Kids Chronicles _ Pre-Primary First Edition

NEWSLETTER Issue 01 | JULY 2020 | Pre Primary 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.Message from Principal’s Desk 2.Message from Co- Ordinators 4.Counsellor’s Corner 5.Kindergarten News 6.Virtual Birthday Celebrations 7.A Quick look at the curriculum covered 8.Valuable response from Parents 15. Teachers feedback on Virtual Schooling 19. Kids Corner 21. Informative Corner 2

In the wake of the lockdown to prevent COVID – 19 pandemic from community spread, everything including schools were shut. Adopting novel ways to continue with the learning process, we at EuroSchool are using technology to the optimum to keep our children engaged at home so they learn constructive things. We all are working from home with full enthusiasm and appreciation by the parents which has kept us motivated. We thank you for your patience with us. Click here to watch the video on Good Screen time vs Bad Screen Time -Ms. Sudeshna Chatterjee ( Director Principal ) 3

“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it.” In the light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent directives we at EuroSchool,Airoli did not want to obstruct the learning of our Pre-primary students. Seeking the cooperation of the parents we initiated a process to provide fruitful academic experiences for our children and therefore planned to go for online teaching. We believed keeping children on a routine was important. We support students as they grow, ensuring that our children will be well-rounded and well-prepared for life and learning in the modern world. Our plan was to continue with \"business as usual under unusual times.\" The initial period was onerous for our teachers as they were preparing for distance learning though online content, pre- recorded videos, taking live online classes, preparing content from home. Thus, soliciting your support, to make necessary arrangements at home (wi-fi connections, accessibility to laptops or PC’s for students, etc.), so that children could attend the online sessions. 4

As this was a new initiative by the School, the Management and the teachers tried to ensure that the learning continues. We had new challenges to face as this was a new experience for all of us, so we requested you to be a part of this journey and support us in this endeavour of ours and we can’t thank you enough for all the support each one of you rendered. Learning at EuroSchool is based on the fundamental principles of life; teaching the children to be courageous, confident, disciplined, responsible and loyal. Education at our school provides a foundation for a lifetime of learning and is great fun too. Our system of education is nothing but the preparation for life. A huge thank you extended to the entire school community of students, parents, guardians and teaching staff for your support in making this a success. We are grateful for the professionalism and flexibility demonstrated by our teaching staff and look forward to working together with you to continue to support your child’s studies. - Ms. Rekha Fernandes (Pre – Primary Co-Ordinator ) 5

‘In a flash, we moved from physical school to virtual school, from teaching in our class to teaching on Zoom. As COVID pandemic has taken the world by storm, technology is now the new normal. The education industry also has switched to online teaching and learning platforms, making learning easy, and at EuroSchool, learning never stops. Stay home, work from home and learn at home are the new realities now. I am sure that through reality technologies, I am able to cater to the needs of all types of learners and produce highest level of immersive and differentiated learning. This would have not been possible without parents support. The smile that I get to see on my children’s face is one that keeps me motivated. Ms. Karishma Gogri Assistant Co-Ordinator Pre-primary 6

Counsellor’s “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who can survive, but those who can manage to change” -Charles Darwin People are fighting each day to survive and maintain their sanity during these unprecedented times. Adapting to a major change brought about due to COVID- 19, has made alterations in many aspects of our life. There are huge changes made in the professional, social, personal and education sectors of the society. One such change that has been discussed, debated, talked, conversed and maybe even argued about, is regarding the pattern of learning. In India, while schools are still closed, parents are either home-schooling their children, or helping them with their online classes, a curriculum for which has been decided by their schools. But there seems to be some confusion around the education of three and four-year olds. Parents of nursery and pre-nursery going kids want to know if their online admissions can be deferred by a year, or should they be learning online via the classes arranged by schools, or not be doing anything at all. Some parents feel that learning during this time is not necessary at all, while some parents are of a different perspective. The early years of a child’s life is globally acknowledged to be the most critical years for lifelong development since the pace of development in these years is extremely rapid. It is for this reason that Early Childhood Education has taken on a crucial role in the overall development of a child. 7

