CONTE NTS FEBRUARY 2016
COVER STORY
DOES RANKING OF SCHOOLS HAVE POSITIVE IMPACT?
volume III
46
issue 11
PEDAGOGY
Storytelling in schools
30 16 Rukmini Devi
BYGONE LUMINARIES
20 FESTIVALS
Vasant Panchami
40 INTERVIEW
Books on Wheels‘Read More India’
CAREER 60 Radio Jockey
06 07 08 10 14 16 18 22 24 26
Readers’ Column Editorial This Month at a Glance News Kudos Bygone Luminaries Festivals Write Right Education Special Feature
28 42 44 48 50 52 54 56 58 59
Education - 4C’s Art - Indian Folk Art Sports Celebrations Big Question Education - Part VII-B Commemoration Travel Space Technology
62 64 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 74
History Health Food Film Review Language Study British Council Short Story Quiz Amazing Facts Mind Mine
READERS’COLUMN Mentor for Life It makes a very interesting reading about the career journey of Mrs.Ratna Reddy, Founder-Director, Chirec School. It inspires one to understand the mentor’s determination to fulfill her dreams in the development of education. Vaishali Sinha, Delhi
NEW CONCEPT
Armed Forces
WATCH
LISTEN
Now you can read as well as listen to your favourite article and also watch videos on education, career, sports, skill building, entertainment and a lot more. Brainfeed magazine started presenting a new concept – that is you can listen to your favourite article being read by experts while you go through the article. And also watch videos of your interest from the list of videos given in the magazine. This is how it works • A QR code sign will be given along with the article or the video. • All you need is a QR code scanner or QR code reader app on your Smartphone. • Download the app from Google play store or Apple app store. • Open the application, focus and hold the camera on the QR code of the article or the video you want to listen to or watch. • Then the QR code will lead you to the audio file of an educational expert, read the article for you or to the video that you wanted to watch. Don’t you think this is cool – so go on, read like an expert reader by just listening to an expert reader, read an article for you or watch a video to learn about an issue or topic or to learn a new skill.
The articles featuring the Armed Forces days from October 2015 to January 2016, have been an eye opener to learn about their services and their personnel. The people unaware of these celebrations will get an idea of the defence services and their commitments towards our nation. Mariam.K, Chennai
Nepali girl with a vision and mission It was very interesting to read the struggle and achievements of Shristi, Founder of ‘Blind Rocks.’ A motivational article for students who can build up their confidence and can realize that blind also have vision and mission for their life. Reshma, Kolkata
Creative English Classroom Being an English teacher, I found this article very effective as it has provided with a variety of ideas about the activities to be conducted in the English class. Implementing these activities in the class rooms will surely improve the listening and speaking skills of the students. Vani Patnaik, Cuttack, Odisha
Ham….the Cute Chimp It was interesting to know about the chimpanzee travelling into space and the way he operated the levers during his flight. The QR video related to it was wonderful giving the full detailed information about its flight. Enjoyed the video!! Purvi Talwar, Mumbai
Kudos to the designing team The Brainfeed designing team is doing an excellent job by selecting attractive eye-catching pictures related to the topic. These pictures make the book more interesting. This also can create awareness in the students as well as the elders about one more career opportunity in life. Aniket Sharma, Noida
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EDITORIAL february 2016
volume III
issue 11
Chief Editor Brahmam K V Editor Seshubabu P V Executive Editor Bhageeradha G +91 91775 13996 Sub Editor Vanalatha Reddy T Art & Design Lakshmi D Rakesh N Director-Sales SreeNivas R B +91 85018 26497 Circulation & Photographer Hemachandra Rao S +91 91777 74851 +91 85018 26317 Printed, Published and Owned by Kakani Veera Brahmam
Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd. 1-1-60/5, RTC X Roads Hyderabad-500 020, Telangana, India
Published from 8-3-191/565/K, Vengal Rao Nagar SR Nagar Post, Hyderabad-500 038 Telangana, India Contact No. : 040- 6551 5151 +91 94944 39444 Email: info@brainfeedmagazine.com brainfeedmagazine@gmail.com
B
rainfeed brought out a 200page special issue coinciding the 3rd National Conference and the School Excellence Awards function held on February 4, 2016 at Le’ Meridien, New Delhi. The unique calendar of the month is filled with interesting events of February down memory lane! 25 children have been honoured with National Bravery Awards 2016 by Sri. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. Bygone Luminaries Rukmini Devi Arundale – the doyen of Indian classical dance and founder of Kalakshetra and Sardar Khushwant Singh –the popular humorist, novelist, lawyer, journalist and politician make awe-inspiring reading. LOSAR – the Tibetan New Year, Vasant Panchami and Nagaur – the Cattle Fair brings interesting information about these festivals. Learning happens all the time no matter where one comes from is made clear by Ms. Anne Sivanathan in ‘A Glimpse of Quality Child Care’. In the special feature the significance of Risk-Taking by students in the Class Room is discussed in detail. 5 Critical 21st Century skills... tells about the cultural shift in the thinking of teachers and students in learning.
