ReTHINK INDIA INSTITUTE

Vaishali Parikh

WHAT MAKES ME A PROGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL

The role of a Principal is vital since I am responsible for creating healthy young minds which are pillars of tomorrow’s world. I promise to create an environment in school that encourages students to learn subjects efficiently and come out with flying colors. I also take up the task of finding out special talents of students and mentor them in creating a pathway in that direction. I guide, mentor and coach students to make them successful in life. I help the management by budgeting efficiently and by maintaining a safe and healthy environment for a collective growth of the resources. I strongly believe that the smooth and efficient operation of an educational institution lies in the hands of the captain named as Principal and I continuously give my best efforts to nurture and bring out the best talents in the world.

MY MISSION AS A PROGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL

I remain “Committed To Excellence In Education”. Children need to be guided to achieve their proficiency in skills through joyful activities. Each child should be developed harmoniously and holistically by emphasizing on his/her physical, cognitive, emotional, aesthetic, social and spiritual needs.  Children should get the freedom and space for individual expression and growth to become self-reliant, self-motivated and a confident human being. 

INTEGRATED CURRICULUM 

At Anand Niketan Bhadaj Campus – the child is at the core of all activities. All stakeholders are responsible for designing the core ideas for making the environment child friendly so that learner should be happy while learning in classrooms. 

We start and finish every day with an emotional and spiritual orientation by greeting in circles whereby teachers greet students, students greet each other.  We all sing a prayer and greet the whole world and send a thought (a message) of peace, love and harmony to the whole world.       Students who have birthdays are greeted specially.    

A Mental Orientation is done in the classrooms if it pertains to specific subjects or is done collectively when a common matter has to be discussed.  The Quote of the Day extolling daily wisdom is written and discussed. We have our “Wisdom Book” where all such quotes are assembled together for reference. The Program for the day elaborates upon what we are going to focus on during that day. We give them patterns for managing the day in terms of day planning and following the plan.  

Everyday we have a closing assembly whereby Reflections of the day as in emotional, mental, spiritual are made. What we did, how we did, self-comprehension and self-estimation is done.  We ask students to be focused on what skills they developed during the day, what they could do better than yesterday and what do they feel they have to improve. We finish the day by expressing gratitude to all around us and around the world.         

INTEGRATION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTO EDUCATION THROUGH FACULTY

In today’s dynamic world, there is a need for integrating entrepreneurship with education. Entrepreneurial skills such as to decide, plan, initiate, organize and innovate and most importantly, the courage to face risk and uncertainties in the external competitive world are required to be embedded in every child. Understanding this at Anand Niketan Bhadaj Campus we give ample opportunities to spearhead various activities like – HEALTHY SOIL— HEALTHY FOOD —–HEALTHY LIFE. 

Organic farming supported by biodynamic framework is practiced encountering increasingly incurable disease both in humans and plants, deteriorating soil quality, frustrating prices etc. They grow and market healthy food and encourage other farmers to do so. They even retail organically grown grains, pulses, fruits, vegetables under the brand name of “Ecovitals”. Value addition has tremendously helped them in establishing a good market. Students experienced the practice of biodynamic framework. Farming done without disturbing the environment and welcoming the unpaid workers like earthworm, honey bee, and many more insects, animals and birds which helps in farming. Farmers harvesting crops by themselves instead of machineries. For biogas plant cow dung used from their cattle rearing. No chemicals or pesticides used. The students saw their house surrounded by variety of plants, exported from all over the world. The wind chime reflected positivity in the atmosphere. Students were surprised to see that there was live music from 7 am to 7 pm for the plants. This experience helped them to work efficiently on the Organic Farm. 