Counsellor’s Prajodh Rajan, Co-founder & Group CEO, EuroKids International quoted the following three points in an article published by India Today- Facilitates key milestones development: Early Childhood Education must be the first step in the educational ladder and should be a part of a child’s learning journey as early as three-years-of age. The social values and personal habits acquired at this stage sets the foundation for a lifetime. Misperception about childhood education: For children, early childhood it is a time when they learn critical, social, and emotional skills and a partnership is formed between the child, their parents, peers and the teacher. Social impact: Typically, early childhood education programs have a positive impact on a child’s readiness to learn once he or she enters school. Early Childhood Education programs are known to help children further their academic careers, and future employment opportunities. When I came across the above pointers in the article, I was reminded of what I studied during my course of Masters in Counselling Psychology. One such subject that I had studied was Developmental Psychology, which studies the mental, physical and chronological growth of the child. This subject included many researches related to the importance of learning from a very young age. One such study in Jean Piaget's (1936) Theory of Cognitive Development, explained how a child constructs a mental model of the world. He disagreed with the idea that intelligence was a fixed trait, and regarded cognitive development as a process which occurs due to biological maturation and interaction with the environment. The goal of the theory is to explain the mechanisms and processes by which the infant, and then the child, develops 8 into an individual who can reason and think using hypotheses.

Counsellor’s To Piaget, cognitive development was a progressive reorganization of mental processes as a result of biological maturation and environmental experience. Children construct an understanding of the world around them, then experience discrepancies between what they already know and what they discover in their environment. In pre-schools, language and social development takes place, which helps in cognitive structing, too. They learn to wait for their turn before they can speak, impulse control, etc. Activities that involve learning doesn’t always have to be the role that teachers have to play; parents can play huge part in this too. Therefore, Euro School encourages parent-child interaction. Parents can engage children in experiential learning. Supported by research and backed by facts, there is proof that the more you keep your child engaged, the better they’ll shape up. From early development to building confidence, experiential learning has multiple benefits. Imagine that you wanted to learn how to make creamy mushroom soup. The curious thing is that you’re more likely to master the soup making if you actually try out the recipe as compared to simply watching someone make it on a cooking show! Research suggests that children, too, best learn through positive interactions and experiences. Rich and positive experiences help shape their malleable brains. In fact, 90% of the child’s development takes place before the age of six. These early years create the blueprint for the child’s physical, emotional, cognitive and social development; hence the quality and variety of experiences and interactions a child is exposed to in the early years can create a lasting impact in the 9 child’s life. It truly is a very important part of their growing up.

Counsellor’s Experiential learning is an educational philosophy and it’s all about allowing children to discover knowledge. This discovery has to then be fuelled with curiosity, facilitated exploration, and knowledge assimilation. Here are a few ways to provide rich & positive experiences for your child through experiential learning: 1. Pretend Play Participating in a variety of pretend play situations allows children to not only explore different roles in different settings but also stir up their imaginations. 2. Random conversations Personal interactions with the people and the surroundings significantly contribute to the child’s development. So, don’t let screen time take over your bonding time with your little one! 3. Play & Learn Play is the primary and most effective way for children to learn. Playtime allows children to explore and celebrate their learning. It is important for children to be provided with age-appropriate toys and books from the time they are born. Experiential learning is an approach that many educators will adopt in the coming years and positively transform the lives of many young learners. It is positive and conducive to growth and it should be a practice that’s adopted both in an institution as well as at home to ensure the child’s holistic development. Shreya Prabhu 10 Counselling Psychologist

Kindergarten News Event Celebrated Upcoming Events :- We had our first virtual event 10th August – celebration during class for our Janmashtami children which was Celebration 14th August – Friendship Day.. Independence Day Click here to watch video of our 21st August- little artist Ganpati Celebration Fun Rhymes Hey Diddle Diddle Hey diddle diddle, The cat and the fiddle, The cow jumped over the moon. The little dog laughed to see such sport, And the dish ran away with the spoon. Rock-a-Bye Baby 11 Rock a bye baby, on the tree top, When the wind blows the cradle will rock, When the bough breaks the cradle will fall, And down will come baby, cradle and all.

