Author: VIBGYOR Group of Schools

Parenting Power: Guiding your child to board exam success

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Reflect back to your school days—the racing pulse before a math exam or the sleepless nights spent wrestling with science formulas. Now, magnify this with the social pressures children face today—constant comparisons, social media-fuelled expectations, and the weight of peer opinions. In this whirlwind of stress, parental support during board exams becomes a calming anchor, guiding your child through this storm.

When parents shift their focus from merely tracking marks to truly understanding the pressures their children face, they become powerful allies in their child’s journey. This approach does more than just ease exam-related stress. It nurtures emotional resilience, empowering your children to face life’s challenges with courage and determination. By choosing empathy over expectations, as parents, you plant the seeds of self-belief that flourish long after the exams are over.

Calm and positive environment: Key to stress-free exams

The role of parents in board exam preparation extends beyond academic guidance. It is about creating a haven of peace and encouragement at home. With patience, empathy, and understanding, you can create an environment where your child feels safe and valued. When love and encouragement take the centre stage, your child not only gains confidence but also develops emotional resilience. Prioritising their mental and emotional well-being over mere performance helps them thrive, transforming exam season from a time of stress into a journey of growth and self-assurance.

Carol Dweck beautifully expresses in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, “Encouraging effort over outcomes builds a resilience mindset in children.” This reinforces the importance of valuing effort rather than dwelling on the results.

Turning exam pressure into progress: Tips to beat the exam blues

From building routines to prioritising their mental well-being, here are some ways parents can reduce exam stress and become their child’s biggest cheerleaders.

  • Design a structured study plan

Creating a structured study plan helps reduce anxiety and boost productivity. With a well-organised routine, children can stay focused and achieve their goals, academically and beyond. Consider Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, who achieved groundbreaking success by meticulously managing his time and priorities. His disciplined approach to both his professional and personal life allowed him to focus on innovation while achieving remarkable success.

  • Offer emotional support

Supporting children emotionally during board exams is essential for their well-being and success. You can offer emotional support by simply checking in with them, listening without judgement, and reassuring them by saying, “I believe in you, and we will navigate this together.” Moreover, parental support during board exams plays a vital role in building resilience. You can start by encouraging a growth mindset, praising efforts over results and reminding them that setbacks are learning opportunities. Maintain open communication with them, create a structured yet flexible study routine, and teach them simple stress-relief techniques. By adopting a resilient mindset, your child can stay focused even in challenging times turning obstacles into stepping stones for success.

  • Reduce unnecessary distractions

Minimising distractions is essential for exam success. Take the example of renowned scientist Marie Curie, who conducted revolutionary research in a modest, distraction-free laboratory, allowing her to maintain unwavering focus despite limited resources. Similarly, children can create a quiet environment, blocking out unnecessary noise for better concentration. As a parent, you can support your little one by creating a peaceful, well-lit study space at home, which can work wonders for their focus and confidence. A tidy desk, comfortable chair, and motivational touches like quotes or family photos offer an environment that inspires them to stay calm and attentive during exam time.

  • Listen, validate, empower

Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) highlights the “right to be heard”, emphasising the importance of considering children’s thoughts and feelings for their well-being. The 2024 How Listening to Children Impacts Their Quality of Life report by the BMJ Journal revealed that asking children about their thoughts and feelings was associated with a higher quality of life for children. Listening to their concerns and validating their emotions creates a safe space, reduces anxiety, and showcases unwavering support.

  • Study smarter with regular breaks

Effective time management can prevent burnout and boost focus. Author Tim Ferriss suggests using a ‘work-rest-work-rest’ pattern, where children can set aside time focused on studying, followed by a 5 to 10 minute break to stretch or take a walk. Thus, the role of parents in effective time management for exams includes guiding their children to create schedules, encouraging taking breaks, and fostering a balanced routine to maintain productivity and well-being.

  • Prioritise self-care for a healthy mind and body

Olympic legend Michael Phelps attributes much of his success to the power of self-care, famously stating, “The best advice I ever got was to take care of myself.” His journey to becoming the most decorated Olympian in history highlights a vital truth—peak performance is impossible without proper nourishment, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Parents play a pivotal role in inculcating these habits in the children. You can start by encouraging your child to eat nutritious meals, ensure that your child gets enough rest, motivate them to exercise or meditate regularly to reduce stress and prioritise sleep to improve their cognitive function and mental well-being. As a parent, fostering these healthy habits ensures that your child stays energised, focused, and resilient, giving them the stamina to perform their best during exams.

