The New School

You get to redesign school as we know it from the ground up. Will you do away with reading, writing, and arithmetic? What skills and knowledge will your school focus on imparting to young minds?
Photographers, artists, poets: show us SKILLED.

I have observed how children learn the most through play. Structured, organised clasroom settings defeat the purpose of learning. A natural, outdoor setting is the best for learning. Why do we have to show pictures of snails, flowers, the sun and the moon when we can let them see them, touch them and feel all these things outdoors?.

Colours and imagery also attract children the most. So exposure to images to emphasize and add to the knowledge gained through interaction with nature is good. Language is an important component of learning and communication is one of the important pre-requisites of growing up with confidence. But the way in which language is taught is paramount. Literature, poetry and appreciation of language
and works of great writers like Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Keats etc is important and still relevant. Just learning english to understand grammar and answer exams is boring.

Reading is another important habit that can be inculcated. A love for good books like Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton can be inculcated from a young age through setting an example. This will divert the attention of children from the scores of gadgets and videos that dissipate their enthusiasm and energy.

It is high time we revamp the age-old curricula and experiment with a new paradigm. Provide the right environment and exposure and watch the childs natural curiosity and wonder grow by leaps and bounds.

On teaching of other subjects like mathematics. Basic knowledge of such subjects is essential for our daily life. However, many of the advanced concepts of maths are learnt only for examinations and then because we never apply these concepts in daily life, we forget them altogether.

Schools must become a place where a child wants to go to .. a second home and not a four-walled prison. The fear of exams is one reason why a child does not want to attend school. Another fear is the fear of excess homework that burdens a child. Studying becomes more of a chore than a joyful, learning experience.

The school of tomorrow must along with studies focus on overall development of a child. A child should also be taught to be street-smart, speak with confidence, make bold decisions, have global knowledge, and learn the skills to be an entrepreneur. The jobs of tomorrow will require an entirely new skill set and our schools will have to start early to hone a new set of skills.  Our children of tomorrow should grow up with their unique nature confident of creating, discovering , experimenting, failing and enjoying life to the fullest!

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://lostguy35.wordpress.com/2013/12/30/the-new-school/
2) http://myplaynook.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/getting-back-to-the-root/
3) http://eklektikadefiance.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/that-one-thing-i-wish-to-be-taught-to-children-particularly-in-the-philippines/
4) http://cogitoergomum.wordpress.com/2013/11/06/how-to-raise-anughty-children-and-why-all-good-parents-should/
5) http://kickingon.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/the-new-school-inspired-by-the-daily-prompt/
6) http://vincentestewart.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/daily-prompt-the-new-school-old-school-new-school/
7) http://josephrathjen.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/the-new-school-called-reality-horizons/
8) http://insteadofapen.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/the-school-of-practicality/
9) http://differentisntwrongitsjustdifferent.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/daily-prompt-skilled/
10) http://dederants.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/daily-prompt-new-school/

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Indulgent

You get to enjoy the best day ever — describe in detail what that means to you. Where are you? What will you do? What’s the weather like? What will you eat? Who will you see?Photographers, artists, poets: show us INDULGENT.

The best moments in my life have been with my family when we were on holiday. My objective on a holiday is seamless fun and that includes leaving aside all other distractions. I shut off my mobile phone and wifi and plunge into the fun of it all. This inclues a good rest, soaking in the sights, sounds, sun,
sand etc in the new environment.

Usually on a holiday, I like to go for a free and easy schedule so as to get to travel on the local transport, savour the local food and get a true pulse of the place.

I have enjoyed a holiday in a rustic, rural setting where time stands still. Nature is also vibrant and green and in all its splendour. You are awakened by the rooster at dawn. The folk here are also simple and they live life with passion and zeal.

We have also enjoyed playing sports, riding roller-coasters, enjoying local food, swimming, snorkelling, canoeing etc.

The best moments of our life are truly when we soak ourselves in the moment, in the fun without allowing any distractions to lead our mind astray!

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://littlegirlstory.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/daily-prompt-the-best-day-ever/
2) http://shadowsofthedivine.wordpress.com/2013/12/25/a-mystic-indulgence/
3) http://johnnyojanpera.wordpress.com/2013/12/25/daily-post-indulgent/
4) http://emilykarn.wordpress.com/2013/12/25/the-best-day-ever/
5) http://kate0murray.wordpress.com/2013/12/25/best-day-ever/
6) http://writingequalspassion.wordpress.com/2013/12/25/the-best-day-ever-a-poetic-take/
7) http://possumsareawesome.wordpress.com/2013/12/25/the-best-day-ever/
8) http://overdoneit.wordpress.com/2013/12/25/a-day-so-perfect/

 

Interplanet Janet

You get to design your own planet: tell us all about your planet — the weather, the seasons, the inhabitants. Go.
Photographers, artists, poets: show us SPACE.