Students planned and made the rows to sow seeds with the help of gardener. Seeds were planted by students and they learnt the importance of team work and persistence. Regular visits by students to garden with younger students were made to observe the progress in the Farm. Vegetables are now used in our kitchen. We will be soon increasing the size of our Vegetable Garden after the success of the small farm

PROBLEM SOLVING & CRITICAL THINKING AMIDST THE FACULTY 

We give strong emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking skills by devising activities for all age groups right from age 3 to age group of 13. Few example- Jal House presented a historic exhibition of Ahmedabad and a creative craft exhibition using waste items. Prithvi House promoted healthy living and ‘Satvik Aahar” for healthy and long life giving message that stick to our own cultural food and importance of it. They also challenged parents with tricky Math puzzles. Young environmentalist of Vaayu House promoted the theme of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Students showcased fantastic artistic side while exhibiting their art gallery. Vaayu House students distributed cloth bags to the parents appealing for “Do not use carry bags, Use cloth bags” to save environment. Budding scientist of Agni House presented fulfilled science experiments and hands on scientific models. They also amazed parents with tongue twisters, puzzles and crosswords in their English is a funny language zone.

GROUP WORK AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS AMIDST THE FACULTY

As an educationist I strongly believe in developing each child harmoniously and holistically by emphasizing on his/her physical, cognitive, emotional, aesthetic, social and spiritual needs and development. It’s a very powerful feeling children experience when they realize that they can make a difference in someone’s life.  Charity becomes more esteem boosting when the money donated is earned by the children themselves. With a vision to impart values in our students, holiday assignment “Khari Kamai” was given. Students earned money by doing household chores like cleaning their room, mopping the floors, washing the cars, buying vegetables and fruits etc. Library books and stationaries were bought from this money and were donated to the underprivileged children, educated by “Saksham”. Also student’s purchased gifts for old age home people and brought a smile on their lonely faces. Each and every student was overwhelmed with the feeling of joy when they stood true to the above quote. They still continue to do the same and advice others also. An endeavor to promote the qualities of teamwork, cooperation and independent spirit in children we organize ‘Night Stay’ for students of Grade 2 to 7. Students spend the first half of the day enjoying various field trips to upgrade their social and academic knowledge, the later part of the day concludes with the kind deeds of charity by students. I strongly believe in thought that doing well to others doesn’t just help others; it boosts the child’s confidence, happiness and health too. To make thought more real, students are motivated to perform various small household chores and in return earn money, which they term as Khari Kamai. The money earned by this Khari Kamai is used in buying library books for underprivileged kids educated by ‘Saksham’. 

UNDERSTANDING & ACTION BASED LEARNING

Anand Niketan, as the name suggests is a place of great joy and happiness. It is the aim of each and every staff member here to ensure that our students are joyful whenever they are in school. However, we make a clear distinction between the simple happiness that comes from doing the easy and comfortable things and the deep joy that engulfs us when we step out of our comfort zone, take risks, put in the sweat and tears and amaze everyone around us. That is the kind of joy we want our students to experience in school. We want our students to be bold in their lives after school and so we want them to be bold in their lives in school. We want them to anticipate and accept the grave discomfort that comes from doing the right thing even when and especially when they are alone. We want them to feel enriched not by taking from the world but by contributing to it.    

Anand Niketan has always rejected the notion of students competing against each other because we know that won’t really help them reach their true potential. Contrary to popular belief, competition does not push students to be better, it pushes students to be better than others. This is a flawed mindset because just being better than the next person in not enough. It isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. The real potential of each student is vast and it can only be tapped when the student embarks on a journey of personal development; competing against himself/herself to be the best he/she can be. Hence, our goal in non-competition is not to protect the students from hurt or difficulty but to throw them into an arena where they are competing against their most difficult adversary – themselves. We truly believe that each child is brilliant and can do wonders if freed from the chains of just trying to be better than everyone else.  

COLLABORATIVE & COOPERATIVE LEARNING PROJECTS FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT

At Anand Niketan we strongly believe in collaborative learning. We try to collaborate certain activities where both collaboration and cooperation happens for development of child as a independent individual like – Buddy Teaching. Buddy teaching (Pair Learning) is most effective method where child is learning from each other. We need to know the students’ strengths and weaknesses of complete class. One can be paired with a strength which is a weakness of other child or vice versa. For example, If one child is good at reading and other child is good at writing we can make their pair and give tasks to children accordingly to help each other. Buddy system really helps children to accept each other and sharing and helping each other. Sports activities, Drama, etc.

