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?

(This is a post which I wrote about 2 years ago and is revisited today in the daily prompt)

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://61musings.com/2013/12/29/killing-creativity/
2) https://iprattle.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/the-next-generation-school/
3) https://lostguy35.wordpress.com/2013/12/30/the-new-school/
4) https://polymathically.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/daily-prompt-the-new-school/
5) https://sltimewellwasted.wordpress.com/2013/12/30/getting-schooled/
6) https://fictionalismtoday.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/learn-your-place/
7) https://shardsofsilence.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/epistemology/
8) https://flowersandbreezes.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/basics/
9) http://kevindeisher.com/2013/12/29/239-new-school/
10) https://not4faintheartsblog.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/the-schoolyard/

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Teacher’s Pet

Tell us about a teacher who had a real impact on your life, either for the better or the worse. How is your life different today because of him or her?

Ms Vilma Vaz was one of my favourite English teachers at school.  She was a great source of motivation and inspiration for me.  She kindled in me the love of poetry.  I remember that she would always select me to participate in poetry and story telling competition at school and she always had a word of encouragement.

She taught English to us with a lot of passion and analysed poetry like “The Road not Taken by Robert Frost, “Death be not Proud by  John Donne” etc and kindled in us an interest in the subject.

Besides her, there were other teachers like Anand Prabhu, Mathany Saldanha and Agnel Crasto who could arouse wonder and curiosity in us.

I would attribute my love for public speaking and writing to teachers like Ms. Vilma Vaz and Agnel Crasto who  created an atmosphere of vibrancy conducive for learning

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) https://lightningbooksbyagmoye.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/response-to-teachers-pet/
2) https://yzhengblog.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/teachers-pets/
3) https://terriwebsterschrandt.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/teacher-of-the-year/
4) http://ceenphotography.com/2015/02/01/daily-post-teachers-pet/
5) https://extractsfromapersonaldiary.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/daily-prompt-teachers-pet/

Calling Uncle Bob

Have you ever faced a difficult situation when you had to choose between sorting it out yourself, or asking someone else for an easy fix? What did you choose — and would you make the same choice today?

 

When  life throws lemons at you – make lemonade!  There are ups and downs in this roller-coaster ride called life.  We face tough calls and we have to make decisions.

As far as we can we have to try and make decisions based on our knowledge and experience.  This is because if we give up every time and shout for help we will always be afraid of failure and there is no chance to learn.

The point is that not all of us are experts in every field.  So at times, we have to seek the advice of our friends, experts , mentors , teachers, relatives etc who because of their experience could help to help us in making better informed decisions.

Being humble and seeking advice helps us to drop our ego and realize the fact that in essence we are all part of that one universal consciousness.

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://ripplesnreflectiontimes.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/1005/
2) http://tylershepard1991.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/asking-for-help-vs-asking-for-advice/
3) http://myleviathan.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/calling-uncle-bob/
4) http://ungiornonellavita.com/2014/11/25/daily-prompt-calling-uncle-bob/
5) http://quotidianrevisions.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/forget-uncle-bob-call-momma-2/
6) http://parkinkspot.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/calling-dr-bombay-emergency-come-right-away/
7) http://littlemanofthehouse.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/i-can-do-it-myself/
8) http://vexingpoint.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/daily-prompt-calling-uncle-bob/
9) http://thecrookedmind.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/daily-prompt/
10) http://lindaswritingblog.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/miss-independence/

Spinning Yarns

What makes a good storyteller, in your opinion? Are your favorite storytellers people you know or writers you admire?

It is said that the best way to engage your audience is to narrate a story.  Children love being told stories.  I grew up reading Amar Chitra Katha a wonderful collection of mythological Indian stories.  I also read the Chandamama,  Hardy Boys and James Hadley Chase.

My daughter would not allow me to sleep without telling her a bed-time story every night.   For most children, it is their grandmother and for some it is their parents.

Storytelling is an art.  And a story can enthrall, entertain and inspire our children.  Aesop’s fables, Grimms fairy tales, folk tales and others have a takeaway message – a moral that makes them even more memorable.

Some writers like Roald Dahl, Mark Twain, Richmal Crompton, Enid Blyton, Lewis Caroll, Robert Louis Stevenson R.K. Narayan etc  weaved stories full of humour, suspense and vivid imagery that we were all captivated.

