Building Trust and Safety: Why Educating Kids on Good Touchand Bad Touch is Crucial

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Child sexual abuse is a widespread issue that has a profound impact on society. Perpetrators of such abuse are often known to the child. To prevent this abuse, it’s important to empower children with age-appropriate knowledge. Teaching children about the concepts of ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’ is crucial not only for their safety and security but also for nurturing self-worth, respect, and empowerment.

Understanding the Concept

According to Dr Shreya Dubey–a Paediatrician and Neonatologist expert, ‘good touch’ is any touch that makes a child feel happy, safe, and loved. It’s usually a touch that’s out in the open, like a hug, a handshake, or a pat on the back. ‘Bad touch,’ on the other hand, makes a child feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused. It’s a touch that is private, secretive, and often hurtful. It’s essential to explain these concepts in age-appropriate terms, using simple language and avoiding complex or scary details.

Why Early Education on ‘Good Touch & Bad Touch’ Matters?

Teaching children about boundaries from a young age is crucial for their safety and emotional well-being. As soon as children start to understand their own bodies, they should be introduced to the concept that certain parts are private and that no one should touch them without their consent. This early education lays the foundation for recognising inappropriate behaviour and equips children with the confidence to respond assertively.

Introducing the concepts of good touch and bad touch at an early age is essential for empowering children to protect themselves. When children are taught to distinguish between safe and unsafe touch, they are better prepared to recognise and react to uncomfortable situations. This awareness fosters a sense of security and helps children develop the confidence to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. When parents lead these conversations, they not only build a foundation of trust but also create an open channel for their children to report any inappropriate experiences.

Parents often face challenges and feel awkward or uncomfortable discussing topics like good and bad touch with their children. They may worry about using the right language or fear that their child is too young to understand. However, it is important to overcome these barriers to ensure that children are informed. Using clear and specific language, such as the correct names for private parts, can help avoid confusion. By maintaining a calm and straightforward approach, parents can create a healthy environment where children feel safe to ask questions and express their feelings without fear of being scolded or laughed at.

How Can Parents Teach Their Children About Good Touch & Bad Touch?

To effectively teach children about good touch and bad touch, parents can follow the below methods and tricks:

  1. Use Affirmations: Help children develop body respect by teaching them simple affirmations like, “This is my body; I honour it.” Encourage them to recognise which areas of their bodies are private and should never be touched by others.
  2. Follow the Swimsuit Rule: Explain to children that the areas covered by a swimsuit are private and should only be touched by parents when necessary, such as during bathing or by a doctor during a check-up, and only in the presence of their parents.
  3. Teach Emotional Awareness: Guide children in recognising their feelings by discussing examples of good and bad touch. Encourage them to pay attention to how different touches make them feel—whether safe and happy or uncomfortable and scared.
  4. Establish a Safe Circle: Encourage children to identify a small group of trusted adults they can talk to freely and feel secure with. This group might include parents, grandparents, older siblings, close relatives, or teachers.
  5. Responding to Bad Touch: Teach children how to respond to inappropriate touch by firmly saying ‘no’ or ‘stop,’ seeking out a safe space with others, and informing someone in their safe circle about what happened.

Ultimately, educating children about good and bad touch not only protects them in the short term but also equips them with the solutions to handle future situations confidently. This knowledge fosters a sense of self-respect and awareness that can have lasting positive effects on their overall development. While the conversation might be awkward, it is a necessary step in ensuring children’s safety and fostering a supportive environment. Open communication can make all the difference in keeping children safe and secure in their world.

VIBGYOR Group of Schools held a webinar by Dr Shreya Dubey (MBBS, DCH, DNB Paediatrics, Fellowship in Neonatology) on ‘Safe Touch Awareness’ for parents of pre-schoolers. You can watch the recordings of the session on Youtube for invaluable insights on ensuring the safety and well-being of your children.

The Importance of Reading Books in the Digital Era

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We live in an incredible digital time. Information whizzes at our fingertips, screens glow with endless entertainment, and connecting with anyone is just a tap away. But in this whirlwind of digital awesomeness, there’s an old-school treasure that deserves a place in students’ backpacks –  books.