REYANSH VASEEM SHAIKH 12 KHAYAATI NIKHIL VALA JIYA NITIN DESHMUKH TASHI PATHAK SHRAVYA SADANAND SHETTY NIKUNJ JITESH GAJBE AYAAN YAGNICK JIYA PRAVIN AMIN KRITIKA SHYAMKUMAR NURANI KRISH MANOJ SHIRODKAR ARUSH SANDIP AVHAD SUDIKSHA GONUGUNTLA SMARAN KUNDAN MHATRE ANAGH PRANAV DUBEY DVITIKA VISHAL KANJANI NYSHA JITENDRA SURANA VIRIKA GOLECHA DARSH BOTHRA SRIHARIVEL MUDALIYAR ARJUN KRUSHNA RATHOD ISHAAN KAMLAKAR MHATRE ISHWARI YOGESH MAHADIK MUDRA MANDAR TIGADE PEARL ABHILASH PAARTH KAPOOR HRIDHAAN PANKAJ LAD KANISHK ANISH NAIR TANVI PRAKASH DEMBLA

SAKSHAM SANTOSH JADHAV VIBHA VIMAL KRISHNAN AELA DEEP TUNUGUNTLA KIARA GAURAV SHAH DHIAAN KIRAN BHADRA PRAHIL TEJAS SHAH HRIDAY MENON KIAAN RAHUL HARIA PURVI SACHIN SARVADE PURAV ROHAN BHANUSHALI RIMAL PUHI REYANSH SUDESH JADHAV RIAAN MAHAJAN KUSH JAIMIT THAKKAR RUHI DINESH JAIN VIHAAN SAGAR SHETHIYA AADITYA JAIN DIA VIRANI YAKSHIT YADWADKAR PRINCESS AMIT JADHAV AYANA SUBHASH SHETTY TVISHA TUSHAR DUMBRE WALUSCHA RITESH DWIVEDY NANDINI AMIT JUNG ADVAIT PRAVIN DESAI HANNAH ABHILASH ARSHIV KIRAN RAJ TRISHA SASHANTH SHETTY ATHARVA SHETTY VEDHAS RAJAS WARKE 13

Nursery Curriculum Covered:- Literacy :- Letters A, B, C Math Lab :- Introduction to No 1 Scientific Thinking :- All about Myself, My Family Word of the Week :- Responsible, Loving, Exciting Shape :- Circle, Color :- Red 14

Junior KG Curriculum Covered :- Literacy :- Patterns, Learning Letter ’Aa’, ‘Bb’, Time 4 Reading Scientific Thinking :- All about Plants. Animals Around Us Math Lab :- Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4 Color Buzz :- Red , Blue and Yellow Shape :- Circle Word of the Week :- Variety, Medicinal, Blooming, Shady. 15

Senior KG Curriculum Covered:- Literacy :- Vowel ‘a’ family words, Introduction to Articles ‘A & an’ Scientific Thinking :- Internal Body Organs, Feelings and Emotions Math Lab :- Learning about Tens & Ones, Number Name 1,2,3,4 and 5 Word of the Week :- Appreciate, Flexible, Clumsy 16