A good story teller has the following traits:

–  selects  a story that suits the audience
–  brings the story to life
–  loves  the story
–  selects a story plot that has some conflict and resolution
–  creates vivid images
–  uses voice modulation, gestures and eye contact to emphasize the message
–  pauses for effect
–  leaves the audience wanting more

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://shesrambling.com/2014/11/23/just-for-today-i-m-the-story-teller/
2) http://dossiersofsbk.wordpress.com/2014/11/24/raconteurs/
3) http://iamnotsickboy.com/2014/11/24/sweet-storytellers/
4) http://www.inspiringmax.com/storytelling-powerful/
5) http://lindaswritingblog.wordpress.com/2014/11/23/my-story-2/
6) http://flowersandbreezes.wordpress.com/2014/11/23/story-telling/
7) http://teepee12.com/2014/11/23/once-upon-a-time-2/
8) http://yzhengblog.wordpress.com/2014/11/23/we-are-all-storytellers/
9) http://ripplesnreflectiontimes.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/gone-girl/
10) http://tombalistreri.wordpress.com/2014/11/23/spinning-a-yarn/

Fourth Wall

You get to spend a day inside your favourite movie. Tell us which one it is — and what happens to you while you’re there.

The curtain of clouds  has cleared
The sun lights the stage
A new day, a new act will be staged
All of us are wearing  masks
The show has begun
Acting is our forte

Sometimes we are a child
Crying out for attention
In another scene we are parents
Teaching our children
An employee at the office
Or a spouse at home

The show is a thriller
With a host of surprises
It has action and emotion
Humour and suspense
You can have popcorn
and coke during the show too

We get carried away in our roles
An emotional roller-coaster
The scenes keep changing
And new actors appear
Time just fleets by
And we have grown old

When will you throw that mask away?
How long can you hide behind that shadow?
Suppressing your true self
The curtains will soon fall
And the sun will set
Come out of that cocoon
And live life carefree

© copyright skm

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://pepperconnection.com/2014/10/19/movie-magic/
2) http://lifeisgreat0.wordpress.com/2014/10/19/quiet-and-watching/
3) http://maddersahatter.wordpress.com/2014/10/19/daily-prompt-fourth-wall/
4) http://toweararainbow.wordpress.com/2014/10/19/pretty-woman/
5) http://oh3za.com/2014/10/19/fourth-wall/

Back to Life

After an especially long and exhausting drive or flight, a grueling week at work, or a mind-numbing exam period — what’s the one thing you do to feel human again?

 

I have realized that sleep and a good rest are vital for recuperation/recharging after an intense period of work, exam or stress.  Sleep is a natural cure for many of our ailments and a good rest without any anxieties can do wonders to your body and mind and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on any challenge!

Here is a poem about sleep that I had blogged earlier:

Sleep

Lying in the mothers lap
After a fun day
Sleep like a lullaby
Soothes the little infant

Fatigued, tanned bodies
Lie on the pavement
Sleep gives solace to them
Magical,  sweet sleep

Sleep tender sleep
You ease the pain
Calm the nerves
And appease tired souls

Like a loving mother
Who dotes all her kids
You bring tranquil peace
To thief, saint, beggar and  king

Sleep take me on a dream
To a world without walls
Where there is only joy and peace
And one does not belittle another

 

©copyright skm, March 5th, 2011

 

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://pintsof.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/daily-prompt-back-to-life/
2) http://dragoneystory.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/daily-post-back-to-life/
3) http://onemanversustheworld.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/relax-and-unwind/
4) http://moreactionresearch.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/called-back-into-being/
5) http://mauldinfamily1.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/daily-prompt-back-to-life/
6) http://kaapitimes.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/back-to-life-after-work/
7) http://bobbeck1600.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/daily-prompt-back-to-life/
8) http://fibercompulsion.com/2014/07/29/back-to-life/
9 ) http://themasculinepen.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/the-daily-post-back-to-life-read-or-go-flying/
10) http://blainecindy.com/2014/07/29/music-is-the-key/

Why Can’t We Be Friends?

Do you find it easy to make new friends? Tell us how you’ve mastered the art of befriending a new person.

Life is so short that it would be boring without friends. I am not exactly extrovert or loquacious by nature. But I love to meet people and network.

This was one of the reasons why I joined toastmasters. It is a great way to network, learn and have fun at the same time. I have met and made friends with wonderful people from many parts of the world through toastmasters.

At our club, we welcome guests and it is a great opportunity to learn how to start conversations, make our guests feel at home, engage them and enthrall them. Most of our guests feel welcome and want to join our club.

Blogging and social media also help me to network with people. Another good avenue is meetups with groups pursuing similar interests like table-tennis, music and other hobbies.