  • Celebrate the little wins with positive reinforcements

As Robert Collier, an American author, said, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Hence, as a parent, you need to celebrate progress, no matter how small, to keep your child motivated. For example, learn to acknowledge when your little one finishes a tough chapter or scores well on a practice test. Any form of positive reinforcement, like praising your child’s hard work, celebrating completed assignments with a fun activity, or writing appreciative notes, can build momentum and encourage a mindset that values effort over perfection.

  • Let them be independent

Granting children the autonomy to manage their study schedules boosts self-confidence and makes them more responsible. The 2023 Effects of Students’ Autonomy Support on their Self-Regulated Learning Strategies by the International Journal of Research in Education and Science, states that providing children with autonomy over their learning process can support the development of their self-regulation skills. But, in case you notice any challenges, you can gently guide them without making them feel overwhelmed, helping them stay on track and maintaining their sense of independence.

Parental support during board exams is invaluable, allowing children to approach exams with a balanced mindset. It also moulds character, builds mental resilience, and nurtures essential life skills. By offering understanding, you will be able to become the inspiration that transforms exam season from a stressful phase into a meaningful journey of learning and self-growth for your child. In the end, success isn’t just about the marks your child earns but the self-assurance, determination, and life lessons they attain along the way, fueled by steadfast parental involvement and care.

The science behind smart study: A game-changer for every student

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As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”

The Indian badminton champion PV Sindhu constantly refines her skills to stay at the top of her game. Albert Einstein revisited his theories, not out of necessity, but out of a deep desire for understanding, leading him to groundbreaking discoveries like the Theory of Relativity.

The above examples show that revision is the bridge between learning and mastery. Effective revision techniques help students reinforce what they have learnt, and identify and close the gaps in their understanding.

However, the path to success isn’t always easy or straightforward. There are some common challenges students face during revision. Fatigue and burnout are common during intense revision sessions, as the brain can only absorb limited information before needing rest. Similarly, ineffective study habits, such as cramming or passive reading, make revision a mechanical task rather than a meaningful one.

Procrastination is another barrier fueled by the fear of failure or the overwhelming pressure to perform. According to the 2024 International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), procrastination can be overcome by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and setting clear goals. Focusing on manageable chunks of content at a time is one of the effective exam preparation techniques.

Revise smarter, not harder: Winning strategies for studying

If you are thinking about how to revise effectively for exams, remember that it is not just about re-reading notes but using proven techniques that boost memory and help students grasp better. Here are some strategies to elevate your study sessions:

  • Active recall: It is a dynamic approach where students challenge themselves to retrieve information from memory rather than passively reviewing their notes. For example, after studying the solar system, students can try listing the planets from their memory and then cross-check the list with their notes to identify the gaps. This technique is widely regarded as one of the most effective memory-boosting techniques for exams.
  • Spaced repetition: This technique is all about revisiting material at intervals and turning fleeting knowledge into lasting understanding. For instance, after learning the multiplication table, review it on the same day, then after three days, and again after a week. This method reinforces learning, keeps concepts fresh, and eliminates last-minute cramming, ensuring that students feel confident and well-prepared for exams.
  • Interleaving: One of the most effective exam preparation techniques, interleaving gives students the liberty to alternate between subjects or topics during study sessions, rather than focusing on just one. For example, switching between math problems, history dates, and science concepts fosters critical thinking and improves retention. This technique prepares students to tackle diverse exam questions by promoting flexible thinking and helping them to make connections between different topics, ultimately improving their ability to recall and apply knowledge effectively.
  • The Feynman Technique: This method revolves around explaining concepts in simple, everyday language as if teaching a friend who has no prior knowledge. For example, when studying photosynthesis, students can break it down in detail by mentioning that photosynthesis is the process by which plants make food. They use sunlight, water from their roots, and carbon dioxide from the air to create sugar (their food) in the leaves, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This process helps resolve complex ideas, making revision more effective.
  • Mnemonics: These are clever memory aids that make information easier to recall. For instance, to remember the order of planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune), students can use the phrase “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos.” Alternatively, visual mnemonics use images or diagrams to aid memory. A great example of this is to draw a flower with labels that point to each of its parts like the roots, leaves, stem, flowers, and fruit. Both these types of mnemonics simplify complex information into something easier to recollect during exams.
  • Dual coding: This technique involves combining verbal and visual information to enhance memory retention. For example, when learning about the human heart, reading a description of its function alongside a labelled diagram can significantly improve understanding. By integrating both words and visuals, students reinforce their memory, making it easier to recall key concepts when it’s time for exams.

