© From Greece with Love Let’s Play Boomwhackers “Learn English through Music and Play”. ~Effie Bachtsevana Learning with my Boomwhackers method aot only that they can be “whacked” without Following my pioneering teaching method worrying about damaging them but also, and most students learn to beat the rhythm, and to play importantly, that they can be used in many sorts of melodies and harmonies. All BW activities in my books are presented as games, so in most activities, from games, lessons and seminars to cases we work in groups, not alone. The BW performances. activities encourage the students to Who are they intended for? communicate, to be creative, and to express Βoomwhackers can be used by teachers and themselves. This means that they learn English educators, in day care centres, kindergartens, and Musical concepts through Play in a simple, primary and secondary schools, universities, teachers enjoyable way. They learn to co-ordinate, training schools, vocational training institutions, concentrate, co-operate, take group decisions, language schools and music schools. They are an and have fun doing it. My ΒW method promotes extraordinarily useful tool for special needs and phys‐ group spirit, since they learn to wait their turn, ical education teachers, for leaders of team building to accept rules and/or create their own, to as- activities and human resources and communication sume leading roles within the group, to reach seminars, for musicians and performers, and are common decisions, and to help one another. highly recommended for any group that simply wants Students get creative through collaboration, to combine learning and fun. critical thinking and communication. ot only that they can be “whacked” without worrying Their main feature is that my method is easy to about damaging them but also, and most importantly, use, even for small children, who gain real and that they can be used in many sorts of activities, from immediate knowledge through play, as they games, lessons and seminars to performances. experience the sounds produced by their tapping. Who are they intended for? What are boomwhackers? Βoomwhackers can be used by teachers and They are tuned plastic tubes, of different educators, in day care centres, kindergartens, lengths and different colours but all with the primary and secondary schools, universities, teachers same diameter, which produce musical sounds training schools, vocational training institutions, when struck against a hard surface (e.g. knees, language schools and music schools. They are an floor, wall, table, chair). Each sound produced extraordinarily useful tool for special needs and phys‐ by a BW corresponds to a specific note on the ical education teachers, for leaders of team building diatonic and chromatic scale. The particular activities and human resources and communication note produced by each tube depends on its seminars, for musicians and performers, and are length. highly recommended for any group that simply wants The size, durability, light weight and low cost to combine learning and fun.

© Second part: We work rhythmical. We combine the rhythm, the movement and the speech. We learn the quarter note, the eight note and the pause. We use them in different rhythmic activities. We tap our names, favorite food, games and phrases. We become a team and play many and different rhythmic beats. Always in a form of play. Third part: We learn how to play a song with an easy and enjoyable way. You don’t have to read the notes but all you have to know is when and how many times you have to tap your BW.

© It all started, or should I say character in God’s divine plot revived, with the will to keep of affairs. With COVID ourselves busy. ‘IT’ here refers PANDEMIC pan world to the marathon to read books. Don’t judge me when I use the engulfing our hearts & souls word ‘marathon’. I do not refer with fear, anxiety and to it as a ‘race’ nor do I refer to it as a ‘competition’. I refer to it uncertainty we have been in terms of attaining , achieving forced to revisit our goals and more than one would think one could. The intention was to aims in life. In the desire to surround ourselves with positive achieve more we unknowingly thoughts, not allow pessimism in any form touch our lives. So, lose a little of ourselves. why not delve deep into stories, Books help us pause. Books become the characters, live their help us revisit the need to lives, revisit their decisions, self-introspect. Books keep us contemplate upon what else sane. And yes, these books could these characters have don’t have to be ‘self help’ otherwise done in the situation books always!! Read along they were thrown in. But little did we realise or in fact should I and see for yourself how say, we momentarily forgot that books added meaning to our we too are playing the role of life. So here I present to you characters in the realm of a …………………………….. ‘Me, larger plot. Aren’t we all playing My Mom & Books’…I hope you enjoy reading this piece the role of a miniscule of writing.

© character in God’s divine plot of affairs. With COVID PANDEMIC pan world engulfing our hearts & souls with fear, anxiety and uncertainty we have been forced to revisit our goals and aims in life. In the desire to achieve more we unknowingly lose a little of ourselves. Books help us pause. Books help us revisit the need to self-introspect. Books keep us sane. And yes, these books don’t have to be ‘self help’ books always!! Read along and see for yourself how books added meaning to our life. So here I present to you …………………………….. ‘Me, My Mom & Books’…I hope you enjoy reading this piece of writing.sixty degree turn for her. Now, one may say, her whole world had ended, that is if one chose to look at it in that way!! Or one may say, she had the whole time in the world, with all her responsibilities now over. The loss of a companion may lead to a loss of interest in the world around. But that was not how we chose to look at it nor allow her to look at life with that perspective. It took us all time to come to terms with this loss. It took us almost two years to get back to the humdrum of life and redirect ourselves with positivity. So slowly, gradually, she started reading the books she found in our home. The options she had to choose from were … Tinkle, Tell Me Why, Enid Blyton, Goosebump Series, Roald Dahl etc .. these were from my son & nephew’s collection of books. Slowly, she graduated to ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul Series, a number of religious books, some