 

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://angloswiss-chronicles.com/2014/04/09/daily-prompt-why-cant-we-be-friends/
2) http://curlymamaof2.com/2012/11/15/adult-friends/
3) http://awlscribe.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/daily-prompt-why-cant-we-be-friends/
4) http://untiltheinkwelldries.com/2014/04/09/the-look-the-art-of-befriending/
5) http://basicallybeyondbasic.com/2014/04/09/daily-prompt-why-cant-we-be-friends/
6) http://tnkerr.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/daily-prompt-why-cant-we-be-friends/
7) http://cognitivereflection.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/daily-prompt-why-cant-we-be-friends/
8) http://manmadeoceans.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/why-cant-we-be-friends/
9 http://dailymusing57.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/daily-prompt-making-new-friends/
10) http://monicleblog.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/daily-post-why-cant-we-be-friends/

I walk the line

Have you got a code you live by? What are the principles or set of values you actively apply in your life?

Here are 25 values that I consider important in my life and that I would like to pass on to  my child.   I believe that as a parent we are role models whom our children follow as examples.   In the modern day,  a well-rounded education which emphasises on life-skills, decision making and street-smartness is of more value .   Assimilation is of more importance than knowledge.

Honesty
Respect for people
Graciousness
Compassion
Ethics
Loyalty
Integrity
Strength
Patience
Love
Gratitude
Respect for nature
Work-life balance
Social skills
Reading
Sense of humour
Think before you speak
Responsibility
Perseverance
Speaking & listening skills
Take risks
Stand up for yourself
Agree to disagree
Time management
Money management

 

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://kate0murray.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/life/
2) http://dlrjournal.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/daily-prompt-i-walk-the-line/
3) http://justbeverity.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/daily-prompt-i-walk-the-line/
4) http://caughtbytheeyeofmankind.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/daily-prompt-i-walk-the-line/
5) http://alwayswasarebel.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/live-life/
6) http://adityaviyer.com/2014/03/30/i-walk-the-line/
7) http://completelydisappear.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/daily-prompt-i-walk-the-line/
8) http://oneeducatorsopinion.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/this-teachers-code/
9) http://thebohemianrockstarpresents.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/my-codes-a-photo-essay/
10) http://tnkerr.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/daily-prompt-i-walk-the-line/

Que Sera Sera

Do you believe in fate or do you believe you can control your own destiny?

I believe that both fate and free-will play a part in our life. We have no control over our past actions. Our past actions some of them that we can’t even remember will bear fruit at some time or the other and we have to accept the result.

At the same time, what we have control over is our present.By using our free-will we can design the blueprint for our future. So by aligning our thoughts to a higher noble cause we can make our actions serve our loved ones and the commmunity. In this way,  we can act with purpose, with an integrated mind and intellect.

When our actions flow smoothly without any agitations then they help us by developing our equipoise and they do not generate excess wants and desires that disturb our mind. When our actions are not selfish and benefit a community then we don’t have to worry about the results – they will certainly bear ripe fruits benefitting our family, friends and community at large.

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://helenmeikle.wordpress.com/2014/03/27/daily-prompt-probably-depends-on-the-day/
2) http://tnkerr.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/daily-prompt-que-sera-sera/
3) http://afarfarbetterrest.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/che-sara-sara/
4) http://alexia13thmatron.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/que-sera-sera/
5) http://kate0murray.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/fated/

 

 

Seven Wonders

Khalil Gibran once said that people will never understand one another unless language is reduced to seven words. What would your seven words be?
Photographers, artists, poets: show us SEVEN.

“Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya,
Jeevo Brahmaiva Na-Aparah”
These 7 words appear in the Mandukya Upanishad a hindu spiritual text.  The meaning of these words are : Brahman (Consciousness) is the only reality -This world is an illusiion. This self and consciousness are one and the same.

The world is an illusion, it includes birth, life and death, which happens within the world.  Thus the seekers main aim is to mentally trace the formless substance of the illusion,  which is also the witness of the illusion. The formless substance and witness of the illusion  (world) is the Atman, and this Atman itself is Brahman.

“From the standpoint of the waking entity the universe is a reality from the standpoint of the soul, the innermost self, the universe is mere illusion created out of consciousness. When wisdom dawns then one realizes the whole universe is consciousness. The dualistic view is possible only in ignorance. At the dawn of Self-knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana there is only non-dualistic view in the midst of duality because the whole universe is consciousness.
Thus all the contents of the universe are also consciousness. Thus form, time and space are mere illusion created out of consciousness. If the form time and space are consciousness than the experience birth,  life and death also consciousness.

The word Brahman means ultimate truth or reality which cannot be indicated by any word.  The Brahman can be expressed through silence because it is beyond the experience form, time and space.  The final use of pursuit of truth is to know that self is consciousness.

 

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://blueloft.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/touched-by-seven/
2) http://musicalfoodielove.com/2013/10/28/daily-prompt-seven-wonders/
3) http://desfischersauge.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/daily-prompt-seven-wonders/
4) http://shreyapunj14.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/seven/
5) http://penpixels.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/daily-post-seven-wonders/