Yes, books – those things made of paper and filled with inky lines. Maybe they seem a little slow compared to the instant gratification of the internet but books hold a unique kind of magic. Research indicates that reading books significantly benefits adolescents and young adults on an intrapersonal level. It helps in vocabulary development, enhances academic performance, and boosts media literacy.[1]

Furthermore, books encompass a variety of genres, each offering unique perspectives and skills that play a crucial role in personal development. For instance, Fiction enhances creativity and empathy as children immerse themselves in imaginative worlds and diverse characters. This helps them understand different emotions and viewpoints, fostering emotional intelligence. Non-fiction, on the other hand, provides factual information about the world, broadening their understanding of history, science, geography, arts, and culture. It cultivates curiosity and critical thinking by encouraging them to ask questions and seek answers.

Additionally, fantasy and adventure genres stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills, teaching children to navigate challenges and think creatively. Biographies and autobiographies offer insights into different life experiences, inspiring resilience and ambition.

Exposure to a variety of genres not only enriches children’s understanding of the world but also helps them develop a well-rounded perspective on life, enhancing both their intellectual and emotional growth.

Let’s explore why reading books remains essential for young minds in this digital age.

1. Deepens Knowledge and Understanding

The internet offers a vast ocean of knowledge, but books provide deep dives. Unlike skimming a Wikipedia page or scrolling through a newsfeed, reading a book cultivates deeper knowledge and understanding. Imagine students exploring the fantastical world of Narnia with C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia,” – a group of children stumble upon a magical land hidden inside a wardrobe, where they become embroiled in epic battles and quests alongside talking animals and mythical creatures or unravelling the mysteries of ancient Egypt with Rick Riordan’s “The Kane Chronicles” – siblings discover they are descendants of ancient Egyptian magicians and must navigate a world of gods, monsters, and spells to save their family and prevent chaos from engulfing the modern world. These stories demand the students’ attention by weaving intricate plots and developing complex characters, transporting them beyond the screen to truly inhabit different worlds and perspectives.

2. Improves Critical Thinking

Books challenge students to think critically and analytically. Moreover, the process of reading encourages reflection and stimulates intellectual curiosity, fostering a habit of questioning assumptions and seeking deeper understanding. George Orwell’s “1984” is a prime example of a book that provokes critical thinking. Its exploration of totalitarianism, surveillance, and individual freedom prompts readers to question societal norms and consider the impact of government control on personal liberties. Such thought-provoking content encourages students to develop their analytical skills and form well-reasoned opinions.

3. Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, students often face significant stress from academic pressures, social expectations, and extracurricular activities. Reading books provides a peaceful escape from these stresses. Studies have shown that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%.[2] For example, reading a soothing book like “What to Do When You Worry Too Much” by Bonnie Mathews helps school-age children learn cognitive-behavioural techniques to alleviate and manage anxiety, fears, and worries through writing and drawing activities, as well as self-help exercises and strategies.

4. Enhances Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Books also play a crucial role in developing emotional intelligence and empathy. Through stories, students encounter diverse characters with varied backgrounds and experiences. Mitch Albom’s “Tuesdays With Morrie” is an excellent example. The book chronicles the author’s real-life conversations with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Through Morrie’s reflections on life, death, love, and forgiveness, readers gain deep insights into human emotions and relationships. Such narratives help students understand and empathise with others, fostering a sense of compassion and emotional maturity.

5. Builds Vocabulary and Language Skills

Books are unparalleled resources for language development. They expose students to rich vocabulary, varied sentence structures, and diverse writing styles. For instance, reading classics like Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” introduces students to sophisticated language and complex themes. As students encounter new words and phrases, they expand their vocabulary and improve their writing and communication skills. This linguistic growth is essential for academic success and effective communication in everyday life.

6. The Power of Imagination and Creativity

Reading books stimulates the imagination in ways that digital media often cannot. When students read, they are transported to different worlds, times, and perspectives. This process engages their creativity, allowing them to visualise characters, settings, and events vividly. Consider J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, which has captivated millions of young readers worldwide. The magical world of Hogwarts, with its rich details and interesting characters, sparks the imagination, encouraging students to dream and create their own fantastical stories.