5 essential techniques for exam excellence

Effective exam preparation demands a strategic approach, blending time management, consistent practice, and self-care. By incorporating these five essential effective revision techniques, students can boost their chances of success while reducing stress.

  1. Create a structured study plan:
    • A well-organised study plan helps manage time effectively and ensures all subjects are covered. For instance, allocate specific hours for each subject—two hours for math in the morning and one hour for English in the evening. This method prevents cramming, promotes steady progress, and allows time for review, ultimately boosting academic performance.
  1. Practice papers and mock exams:
    • Practising past papers or mock exams is one of the most powerful exam preparation techniques. Mock exams simulate real exam conditions, helping reduce anxiety and improve time management skills. The 2023 Impact of More Realistic and Earlier Practice Exams on Student Metacognition study states that practice exams are a highly effective learning tool and can significantly improve student performance on their actual exams.
  1. Balance study with healthy habits:
    • Good physical health supports mental focus, and balancing revision and relaxation for better results is key. Regular exercise, like jogging or yoga, helps clear your mind after study sessions. Eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep keeps you energised and aids memory retention, ensuring you stay sharp and focused during your revision. ​​
  1. Review and adjust strategies:
    • Regularly reviewing and adjusting your study techniques helps maximise efficiency. For example, if you find that you’re struggling with a particular topic in science, adjust your schedule to spend more time on it. Flexibility in your approach helps you focus on areas where you need more practice or understanding.
  1. Prioritise rest and relaxation:
    • Rest is essential for retaining information and staying focused. Balancing revision and relaxation for better results, such as taking breaks during study sessions (like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break), helps refresh the mind. Additionally, ensuring 7-8 hours of sleep each night can improve concentration and memory during exams.

In the end, exam success is not just about hard work, but it involves smart, strategic effort. Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Like Franklin, who achieved greatness through preparation and perseverance, students must adopt effective revision techniques and stay disciplined. By combining good study habits with rest and consistency, students can turn purposeful action into achievement. With the right mindset and tools, the path to academic excellence will be as remarkable as those who dared to dream big and worked relentlessly to make it a reality.

Admissions are open for AY 2025-26 at VIBGYOR Group of Schools.

Thriving at Home and Work: Essential Tips for Working Parents

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“The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen Covey

Managing work and family life is all about the right balance. In a world that glorifies hustle, true victory lies in building a life where professional goals coexist with precious family moments. However, family and work balance doesn’t come easy; it is a path that can test limits at every turn.

The 2020 Work Life Balance: An Approach Towards Stable Economic Development in India report states that people commute for 6 hours a day and then work for 8-9 hours, making work connections stronger than family connections.

Juggling work and family responsibilities is all about finding harmony between professional obligations and personal commitments. The challenges are real, relentless, and often unexpected. You are frequently pulled in different directions – parent-teacher meetings clashing with work deadlines, or late-night conference calls cutting into family time.

Impact of neglecting work-life balance

The consequences of an imbalance in work-life harmony can leave you feeling exhausted and adrift. When work consumes your time, family dinners and playtime with your children become rare, causing guilt, frustration, and strained family relationships. Kids thrive on stability and attention. Hence, when work takes priority, they may feel neglected, leading to lower self-esteem and other issues.

On the other hand, managing work and family life takes a toll on health. Since work dominates your life, you can experience fatigue and burnout, making it impossible to function at your full potential. Moreover, being physically present and emotionally absent can create a rift between you and your little one. This can make your children feel that you are unavailable, even when you are with them.

Your child learns by observing all that you do. So, a poor work-life balance can inadvertently teach children that family time and self-care are less important than professional achievements. A poor work-life balance leaves little room for personal growth and closes the doors on hobbies, passions, and other pursuits that truly feed your soul.

Mastering the art of work-life balance

Author Lailah Akita once said, “Life will always get busy; make time to do the things you love.”

Especially, when you are a parent, it is more than just managing time. It is about being present for your children and nurturing their growth while pursuing your professional ambitions. By prioritising family time alongside your career, you are showing your child that success shouldn’t come at the cost of relationships or personal happiness.