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CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE & E-MAG brainfeedmagazine.com AND FOLLOW US ON facebook.com/ brainfeededumag
‘Does Ranking of Schools Have Positive Impact?’ has generated criticism from various stakeholders. Views of Senior Principals have also been collated. ‘Books on Wheels – Read More India’ carries a special interview of Ms. Shatabdi and Mr. Akshaya Rautaray. Basque Pelota is played with a hand or racquet against a wall. Folk Art unfolds a rich haul of paintings with rich historical perspective.
‘Story Telling’ is a powerful tool in the hands of teachers to make teaching - learning process twitter.com/ interesting. The Big Question convinces why brainfeedmagzn the sea is salty and why the planets are round. History opens to the ‘Vijayanagara Empire’ of Sri Krishna Devaraya. Travel to Bali – the Miraculous Island, takes us to volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. ‘Career’ explores new avenues open in Radio Jockey. ‘Health’ provides valuable tips on protecting liver from Hepatitis! ‘Chalk-N-Duster reviews the hardships faced by teachers in the present educational system. Happy Reading!
www.brainfeedmagazine.com facebook.com/brainfeededumag RNI No. APENG/2013/49994
Brahmam K V Chief Editor february 16
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THIS MONTH AT A GLANCE
Russia adopted the Gregorian calendar.
1918
The unmanned Soviet Luna 9 spacecraft made the first controlled rocketassisted landing on the Moon.
FEBRUARY Bob Douglas became the first African American elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
1972
1966
2016
The opening ceremony for the 2014 Winter Olympics was held in the Russian city of Sochi.
The Davis Cup competition was established.
1900
Space Shuttle Discovery was launched on a mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope.
The Negro National League was formed.
1920
1997
National women’s day
World Day of the Sick
2014
The association football club Alianza Lima was founded in Lima, Peru, under the name Sport Alianza.
1901
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 World Wetlands Day
World Cancer Day
Charlie Chaplin’s first film appearance, Making a Living premieres.
1914
Washington National Airport was renamed Ronald Reagan National Airport.
1998 Facebook, a mainstream online social networking site, was founded by Mark Zuckerberg.
The NASDAQ stock market index opened for the first time.
The 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified.
Darwin Day
1967
1971
Michigan State University was established.
1855
Valentine’s Day
YouTube was launched by a group of college students, eventually becoming the largest video sharing website in the world.
2005
He who has knowledge has the responsibility to impart it to the students.
2004
– Rabindranath Tagore
UPCOMING EVENTS February
February
February
February
2016 International Symposium on Teaching, Education and Learning(ISTEL 2016-Winter)
The International Conference on Science of Human Learning
Education UK Exhibitions
Science and Beyond: Public Talks on Time
2-4, 2016
Bali, Indonesia www.ibac-conference.org
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4-6, 2016
India International Centre, New Delhi www.etma-india.in
6, 2016
Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kochi and Coimbatore www.britishcouncil.com
20, 2016
Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Trivandrum, Kolkatta www.britishcouncil.com
The Romanian Football Federation joined FIFA.
1930
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain was published in the United States.
The University of California opened its first medical school in San Francisco.
1873
1885
Kasturba Gandhi, Indian activist, wife of Mahatma Gandhi death anniversary.
The first Swaminarayan temple in the world, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Ahmedabad, was inaugurated.
1822
1944
World Day of Social Justice
World Scout Day
Central Excise Day
C. V. Raman discovered Raman scattering theory. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Indian poet and politician, death anniversary.
1928
1966
The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work. – Michael Jackson
National Science Day
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Project Vanguard: Vanguard 2 – The first weather satellite was launched to measure cloud-cover distribution.
NASA’s Mars Odyssey space probe begins to map the surface of Mars using its thermal emission imaging system.
2002
1959
International Mother Language Day
World Peace and Understanding Day
Plutonium was first produced and isolated by Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published The Communist Manifesto.
The United States Senate allowed its debates to be televised on a trial basis.
J. P. Morgan incorporated the United States Steel Corporation.
1941
1986
1901
1986
1848
JANUARY 2016 February
March
Early Childhood Association-India 4th International Conference on Quality Matters in Early Childhood Care & Education
REDISCOVERING LEARNING 2016
20-21, 2016
Hotel Sea Princess, Juhu, Mumbai www.eca-india.org
Morarji Desai, Indian politician, 4th Prime Minister of India, birth anniversary.
10-11, 2016
Kohinoor Asian Hotel, Mahabalipuram, Chennai www.alphatoomega.org
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NEWS Dates announced for CBSE Board 2016 examinations
Kashmea Wahi tops Mensa Score
K
ashmea Wahi an 11 year old Indian origin girl in the United Kingdom achieved a score of 162 in an IQ test of Mensa becoming one of the youngest brainy students in the country. Mensa is the largest and the oldest high IQ society in the world. Her score of 162 puts her on the top of one percent of the country’s brightest students and puts her in the league of scientists Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking to have an IQ of 160. Excited Kashmea said, “It’s overwhelming to be compared with the likes of Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein. The comparison is implausible and I believe it would take loads of achievements for anyone like me to be able to get into the league of such legends.”