VIBGYOR Greaders’ Club (V-GC): Fostering a Love for Reading

The VIBGYOR Greaders’ Club (V-GC) is more than just a literary club; it’s a dynamic community that nurtures a passion for reading among students. As Dr. Seuss famously said, “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” V-GC embodies this philosophy, offering a wealth of activities that go beyond traditional reading clubs.

VIBGYOR Greaders’ Club (V-GC) not only enhances vocabulary and reading skills but also hones writing abilities and fosters a deep-seated love for books. Through interactions with eminent authors, students gain insights into different writing styles and techniques, broadening their literary horizons. These interactions inspire young readers to appreciate the art of storytelling and develop their unique voices as writers.

The club’s initiatives, such as book fairs, reading challenges, and storytelling sessions, make reading an engaging and enjoyable activity. By creating a supportive community of readers, the VIBGYOR Greaders’ Club (V-GC) encourages students to explore diverse genres, share their reading experiences, and develop critical thinking skills. This structured approach helps counteract the distractions of the digital age, ensuring that reading remains a valued and integral part of their lives.

Conclusion

Despite the pervasive influence of digital media, the importance of reading books cannot be overstated. Books provide deep knowledge, enhance cognitive skills, reduce stress, foster empathy, and encourage lifelong learning. The VIBGYOR Greaders’ Club (V-GC) plays a crucial role in promoting a culture of reading, ensuring that the joy and benefits of reading endure in the digital era. As we navigate this technologically advanced world, let us not forget the profound impact that a good book can have on our minds and lives.


[1] https://www.researchgate.net

[2] https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu.

VIBGYOR Viva 16: Celebrating Talent and Creativity

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Creativity sparks imagination, promotes critical thinking, and promotes problem-solving skills in young minds. It encourages children to think outside the box, develop unique solutions, and approach challenges with an innovative mindset. At a broader level, it is a key driver for personal growth, academic success, and future professional achievements.

Our Commitment to Cultivating Creativity

At VIBGYOR, we continuously strive to provide students with diverse platforms to explore their abilities. We believe in identifying the unique talents in each child and giving them the opportunity to blossom by providing the right support and training. We actively encourage our students to participate in a wide range of competitions. This exposure not only hones their skills but also builds confidence and resilience. Our dedicated approach ensures that every child’s potential is recognised while empowering them to excel in their passion.

Our students have consistently achieved new milestones in esteemed national as well as international competitions across various categories, showcasing their talents and bringing accolades to the school. By creating an environment that values a creative outlook towards learning, VIBGYOR ensures that every child has the opportunity to shine, preparing them for a bright future.

The VIBGYOR Viva Vision

VIBGYOR Viva, the brainchild of our Vice Chairperson, Ms. Kavita Kerawalla, embodies a vision where ‘Sparking Creativity and Nurturing Talent’ takes precedence in education. It extends our Founder Chairman, Mr. Rustom Kerawalla’s belief in providing a platform that nurtures talent among students worldwide. The much-awaited annual inter-school festival integrates myriad emotions, ideas, and perspectives. Viva encourages everyone, including friends, parents, and grandparents to rediscover the joy of childhood and familial unity.

Participants unleash their talents across diverse genres—creative skills, arts, crafts, filmmaking, sports, and personality-based competitions. Apart from competitions, curated workshops and activities help children polish their skills in various areas like Origami, Beatboxing, Puppet Making, Chocolate Making, and T-shirt Designing, to name a few – all resonating with contemporary youth interests.

Viva 16 – The Stars Ensemble

With a legacy of attracting raw talent nationwide, Viva celebrates its 16th edition, promising an even more dazzling showcase of artistic and athletic prowess. This year our Premier Competition, ‘The Stars Ensemble’ stands as a joyous tribute to talent, diversity, and excellence across all forms of art. Prepare to witness an innovative format, marking a milestone as we commemorate 16 years of joy, growth, and success. From dancers, singers, and musicians to beatboxers, poets, impressionists, and more, our unified platform invites all to showcase their unique skills.