I would try to preserve the greenery on my planet rather than design an artificial ecosystem. Nature’s cycle would not be disturbed to give way to our ambitions wrecking havoc and disorder. There would be growth and development but with careful consideration to our nature.

Nature is an embodiment of infinite love. She just gives us all we need and does not take anything in return. We have to build our planet with  nature at the centre of everything we do. In this way we can reap immense rewards as nature will only bless us with bountiful rain and wonderful weather all year round.

Reducing, reusing and recycling will be practiced in schools and become a habit of our citizens. In this way we will not pollute our beaches and our habitat. It is the responsibility of the inhabitants to preserve the beauty and greenery on our planet. They would do this through education, empowerment and rewards.

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://vandachittenden.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/daily-prompt-interplanet-janet/
2) http://everyb0dyd0thefl0p.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/daily-prompt-planet-special/
3) http://basicallybeyondbasic.com/2013/12/23/daily-prompt-interplanet-janet/
4) http://nicolesloansbooks.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/my-planet-interplanet-janet/
5) http://flowersandbreezes.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/the-planet-s/
6) http://myextraordinaryeverydaylife.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/daily-prompt-interplanet-janet/
7) http://lifeisgreat0.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/planet-earth-in-peace/
8) http://hippiebitch420.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/daily-post-interplanet-janet/
9) http://tjbarkerseattle.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/planet-of-origin/
10) http://jeremymilburn.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/daily-prompt-interplanet-janet-pangaea/

Dragon’s Loyalty Award

 

Thankyou Sheen Meem ( http://flowersandbreezes.wordpress.com/ )for nominating me for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award.

Here are 7 facts about myself:

1. I am fourth in a family of 5 siblings (1 brother & 3 sisters)
5. I am married and have 1 daughter
6. I grew up in Goa, India
4. I love cashewnuts, dates, mangoes & groundnuts
5. I love humorous shows like ‘Whose line is it anyway’, Mind your language, The Naked Gun etc
6. Although an introvert by nature, I love public speaking, debates and quizzing
7. I take interest in news, current events & blogs

Here are the bloggers that I would like to nominate for this award:
1. Rocky: http://basicallybeyondbasic.wordpress.com
2. Avinash Gupta: http://avirandom.wordpress.com
3. Brenda: http://friendlyfairytales.wordpress.com
4. Soumya: http://soumyajk.wordpress.com
5. Christina: http://lifebeinggirly.com/
6. VMTran: http://vmtranblog.wordpress.com
7. Jenifer Brown: http://bustedflipflops.com
8. Terry: http://terry1954.wordpress.com
9. Sayanything13: http://sayanything13.wordpress.com
10. Shail: http://shailsnest.com
11. Aleza: http://azfree.wordpress.com
12. Vidhya: http://vidhyanair.wordpress.com
13. Lesley: http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com
14. Preety: http://unpredictablepreety.wordpress.com
15. Deb: http://dlrjournal.wordpress.com

Please display the award on your blog, link to me, write seven facts about yourselves and nominate fifteen bloggers to spread more cheer around.

Mad as a Hatter

Tell us about a time when you flew into a rage. What is it that made you so incredibly angry?
Photographers, artists, poets: show us RAGE.

 

 

Blood boils like lava
Burning within and without
Rage has no meaning!

(Pic: source: Wikipaedia)

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://hippiebitch420.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/daily-post-mad-as-a-hatter/
2) http://imagineimmortality.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/mad-as-a-hatter/
3) http://meanderedwanderings.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/driving-me-ragey/
4) http://andreeaim.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/residual-rage/
5) http://dederants.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/daily-prompt-rage/
6) http://kattermonran.com/2013/12/19/daily-prompt-mad-as-a-hatter/
7) http://emotionalfitnesstraining.com/2013/12/19/anger-thermometer/
8)http://basicallybeyondbasic.com/2013/12/19/daily-prompt-mad-as-a-hatter/
9) http://angloswiss-chronicles.com/2013/12/19/daily-prompt-mad-as-a-hatter/
10) http://aimanpeer.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/daily-promptmad-as-a-hatter/

 

 

You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch

What is your least favorite personal quality in others? Extra points for sharing your least favorite personal quality in yourself.
Photographers, artists, poets: show us VICE.

The least favourite personal quality in others would be “Poking their nose into other peoples affairs”. The first habit that they have is asking you specific questions and they repeat it so many times that it can irritate you. They pry into your lunch box, your personal relationships, your itinerary, your kids.. there is nothing that does not bother them. The worst thing about such people is that they have no genuine concern for your well being, and they will love to see you suffer.