© from ISKON Temple, some from her ‘Satsang’ Group. She even started writing what ever she learnt during the ‘Satsang’ Sessions. And I must say, her handwriting is immaculate and rhythmic!! It would not be an exaggeration to say it even surpasses the beauty of the printed word. Last Diwali, I bought her a set of books to read seeing her interest. The glee on her face and the shimmer in her eyes were brighter than all the ‘diyas’ and candles that lit that night. from ISKON Temple, some from her ‘Satsang’ Group. She even started writing what ever she learnt during the ‘Satsang’ Sessions. And I must say, her handwriting is immaculate and rhythmic!! It would not be an exaggeration to say it even surpasses the beauty of the printed word. Last Diwali, I bought her a set of books to read seeing her interest. The glee on her face and the shimmer in her eyes were brighter than all the ‘diyas’ and candles that lit that night.officially a part of the Book Club but yes she does keep tweeking about what she thinks about the books, the characters, how she found ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ a bit philosophical. Her reviews are welcomed and interesting. The emotions with which she expresses her dislike for a character or a plot is at times hilarious. The most funny part of this whole exercise is …ask her if she wants me to buy her any book to read, she will always say I don’t need any book, I have a lot of things to remain occupied with. I will recite prayers and attend Satsang to remain connected with God. But mind it, she will .

© keep a watch on the pace at which I am reading a book, she keeps a track of the position of the bookmark in the book I am reading. And the moment the Amazon delivery boy rings the bell to deliver the next book she will ask sheepishly, “So, Ritu you have read the earlier book? Where is it?” and then I ask her with a curious teasing tone “But, why do you ask Mumma, you don’t need any book to read, why do you ask?” And then what would you expect. My dear friend she will not go away without the book instead she will go marching inside pick up my book and give me a threatening glance …don’t you dare not share this book with me!! Remember, I told you she was happy to receive a set of books for Diwali, but even then she kept saying, I don’t need them, I have a lot of religious scriptures to read. Yet, her glee escaped her façade and before I could challenge her claim, I saw her flipping the pages of one of thenew set of books curious to know what lie between those pages. No doubt it is difficult to understand a woman but to understand your mom!! I leave it for you to decide!! So this is ‘Me , My Mom and Books’ the unspoken bond of love through the conduit of the written word.

© Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress” A classroom is a microcosm of the universe, an excellent space to inculcate practices that can help students throughout their adult lives.The focus of the present-day education system has shifted from a teacher-centric approach,to a student-centric approach with each student being at the helm of their learning process.Today the the teacher is not the sole holder and diffuser of knowledge but adopts a collaborative learning approach,that involves two or more individuals coming together to understand a common learning concept and complete a common task .This also help teachers to attune to the needs, goals and strengths of students.Students also understand early that individual goals fit in well within a larger set up, and can be furthered and enhanced through collaboration and engagementThe learning thus acquired can be meaningful ,and can inculcate life skills and critical thinking skills. An open mind , willingness and to collaborate , the availability of technology ,not only makes collaboration easier but also helps to fulfil the real purpose of education – nurturing responsible citizens who can collaborate with their fellow denizens to solve complex social, economic and political problems In fact collaboration in learning is an extension,

© Tarot Musings “Whoever said life was fair?” The point to recognize is that life isn’t unfair either. Life is fragile. The important thing is to acquire the habit of happiness. The key is not to fall prey to ‘magical thinking’ that life will be better as soon as you pass the next milestone. If this is your approach to happiness, it’s almost certain that you’ll be disappointed. Happiness doesn’t operate on a schedule. If you’re waiting for the right time to be happy, chances are you’ll wait forever. Conversely, you must learn to accept setbacks, without thinking of them as permanent conditions. If you simply recognize that, you can make happiness a habit.

© ARIES You are in the process of changing your life but are perhaps concerned about the consequences. The changes made will be radical and may involve losing face or having to start again from scratch in a more humble position than the one you are used to. You may even have to end a love relationship or need to change something about your life so that you can unleash your true potential. It will be scary at first, but in the long run you’ll realise you couldn’t have had it any other way. Tarot insight: Embrace changes to rediscover yourself. Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Blue, Number-4, Fragrance- Jasmine, Flower- Dahlia TAURUS A positive month indicating a strong sense of promise and achievements. All you need to do is give it your best shot and keep the faith brimming. You will find yourself interested in global affairs and there will be chances of embarking on a journey of a lifetime which will lead to a life-changing experience. You will meet your ultimate partner, find the perfect vocation and there would be no turning back. Look forward to brilliant success in relationships and all creative enterprises. Expand your horizons both emotionally and physically. Tarot Insight: Be objective about yourself and your goals. GEMINI Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Pink, Number-3, Fragrance- Enjoyable, lively and busy times ahead that will engage Rose, Flower- Primrose you emotionally. You could become swept up in a creative or artistic venture into which you put your heart and soul and which will bring rewards and honours galore. A wonderful opportunity involving travel will be lucrative. If toying with the idea of following a new path or trying something different, go ahead fearlessly. In love, its time to open up, be more sensitive, play a romantic game and indulge in the most fanciful and protean of love’s experience. Tarot Insight: Follow the dictates of your heart. Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Blue, Number-2, Fragrance- Musk, Flower- Tulip