T
he Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the dates for the class X and XII board examination 2016. The class XII board examination will commence from March 01 and continue till April 22. The class X board examination will start from March 01 and end on March 28. Timings for the exam will be from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. For more details logon to cbse.nic.in
R
MU to offer course on RTI Act
ight to Information (RTI) which has become a crucial fundamental right in our country will now be taught at the Mumbai University. The varsity will offer six-month PG certificate course which will be commencing from the third week of January. The university is targeting social activists, PIOs, journalists, bureaucrats and members of civil society to ensure more effective use of the RTI tool.
Measures to Halt the falling Indian educational standards-President
P
resident Pranab Mukherjee proposed a few measures to be taken to halt the falling standard of education in the country. 1. Promoting centres of excellence in order to address and nurture the basic competencies of any institute.
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Avoid junk food in school canteen menu: CBSE
he Central Board of Secondary Education has issued circular to the affiliated schools and directed that junk food should not be included in the canteen menu. Schools should also create awareness about nutritious food and regularly monitor students’ health. The Board has asked schools to form a school canteen management committee which will include teachers, parents and students and decide the kind of food to be made available, check food quality, study canteen infrastructure requirements, design physical activity programs for students and avail expertise for canteen food.
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2. Educational partnerships with other domestic and foreign institutions, to facilitate student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research opportunities, and the sharing of ideas, practices, and academic expertise and course materials. 3. Boosting start-ups in the country and positively responding to ideas arising from young Indian minds. 4. Higher education institutions should work on the students’ entrepreneurship abilities in order to become job creators rather than job seekers. 5. It will be worthwhile to properly harness the existing information and communication technology networks like the National Knowledge Network.
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NEWS Laurels to Jubilee Hills Public School
Chennai Youth tops CA Finals
J
ames John Britto, from Chennai, topped the CA final examinations held by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in November and December 2015. He cleared it in the first attempt itself.
John Britto scored 74.38% (595/800) in the extremely difficult examinations followed by Nagula Mohan Kumar from Tirupati with 71.50% (572/800) and Avinash Sancheti from Kolkata with 70.75% (566/800).
Hyderabad students in YMUN
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team of seven students of Grade 8, from Silver Oaks, Hyderabad, stepped forward to embark on the journey, to participate in Yale for Modelling United Nations, each with their personal goal to accomplish. The School opted to prepare these students to represent their committee as wellinformed delegates. The theme for the 42nd YMUN session was ‘Learn Today and Lead Tomorrow’. The four day long conference from January 21-24 witnessed 1,600 delegates from across the world through debates and diplomacy to solve the pressing issues facing the world today. The principal, Ms. Seetha Murthy, the staff and the parents of the participants were equally committed to the cause of experiential learning of the participants.
VIDEOS
TO WATCH
S
reya
Chandrika, Class XII, JUBILEE HILLS PUBLIC SCHOOL, Hyderabad won the National acclamation for the essay, ‘Preventive Vigilance As A Tool For Good Governance’, conducted by the Reserve Bank of India in October 2015. Her essay will be published in the Newsletter of Central Vigilance Commission. The Management and Staff of the School congratulated her on this accomplishment.
http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ february-2016-video-29 How to play Basque Pelota - A sport
http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ february-2016-video-30 Useful Telephone Phrases
New Milestone achieved Iris Florets
A
new milestone achieved by fast growing Iris florets-the happy play school, in ECE industry. Iris florets inked a Joint Venture with Srinergy Educare LLC, USA to provide customised curriculum enrichment and business plans to US & UAE based preschools. At present, Iris-Srinergy started working with couple of preschools in Virginia and Abu Dhabi. The school has already bagged thirty franchises in India, with in a short span of one year, as informed by it’s CMD Sirish Turlapati.
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http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ february-2016-video-31 English Grammar (I hope - I wish)
http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ february-2016-video-32 Akbar & Birbal – Field of Gold Short Story
Cricketing Feat
F
ifteen-year Pranav Dhanawade has broken a century-old record on 4th January 2016 to become the first batsman in the world to score 1000-plus runs in an innings in any form of cricket. Pranav scored 1000 runs in just 323 balls. Pranav’s epic knock lasted 395 minutes and
included a staggering 59 sixes and 129 fours. Pranav remained unbeaten at 1009 and broke a 116old cricketing record. He took over the mantle of ‘highest individual score’ from A E J Collins of U K. Maharashtra Government has announced to look after his education and coaching expenses.
Innovation Festival at Nehru Science Centre
A
three day innovation festival was held from January 29-31 at Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai, where many working models and replicas were displayed. School students and others participated in the event. President of India has declared the decade starting from 2010 as the ‘Decade of Innovation’. To take this agenda forward, especially among the students, NSC has established a new facility at the centre, called the Innovation Hub. This facility has expressed objective of creating a culture of innovation among the public especially among the students. The festival provided a platform for showcasing innovation in products and services from the field of art, craft, science and technology, and featured lectures, activities, workshops, demonstrations, challenge yourself corner, idea box, etc.
KUDOS
NATIONAL BRAVERY AWARDS-2016
A
s a part of the annual ritual of honouring young bravehearts for their acts of exemplary courage and valour, 25 children were conferred with the National Bravery Award this Republic Day. The children received their awards from Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on January 24 and participated in
the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2016. They saved their friends, parents, and neighbours from drowning, electrocution, thieves and a lot more – these 25 children, who were honoured with the National Bravery Award this year, displayed immense courage and risked their lives to protect their loved ones.