This year, the event will comprise five stages, as mentioned below:

  • Radiate (Round 1): This round is curated for participants to impress judges within a tight timeframe, delivering rapid-fire talent displays that maximise each precious moment.
  • Elevate (Round 2): Participants will get a chance to enhance their presentations with new ideas and improvements, showcasing their ability to innovate and excel.
  • Accelerate (Knockout Round): Here, participants will showcase their talent in distinct styles, delivering original performances that emphasise individuality and aim to leave a lasting impression on the judges.
  • Semi-Finale: Selected participants will get a chance to showcase their individuality and make a lasting impact on the judges.
  • Grand Finale: Finalists will compete for the grand prize, alongside appearances by celebrities and esteemed judges. The ultimate winner will receive a cash award worth ₹1,00,000 cash award. The 1st Runner-up will receive ₹75,000 cash award, and the 2nd Runner-up will receive ₹50,000 cash award.

Continuing the legacy

Over the years, VIBGYOR Viva has provided a common stage for performances from more than 200,000 students across the globe. This year’s edition aims to elevate this tradition, offering a launch pad for students to embark on a journey where ingenuity thrives and talent is appreciated.

Let’s create unforgettable memories and illuminate the stage with boundless energy and talent. Join us in empowering students to explore their potential and achieve excellence across a spectrum of talents.

Exploring Holistic Education: The Role of Curricular and Co-curricular Activities

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Kiranjit Pannu, CEO, VIBGYOR Group of Schools

Holistic education embodies a comprehensive understanding of life, rooted in acknowledging human existence in its entirety. It delves into the existential reality and the interconnectedness of individuals with their surroundings, spanning from the personal to the societal and natural realms.

In essence, holistic education is a multifaceted approach that is not only about academic learning but also the cultivation of essential life skills and values. For instance, a student who excels in academics but lacks empathy and cooperation skills may struggle in a team-based work environment. This approach emphasises the importance of values such as empathy, cooperation, and environmental stewardship, which are integral to creating a more harmonious and sustainable world.

Within the framework of holistic education, curricular and co-curricular activities play a pivotal role in shaping the child’s overall learning experience. While the curriculum provides the foundation for academic learning, co-curricular activities, with their practical applications, complement it by offering opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge and develop essential life skills.

The Role of Curricular and Co-curricular Activities.

As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Co-curricular activities have been an inherent part of education since ancient times, including activities such as music, debate, drama, and athletics. However, their significance was somewhat overshadowed by the emphasis on academics at various points in history. It became evident that a purely academic approach led to a lopsided personality, hindering the achievement of holistic development.

All-round or holistic development, which refers to the balanced growth of a child in all aspects of life including mental, physical, psychological, spiritual, and vocational, cannot be achieved through academics alone. Today’s schools recognise the importance of addressing students’ health, hygiene, sanitation, and safety, alongside promoting recreational games and activities for physical development, character education, and good citizenship.

Co-curricular activities encompass a wide range of pursuits aimed at enriching students’ educational experiences and fostering holistic development. Here are the seven types of co-curricular activities and the roles they play in a child’s development.

1. Literary Activities: These activities focus on nurturing language and communication skills, critical thinking, and creativity. They include debates, discussions, subject-wise clubs, school magazines, dramatisations, study circles, and story-writing sessions.

2. Physical Development Activities: Aimed at promoting physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and leadership, these activities include various sports such as games, indoor and outdoor athletics, mass drills, parades, scouting, and participation in organisations like the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Army Cadet Corps (ACC).

3. Aesthetic and Cultural Development Activities: Activities likemusic, dancing, drawing, painting, sculpture, exhibitions, fancy dress events, and folk dance performances aim to cultivate an appreciation for arts, culture, and creativity.

4. Civic Development Activities: Focused on instilling a sense of civic responsibility, leadership, and community engagement, these activities include participating in assemblies, serving on students’ councils, managing canteens, and organising and participating in celebrations of religious, national, and social festivals.

5. Social Welfare Activities: These activities aim to promote social awareness, empathy, and community service. They include organising and participating in fairs, festivals, community service projects, and cultural programs, as well as involvement in scouting or guiding activities.

