GIGI BYTES-EDITION 12

FROM OUR DESK

Phonics Readiness and Early Reading Habits

At the preschool stage, children begin their beautiful journey into the world of language and literacy. Phonics readiness plays a vital role in helping young learners connect sounds to letters, forming the strong foundation required for reading and writing success. In our classrooms, phonics learning is introduced through engaging songs, sound games, storytelling, flashcards, and interactive activities. Children learn to recognize letter sounds, identify beginning sounds in words, and gradually blend sounds to read simple CVC words. These early experiences make reading enjoyable and meaningful rather than mechanical.

Equally important is nurturing early reading habits. We encourage children to explore books independently, listen attentively during story sessions, and discuss pictures and characters with confidence. Exposure to print-rich environments helps them understand that words carry meaning and stories spark imagination. When phonics is taught in a joyful and structured manner, children develop stronger listening skills, better pronunciation, improved vocabulary, and growing confidence as emerging readers. Most importantly, they begin to see reading not as a task, but as an exciting adventure. Together, as educators and parents, we can cultivate a lifelong love for reading—one sound, one word, and one story at a time.

Swapnali Medhekar

Center Head

Kanakia Kids,Mira Road

NURSERY

ENGLISH

Learners enthusiastically revised phonics sounds from A to Z through interactive activities, songs, and oral practice, enhancing their sound recognition and recall. They also practiced writing the letters h, r, and m, focusing on correct formation and pencil control. These meaningful experiences supported early reading development, strengthened listening skills, and improved fine motor coordination within an enjoyable and interactive learning environment.

MATH

Learners were introduced to the shape semicircle using flashcards and board illustrations. Through guided tracing and hands-on desk practice with marker pens, they explored drawing the shape independently. Writing numbers 1 and 2 was reinforced with emphasis on recognition and correct formation, followed by worksheet practice to consolidate learning. Oral counting from 1 to 20 using classroom objects further strengthened number sense and built confidence. Learners are gradually developing greater accuracy in number formation and counting skills up to 20.

THEME

Learners explored various pet animals and learned about their homes, sounds, food, and young ones through engaging activities. They observed vibrant visuals, listened to animal sounds, and confidently identified each animal with great enthusiasm. A lively rhyme on pet animals was introduced, and children recited it with expressive actions. This enriching experience enhanced vocabulary, listening skills, memory, and early environmental awareness while making learning joyful and meaningful.

JR.KG

ENGLISH

This month in English, our Jr. KG learners enthusiastically explored CVC (consonant–vowel–consonant) words through interactive activities. We began with a recap of the “a” and “e” word families, revising familiar words through reading games, flashcards, and sound recognition exercises. Learners also practiced writing “e” family CVC words with a focus on correct letter formation and phonetic clarity.

The “i” word family was then introduced, helping children identify and pronounce the short vowel sound in simple three-letter words. Guided writing practice and engaging worksheets reinforced blending skills and independent word formation. It has been wonderful to see our learners growing in confidence as emerging readers and writers.

MATH

Our young learners actively participated in hands-on activities that strengthened their foundational math skills. They were introduced to the number names Seven and Eight and practiced reading, spelling, and writing them neatly in their notebooks. Learners also completed the Fill in the Frames worksheet, enhancing their counting and number recognition skills.

Additionally, they practiced writing the numbers 43, 44, 45, and 46 in correct sequence, while reinforcing the concept of place value through guided board work. In the More or Less? worksheet, learners compared numbers to identify greater and smaller values, developing logical thinking. Overall, they showed growing confidence and active participation in understanding number concepts.

THEME

Our young learners enjoyed exploring animals and their habitats. During the recap session, they confidently spoke about an animal of their choice, describing its habitat and sharing interesting facts. They completed the “Connect the Dots” worksheet , strengthening number sequencing and fine motor skills. Learners were introduced to terrestrial animals such as lions, elephants, dogs, and tigers, and aerial animals like eagles, parrots, sparrows, and butterflies. Through interactive discussions, they confidently recalled examples and described where these animals live. A fun quiz video on YouTube added excitement to the session. The week concluded with a creative origami dog activity, enhancing concentration, creativity, and coordination. It was a joyful and enriching learning experience.