The awardees received a medal, a certificate, and cash prize. The Bharat Award winner receives `50,000, the Geeta Chopra Award winner `40,000, Sanjay Chopra Award `29,000 followed by three Bapu Gaidhani awardees who receive `24,000 each. All other bravery award winners receive `20,000 each. The awardees will be granted
financial assistance until they complete their schooling. Some state governments also provide financial assistance to them. In addition, ICCW provides assistance under its Indira Gandhi Scholarship Scheme to those undertaking professional courses such as engineering and medicine.
List of the Awardees S. No. Name
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Category
Age
State
1.
Late Gaurav Kawduji Sahastrabuddhe
Bharat Award
15
Maharashtra
2.
Late Shivansh Singh
Bharat Award
14
Uttar Pradesh
3.
Arjun Singh
Sanjay Chopra Award
16
Uttarakhand
4.
Shivampet Ruchitha
Geeta Chopra Award
08
Telangana
5.
Rakeshbhai Shanabhai Patel
Bapu Gaidhani Award
13
Gujarat
6.
Aromal SM
Bapu Gaidhani Award
12
Kerala
7.
Ramdinthara
Bapu Gaidhani Award
15
Mizoram
8.
Abinash Mishra
General National Bravery Award
12
Odisha
9.
Chongtham Kuber Meitei
General National Bravery Award
13
Manipur
10.
Kashish Dhanani
General National Bravery Award
10
Gujarat
11.
Muhammad Shamnad
General National Bravery Award
14
Kerala
12.
Mohit Mahdendra Dalvi
General National Bravery Award
14
Maharashtra
13.
Abhijit KV
General National Bravery Award
15
Kerala
14.
Sarwanand Saha
General National Bravery Award
13
Chattisgarh
15.
Sai Krishna Akhil Kilambi
General National Bravery Award
15
Telangana
16.
Dishant Mehndiratta
General National Bravery Award
13
Haryana
17.
Joena Chakbraborty
General National Bravery Award
10
Chattisgarh
18.
Nilesh Revaram Bhil
General National Bravery Award
12
Maharashtra
19.
Beedhovan
General National Bravery Award
14
Kerala
20.
Nithin Philip Mathew
General National Bravery Award
13
Kerala
21.
Bhimsen
General National Bravery Award
12
Uttar Pradesh
22.
Angelica Tynsong
General National Bravery Award
13
Meghalaya
23.
Anandu Dillep
General National Bravery Award
14
Kerala
24.
Maurice Yengkhom
General National Bravery Award
14
Manipur
25.
Vaibhav Ramesh Ghangare
General National Bravery Award
12
Maharashtra
february 16
BYGONE LUMINARIES
P. V. Seshubabu
characteristics of Westerners and Indians are laced with acid wit.
Rukmini Devi Arundale
Dr. George Arundale had been a close associate of Annie Besant whom Rukmini married. Travelling all over the world, she Born: February 29, 1904 forged friendships with Died: February 24, 1986 the educator Maria Montessori and the poet James Cousins. Rukmini Devi established ‘Kalakshetra’ – an academy of dance and music built around the ancient Indian Gurukul System at Adyar in Chennai - in 1936. Today, the academy is a deemed university under the Kalakshetra Foundation.
R
ukmini Devi Arundale was an Indian theosophist, dancer and choreographer of the Indian Classical Dance form of Bharatanatyam and an activist for animal rights and welfare. She was the most important revivalist in the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam from its original ‘Sadhir’ style prevalent amongst the temple dancers Devadasis. She also worked for the re-establishment of traditional Indian arts and crafts. Born to Neelakanta Sastry and Seshammal, Rukmini Devi was not only exposed to theosophical thought but to new ideas on culture, theatre, music and dance.
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Rukmini Devi created pioneering dancedramas based on Indian epics ‘Ramayana’, ‘Gita Govinda’, ‘Sita Swamvaram’, ‘Sri Rama Vanagamanam’, ‘Sabari Moksham’, ‘Kutrala Kuravanji’, ‘Kumara Sambhavam’ and ‘Usha Parinayam’. Radha Burnier, Sarada Hoffman, Anjali Mehr, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Sanjukta Panigrahi, C V Chandraskehar, Yamini Krishnamurthy and Leela Samson were on the alumni of Kalakshetra. Rukmini was elected to be the Chairman, Animal Welfare Board of India and was instrumental for the legislation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Rukmini Devi Arundale was the recipient of Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Prani Mitra and Kalidas Samman.