EDUCATION ACCENTUATING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY 

“Leadership is an action, not a title”, I strongly believe that education accentuates Social Responsibility and Safeguards Democracy as in Expressing dissent & Difference of opinion boldly without fear of retribution and for this at Anand Niketan Bhadaj Campus gives space to students to develop their individuality through various activities. Student do that with joy and explore themselves to various leadership Programmes such as Student Council whereby all students participate in elections to constitute student council. They hold meetings with agenda and also take the decisions for nominations of their house candidate. After nominations election campaign starts where children express their vision and mission of their role in school council to their fellow friends. Through this elections students select their Head Boy and Head Girl.  This election process gives them the insight of being a responsible student who knows whom to select and give them an idea about democratic governance.

DESIGN & DELIVERY OF A LEARNING ECOSYSTEM WHEREBY HIGHLY PERSONALIZED LEARNING ACCOUNTING IS DONE FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL’S PERSONAL GOALS

According to me each child is guided to achieve Proficiency in Skills through Joyful Activities. Our primary aim is to develop each child harmoniously and holistically by emphasizing on his/her physical, cognitive, emotional, aesthetic, social and spiritual needs and development. The school focuses on the attainment of full potential of every child, within and outside the classroom. Our teachers plan effectively to help the child enhance his/her listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Through a well-structured and methodical curriculum, the school focuses on each child’s total personality development, conceptual ability and skill enhancement – a place where questions from children are encouraged and teachers guide them to answers. Every child gets freedom and space for individual expression and growth to become self-reliant, self-motivated and a confident human being.  

INTEGRATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS INTO THE DAILY CURRICULUM

“Life isn’t about getting and having, it’s about giving and being”. All kids are born with an innate sense of charity and compassion. But just as we give our children opportunities to use their other skills when they’re growing, we need to give them opportunities to enhance their values, so that they become really good at giving too. It’s a very powerful feeling children experience when they realize that they can make a difference in someone’s life. Charity becomes more esteem boosting when the money donated is earned by the children themselves. With a vision to impart values in our students, holiday assignment “Khari Kamai” is given. Students earn money by doing household chores like cleaning their room, mopping the floors, washing the cars, buying vegetables and fruits etc. Library books and stationaries are bought from this money and is donated to the underprivileged children, educated by “Saksham”. 

Also students purchase gifts for old age home people and bring about a smile on their lonely faces. Each and every student is overwhelmed with the feeling of joy when they stand true to the above quote.  With a vision to impart values in our students, summer holiday assignment are given where students are asked to help at least five needy people. Wonderful presentations are given by students which display their concern for needy people. 

FUTURISTIC SELECTION OF SUBJECT CONTENT 

Every year, new academic starts with excitement and enthusiasm. We have started a new system ‘Supportive Scheme System’. In beginning of June first week we conduct a training session with teachers on child centre activity based lesson planning. The sessions focus on lesson planning and time management. The importance of research and finding different topic related information through different sites using internet is emphasised upon. Pair work by children is also introduced whereby children start sharing and ensue discussion among their peers expressing their own thoughts and learning how work in a team. Model lesson plan really gives a clear idea to teachers as to how to do lesson plan. 

LIFELONG LEARNING AND SOCIAL SKILLS OF FACULTY MEMBERS

In order instill a sense of national pride and patriotism amongst the students as well as respect for the Great Indian culture and tradition we promote various events which in turn open up the path for lifelong learning and social skills of one and all.  