So, here are some tips for busy parents to build a thriving career and lead a meaningful, joyful family life.

Thriving at work: Tips for working parents

  • Set clear work hours: Establish clear boundaries regarding work hours and communicate these boundaries to everyone. This way they know when you are available and when you will be offline to focus on your family.
  • Prioritise key tasks: Achieving work-life balance requires you to focus on high-impact activities and avoid getting bogged down by non-essential tasks. This allows you to use your time efficiently and finish your work faster.
  • Utilise flexible work arrangements: Take advantage of flexible work policies, such as remote working and flexible hours. Such flexibility allows you to structure your day around family commitments while still meeting work responsibilities.
  • Delegate work: Ask for help when you need it instead of doing everything by yourself. By delegating things, you free up time for both family and work. Collaborating effectively ensures that you don’t get too overwhelmed.
  • Learn to say ‘No’: Don’t feel obligated to take on every additional work project or task. Politely decline tasks that are not crucial or ones that you don’t have the bandwidth to manage. Remember that it is alright to say no once in a while.

Achieving family bliss: Tips for busy parents

  • Create a family routine: Develop a daily or weekly routine that includes some fun activities like watching movies together or taking your child to the park. Being consistent helps children feel secure and allows you to balance professional duties with quality moments at home.
  • Focus on quality over quantity: How about you make the time you have with your child more meaningful? Even 20 minutes of undivided attention, whether it is playing or reading together, can have a positive impact on your little one.
  • Assign household tasks: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Be more open and communicative with your partner and family members. Dividing household chores lightens the load and frees up time to spend with your kids or relax as a family.
  • Be adaptable: As parents, flexibility is everything. Unexpected things can crop up anytime – a work emergency or your child needing that extra attention. Being adaptable allows you to shift priorities without feeling guilty.
  • Practise self-care: You can’t give your best if you are not feeling your best. From pursuing a hobby and meditating to exercising and going to the spa, focusing on self-care can keep you relaxed, benefitting your career and your role as a parent.

Remember that achieving work-life balance is not about perfection; it is about progress. These work-life balance tips aren’t just quick fixes; they are solutions that will help you stay present, both in your career and with your family. As you implement these work-life balance tips, you will discover how these changes can positively impact your professional and personal life, making room for more meaningful memories and greater fulfilment.

Admissions are open for AY 2025-26 at VIBGYOR Group of Schools.

Unlocking childhood potential: 7 ways play boosts brain development and memory

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In recent years, children’s lifestyles have become more sedentary, dominated by prolonged use of computers, mobile phones, gaming consoles, and television. This shift significantly reduces the time dedicated to physical activity, essential for development.

A lack of physical activity can lead to health problems such as posture issues, obesity, poor psychosocial development and poor academic performance. Furthermore, there’s increasing evidence that inactivity is linked to mental health issues.

Historically, play has been a cornerstone of childhood education and growth. The ancient Gurukul system in India underscored the significance of play in fostering holistic development. Modern research supports the essential role of play in stimulating brain development and enhancing various cognitive and socio-emotional skills in children.

Srividya Iyer, Head of the Department for VIBGYOR Inclusive Education Cell & Career Counselling, has outlined seven ways in which play can enhance a child’s cognitive development.

Here are seven ways play can boost a child’s cognitive growth:

1. Fosters communication through role-play and storytelling: Play acts as a universal language for children, with role-playing enabling them to simulate and practise real-life activities they observe in adults, such as working, farming, cooking, or caring for babies. Through role-play, children cultivate self-regulation, language skills, and the ability to reason about different scenarios or “possible worlds.”

2. Enhances problem-solving and creative thinking: Play empowers children to solve problems creatively by imagining new worlds, characters, and situations. They use their imagination to develop innovative solutions in pretend scenarios, fostering out-of-the-box thinking and creativity. Additionally, play often involves interaction with others, which requires negotiating roles, sharing responsibilities, and cooperating, thereby developing important interpersonal skills like communication, problem-solving, empathy, and understanding social norms.

3. Stimulates Creativity and Imagination: Research indicates that children exercise their imagination and think divergently, which means thinking of many possible solutions through make-believe scenarios. This ability to generate unique ideas is essential for creativity. Unstructured play, in particular, allows children to freely explore their creativity, enabling them to construct their own worlds and narratives.