© CANCER Feelings of lassitude and boredom will overpower you and life will cease to offer you any challenges. Nothing delights you or gives mental satisfaction. There may be disillusionment after someone has let you down or betrayed you in some way. You may lose all faith in people because your trust has been abused, and you are bitterly telling yourself that you will never put yourself in similar circumstances in the future. Be aware that serious and honest self- reflection is necessary to restore balance. Tarot Insight: Knowing what you want is the first step towards getting it. Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Brown, Number-8, LEO Fragrance- Sandal, Flower- Pansy Rejoice! You can now free yourself from any circumstances that don’t suit you. Whether it is a relationship, job, self-doubt or fear, you can break free and open yourself to new possibilities or cut loose from self-imposed bonds. Events and people will come into your life and lighten it up. Excitement will be generated and planned parties and celebrations are well-favoured. However it is advisable not to overdo the sheer self- congratulation and socializing bit and steer away from the reality. Money flows in easily. Tarot Insight: Free yourself from others’ expectations and regain self-worth. Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Orange, Number-4, VIRGO Fragrance- Citrus, Flower- Sunflower Material comforts and a secure financial base are the offerings for you this month. You may be given a valuable heirloom or be asked to take care of something that will be kept in the family for years to come. This is a good time to rely on your friends and family and to believe that they will do what they can for you unconditionally. A house move can have favourable financial implications so don’t hesitate to implement this idea. A sound future investment may be in store. Tarot Insight: Recognize your traditional values for future security. Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Green, Number-10, Fragrance- Cedar, Flower- Lotus

© LIBRA There is a challenge coming your way and out of that challenge you can make something better of your life. There would be a need to reach a tough decision about something and you may have to harden your heart and be cruel to be kind. Once your mind’s made you will be unwilling to contemplate any other option. You will experience emotions on a very profound level, whether you are happy about something or in the depths of despair. Falling in love will have a transformational effect on you. Tarot Insight: Cut through illusions to face reality. Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Cream, Number-9, Fragrance- Woody, Flower- Gladiola SCORPIO Your stoicism will enable you to be a fast thinker and being realistic about what can be achieved and what is best avoided. It is your intellectual knowledge and astute way of looking at the situation that will get you results. However, you may also indulge in a fault- finding spree as you want to meticulously complete the project at hand and may feel that others involved are not living up to your expectations. Remember if you can express your logical side tempered with a healthy dose of realism you will be able to achieve targets easily. Tarot insight: Avoid being vulnerable to emotional pain. Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Golden, Number-7, SAGITTARIUS Fragrance- Lemon, Flower- Marigold It is time to handle affairs judiciously and honourably. You will be able to see through the fog, get to the heart of the matter and resolve conflicts through the power of your thoughts. Pitting your wits against others will not scare you as you know your ideas are sound. Synthesize any emotional sensitivity with your current ability to articulate and analyse a situation. The know-it-all individuals might make you feel intellectually squashed by using the power of approval and disapproval to control you. Your prudence will rescue you. Tarot Insight: Intuit and learn to go with the flow at times. Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Silver, Number- 4, Fragrance- Vanilla, Flower- Carnation

© CAPRICORN An important phase has begun and needs to be carefully nurtured if it is to develop in the way you wish. You are at the planning stage and your actions can make all the difference between success and failure. You will soon hear news that will affect your material status and some money is on its way to you. Job seekers will get something that will tide them over until something better comes along. A test taken will give delightful results. The feeling of ‘let’s get on with the job’ will land you a new career or enterprise, or a chance for greater clarity within a relationship. Tarot insight: Understand your limitations for diligent working. Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Indigo, Number-5, Fragrance- Plum, Flower- Daisy AQUARIUS Your belief in the dictum that God helps those who help themselves will ensure that you complete difficult jobs extremely well. There will be no danger of being exploited or taken for a ride as you are perfectly able to stand up for yourself when necessary. You will quite effectively tick off colleagues if you think they are jeopardising a project. Financial matters and investments, property and the land will take up a lot of your time. Your sensuality and passion will keep the romance ignited in your life. Tarot insight: Your unpretentious lifestyle will get you respect. Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Purple, Number-1, Fragrance- Lavender, Flower- Orchids PISCES You will feel let down in love, betrayed and emotionally hurt and for a while it would seem that the world is unjust. You will wallow in self-pity and suffer alone, thinking that you are the only one to feel these feelings. Good-old logic and reason seem to be passé. But if you examine your issues with care, talk to others and realise that others also suffer, it can lead to a better understanding of yourself and others. Take a reality check about your irrational feelings stemming from insecurities. Tarot insight: The triumph of logic over emotion will lead to clarity. Wealth Enhancers: Hue- Grey, Number-3, Fragrance- Pomegranate, Flower- Hibiscus