The first step towards manifestation of your intention is to distil your random thoughts.Thoughts which are aligned towards a common outcome are said to be coherent.They have much more energy than the thoughts which contradict each other. Manifestation requires energy.
Thoughts which focus upon negative outcomes deplete your vital brain energy.They are a waste of precious time and energy. How to alter these random thoughts and get used to coherent thinking? By being aware of them.
The process through which we nurture thoughts that facilitate manifestation is known as DOT technique.
Exercise 1) Is it what you really want?
For eg: If you say- I want a promotion. THINK.
Is it a promotion you want? An increment? Or more opportunities? More devotion? More challenges? More responsibilities? The more clarity you have about what you want, the easier it is to manifest.
Exercise 2) Let your thoughts run loose for about 15 minutes. After that write down as many thoughts as you remember. Some thoughts may be cancelling or contradicting each other. Some may be doubtful or fearful.
Exercise 3) Sleeping with the intent- The subconscious mind is bigger and more powerful. It has a huge resource available to it. At times you wake up with a powerful solution that seems to come from out of the box.
When I embarked on this journey of becoming a special educator, it was because of my son. Early on I realised he was slightly different from others, even his own brother. His differences were not so apparent in the early years where academics is not a focus but as soon as he hit grade two and his grades started dropping I figured something was “non normal”. That he needed to be handled differently was evident and once I got on board with who he was instead of who I wanted him to be, I began to set his goals accordingly. Since then I’ve figured out a label for him but it’s never mattered because my son doesn’t wear a label, he owns it.
Children with special needs can be a challenge, there is no debating that. But as with many challenges in life you can ride the wave to fortune or let it drown you at the tide. My learnings have been many as a facilitator for these children and I share them in the hope that life will be made easier for those parents and teachers who are lucky to have them in their lives. Remember always that Life is more meaningful when it poses challenges and pushes our heart and minds to embrace them.
As a mother of one such amazing child, here goes my two bit of learning:
Children are like rainbows… A spectrum with many colours, each with its own hue and beauty. Children with special needs are one of those many colours…. Do not expect red to be yellow.
Do not be afraid to set boundaries because they need them more than others…. The earlier you get started with structure, the more beneficial it is for them.
Stop worrying and start doing what’s best for your child. Figure out the small steps and the big ones will fall in place by and by.
Stop hiding from the world. Differences are good. We are all part of the natural diversity of nature. You don’t make fun of diabetics or think them odd for having the condition. Special need requirements are no different.
Trust that the world will accept your child as soon as you do. Because your acceptance is the first step towards integration. More often than not, what parents perceive as rejection by outsiders is in reality a reflection of their own inner turmoil.
Pretending that special requirements don’t exist is the worst possible harm you can do to your own child. Get on board and start rowing… You’ll be surprised how far your child will get with just your help, forget about others.
Connect with the special needs community and trust me it is a large one… The more dots that are joined, the stronger will be the community support for our kids.
It’s not the easiest of journeys but there is lots of adventure on the way, so look forward to the ride… It might turn out to be the best one you have, with the right attitude.
Many a times we are coerced and cajoled into a profession we may be least interested in. But somewhere down the line, this abominable profession becomes our passion and one learns to excel in it.
What was once considered as a housewife’s profession has resurrected itself as the most challenging and demanding job. From coping up with the needs of the family and delivering classroom instructions, teachers have embellished way beyond one’s apprehension.
Apart from this, teachers and teaching have flourished incorporating technology into teaching. Teachers’ secrets to success have been in planning and implementing these instructions into their teaching which has paved a path for prosperity for the learners.
This unreasonable and impossible job of igniting the young minds of the learners lies on the delicate, yet sturdy shoulders of teachers. The whole and sole ambition of teachers lies in the aim to spark the lamp of learning and quench the thirst of gaining knowledge.
Thus, teachers have turned to the aid of technology. Technology is a FORCE MULTIPLIER for the teacher. Instead of the teacher who at a point of time was the only source of help in a classroom is no longer the sole bearer of the burden of teaching and learning. Technology is equated to a TEACHER LIBERATOR. But before this, the novice (teachers) have to master their skills (technology). In fact to re-establish the role of teacher, inculcating values within and outside the classroom, teachers and technology have to formulate a collaboration, a partnership which helps to create a community which nurtures, encourages and supports the learning and teaching process.