4. Promotes Social Interaction: Play provides a natural setting for children to learn social skills. Through play, they understand societal rules and concepts like winning, losing, and fair play. They practise impulse control, negotiation, and problem-solving, which are crucial for positive social interactions. Engaging in pretend play helps them interpret social cues and develop conflict-resolution strategies.

5. Facilitates Emotional Understanding and Management: Play offers a relaxed environment for children to explore and comprehend emotions. They learn to identify and regulate their emotions by role-playing various scenarios and developing empathy. Teachers can enhance emotional literacy by discussing characters’ feelings, reading books about emotions, and modelling emotional awareness. Play-based activities gradually build emotional intelligence before children face intense real-life situations.

6. Enhances Executive Functioning Skills: Play creates a natural and enjoyable learning environment, where knowledge is absorbed effortlessly. Unlike arduous tasks that can deplete a child’s focus, play can lead to a flow state, where children practise executive functioning skills like planning, strategising, and maintaining attention without mental fatigue.

7. Promotes Motor Skill Development: Play is not only mentally stimulating but also physically engaging, helping children develop both gross and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills involve large movements like running and jumping, while fine motor skills involve precise movements like drawing or manipulating objects. Active play improves hand-eye coordination, balance, dexterity, and overall physical control.

In conclusion, play has been proven as an effective element for fostering comprehensive development in children. By incorporating play into daily routines, parents and educators can create a nurturing environment that supports well-rounded growth, preparing children for success academically, personally, and socially.

Source: India Today

The pre-schools of VIBGYOR Group of Schools – VIBGYOR Kids and VIBGYOR Roots include play as an essential part of its pedagogy.

Why Indian Parents are choosing International Schools: A shift towards Global Education

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Education in India has witnessed a remarkable evolution, from ancient Gurukuls to the present digital classrooms. For centuries, Indian education prioritised rote learning and standardised testing. However, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the focus of education is shifting from rote learning to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and global competence. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is driving this shift in India by introducing a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to learning. With a vision to align India’s education system with global standards, the NEP emphasises flexibility, skill development, and experiential learning, moving away from rote memorisation towards inquiry-based, competency-driven education.

As a result, the NEP’s goals have gained momentum, aligning effortlessly with international curricula that are gaining prominence in education. These curricula focus on developing 21st-century skills like problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and adaptability. Furthermore, international education offers students an opportunity to be part of a global community, breaking geographical boundaries in their academic journey. Recognising the importance of this global outlook, Indian parents are increasingly turning to schools that follow globally acclaimed education boards like Cambridge International Education (CIE), International Baccalaureate (IB), French Baccalaureate (FB)[1], and Canadian Board[2].

The Growth of International Education Boards in India

India has witnessed remarkable growth in the international education sector, driven by rising demand for globally recognised curricula and a preference for modern, flexible learning. Over the past five years, the number of international schools has grown by 14%[3], which has had a snowball effect. Student enrollment in international schools has surged by 40%, staff recruitment by 36%, and fee income by an impressive 49%, as per ISC Research[4]. These figures underscore a burgeoning demand for international curricula that address diverse educational needs.

Among the prominent players, Cambridge International Education stands out, with more than 700 Indian schools currently adopting its programmes[5]. This places India firmly within Cambridge’s global network of 10,000 institutions across 160 countries, showcasing its leadership in providing international qualifications for learners aged 5 to 19[6]. Its popularity stems from a blend of global standards and local relevance, with 69% of schools affirming that Cambridge’s content is tailored to regional contexts[7].

Why Indian Parents Are Opting for Global Education

Indian parents’ preference for global education stems from a desire to equip their children with skills and knowledge that go beyond national boundaries.

Schools, especially those that offer international programs, provide a comprehensive education centred on inquiry, exploration, and innovation. These qualities are appealing to parents who want their children to excel in fields that demand creativity and adaptability. For example, Cambridge’s curriculum emphasises flexibility,  enabling schools to incorporate academic needs while maintaining global standards. This balanced approach appeals to parents as it ensures that students are well-prepared for both domestic opportunities and international endeavours.

Moreover, the 21st-century job market increasingly values skills like collaboration, digital fluency, and problem-solving over mere academic scores[8]. Cambridge International Education addresses this demand by encouraging project-based learning, game-based learning, and interdisciplinary thinking. For instance, students are exposed to diverse subjects such as global perspectives, science, and creative arts, which nurture analytical and creative abilities.

