June edition
Dear children, You are in charge of your learning! You should be involved in the process of your education. So we came up with a newsletter for all of you! We have many fun activities in store for you and exciting facts and subjects you can explore. While adding to your general knowledge, the newsletter is also a way for you to connect with Agastyans and share collective experiences. Because who says you learn only in the classroom? Your learning is beyond the four walls as well. There’s something for everyone in this inaugural version, whether you are in class 1 or 10! We want you to ponder upon the environment this month and what you can do for our planet. Last month we observed World Water Day, and this month, World Earth Day. Both focus attention on the challenge of water scarcity plaguing many parts of the world, including India. Plastic and chemical wastage and pollution damage the environment. We must, therefore, be mindful of our actions in contributing to them and harming the earth. We have added a few tips and information on how to live sustainably. Be sure to check out the environmental corner! We hope this newsletter stimulates and helps you grow as sensitive human beings and stay connected with Agastya. Be sure to let us know what else you want to see in this space, and submit your drawings and activity results so that we may publish them in the next issue! Until then, go Aah! Aha! Ha-Ha! Ramji Raghavan
Did you know that paper from trees can be recycled up to 6 times?! So the next time you don’t have any use for the newspapers or textbooks in your house, you can send them to a paper recycling station near you or recycle them easily at home. To recycle paper at home, you need ice cream sticks, glue, a mesh straining cloth, scissors, a rolling pin, and the papers you want to recycle. First, shred the papers and put them in a blender to turn them into complete pulp. You will need about 2-3 cups of this. Boil 2 cups of water, and while it’s on flame, make a frame for the paper. Stick the ice cream sticks in a square shape to make the borders. Stick the mesh paper inside the square to complete the frame. Once the water is boiled, blend it with the paper pulp till it makes a soupy mixture. Place the frame over a large bowl and pour the pulp over it. Use the rolling pin to spread the pulp evenly over the frame. Let the water drip and dry completely for about 24-30 hours. Peel the paper out of the frame and use it!