The second annoying habit that some people have this egoistic attitude of being the know-all guys or consultants and they would like to clone everyone into doing things their way. So they have no dearth of ideas or suggestions. But what they do not understand is that life is too short for you to live according to others whims and fancies. They get this ego boost when you do things their way and will be terribly hurt if you counter their suggestions.

The least favourite quality in me would be playing Mr. Nice too often. Sometimes I find it difficult to say no to people in certain situations even if they are not conducive to me. I am learning the ropes and am trying to assert myself so that I do not become a pushover.

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://momentsthrulens.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/daily-prompt-youre-a-mean-one-mr-grinch/
2) http://lifebeinggirly.com/2013/12/18/daily-prompt-youre-a-mean-one-mr-grinch/
3) http://helenmeikle.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/daily-prompt-dont-make-me-curl-my-lip/
4) http://mauldinfamily1.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/daily-prompt-youre-a-mean-one-mr-grinch/
5) http://myendlessrantsandramblings.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/daily-prompt-all-you-ever-are-is-mean/
6) http://crowarrowinc.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/daily-prompt-youre-a-mean-one-mr-grinch/
7) http://julseysjunkandmore.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/daily-prompt-youre-a-mean-one-mr-grinch/
8) http://veiledflames.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/daily-prompt-the-grinch-in-many-of-us/
9) http://questionofpretension.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/daily-prompt-youre-a-mean-one-mr-grinch/
10) http://theauthorwhoknows.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/negative-attitudes-and-lack-of-personal-responsibility/

Festivus for the Rest of Us

You have been named supreme ruler of the universe. Your first order of business is creating and instituting a holiday or festival in your honor. What day of the year is your holiday? What special events will take place? Describe YOU DAY in as great a detail as you can muster: the special foods we’ll consume, the decorations we’ll use…everything.
Photographers, artists, poets: show us FESTIVE.

Today you have bestowed upon me this rare honour – Master of  the Universe. I will do my best to live up to this image by leading you all – my people by upholding the values of truth, integrity and goodwill.

For all your hard work and dedication in the spirit of teamwork, I would like to declare a holiday, a day of celebration – Unity Day on the 2nd of October. I would like you all to celebrate your achievements and wish that you all have a future full of peace, prosperity and happiness.

I will pass a decree that all men and women shall live as equals, special assistance and help will be given to the poor and needy, the handicapped and the disadvantaged among us.  I urge you all to come forward and celebrate this day in a spirit  of collective endeavour to spread  love , happiness and  goodwill for the benefit of humankind.

We shall all assemble in the central square where there will be a special feast for all of you – pastas, pizzas, a choice of international spreads, salads, fruits, pastries and desserts to cater to all your tastebuds. We will have games and competitions. All the kings and prime ministers can decorate their countries in the best manner and you and your families will be given colourful attire.  There will be prizes for the best programmes by country, best decorations and best food too,

There will be a riot of colours and music and we all will come together to put aside  all our differences and celebrate the oneness that binds all of us.

I will lead you all as a friend and guide.  I will seek your opininon and consensus on important bills and I would love to see you all exercise full freedom of speech and your rights.  May our democracy flourish and be a beacon of hope for other leaders.

I look forward to serving you all in the years ahead and I once again thank you all from the bottom of my heart for bestowing upon me this rare honour.

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://geekergosum.com/2013/12/15/festivus-for-the-rest-of-us/
2) http://adityaviyer.com/2013/12/15/festivus-for-the-rest-of-us/
3) http://crowarrowinc.wordpress.com/2013/12/15/daily-prompt-festivus-for-the-rest-of-us/
4) http://angloswiss-chronicles.com/2013/12/15/daily-prompt-festivus-for-the-rest-of-us/
5) http://mandyblake95.wordpress.com/2013/12/15/the-sweet-and-treacherous-new-king/
6) http://misspelicansperch.wordpress.com/2013/12/15/festivus/
7) http://mauldinfamily1.wordpress.com/2013/12/15/daily-prompt-festivus-for-the-rest-of-us/
8) http://awlscribe.wordpress.com/2013/12/15/daily-prompt-festivus-for-the-rest-of-us/
9) http://givealittleprayer.wordpress.com/2013/12/16/festivus-the-festival-of-the-people/
10)http://basicallybeyondbasic.wordpress.com/2013/12/15/daily-prompt-festivus-for-the-rest-of-us/

 

 

Unexpected

Unexpectedly, you lose your job. (Or a loved one. Or something or someone important to you.) What do you do next?
Photographers, artists, poets: show us LOSS.

The most important thing I believe is knowledge of the truth. The knowledge that nothing in this world is permanent. Clinging on to worldly, material joys is ephemeral and can only give us pleasure, or temporary, fleeting joy.