Technology makes the classroom, learner-centered. It strongly encompasses methods of teaching that shifts the focus of instruction from the teacher to the student. Keeping in mind the multiple intelligences present in a classroom situation, technology unfolds many new methods of learning. Be it linguistic, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, logical, mathematical –technology has an appropriate response to all.
Technology has the ability to enhance the relationship between teachers and students. Teachers effectively integrate technology into subject. Teachers grow into roles of advisors, content experts, and coaches. Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun.
Technology stimulates the Teaching and Learning process. Technology provides the teacher with numerous tools that they can use. Technology also has the power to transform teaching by ushering in a new generation of teaching skills. Technology links teachers to their students and to professional content, resources, available in various forms to help them improve their own instruction and personalise learning in and out of the classroom. Technology augments student learning process which is the key to success.
The role of educational technology in teaching is of great importance because of the vast and immense information and communication technologies present with the ever evolving technology which is adamantine. Distance education, satellite classrooms is also made possible due to technology. The Internet teachers and the internet students have opened doors to the inaccessible class and mass of learners.
The VIBGYOR Group of Schools has always believed in providing the best to the best. Under the aegis of our dynamic and vivacious Chairman Mr Rustom Kerawalla and the relentless efforts of our very own irrefutable and indubitable Vice Chairperson Ms Kavita Sahay, and the entire intransigent VIBGYOR family, the group like technology is ever evolving with time and experience. We have implemented the latest, state of the art technology in all spheres of our work. Without a doubt, technology has been the scaffolding to the success of VIBGYOR Group of Schools and we wish to transfer this success to our future – the learners at VIBGYOR.
Have you ever caught yourself dreaming about the days you were a child? Ever wanted to go back to those carefree, fun-loving days? Whether it is boldness, a spirited nature, or looking forward to a new day, there are various qualities that we attribute to children and reminisce about. Here are 5 life lessons that we can learn from our childhood days as well as the kids around us, and imbibe in our daily adult lives.
1. Believe that nothing is impossible
Children are always looking forward to venturing into something new. We’ve all been there – the constantly changing life dreams from being a rockstar one day to an astronaut the next, nothing seemed impossible, and we never confined our dreams. As adults, however, dreams and accomplishments are closely tied to expectations, self-judgements, and the loss of hope that we may not be good at something new. Let’s learn from the young ones around us and believe that nothing is impossible. Want to learn that new dance or study something new? There’s always a way to do so. Say yes to your dreams! There’s nothing stopping you
2. Make yourself laugh
Children have a wonderful way of being amazed or finding humour in the things around them. It doesn’t matter if things aren’t going their way; it doesn’t affect their ability to be positive or find joy in little things such as making stones skip over water or playing with bubbles. Let’s learn from this light-hearted nature of children around us. Step away from the things that cause you stress, and spend some time making yourself smile. Whether it’s watching a funny cartoon or playing with dogs, there’s always time for laughter and fun.
3. Ask silly questions
“Mum, why do we have so many fingers? Are butterflies just small birds? Does Santa wear his hat while sleeping?” Have you ever watched a kid talking nineteen to the dozen with innocence and keenness to learn? For some reason, as we grow older, we start worrying about asking questions that may seem silly. But the greatest discoveries arose from questions that were initially deemed nonsensical. So let’s stop questioning ourselves and start being curious about things that happen in the world as there’s always something new to learn
4. Show compassion
There’s an abundance of lessons to be learnt from children when it comes to showing compassion and empathy. Their innocence and soft-heartedness are incredibly prominent. They are quick to feel upset when they see an animal in distress and ready to help someone who needs it. As we grow up, we tend to be preoccupied with our own problems and don’t give much thought to the issues of the people around us. Let’s learn from the goodness of young children, and be kind to others, whether it’s assisting someone cross the road, feeding a stray animal, or donating to charity.
5. Every new day is a fresh chapter
The final school bell rings and there’s the sound of feet running down the corridor. Bags are tossed aside as some of them run towards the playground, and others gather around making plans for the evening. That difficult test and the scolding from the teacher are all forgotten. As a fresh day dawns and children get ready for school again, they begin to look forward to new possibilities, new adventures, and new friends. They don’t carry problems from one day to the next. Every day is a fresh chapter, and with the end of the day, ends all their troubles. Let’s learn from this attitude and look forward to each new day as a world of opportunities!