6. Leisure Time Activities: Designed to encourage personal interests and hobbies, these activities provide students with opportunities for relaxation and self-expression. They include stamp and coin collecting, photography, reading clubs, as well as pursuits like needlework and knitting.

7. Excursion Activities: These activities involve educational trips and visits to places of interest outside the classroom. They include picnics, museum visits, zoo trips, and other excursions that offer students opportunities for hands-on learning and exposure to new environments and cultures.

To summarise, children cannot solely grow through education; they need to become well-rounded individuals in society, and for that, schools and parents need to understand the role of co-curricular activities. Infact, a study in India revealed that these activities positively impact academic performance, aid in achieving educational goals, influence behaviour positively, increase knowledge, and nurture a competitive spirit.

These activities are not just about the present, they are investments in a child’s future, meant to develop their character and skill, increase their social and emotional intelligence, help them perform better in academics, and instil confidence and self-esteem from scratch, so they grow up to become a holistic individual.

Act for Our Planet: Simple Ways Students Can Be Eco-Warriors

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Sustainable Practices for a Greener Future

Environmental consciousness is more important now than ever. As stewards of the future, children can play a crucial role in preserving our planet for generations to come. At VIBGYOR Group of Schools, we strive to empower students by engaging them in environmental activities and sustainability initiatives to become eco-warriors. By engaging in environmental activism, students not only contribute to the protection of the environment but also develop important skills such as leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. They learn to cooperate with people, express themselves clearly, and come up with original answers to challenging issues. These abilities will help them not just in their academic and professional endeavours but also enable them to become lifelong protagonists for environment.

 In this blog, we will explore simple, yet impactful ways students can make a difference and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Environmental Activities for Students: Engaging students in simple yet impactful ecological activities is a fantastic way to instil a sense of responsibility and connection to the natural world. From planting trees to organising beach clean-ups, countless activities can inspire students to take action. VIBGYOR students participate in hands-on projects like creating vertical gardens, constructing bird feeders, and organising recycling drives. These activities teach valuable environmental lessons and foster teamwork and community spirit.

Sustainability for Students: Teaching students about sustainability is essential for building a more eco-conscious society. We integrate sustainability principles into our curriculum, emphasising the importance of reducing waste, conserving resources, and protecting biodiversity. Through interactive lessons and real-world examples, students learn about the impact of their actions on the environment and how they can make sustainable choices in their daily lives. They are encouraged to practice the principles of Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Promoting Eco-Friendly Habits: Being eco-friendly extends beyond the school environment; it encompasses all aspects of life. Simple actions like using reusable water bottles, packing waste-free lunches, turning off lights when not in use, using energy-saving devices, unplugging chargers when not in use, using public transport or walking when possible, carpooling, eating local and season-based meals, and many more such steps can make a big difference. By promoting sustainability initiatives such as composting programmes and energy-saving campaigns, we empower students to take ownership of their environmental impact wherever they go.

Easy Ways to Reduce Waste: Reducing waste is essential to sustainability. We implement waste reduction strategies such as paper recycling programmes, composting organic waste, and encouraging the use of reusable materials. Teaching students about the importance of waste reduction and providing practical solutions instils lifelong habits that contribute to a cleaner, greener planet beyond the school premises.

Save Water Tips: Water conservation is another critical aspect of environmental stewardship. We educate students about saving water and provide practical tips such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets, etc. that they can implement both at school and at home. By promoting water-saving initiatives and raising awareness about water scarcity issues, we empower students to become water-wise individuals and contribute to water conservation efforts.

Engaging in Eco-Friendly Projects: Participating in eco-friendly projects fosters creativity and environmental stewardship among students. They can engage in various projects, such as building solar-powered models, designing recycled art installations, and creating sustainability-themed videos. These projects inspire creativity and encourage students to explore innovative solutions to environmental challenges beyond the classroom. Attending relevant events and volunteering for environmental organisations are a great way for students to actively remain aware as well as contribute to environmental casues.

