FROM OUR DESK
Encouraging Open-ended play
Open-ended play helps their imagination peak and creates the ability to think abstractly building creativity and intelligence. Emotional and social skills develop as children indulge in role-play. This in turn strengthens their understanding of the world they are in. Open-ended resources are important for students because they promote critical thinking and independent learning. They encourage students to explore and delve deeper into topics, rather than just providing simple answers. Open-ended play encourages children to question, examine, and experiment. As they try out different ideas and solutions, children learn how to assess situations and make thoughtful decisions with less help from adults. Engaging in this type of play encourages creativity, problem-solving, language development, and social-emotional intelligence.
Swapnali Medhekar
Center Head
Kanakia Kids
English
Introducing pictures associated with the letter 'f' during the English session was a valuable step in phonics instruction. It helped learners associate sounds with corresponding visual representations. Having learners trace the letter 'f' with a board marker is a practical hands-on activity. This provided a kinesthetic experience that can aid in their understanding of letter formation.
A focus colouring activity was conducted which was a great way to engage learners and reinforce their listening skills. It also encourages them to pay attention to details and follow directions accurately. Conducting a palm printing activity to recap the letter /f/ is a creative and hands-on approach to reinforce phonics. Having learners create a fish through palm printing not only engaged their artistic skills but also reinforced the association between the letter 'f' and its corresponding sound.
Math
The teacher introduced the number '6' along with its value. Also, the activity was conducted using popsicles, where learners counted and arranged six popsicles. This provided a hands-on experience to reinforce the concept of the number '6'. Learners were engaged in an activity where they counted objects and coloured them. After introducing the colour 'Blue', an assignment in the worksheet book was done where the learners circled objects that were blue in colour. This reinforced colour recognition. A recapitulation activity was done where learners traced the numbers 4 and 5 in their notebooks. This helped reinforce number formation. A sorting activity was conducted at the numeracy center where learners used tweezers to sort pompom balls. This activity improved fine motor skills and reinforced sorting and categorization concepts. Introducing the number 6 through a threading activity was a fantastic way to engage learners in hands-on math practice. Having learners count and thread 6 beads not only reinforced their understanding of the number 6 but also promoted fine motor skills and concentration.
Theme
Introducing the topic of roadways with the help of flashcards was an effective way to provide visual context and engage learners in the subject matter.
Providing pictures of vehicles and asking learners to identify and name them was a hands-on approach that reinforced their understanding. It allowed them to actively participate and make connections between the topic and real-world examples.
Jr.Kg
English
During the session, learners did a recap activity related to the letters 'u' and 't' where they had to draw pictures associated with the letters in their scrapbooks. Learners also drew different patterns like wavy lines, mountain lines and bumpy lines on the art sheet using crayons.
The teacher introduced the letter /b/ using flashcards and concrete objects which was an effective way to provide visual and tactile learning experiences. Learners did tracing of the letter 'b' in colourful sand which was a hands-on activity that reinforced both letter recognition and formation. It engaged their senses and helped them internalize the shape of the letter.
Math
Introducing the concept of missing numbers during the Math session is a crucial step in developing numerical reasoning skills. Learners were assigned an activity in the worksheet book to practice the concept of missing numbers which provided them with hands-on experience and reinforced their understanding.
Recapitulating the concept of the colour white by having learners circle pictures that are white in colour was a valuable exercise in colour recognition.
Theme
Conducting a recapitulation role-play activity during the theme session was an excellent way to reinforce knowledge about community helpers. Having learners dress up in costumes related to different professions and speak about their roles, vehicles, and uniforms adds an interactive and engaging element to the learning experience.
This activity not only reinforced information about community helpers but also encouraged public speaking skills, creativity, and role-playing.
Sr.Kg
English
After introducing the blends, a recapitulation activity was conducted where the learners had to identify the correct blending sound on the flashcard and place it under the correct category. The teacher also introduced opposite words using flashcards and concrete objects. Later learners did an assignment in the worksheet book of matching the opposite words.
Math
Introducing the colour orange through the mixing of primary colours red and yellow was a hands-on and engaging way to teach colour theory. Having learners mix yellow and red poster colours to create orange not only reinforced colour recognition but also provided a practical lesson in colour blending. Showing objects that are orange in colour further reinforced the concept and allowed learners to make real-world connections.