Vreaslpuonasbele fProamrents 17

Being a working parent, the concept of virtual learning certainly, comes as a personal boon for 3 major reasons- 1. Since all the members are house-arrested it’s a challenge for parents to create a structured environment for kids & hence establishing a routine for the children, becomes crucial. The virtual class keeps the child engaged and have a disciplined routine. 1. The teachers get the worksheets/ activities completed during the live session, leaving almost negligible burden on the parents. (There are certain institutes who share the study material on whatsapp and that becomes a taxing for the parents). 1. The best part is the strategically framed synchronous time-table balancing the learning through rhymes, stories, dance, taekwondo, puzzles, snack time, washroom-handwash breaks, prayer time. A fabulous teamwork all in all. Virtual Learning which came as a panacea for the crisis is now seen as a paradigm in education. Personally, this is a rewarding experience. 2. Kudos to the entire team of EuroSchool. - Ms. Priyanka Kotakondo Jr. F Class Rep ( Mother of Riva Kotakondo) 18

Virtual school should not be only cruising along the highway listening to some music…it’s sole purpose should be to impart meangiful education.. in which I think EuroSchool teachers are doing a fantastic job. Three cheers to the teachers who have in spite of adverse and unavoidable circumstances made it a point to turn this adversity into opportunity by means of good use of technology. There might be critics mentioning about screen timings on which I bag to differ as I am pretty sure in today’s advanced world it would be impossible to find a child not into some sort of screen viewing at least for an hour a day. I can see my child’s vocabulary and English speaking skills improving drastically in the past month. Concepts like scientific thinking, word of the week , mathlab make learning quite engaging for these toddlers. Dedicated timings for each subject, snack breaks where children learn to share their snacks virtually has all added to giving an overall simulated reality experience. Children can be seen enjoying their activities and worksheets and diligently looking forward to each activity their mentor assigns them. Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank all teachers at EuroSchool who are taking pains to create material that is engaging and preparing them for future. - Mr. Aniket Kamat Jr. E Class Rep ( Father of Advait Kamat) 19

Teachers are doing a commendable job during this pandemic situation and managing the school as well.. The classes are perfectly planned and executed!. There is a perfect balance of reading, writing and science concepts.. Learning a little bit of human body is really fascinating for the kids!! Not to forget CCA’s..kids are loving singing with Vidhya ma’am and dancing with Nikhil Sir..PE, yoga and taekwondo also keeps them alert and active.. More over the class is so interactive! Both Rekha teacher and Jaina teacher keep all the kids so involved and alert in the class…every child is given an equal opportunity to answer! The eye exercises in between the sessions is very helpful for the kids Kudos to all teachers for making the online school so much fun for the kids! - Dr. Dipal Bhatt Sr.E Class Rep ( Mother of Kavya Bhatt ) 20

In the times when regular causal co-playing and human touch have been labelled as things we shouldn't be doing, the right the education from a physical school suddenly became a matter which parents feared and worried about and immediately schools took decision to close down during the period where children begin with their new academic year. A few days later Euro School came up with video lessons for Preschoolers which the kids had to take up daily for 45 minutes with parental help. A week down through Virtual Schooling, we started to realise that EuroSchool is actually living up to anthem they preach for kids.. ’Let the tough times teach us not ever to give up, Let wisdom be the wings that will set us free & together at EuroSchool we shape our destiny..J We started to realize the fabulous jobs the teacher are doing and educating and shaping these lil minds from confines of the small zoom video call windows. The teachers have been doing a commendable efforts observing each kid through small log windows and paying attention to 35 kids continuously while imparting education through 2 hours. A big Thank you & gratitude for the balanced schooling!! - Ms. Heena Ekbote Sr. D Class Rep ( Mother of Norah Ekbote ) 21