SR.KG

ENGLISH

This week focused on revision and reinforcement of key language concepts. Learners recapped “this” and “that,” revised opposite words, blends, and jumbled words, and practiced writing them in their notebooks. They were introduced to “here” and “there,” along with singular and plural forms, followed by written practice. Sight words were also revised to strengthen spelling and word recognition. Overall, the sessions enhanced reading fluency, understanding, and writing skills.

MATH

Learners practiced number names from 10 to 100, strengthening recognition and spelling. Key concepts such as biggest/smallest, long/short, full/empty, and after/before/between were revised through workbook activities. They were introduced to vertical addition through number stories and solved sums independently. Learners also revised 2D and 3D shapes, practiced writing numbers 91–100, and understood the concept of hundreds, tens, and ones. The week strengthened number sense, logical thinking, and conceptual clarity.

THEME
Learners explored animals based on their eating habits. They learned about herbivorous, carnivorous, and omnivorous animals through discussions, workbook exercises, and story-based learning. Writing animal names in their notebooks strengthened vocabulary and spelling skills. The sessions enhanced classification skills, critical thinking, environmental awareness, and overall conceptual understanding.

ACTIVITY

Nursery

This week, learners practiced writing letters A–Z and numbers 1 and 2 on their desks using marker pens. This engaging, hands-on activity strengthened their fine motor skills while reinforcing early letter and number recognition in a fun way. In their journals, children showcased their creativity by drawing their “Best Birthday Cake Ever.” They delighted in designing colourful cakes with candles and decorations, confidently expressing their ideas through art. This activity nurtured imagination, boosted self-confidence, and encouraged early storytelling skills.

Jr.Kg

During activity time, our little learners enthusiastically took part in a creative drawing session where they illustrated their favourite animals. They added colourful details and expressions, confidently showcasing their imagination. This activity enhanced fine motor skills while encouraging self-expression and confidence. At the center table, learners engaged in a pattern completion activity. They carefully observed and continued the given patterns with focus and accuracy, demonstrating good concentration and logical thinking. This hands-on task strengthened their understanding of patterns and sequencing skills in a fun and engaging way.

Sr.Kg

Sr. KG learners enthusiastically participated in a new and engaging activity where they copied sentences from the TV screen into their English notebooks. With focus and excitement, they carefully observed each word and wrote it neatly. This activity enhanced their reading skills, letter formation, spacing, sentence structure, concentration, and confidence in independent writing.

READING PROGRAM

Nursery

Learners expanded their vocabulary and revisited previously learned sight words through the engaging story “I Can Run.” The story was presented interactively using the Fitzroy Readers app and also read from the reader book during the session. The teacher introduced the text with vibrant visuals, followed by shared sentence reading to encourage active participation. This enriching experience enhanced reading fluency, listening skills, and vocabulary development while building learners’ confidence as emerging readers.

Jr.Kg

During the Reading Programme, learners were introduced to the story “The Bus Stop” using the Saar application. They listened attentively and participated in discussions, identifying the characters, setting, and sequence of events to strengthen comprehension and listening skills. Through guided questioning, learners shared their understanding in their own words, building speaking confidence and language development. Visual support from the application enhanced engagement and helped them connect pictures with meaning. They also recognized simple words from the story, supporting vocabulary growth and early reading readiness.

Sr.Kg

Learners enjoyed an interactive Reading Programme session filled with stories and sound activities. They identified sight words, practiced blending sounds, and used picture cues to strengthen vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension. The session nurtured a love for reading and built confidence as emerging readers.

HORTICULTURE

Nursery

This week, learners discovered the fascinating process of seed sprouting. After soaking the seeds and hanging them in muslin cloth, they eagerly observed tiny roots beginning to emerge. This hands-on experience helped them understand the early stages of plant growth and the essential role of water in germination. The children were excited to witness nature in action and learned how seeds gradually grow into young plants.

Jr.Kg

During the horticulture session, Jr. KG learners revisited aquatic plants and recalled that they grow in water. They discussed examples such as lotus, water lily, hydrilla, duckweed, and water hyacinth, and remembered that some float, some grow underwater, and others remain rooted in mud. Learners also recapped that these plants grow in ponds, lakes, and rivers, and discussed their importance in providing oxygen, shelter to aquatic animals, keeping water clean, and enhancing environmental beauty. The session reinforced their understanding of plant habitats in a fun and interactive way.

Sr.Kg

During the horticulture session, learners lovingly cared for young saplings by watering them and observing their growth. They learned how sunlight, water, and soil help plants grow. This hands-on experience nurtured responsibility, patience, and environmental awareness while fostering a deeper connection with nature.