Learners wrote number names from 21 to 30 in their notebooks which was a great way to reinforce numerical recognition and writing skills. Introducing the concept of addition using a hands-on approach like counting fingers is a practical and engaging way to teach basic math operations. Having learners participate in an activity where they count and write numbers in a worksheet book reinforced their understanding of addition.
Theme
A picture talk activity was conducted during the theme session. The learners were encouraged to speak a few sentences associated with the picture. This activity helped them express themselves but also promoted observation, critical thinking, and language development.
Literacy circle
Nursery- Engaging with the story "Dot" and encouraging learners to describe what they see in the pictures is a valuable comprehension exercise. This not only helped them understand the story better but also fostered their ability to articulate their observations.
Playing the role of "sound detector" added an interactive element to phonics instruction. It challenged learners to actively listen for specific sounds and associate them with corresponding letters.
Jr.Kg- A recap activity was conducted of the recycling game with anagrams like "int" for "tin" and "tac" for "cat" which was an effective way to reinforce spelling and word formation skills. Learners were assigned the role of Literacy Luminaries in this activity not only added an element of fun but also encouraged them to take ownership of their learning. Recapitulating the reading of the story "Tom Cat and Jim Rat" with a focus on phonics and word recognition was an excellent way to reinforce comprehension skills. Having learners play the role of Word Wizards to identify and circle the animals in the story, along with their names, further engages them in the text and promotes close reading.
Sr.kg- Bookmarks for reading.
Using a bookmark helps kids learn to mark and organize their reading time and If handmade it gives a sense of pride and ownership over the creation which in turn helps to develop their love for learning. This week our little learners made their bookmarks with their names and unique illustrations on them. Later, they learned how to use a bookmark while reading, its importance and how using it helps them easily return to the previous reading session, our little learners were very happy to use it.
Art
Nursery
Encouraging doodling as a creative activity is a fantastic way to foster observational skills and artistic expression. Allowing the learners the freedom to observe their surroundings and doodle their favourite objects provided a personal and engaging experience. It not only promotes creativity but also serves as a mindful practice, allowing the learners to connect with their environment in a unique way.
Jr.Kg
Introducing the concept of creating patterns is an excellent way to engage learners in observational and creative activities. Encouraging learners to observe their surroundings, such as dresses and walls, provides real-life context for identifying patterns. This hands-on approach helps them connect theoretical knowledge with practical examples.
Sr.Kg
Demonstrating how to overlap shapes is a great way to introduce the concept of layering in design. Emphasizing balance and unity in shapes provided learners with a foundational understanding of composition. Introducing new visual art vocabulary expands their artistic language. Learners created their own designs using shapes which encouraged independent thinking and application of the concepts taught. Allowing learners to choose their own colour scheme empowered them to make creative decisions and express their individual style.
Yoga
Introducing yoga to children in a lying-down position is a great way to start. It helps them get comfortable and allows for a gentle introduction to basic yoga poses. Having the children watch and observe the teacher demonstrates the poses effectively. This visual learning experience helped them understand the movements and positions.
The fact that the children enjoy and engage with the yoga session shows that this activity is both enjoyable and beneficial for them. It not only promotes physical flexibility and relaxation but also encourages mindfulness and focus.
Event.
The Diwali celebration at Kanakia Kids was a vibrant and culturally enriching event that allowed our young learners to experience the joy and traditions of the Festival of Lights. The school was adorned with colourful paper lanterns and hand-crafted Diyas that created a festive and welcoming atmosphere. These decorations provided the children with a visual introduction to the spirit of Diwali.
Learners came dressed in traditional Indian attire which allowed them to experience the cultural diversity and dress of India. The day started with a storytelling session, where a teacher narrated the story of Diwali, explaining its significance and the legend of Lord Rama and Sita. The children were engaged and listened with great interest. Learners also exchanged greeting cards with their peers and wished each other Happy Diwali.
Let's celebrate the festival in the true sense by spreading joy and light up the world of others. Have a happy, safe and blessed Diwali!