Many parents are attracted to the progressive assessment methods used in international curricula. Instead of relying solely on high-stakes exams, students are evaluated through a combination of coursework, projects, and tests. This approach reduces stress and promotes a deeper understanding of concepts. As a result, international schools are highly appealing to families seeking an education that prepares students for the future.

The Future of International Education in India

The surge in demand for international schools is not just a fleeting trend but a testament to the evolving priorities of Indian parents. Some parents are increasingly looking beyond conventional education systems that prioritise memorisation over innovation. Instead, they seek institutions that offer a global perspective while remaining relevant to local needs.

International education’s flexibility and global recognition have made this approach a major influence in the shift. With a significant majority of schools prioritising the local relevance of content when selecting an international curriculum, these systems are establishing benchmarks for education in India. As more Indian parents invest in their children’s global readiness, the adoption of such curricula is likely to accelerate, shaping a generation of learners who are equipped to thrive in a borderless world.

In conclusion, the shift towards international education reflects the aspirations of Indian parents to prepare their children for a competitive and interconnected future. With its emphasis on 21st-century skills, global recognition, and adaptability, international education is paving the way for a new era of learning in India.

VIBGYOR Group of Schools provides Cambridge International Education at multiple locations. VIBGYOR World Academy is a dedicated Cambridge International School at Nagpur & Bhopal. Check out www.vibgyorworldacademy.com.

[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/french-international-school-in-delhi-now-open-for-indian-students/articleshow/64095337.cms?from=mdr

[2] https://www.canadianinternationalschool.com/#:~:text=At%20one%20of%20the%20best,whatever%20they%20choose%20to%20pursue.

[3] https://www.tieonline.com/article/3750/exploring-the-rapid-growth-of-international-schools-in-india#:~:text=Emerging%20Landscape,is%20growing%20and%20emerging%20consistently

[4] https://www.tieonline.com/article/3750/exploring-the-rapid-growth-of-international-schools-in-india#:~:text=Emerging%20Landscape,is%20growing%20and%20emerging%20consistently.

[5]  https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/cambridge-international-in-india/

[6] https://www.indiatoday.in/impact-feature/story/survey-points-to-high-satisfaction-with-cambridge-international-among-indian-schools-1890797-2021-12-22

[7] https://www.indiatoday.in/impact-feature/story/survey-points-to-high-satisfaction-with-cambridge-international-among-indian-schools-1890797-2021-12-22

[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/21st-century-skill

Parenting tips: Unique ways to read to children at every stage

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Childhood is a continuous journey of exploration, with every experience contributing to a child’s learning and growth where reading is one such experience, that goes beyond just a collection of words – it opens the doors to imagination, empathy and understanding. For parents, reading is a profound bonding experience that fosters growth and development at every stage of a child’s life.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anita Madan, Head of Curriculum Development at EuroKids, suggested some unique ways to incorporate reading into your child’s routine:

  1. Make it interactive: Engaging young minds is more than just reciting words; it’s about dynamic storytelling filled with gestures, animated voices, and interactive conversations. These vibrant narrations not only educate but also bring joy to both the storyteller and the listener as the characters in the story come to life.
  2. Let them discover things through reading: Books are not just stories but window to world beyond our own. They introduce young readers to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, broadening their horizons. As children flip through the pages of a book, they embark on adventures, explore distant lands, and meet diverse characters. Introduce them to books that feature simple, high-contrast images and vibrant colours to captivate their attention and stimulate visual development.
  3. Incorporate sensory stimulation: Books with textures, flaps and other interactive elements engage children’s senses, fostering a deeper connection with the story. As little fingers trace the textured pages and curious minds explore hidden surprises, they develop a deeper understanding of the world around them, and the reading experience becomes a multisensory journey.
  4. Foster language skills from the beginning: Language is the foundation of communication, and it’s never too early to start building it. Every word spoken and heard helps shape a child’s language abilities. Reading sessions provide a rich tapestry of vocabulary, introducing young learners to new words and expressions. Point to objects in the book as you label them. This simple act will help them associate words with their meanings and hone their communication skills, empowering them to express themselves effectively.
  5. Let them visualise: In the world of imagination, storytelling reigns supreme. For pre-schoolers, reading serves as a catalyst for creative exploration, igniting the spark of imagination and creating amazing adventures. As they immerse themselves in the world of imagination, children hone their creative thinking skills, learning to think outside the box and envision endless possibilities.