Khushwant Singh Born: February 2, 1915 Died: March, 2014
B
orn in Hadali, Khushab District, Punjab (Pakistan) in a Sikh family, had his early education at Modern School, New Delhi, Government College, Lahore, St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi and King’s College, London, Khushwant Singh was an Indian novelist, lawyer, journalist and politician. He joined Indian Foreign Service in 1947, was appointed journalist in All India Radio in 1951 and the Department of Mass Communication of UNESCO at Paris in 1956. He pursued literary career and as a writer he was best known for his trenchant secularism, humour, sarcasm and an abiding love of poetry. His comparison of social and behavioural
He served as Editor of ‘Yojana’ , ‘The Illustrated Weekly of India’ , ‘The National Herald’ and ‘The Hindustan Times’. He also served as a member of Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1984. Protesting against ‘Operation Bluestar’ of Amritsar by Indian Army, he returned Padma Bhushan. However, he was honoured with Padma Vibhushan in 2007. Singh was a selfproclaimed agnostic and was against organized religion. Some of his popular books are: The Mark of Vishnu and Other Stories (1950) • Train to Pakistan (1956) •
I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale (1959)
•
Delhi: A Novel (1990)
•
We Indians (1993)
•
Women and Men in My Life (1995)
•
Truth, Love and a Little Malice (An Autobiography) (2002)
FESTIVALS
Vanalatha LISTEN
February 8
LOSAR –“Tashi delek” L
osar, the Tibetan New Year, is a three-day festival that mixes sacred and secular practices, prayers, ceremonies, folk dancing, partying etc. This festival represents a time for all things to be purified and renewed. Losar is celebrated wherever the Buddhists reside. Tibetans follow a lunar calendar, so the date of Losar changes from year to year. It sometimes falls on the same date as Chinese New Year, but not always. The Tibetan people come out on the streets and chant, pass fire torches, dance and sing. The monasteries are all decked up in the finest decorations and a Blessing Ceremony is performed on the first day of Losar. Homes are freshly painted, people dress up in new clothes, good food and special dishes are cooked and
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In Tibetan, lo means “year” and sar means “new,” a very significant time for Buddhists. Tibetans wish “Tashi delek” which means “Happy new year.” there is a wonderful time of merriment. The Tibetan calendar is made up of twelve lunar months and Losar begins on the first day of the first month. In the monasteries, the celebrations for the Losar begin on the
twenty-ninth day of the twelfth month which is called Gutor. On that day the monasteries perform protector deities’ and begin preparations for the Losar celebrations. The custom of that day is to make special noodle called guthuk. It is made of nine different ingredients including dried cheese and various grains. Also, dough balls are given out with various ingredients hidden in them such as chillies, salt, wool, rice and coal. The ingredients one finds hidden in one’s dough ball are supposed to be a light-hearted comment on one’s character. If a person finds chillies in their dough, it means they are talkative. If whitecoloured ingredients like salt, wool or rice is inside the dough it is considered a good sign. If coal is found in the dough it means that person has a “black heart”.
The second day of Losar is known as King’s Losar because officially the day is reserved for a secular gathering in the Hall of Excellence of Samsara and Nirvana. His Holiness and his government exchange greetings with both monastic and lay dignitaries, such as representatives of India, Bhutan, Nepal, Mongolia and other foreign visitors. Then from the third day onwards, the people and monks begin to celebrate and enjoy the festive season. In many parts of Tibet, Losar is celebrated for fifteen days or more. In order to wish the Dalai Lama good luck for the coming year, consecrated sacred pills made out of roasted barley dough are offered to him by the representatives of the three great monasteries, the two Tantric Colleges, etc. Then entertainers perform a dance of good wishes.
FESTIVALS February 12
February 13-16
Vasant Panchami or Basant Panchami
Nagaur FestivalTHE CATTLE FAIR
asant Panchami has a specific meaning: Vasant means “spring,”and Panchami means “the fifth day.” It falls on the fifth day of spring. The day is largely celebrated in Northern Parts of India. It is believed that on this day goddess Saraswati was born. It is a festival full of religious, seasonal and social significance.
he largest state of India, Rajasthan, has sprawling palaces, impressive forts, fascinating wildlife and golden sandy desert.
V
Vasant Panchami is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, arts. Vasant Panchami is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, arts. It is also known as Shri Panchami or Saraswati Panchami. People worship Goddess Saraswati to get enlightened with knowledge and get rid of lethargy. One of the famous rituals of Vasant Panchami is Aksharabhyasam or Vidyaarambham, the ritual of initiating education to children. The festival also marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. This festival of spring is celebrated with great fervour and joy. The colour yellow is the predominant colour associated with the festival, the origins of which are supposed to be the fields of mustard which can be seen in Punjab and Haryana during this period. The tradition includes wearing traditional yellow colour clothes, cooking sweet saffron rice and by flying kites. The colour yellow holds a special meaning for this celebration as it signifies the brilliance of nature and the vibrancy of life.
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T
Also known as Ramdeoji Cattle Fair, it is the 2nd largest cattle festival in India attracting thousands of rural people from far and near. The festival witnesses the presence of cattle in a massive number of 70,000 or even more and involves in trading of cattle. The other activities held at the fair are tug of war, camel race, bullock race, cock fights, puppet dances etc. Late in the evening people enjoy the festive atmosphere with folk music and dance
The fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are in myriad and have a unique significance and impact not only to the native people but also to the tourists. One such attractive festival is Nagaur Festival, celebrated for four days. performances. The most notable thing to watch in the festivals of Rajasthan is the local people in their traditional multihued attire.