Understanding Climate Change: Understanding climate change is crucial for empowering students to become effective environmental advocates.At VIBGYOR, we educate students about climate change’s causes and effects through activities and discussions. From conducting experiments to simulate the greenhouse effect to researching renewable energy technologies, students learn about the science behind climate change and explore solutions for mitigating its impacts.

VIBGYOR Student Social Responsibility cell and VIBGYOR Nature Club drive such activities regularly. Our Climate Academy programme offers a multidisciplinary approach to learning about climate change and environmental sustainability. Through interactive lessons, field trips, and guest speakers, students deeply understand climate change issues and develop the skills needed to address them effectively.

Leading and Inspiring: Along with practising these habits, the students can raise awareness to the masses by sharing their knowledge and encouraging others to join the green initiatives. They can also utilise social media to create and promote campaigns.

Together, we can make a difference and build a more sustainable world for future generations.

Sources:

  1. National Geographic Kids – https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
  2. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for Children – https://sdgs.un.org/goals
  3. Environmental Protection Agency – Energy Efficiency Tips for Schools – https://www.epa.gov/schools
  4. Recycling Revolution – Tips for Reducing Waste at School – https://www.recyclingrevolution.com/
  5. Environmental Protection Agency – Water Conservation Tips for Kids – https://www.epa.gov/watersense
  6. Green Schools Alliance – Eco-Friendly Project Ideas for Students – https://www.greenschoolsalliance.org/
  7. NASA Climate Kids – https://climatekids.nasa.gov/

5 trends in nature-based learning for young children

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Nature-based learning, also known as outdoor education or outdoor learning, is increasingly being recognised as a transformative approach to early education. Here’s how it’s making an impact:

In an era where children are increasingly glued to screens and indoor activities, there has been a notable resurgence in outdoor education, particularly in early childhood settings. Outdoor education broadly refers to a range of organised activities that predominantly take place outside the four walls of a classroom. Here, the environment plays the role of the ‘third teacher’. From encouraging children to participate in extra- and co-curricular activities to going on field trips and treks, these help nurture their holistic development. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the immense benefits that nature-based learning offers to young minds.

Furthermore, outdoor education is predicated on the philosophy of play and playfulness, which has connections to key competencies such as the development of thinking and learning (cognitive) skills, problem-solving abilities, self-regulation, and collaborative work.

Aanchal Vasandani, Vice President Content, VIBGYOR Group of Schools has shared five emerging trends in nature-based learning for young children and ten innovative practices in social-emotional learning within early childhood education.

1. NATURE IMMERSION

Nature is the ultimate classroom for early childhood development and educators are recognising the colossal benefits of immersing young children in nature. Outdoor education and nature-based learning ignite children’s innate curiosity and sense of wonder. Nature-based learning not only fosters a deep connection with the environment, but also enhances sensory awareness, creativity, and personal, social, and environmental growth, through experiential learning.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Schools are incorporating reformative practices to instill connection and commitment to the environment from a young age. Children engage in activities like gardening, composting, and wildlife conservation, fostering a sense of respect and care for the planet (i.e. environmental awareness and sustainability).

3. ADVENTURE-BASED LEARNING

Activities, such as hiking and camping, provide opportunities for children to challenge themselves, collaborate with peers, and build resilience. These experiences promote physical fitness, risk-taking abilities, and teamwork. It also allows children to connect with the world around them, not through a screen, but through their senses and imagination.

4. NATURE-INSPIRED CURRICULUM

Integrating nature into the curriculum across subjects like science, art, and language arts promotes interdisciplinary learning. Through hands-on experiences and observation, children develop a deeper understanding of ecological concepts and a sense of wonder about the natural world.

5. NATURE-BASED STORYTELLING

Nature-based storytelling activities promote children’s interaction with the natural environment through literature and imaginative play. Reading nature-themed books, forming outdoor story circles, and acting out stories in natural settings help children develop language skills, creativity, and a deeper connection to the environment.

The rise of outdoor education reflects a growing recognition of the importance of nature in children’s lives. By embracing this approach, we as educators not only prepare our children for academic success, but they also develop a profound association with the natural world, as they become responsible environmental ambassadors.

Article published on India Today



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