There are a great many things we can learn from children that can make our lives happier and more fulfilling. Implement these in your daily life and see the change that occurs!
With my passport to new beginnings in hand, and my school friends, Principal and teacher by my side, I set off on what would be one of the most priceless expeditions of my student life at VIBGYOR. One filled with the awe of adventure: the palpable eagerness to board the flight and fly away, for the first time without the protective shadow of my parents; yet, an undercurrent of nervousness crept up my spine and gave me chills, for the very same reason. Fighting my fears, I took my first step on that plane, because travel begins outside your comfort zone. There was no turning back.
After a gruelingly long flight, we finally landed at Schiphol airport, where a grand delegation of teachers and students awaited to welcome us to paradise. The air was unspoiled, the landscape unpolluted; the initial feeling of disorientation and possible homesickness being drowned out by the awe and wonder that I was in another country, on another continent, with other people.
We went as travellers, not as tourists. Globetrotters whose main aim was to ‘experience’ the Dutch culture, rich with the most divine sweets and the most elegant dresses. Every aspect was scrutinised by me. A culture so foreign, so different, yet the warmth and hemlines of my host family bridged the gap and greatly reduced the culture shock I would have experienced if I had travelled as a tourist. It was a much needed respite from the comfort of the LCD screen of my phone and spending frivolous hours in large departmental stores: two of my favourite pastimes. My main aim was not to shop, or to snapchat. It was to document every frivolity of Dutch habits, from dining manners to Dutch “Panakooks” and everything in between. My family always ensured that I had a box of delicious soesjes by my side.
From Goedemorgen to Goedenacht, we learned of the vast differences that were so skillfully bridged in the experience, right down to the absence of paneer makhani (my absolute favourite). Their inability to pronounce “Namaste” left me in stitches, but was balanced by my inability to pronounce basic Dutch words. In fact, they even tried their hand at Bollywood dancing on the culture night organised in school! Nobody wanted to leave, rather, we wanted life to pause in these random moments: the visit to the Middelburg Abbey, the trip to the cheese farm, the football match (where the Dutch beat us 4-0)… Our final goodbyes were the toughest. Hugs, high-fives, promises, the exchange of phone numbers comforted us, and enabled us to come back to the one place I now longed for, HOME.
Teachers are nation builders and despite the breakneck speed of technological progress impacting today’s classrooms, their presence is of paramount importance to students.
The term facilitator is now becoming more prevalent, and why not? It goes hand in hand with the quantum of work and the job descriptions of teachers around the world. Long gone are the days of only books and chalk and talk methods. In modern schools one sees how, by using dynamic and exciting teaching methodologies, the learners are drawn into the world of self actualisation and realisation of their aims, aspirations, dreams, goals and hopes.
Collaboration, role play, data sharing, using the internet for research and reference, has become quite the norm. Experiential learning and a sense of connectivity through the net has taken the world of education by storm. Hence, the role of the facilitator extends, at times, to beyond the classroom. She/he is a leader, a mentor, a role model, a counsellor, a coach, a therapist, a seeker, a knowledge base, a disciplinarian, a data collector, a curriculum planner, an event manager and an entertainer among many more avatars.
In this context, I have always considered myself blessed to be surrounded by creative, experienced, innovative and fiercely committed teachers at VIBGYOR. The enthusiastic faculty at all the schools of the VIBGYOR Group are self motivated individuals who are passionate about doing their utmost for the students under their care. What excites and satisfies me is the undaunted spirit of learning that each one carries within herself/himself. The childlike curiosity to learn more and more so as to impart that learning to their students is what I appreciate wholeheartedly in my teachers.
The advent of newer means of communication has had a tremendous impact in the education sphere. Undoubtedly it makes things faster and easier. Nonetheless, it also increases the work at hand with the teaching staff shouldering more and more responsibilities. This, they do tirelessly and with keen interest. After all, teachers have always been the face of the schools for the most crucial stakeholders i.e. the students. Their interaction and rapport with their learners is their key to success.
Hats off to all the facilitators of the world who are striving relentlessly to bring about a change. Take a bow, you hardworking beacons of light, life and inspiration.