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HANDWRITING SECRETS - 30 WATCH
Y. Mallikarjuna Rao Director National Handwriting Academy, Hyderabad Email:handwriting56@gmail.com
No handwriting analyst can identify whether the person has written with left hand or right hand. It is also not possible to judge if it is written by a male or a female. God did not design ‘hand’ for ‘writing’ purpose. It was actually meant for throwing, breaking small objects, eating etc. For our communication needs we have developed an art of writing. So never blame god for your ‘BAD’ handwriting. It is totally in your ‘HAND’ to develop it. It is generally observed that boys have more handwriting related problems when compared to girls especially in the initial stages. Around 10% of the world’s population is left handed. They are also called as ‘Sinistrals.’ A Special Day is observed as World Left Handers Day on August 13 every year. Most of the US presidents including Barrack Obama are Left Handers.
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15 Interesting Facts
about HANDWRITING
Your handwriting or signature doesn’t stay constant all through your life. It keeps on changing as the psychological, emotional and physical changes happen in your life.
January 23 is observed as National Handwriting Day in America. Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association, on the birthday of John Hancock, who signed in the beginning on the Declaration of American Independence, observed this day to rejuvenate the values of handwriting. His signature was very bold and significant.
Your handwriting doesn’t change though you write with other hand or putting pen in mouth or leg. Hence it is sincerely believed as ‘BRAIN WRITING’ across the globe. It was observed in Second World War when people lost a hand were admired to start writing with the second hand by doctors. Surprisingly in a
due course of time they developed absolutely similar handwriting what they had in past. Graphology can reveal all your positive and negative traits only from your handwriting sample. And it has got nothing to do with legible or illegible handwriting. An art of producing beautiful handwriting is termed as “calligraphy.” And the art of very poor penmanship is called “Cacography.” Flow in handwriting contributes a lot in the fundamental learning years of students. Because ‘writing’ and ‘thinking’ happen parallel and it influences better learning in young minds. So parents and teachers are supposed to encourage ‘flow’ in
handwriting of young students. The dot we place on ‘i’ is called as tittle. More the distance from ‘i’ stem to its dot shows less memory skills of the writer. Many students lose ranks, admissions and jobs because of handwriting related issues. Psychologists researched and proved that students boost their confidence levels as teachers and parents praise their legible and beautiful handwriting in front of co-students in the class room/home. Handwriting is not a subject. It is as easy to improve as any other skill like walking, speaking, cycling etc. Only thing is one must justify techniques, interest and practice. Every year many patients die because of bad handwriting of doctors on the prescription slips. So, it is time to write right.
EDUCATION Ms. Anne Sivanathan Educationist, Malaysia
A glimpse of quality childcare!
Men in early childhood Learning happens all the time no matter which country one comes from.....
invest in his program to improve the development of the children . One could only imagine the added cost for such an addition.’ Mr. Hashim expressed interest in full inclusion and both the men will be communicating so there can be further exploration on possible partnership .Of special interest to Mr. Hashim was the screening tool ‘Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) which was explained during the talk by Mr. Dennis.
I
had the amazing opportunity to introduce Mr. Duane Dennis a management consultant from the USA and commissioner for First 5,Los Angeles with Mr Hashim bin Ibrahim and his staff at Cyberview Childcare located in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. Mr. Hashim is the executive director of this center as well as twenty-seven others. Cyberview childcare is a work place childcare centre supporting the families whose parents are employed at the premises. In total there are thirty-two children enrolled ranging from 3months to 4 years old, with eight full time staff caring for the children. I had the unique opportunity to observe the well planned facility and hear Mr Dennis present to the staff about inclusive childcare
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and lessons learned from his experience as the past Executive Director of the Pathwaysla Child Development Center at Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. What was of interest to Mr. Dennis was the unique attributes unlike his experiences in the USA. Adjoined to the infant space is a breastfeeding room where mothers can come in and breastfeed during the day. What a family friendly concept! The room is calm with a comfortable leather chair and soft lighting. Secondly in addition to having child size toilets this program also had child size showers. Wow! I had never seen these before., he said.This was very impressive and revealed something about Mr. Hashim. He was willing to
Mr. Hashim believes that children’s rights must not be ignored and investing in the care and education of the young is of upmost importance to him not forgetting to partner with parents. The wellbeing of the staff is not neglected with regular team building sessions and training . The social emotional connection was evident as witnessed by singing to the infants ,engagement and interaction during story telling, singing and art activities. When different cultures meet there are always lessons to be learnt as witnessed by me during Mr. Dennis visit.
SPECIAL FEATURE
WHAT IS RISK-TAKING IN THE CLASS ROOM? It’s important for students to learn risk-taking skills. How do schools do that without taking some risks themselves?