Welcome to the new norm of virtual schooling with Euro School. To begin with a big shout to all our teachers, coordinator and all those involved for making virtual learning a grand success for our Euroites. Special thanks to their parents for their continuous support and cooperation in making this happen. Initially kids were hesitant to sit and we as parents wondered how this will go on but as time passes we are amazed to actually see our little munchkins looking forward for their days schedule and activities along with meeting their teachers with equal zest. Teachers have left no stone unturned to make sure each kid is given a fair chance to participate in activities, picture talk, alphabet song, number song etc. The whole curriculum is meticulously planned and is very well executed along with kids in such a manner that the kids feel very comfortable and enjoy every bit of it. Looking forward to more virtual learning until this global pandemics ends and physical school begins. Till then let’s continue learning in the fun way, that’s the Virtual way..J - Ms. Soumya Nurani Jr. C Class Rep (Mother of Kritika Nurani ) 22

The new normal concept of Virtual Class is really blooming well for Nursery kids. Both Jinal and Ravneet teacher are doing a great job. I think by now, kids have got a spark and have created a connection with both of them. Teachers effortlessly communicate with all kids daily, this keeps kids tied up to the session rather than being bored. Along with kids we parents also have fun watching our babies enjoying the home school. Pat on your back guys and keep going !.. - Ms. Aaradhya Tawde Nursery Class Rep ( Mother of Aurel Tawde ) 23

Teacher’s Feedback on Virtual Schooling 24

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.- Nelson Mandela In this situation of a global health crisis, the virtual system of learning has proved its merits. It offers all the traditional features of a physical classroom, including whiteboards, video task and activities. Teaching online has created an engaging and interactive experience for the students. It has offered them the opportunity to have great fun while learning essential skills and information.Way back in April, we began with our online learning through recorded lessons for our children. Later, in the month of June we began teaching them live with use of presentation, videos and games. Generally, this method is proving successful and I’m finding that as the teacher-student relationship grows, that online teaching is more rewarding in some ways. I am enjoying seeing my students growing in confidence and ability. EuroSchool Airoli, has always boosted the talent of each facilitator and ensured that it grows day to day. Various training programs, conducted under the guidance of our Director principal Ms. Sudeshna Chatterjee, has given us the confidence of teaching our children virtually. Thanking You, Ms. Melicia Serrao (Academic Lead Jr.KG) 25

Online learning is new and different for both, children and me, but it has enabled me to keep my children engaged in learning activities that will support their development, maintain a routine and stay connected with each other. As a teacher, I am also exploring so much in terms of using various technologies and designing new ideas to face challenges of implementing physical classroom curriculum content to virtual classroom content, to effectively meet the needs of my young learners. I would like to thank parents for their support and guidance that has made a significant difference in developing a deep bond which is emotionally rewarding for all of us. - Ms. Swati Patil (Academic Lead Sr.KG) 26

Online teaching has become the “new normal” in education now. Online teaching is allowing educators to be more innovative in their approach and in communicating with children. Its showcasing in real time how children can adapt to changing situations and the digital world, a good knowledge for them to have when they go out in the real world. The exposure to learning via the digital world has enabled them to open their minds and given them the ability to deal with sudden changes in the outside environment. For teachers, this has enabled us to rethink our traditional way of working, and find new ways that work for the digital medium. The perfect partnership between the teacher and the parent for the betterment of their child is garnered in this environment of Online teaching thus making this an improved way of teaching. The great Malala Yousafzai once said “I will get my education if it is in home, school or any place.” - Ms. Aishwarya Trichur 27

Alert: Corona Virus: No schools from tomorrow (for children and teacher both) …………………………… We teachers were upset, we could not say goodbye to our children. And then the news came ‘VIRTUAL CLASSES’. It looked like a cake walk when we spoke about it but it was way more challenging technically then we thought. We had to look for easier ways of teaching with the limited resources that we had and make sure that our children understand and also have fun. But now that we have spent a month teaching our little ones ONLINE, we our now confident about it. Most of us are now able to troubleshoot the technical problem too, when faced. Teaching online is a fascinating opportunity for both the teachers and children as during times like these we are able to meet each other and bond with, like we would have done in the physical class. It has been a fun and a great journey learning so many new things so far and hope we meet our little ones soon with big hugs, but till then see you ONLINE. - Ms. Sanjivanee Kaur Tetra 28