MUSIC

Nursery

Our Nursery learners joyfully explored the fascinating world of animals and birds through a fun and engaging action song. Through singing and rhythmic movements, children learned the names of different animals and birds, along with the sounds they make. They enthusiastically imitated their movements, which enhanced listening skills, coordination, and motor development. The session also introduced simple ideas about where animals and birds live, nurturing early awareness of habitats. The activity encouraged confidence, active participation, and joyful learning through music.

Jr.KG

Learners explored the theme of Fur and Feathers through a lively and interactive animal song. The song highlighted animals with fur and birds with feathers, helping children observe and understand their physical features. Learners attentively listened, identified different animals, and joyfully enacted their movements. This engaging activity supported observation, classification, and vocabulary development while helping children recognize similarities and differences among living creatures. Music made the learning experience enjoyable, meaningful, and memorable.

Sr.KG
Learners explored different types of weather through a cheerful and informative song. They learned to identify weather conditions such as sunny, rainy, windy, and cloudy, strengthening both vocabulary and understanding of the natural world. The children actively sang along and expressed weather conditions through actions and gestures, enhancing listening, expression, and confidence. This musical experience made learning about weather fun while promoting observation skills, communication, and active participation.

PLAYLAB

Nursery

Learners had an exciting session in the Play Lab, exploring block building, pole connections, and shape-matching activities. These hands-on experiences strengthened fine motor skills, spatial awareness, visual discrimination, and problem-solving abilities. Through collaborative play, children developed teamwork, coordination, and confidence in a stimulating and engaging environment.
Jr.KG
During the Play Lab session, learners enthusiastically engaged in hands-on activities and interactive games. They explored tens blocks by counting and forming number combinations, strengthening their number concepts, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. Children also built tall towers with soft blocks, developing hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, teamwork, and perseverance. In addition, they participated in a shape segregation activity, reinforcing their understanding of basic shapes and improving observation skills. The session was filled with creativity, excitement, and meaningful learning.

Sr.KG
Our Sr. KG learners had an engaging Play Lab session filled with exploration and creativity. Through hands-on activities involving building, sorting, and creating, they strengthened fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and imagination. Play-based learning encouraged confidence, social interaction, and joyful discovery.

Nursery

Nursery learners practiced the Happy Baby Pose in a joyful and relaxed environment. This simple and playful pose helped children stretch gently, improve flexibility, and develop body awareness. The activity also promoted relaxation and emotional well-being, making the session both calming and enjoyable.
Jr.KG
Junior KG learners practiced the Downward Dog Pose with enthusiasm. This energizing pose helped improve balance, build strength, and enhance concentration. Through guided practice, children developed better coordination and focus while enjoying a fun and active yoga session. Sr.KG
Senior KG learners practiced the Bow Pose as part of their yoga session. This engaging pose helped improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and support better posture. The activity encouraged focus, discipline, and confidence while making fitness an enjoyable experience for the learners.

ZUMBA

Nursery
Our Nursery learners enjoyed a lively and energetic session that began with fun warm-up exercises and stretches. They then danced to the “S-Cool” song, practicing simple Zumba steps together. A partner ball balance activity followed, where children worked in pairs to balance and move the ball, promoting teamwork, balance, and coordination.

Jr.KG

The Jr. KG Zumba session started with an energetic warm-up to prepare learners for movement. They then performed a lively routine to the song “Hooray,” confidently following the steps along with the music. The session concluded with small group performances, helping to build confidence, coordination, and teamwork while ensuring lots of fun.
Sr.KG

The Sr. KG Zumba session began with a structured warm-up to enhance mobility and prepare learners for the workout. They practiced the Zumba songs “Run Run” and “Freezer Song,” learning the steps through a breakdown method with counting, followed by a recap round. A fun freeze-and-dance activity added excitement to the session, making it both energetic and enjoyable for all learners.

STREAM EXHIBITION
Our school successfully conducted the STREAM Exhibition on Saturday, 18th February, providing learners with a platform to showcase their understanding of Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Students confidently presented their projects and models, explaining concepts clearly and responding thoughtfully to questions.

The exhibition promoted experiential learning, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. Parents appreciated the preparation and conceptual clarity demonstrated by the learners. The event reflected the collaborative efforts of students and teachers in fostering inquiry-based learning and academic excellence.