S
tudents begin with an idea of an invention that they want to build, but they have no idea how they will build it. Each decision in the design process involves a leap of faith as they learn how to work with unfamiliar materials and tools using an untested, original design. Occasionally, despite careful planning, students realize half-way through a project that their original design isn’t going to work and they need to go back to square one — a huge risk! By definition, all risks have potential negative outcomes and obviously, there is plenty of risky behavior that we don’t want to encourage children to take. In a sense, the decision to take any risk involves a cost-benefit analysis. The risk taking generally involves some potential for growth. In some cases, this growth is social. “I had a talented student, but he needed to step back and give his teammates a little more control over their shared project. This was incredibly difficult and risky because he had to trust in the quality of his teammates’ work if the project was to be
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software. Trying this take this on and be successful. I would be for the first time would be a huge risk! Even really proud of you’,” if the robot never gets Clearly, you can’t completely programmed, force a student to the student will have take a risk. If it isn’t learned far more than her voluntary, it isn’t classmates who stuck to really risk taking. the easier programming successful. The end result The conversations and language. was substantial growth in assessments required to his collaboration skills.” identify risk opportunities Allowing the student to incorporate her Fostering healthy student and to encourage kids to personalized learning take them require a lot of risk taking means goal into the criteria time. understanding where sheet as a risk, allows students need to grow Funny thing about the teacher to assess and what each of them risks- they have their her on her progress perceives as risky. One own system of rewards toward her personal student, for example, and consequences. It’s goals without penalizing might not think twice ridiculous to think that her for not achieving the about working out a a student is going to try same outcomes as her problem on the board, something innovative and classmates. As teachers, while another might be untested if he is punished we need to be mindful of terrified by the thought. with a failing grade. If the fact that risk-taking a project is really well “When I identify an is an unnatural act in designed and grows out opportunity for growth most classrooms. Unless of a student’s genuine like this, I work hard we take explicit steps interests and passion, to help the student to create a classroom using a grade as a reward culture that fosters understand why it is or motivator makes little important to grow risk-taking, it will not sense. in this area. I try to happen. This means provide support and talking openly about risk Ideally, when the criteria encouragement around taking, encouraging it and for a project are designed, things that the student praising it publicly when the student should have might find scary. I also get we see it in our students. a substantial voice in personal. I say things like, It also means providing how to define excellence. ‘I would love to see you some opportunities This allows the student for students to pursue to articulate what she is Fostering healthy personalized learning trying to accomplish by student risk goals without being taking on a particular taking means penalized for departing risk. A student might try understanding from teacher-defined to program her robot where students outcomes. using the more difficult need to grow and Robot-C programming Trevor Shaw, Director of what each of them Technology, Dwight-Englewood language as opposed perceives as risky. School in Englewood, N.J. to the block-based EV3 Courtesy: eSchoolNews
EDUCATION
5 4Cs P. V. Seshubabu
CRITICAL
21st Century Skills
That Go Way beyond the
Teachers and Students to think like entrepreneurs
Teaching readers and listeners to think differently about our world and how we interact with each other. The new skills are required for anyone who wants not only to survive but truly thrive. Educators have been tackling a new mindset for student learning for nearly two decades. At the dawn of the 21st century the partnership for learning introduced the education community to a framework for the new millennium learning which highlighted 18 different skills.
Over the time leaders from a broad spectrum of business and education communities narrowed the focus to concentrate on a set of skills that came to be known as the 4 C’s – Communication, Criticalthinking, Collaboration and Creativity. The goal was to have the 4C s integrated with the ‘3 R s’. As the K-12 education community continues the work of embedding the 4 Cs into all content areas. The world continues to evolve and we find ourselves once again considering what it is all that students must know and be able to do by the time they graduate from high school. Self-Direction Emphasis on instructional practice that create student – centered learning experiences rather than relying solely on teacher-delivered content is gaining a great deal of traction in the education community.
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What are the 5 Critical 21st Century Skills? 1) Teachers and Students to think like entrepreneurs 2) Technology helps students to acquire scientific literacy and hands –on experience 3) Students to explore Science in the field 4) Technology is a Time Saver 5) Technology supports argument-driven inquiry What are the 4 C’s 1) Communication 2) Critical Thinking 3) Collaboration 4) Creativity A teacher, who provides students with feedback and praise for their effort, helps to build self-direction skills in students. Evidence-based Thinking Empowering students to support or refute ideas, using concrete evidence based on reliable data and findings, is critical to building entrepreneurial skills in students. Today, students expect the same kind of engagement in the classroom as they seek out online. STEM classes in particular have a natural potential to be both techrich and inquiry-based, especially hands on laboratory activities. The recent addition of probeware - sensory-based handheld devices for measuring things like water quality, light and temperature has allowed us to bring students out into nature and introduce them to the world of data collection and analysis. Here are seven ways technology is enhancing and expanding STEM education in schools.