Kids Corner Rhyming Riddles You wear me on your head and I rhyme with cat. (Hat) I say ”oink” and my color is pink. (Pig) I say “quack” and I rhyme with truck. (Duck) You can fly me in the sky and I rhyme with white. (Kite) You have ten of these and they rhyme with rose. (Toes) 29

Kids Corner 30

Kids Corner Join the dots and color the picture 31

Inforcmoranteirve 32

FLUORIDE & DENTAL HEALTH Flouride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water and soil. Fluoride helps to rebuild weakened tooth enamel by remineralization. It is important to maintain health of teeth. Flouride protects teeth by Slowing down the loss of minerals from tooth DR PRIYAL VIRANI enamel (BDS),IFUIBE •Reversing early signs of tooth decay (FRANCE), •Preventing the growth of harmful oral bacteria DIRECTOR at TRISA DENTAL Fluoride is commonly used by dentists to strengthen SOLUTIONS the outer layer of teeth (enamel) to prevent cavities. (MULUND). www.trisadental.in INCORPORATING FLOURIDE FOR KIDS Fluoride at home –The easiest way to include fluoride for kids at home is by using a fluoridated toothpaste once the kid is 3years old or above.Flouride toothpastes cannot be swallowed and shouldn’t be introduced for kids who haven’t learned to rinse and spit out. Dr Priyal Virani recommends daily usage of a pea size fluoridated toothpaste like Cheerio/Kidodent for kids above 3years of age. Fluoride application at clinic- Just like we give vaccination to prevent certain diseases, Fluoride treatment by dentists once a year for the kids helps prevent tooth decay to a very great extent. Fluoride treatment is an absolutely safe, painless and easy in-clinic procedure in which the correct concentrate of fluoride is coated onto the teeth surface. It should be done for kids as soon as milk teeth erupt. Regular fluoride application once every year from age of 2 years up till 12 years of age will go a long way to prevent tooth decay in kids33.

Nachani Paneer pancake Nachani(Ragi) is a super food. Its rich in protein, calcium and iron. Ingredients : v 1 cup Nachani (Ragi) flour v ½ cup grated low fat paneer v 2 tbsp besan v ½ cup finely chopped onions v ¼ cup chopped coriander v 1 tsp green chilli ginger paste v 2 tsp oil or ghee for greasing and cooking v Salt to taste Method:- Combine all the ingredients with approx. 1 cup of water in a deep bowl and mix well. Heat a non-stick tava (griddle) and grease it with ¼ tsp of oil. Pour a ladleful of the batter on it and spread it in a circular motion to form 125mm diameter thick circle. Cook it using ¼ tsp oil or ghee, till golden brown spots appear on both the sides. Repeat steps to make more pancakes. Serve immediately with green chutney. Variation : You can use grated carrots instead of onions. 34

Oats and mixed Nut Granola Ladoo Ingredients : v 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats v 1 tbsp finely chopped walnuts v 1 tbsp finely chopped almonds v 2 tbsp sesame seeds v 2 tbsp ghee v 2 tbsp chopped jaggery v ½ tsp cardamom powder v 2 tbsp low fat milk Method : Heat a broad non stick pan, add the oats and dry roast on a medium flame for 3minutes. Remove and keep aside to cool completely. Heat the same broad non stick pan, add the sesame seeds and dry roast them on a medium flame for 2 minutes. Keep aside and cool completely. Heat the jaggery and ghee in the same broad non stick pan, mix well and cook on a slow flame for 1 min, while stirring continuously. Transfer the jaggery mixture into a flat plate and allow it cool slightly. Add the roasted oats, sesame seeds, almonds, walnuts and cardamom powder and mix well. Add the milk and mix very well. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and roll out each portion into a round ball. 35

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