1. Birthday of Anand Niketan Group of Schools and it is a day etched with tradition and history. On this day, we reflect on the early days of the school and how far we have come as a school community. The day starts with a Havan as our Foundation Day tradition followed by activities conducted by students.     
2. Celebration of Janmashtami festival whereby the little butterflies and busy bees of K1 and K2 come dressed as Krishna and Radha entertaining the school with their amazing performances. The teachers decorate the colorful Krishna Jhoola and the secondary students perform Matki Phod with great joy. Students of K1 – G2 then visit the Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple. The celebration ends with fresh ladoos in the form of Prasad.    
3. The Annual Day at Anand Niketan Bhadaj Campus brings about of the value of humanity present in us in the current technological era. Students take various themes and present humanity in the techno world. It is a grade wise performance for the students of K-1 to Grade 3 while House Wise for the Grade 4 to 8. The theme “BEING HUMAN” basically showcases the effect of technology on Education, Health, family, Culture, Traditions, Lifestyle etc. The students showcase their excellent talents and the audience gets mesmerized with the amazing dance and drama performances of the students. The students salute the national flag and pledge themselves to uphold the integrity of India. 
4. The school initiated “The Eco School” campaign whereby the teachers and students took a vow to support the Eco School programme. Waste management, water management, vegetable garden and bio-gas plant programme running in the school by Eco-school committee is explained by the Eco-school volunteers. Children promise to follow the project with the help of their volunteers. The programme concludes with the school song and National anthem.  
5. Children take the opportunity to thank their Grandparents for their love and support by celebrating the “Grandparents Day”. The programme starts with a prayer followed by dance performances by our K-1 & K-2 little ones. The pick of the whole event is the peppy dance moves shown by the grandparents when they dance with their grandchildren on stage. Later grandparents spent time in their grandchildren’s classes where they share stories, participate in drawing and singing activities. Overall they are very happy to once again come to school and revisit their childhood. Whole atmosphere of our school is filled with love, joy and affection. Grandparents leave the school campus with tears of joy in their eyes and leave behind a lot of blessings.  
6. #SpecialAssembly, #Portlog, #Rangoli #ClassroomDecoration, #DeliciousFood, #FunMusic. A spirit of togetherness is celebrated at our campus during the Diwali celebration  

FACULTY ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION OF THEIR INNOVATIVE PROJECTS & PRODUCTIONS

Our teachers constantly undergo training conducted by experts of particular field. We encourage them to take various exams that such as TKT (Teachers Knowledge Test) by Cambridge, which gives them a better understanding of their knowledge. Teachers are constantly observed and productive feedback is given to them to improve their work process.  

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY TO FACULTY EMPOWERMENT

A teacher acts as a philosopher and a guide to the students. He/She must know the growth and development of the child and his requirements at different levels. Thus keeping this point strongly and foremost in mind I arrange a three day extensive training workshop related to child psychology and developmental milestones. The key topics covered are related to the following:

1. Understanding the Importance of Developmental Milestones:  This topic mainly dealt with how to understand and analyse the different developmental milestones which act as Checkpoint in a child’s development to determine what the average child is able to do at a particular age. These developmental milestones aide in development which in major cases are taken as learning disabilities. Types of Developmental milestones covered were Physical, Cognitive, Social & Emotional, Communication & Language. The understanding of these checkpoints gave us an idea that the major problems faced by students in our class which were mistaken as learning disabilities were actually due to a gap in covering the correct milestones at proper age.  
2. Writing Student Case Study: I make my Faculty to write a case study about any student whom they would have selected as different in class (eg. Aggressive, withdrawn etc.) based on the pattern given by her. This case study helps the faculty to rethink as to how they should follow up with child, parents etc.   
3. Class Management: Class management which remains a major concern for teachers as the management of class environment should be such that it should be supportive, interesting and enjoyed by a student. Ms Sarita explained the importance of “class rules” which should be designed in a child friendly yet implosive manner.  
4. Teacher – Student Relationship:  As teachers we try our best to support the students and each one of us had to share one memory where we or some other teacher made an impact on a child’s (negative as well as positive). Life Here teachers share different experiences and get quite emotional while sharing as we expect a teacher to be a second mother. We constantly strive to build a positive and innovative culture in our school. We include teachers for their inputs once decision is made. We provide professional development training to our teachers which can help teachers in their teaching method.  We have also removed tasks from teacher’s workload to make time for their personal and professional goals. We believe in positively appreciating teachers by giving them awards and teach them to embrace the possibility of failure.  “Teachers are not mechanical tutors but life makers of the child handed over to them”.