Reading to children is a transformative journey that shapes young minds and strengthens family bonds as these shared reading experiences lay the foundation for a lifelong love for books and learning. Aanchal Vasandani, VP Content at VIBGYOR Group of Schools, opined, “One of the best ways to promote early literacy and a love of books in children is to read to them. Tailoring an approach to their developmental stage makes the experience more beneficial and engaging. For infants aged 0 to 5 months, using lullabies, sing-along stories, non-toxic chew books and board books with textures introduces them to language and rhythm.”

She added, “As they progress to the 6 to 15-month stage, lap reading with picture books, interactive books and story dramatisation can captivate their interest. These activities not only entertain but also stimulate cognitive development and language skills in them. Transitioning into the preschool years, interactive storytelling with puppets, thoughtful questioning about the narratives, and the creation of cosy reading corners serve as portals to a world of imagination and critical thinking. Encouraging shared reading experiences and selecting books tailored to their interests further enriches their vocabulary and keeps them enthralled.”

Engaging with a book requires children to focus and concentrate for extended periods, which can significantly enhance their attention spans. Aanchal Vasandani explained, “This practice of sustained focus is crucial for their academic and personal lives. As children enter elementary and middle years, the journey of literacy deepens. Chapter books become companions in shared adventures while setting reading challenges ignites a sense of exploration and accomplishment. Creative activities like illustrating scenes or crafting alternative endings empower young minds to weave their narratives, fostering a deeper connection with the written word. By adapting our approach to match each developmental stage, we cultivate a rich tapestry of literacy that accompanies children throughout their lives.”

Bringing his expertise to the same, Raj Singhal, Co-Founder and CEO at Footprints Childcare, said, “In the beautiful journey of nurturing young minds, how we read to children evolves as they grow. From the gentle bedtime stories to the more interactive adventures, each stage offers charm and significance. During infancy, reading is more about the soothing rhythm of a parent’s voice and the comfort it brings. It’s about creating a sense of security and connection through simple words and sounds. As toddlers explore the world around them, reading becomes more interactive. It’s about colorful pictures, engaging stories, and letting their imagination run as they begin to understand the magic of storytelling.”

As toddlers become more curious explorers of their world, reading transforms into a dynamic experience. Raj Singhal revealed, “Repetition is key to this process, as reading the same stories repeatedly allows toddlers to make connections between the words and the pictures. This builds familiarity and a sense of comfort, encouraging them to participate and even “read” along. Choosing books with recurring words and phrases enhances this experience, as the delightful predictability helps toddlers recall the story and chime in with familiar lines, boosting their confidence and engagement. To further spark curiosity, weave questions into the narrative while exploring the illustrations. Asking questions like “What colour is the cat?” or “Where is the ball going?” keeps toddlers engaged and strengthens their comprehension skills. However, reading goes beyond books. During grocery shopping, narrate your selections, turning everyday objects into story elements. For instance, saying “Look, it’s the red apple just like in our book!” creates a sense of connection between the fictional world and their own experiences.”

As children grow older, the stories they enjoy become more diverse, reflecting their changing interests and curiosity and from fairy tales to real-life adventures, reading becomes a way for them to learn, explore, and make sense of the world. Raj Singhal elaborated, “Adolescence is a time when reading offers a refuge—a place where young minds can escape, empathise and find inspiration. It’s about discovering characters they can relate to, learning from their experiences and gaining insights into themselves and others. Adolescence is a complex time when reading takes on a new role. It becomes a refuge, a space for escape and exploration. Teens crave characters they can connect with, grappling with similar emotions and experiences. Through these stories, they develop empathy, gain insights into themselves and others, and even discover new passions. However, traditional reading habits shift during this stage. Teens become fiercely independent, seeking out content that reflects their own unique interests. This might not always involve physical books. The rise of digital media has opened doors to vlogs, podcasts, and even fanfiction – a genre where teens rewrite stories with their own twists.”

At every stage, the way we read to children plays a crucial role in their development. It’s not just about teaching them to read—it’s about promoting a love for stories, nurturing their imagination and helping them grow into empathetic and thoughtful individuals.

Source: Hindustan Times

Our blog on “The Importance of Reading Books in the Digital Era” highlights how, despite digital media’s pervasive influence, the importance of reading books cannot be overstated. 



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