A loved one, a home, a job will all come and go.

The last big loss that I went through was the death of my mother. She was tome a model of patience and love, bringing up 5 kids and giving us all a good education and a solid foundation in life.

We have to stop thinking from the narrow confines of ourselves to include our family, our community, our country, our world and our universe as one big family. Once we begin to live life with gratitude for every day, every meal, every breath and every experience we begin to feel joy in ourselves and spread this joy to those around us.

Our faith in God and our firm belief in the oneness of us all is the greatest and highest love that can give us equipoise in tough times.

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://gotmountainsormolehills.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/expecting-the-unexpected/
2) http://tommiastablet.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/daily-prompt-loss/
3) http://ricebowlme.wordpress.com/2013/12/12/daily-prompt-expect-the-unexpected/
4) http://kawaneehamilton.wordpress.com/2013/12/12/unexpected-losses/
5) http://awlscribe.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/daily-prompt-unexpected/
6) http://anintrovertmind.com/2013/12/11/daily-prompt-unexpected/
7) http://geekergosum.com/2013/12/11/unexpected/
8) http://ofglassandpaper.com/2013/12/11/daily-prompt-unexpected/
9) http://kbeezyisviral.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/losses/
10) http://hearemrantoft.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/daily-prompt-unexpected/

Out of your reach

Was there a toy or thing you always wanted as a child, during the holidays or on your birthday, but never received? Tell us about it.
Photographers, artists, poets: show us DESIRE.

When I was in school, I was fascinated to learn about the planets, solar system etc. And I wanted to own a telescope so that I could see these planets at close range.

I used to love the pictures of saturn rings, mars, jupiter etc in the National Geographic and other magazines.

Long after that when I moved to Singapore,I was awed by the awesomeness of these planets when I watched the skies in 3D at the Science centre.  I also got to watch the moon and saturn at the newly opened Galaxy community club near my home.

Watching the movie Gravity in 3D also was a thrilling experience to make up for the ‘out of reach’ telescope.

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://underthemonkeytree.com/2013/12/10/daily-prompt-out-of-your-reach/
2) http://chasingrabbitholes.com/2013/12/10/red-shoes-to-make-you-fly/
3) http://kawaneehamilton.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/out-of-reach/
4) http://pattyryanlee.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/the-daily-out-of-your-reach/
5) http://zainabjavid.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/out-of-reach/
6) http://lifeisgreat0.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/the-bike/
7) http://ordibild.com/2013/12/10/daily-prompt-desire/
8 http://brecore.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/daily-prompt-out-of-your-reach/
9 http://johnnyojanpera.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/out-of-your-reach/
10)http://angloswiss-chronicles.com/2013/12/10/daily-prompt-out-of-your-reach/

Learning style

What’s your learning style? Do you prefer learning in a group and in an interactive setting? Or one-on-one? Do you retain information best through lectures, or visuals, or simply by reading books?
Photographers, artists, poets: show us LEARNING.

 

Reading books is the primary source of my information. In college I learnt in a group. The advantage of this method of learning is sharing, discussion and better understanding.

Today there is a wide range of information on the internet and self-paced learning is a reality. Moreover, higher institutions like MIT are also offering their classroom content free online. So there is no dearth of material for a keen student.

However, to really assimilate the knowledge that is learnt, one has to experiment and make mistakes.  This is the best way to imbibe knowledge and understand the fundamentals of a subject.   There is no substitute for ‘learning by doing’.

However, some content may not be verified to be authentic and one has to use one’s judgement when learning online.

Studying a new concept one-on-one is difficult as there is less room for questions and discussion. The most important requirement for learning is a blank mind with no preconceived judgements. This allows curiosity to flourish and questioning leads to better knowledge.

I have found that in a classroom there are children of all types. Some are relatively quiet and can listen. But there are children who are hyperactive and need active learning or exercises to stimulate their learning. So it is a challenge for educators to cater to a wide mix of students in a classroom and design the lesson so as to benefit everyone.

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://awlscribe.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/daily-prompt-learning-style/
2) http://itypecrazyfast.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/daily-prompt-learning-style/
3) http://tracimcgowan.com/2013/12/08/daily-prompt-learning-style/
4) http://dlrjournal.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/daily-prompt-learning-style/
5) http://pattyryanlee.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/the-daily-learning-style/
6) http://bulgingbuttons.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/daily-prompt-learning-style/
7) http://kansamuse.me/2013/12/08/learning-style/
8) http://joannekirstylynn.com/2013/12/08/colours-practice-and-discussion/
9) http://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/learning-style/
10) http://jitterygt.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/how-to-learn-how-to-teach/