Technology helps students to acquire scientific literacy and hands-on experience Science is not about memorizing facts and formulas. It is about developing our understanding of the scientific process and giving students opportunities to apply that process to their learning. One exciting way we are infusing technology into STEM education is through innovations-labs. Each Innovations-Lab includes a science lab space with mobile furniture, a robotics court, netbooks and SPARK handheld science learning devices. The size of three regular classrooms – the lab provides an active space where students can build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. They can even write on their desks or on the walls to draw out ideas similar to how professional scientists and engineers might. We also use the mobile science learning devices across for realtime data collection in a variety of core classes, electives and Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes. This type of technology which integrates probeware with inquiry-based content and assessment represents a key tool for promoting investigations using quantitative data results in meaningful learning for students. Creating these hands-on experiences, which incorporate the environments and the tools of modern science and technology careers, is critical to helping students develop scientific literacy and a love for STEM. It prepares students for college and careers. Students To Explore Science in the Field With mobile technology tools, students can access science anytime and anywhere just
likes real STEM professionals. Each year take a field trip to Nature’s classroom, an outdoor environmental education programme – a river. During the hands –on experience students study the eco-system surrounding the river. They use their handheld devices to conduct labs to examine water quality among other things to see how the river’s health affects things such as the drinking water supply. It would be cumbersome and expensive to take traditional lab equipment to the river but technology makes it easy for students to gather and examine data-on-the-go. Technology is a Time Saver As teachers get busier and schools get more pressed for time, technology helps make better use of the time with the students. Technology supports ArgumentDriven Inquiry Technology has changed the approach to science in the
classroom. Data-analysis, poster-share, question-answer session – these experiences enable students to learn to make a good argument based upon evidence and strengthening their critical thinking skills. It also engages parents in STEM. Parents are very important in the decisionmaking process for what interests students might pursue beyond high school so it is important to provide hands-on opportunities too. During the hands-on events, students will guide their parents through a lab what they have done using the probeware. It is fun that underscores the importance and relevance of STEM. Students’ understanding of STEM increases their motivation to learn more. It has created a cultural shift. Courtesy: eSchool News.
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COVER STORY
P. V. Seshubabu
RANKING OF SCHOOLS HAVE
POSITIVE IMPACT?
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The question affects sharp criticism from various stakeholders. Ranking of schools will have positive as well as negative impact. Firstly, ranking has a positive value because it enables parents informed choices about schools for their children. Secondly, it stimulates inter-school competition to excel and aspire for higher standards. The objective is to identify and recognise the best practising schools so as to help them over come their setbacks and improve upon their performance by taking corrective measures.
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anking helps schools review their performances on defined parameters and overcome their shortcomings. The schools may take corrective measures and improve upon their performances. Nevertheless, ranking has to be done objectively in a transparent manner on certain pre-determined criteria under defined parameters. It is equally important that the parameters should be clearly understood by parents and other stakeholders. The parameters could be determined by the respective educational Boards and have the criteria such as academic reputation, co-curricular activities, teacher welfare and development, faculty competence, conflict management in education, infrastructure and leadership and management, etc.
Earlier, the most innovative and progressive primary and secondary schools were isolated institutions reputed only by subject word-of-mouth opinions, unsupported by scientific research or objective data. Some schools would have reservations about furnishing data. They express unhappiness and complain that they deserve a better rank. The schools are no longer isolated and need to be inter-dependent. Ranking enabled continuous improvement otherwise the schools tend to stagnate. This is a positive development because it is also
an indicator of growing awareness within the community of school promoters, principals, teachers, parents and students across the country. Educational excellence is crucial for institutional growth and development. Some top schools serious about the ranking are positive and try to improve themselves. Serious schools gave positive feedback. Many of them invest on schools to improve the infrastructure in order to elevate the standards of education. Now, parents looking for the best school education options for their children, have a basis for comparison. The schools also receive valuable feedback relating to public perception of their institutions across a broad range of criteria which enables continuous improvement. Ranking is important because there are variations among schools. The variation is so much that school ranking becomes very important because of variations only! Most of the countries including US and UK follow the ranking system in order to generate competition among schools. Nevertheless, in a country like Finland where there is no variation among the schools, the need for ranking does not arise. “Ranking is very necessary and an important initiative which is useful to parents, principals and teachers. Getting response is good and it is a positive impact,� explains Shri Premchand Palety, Promoter-Director of C-fore. It is indeed a national benchmark for schools to upgrade themselves. On the whole, ranking brings a healthy competition and has a positive impact on schools. As ranking keeps school management on toes, the focus could shift from mutual comparison or competition to mutual learning! BRAINFEED has invited the views of experienced educators and principals on this issue and their responses are presented. Please read on. . . . february 16
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COVER STORY
Q
Is School Ranking required? If yes / If not, please give reasons. Yes, survey and ranking practices (if unbiased) are norm in today’s world. They are mutually beneficial to the organization that conducts the survey as well as the participating schools and the end users: parents. Ranking surveys done using authentic parameters acts as a link between the parents and schools which ultimately lead to better educational opportunities for children.
Q
Do you think School Ranking will tarnish image of School in the minds of prospective admissionseeking parents? School ranking organizations carry a huge responsibility. Their survey questionnaire and gradation technique / formula for placing a school must take care of spectrum of problems that paucity of resources and other geo physical constraints under which each school operates. School ranking forms the basis for any parent to make informed choice of school/curricula for their child. It empowers the schools as their initiatives are appreciated and highlighted.
Q
Do you think it will act as an indicator of a reform and improvement of schools?
Ms. Preeta Pillai
Principal Podar World school, Vadodara
Q
Is School ranking a positive move or a healthy trend toward selfassessment? Please explain. It brings about awareness regarding contemporary methods of delivery of curriculum, advancement in the school infrastructure and pedagogy across different states, rural or urban regions. It provides common platform for interaction and evolution between the participant schools. It empowers the school managements with the clarity and impetus for the focused improvement to channelize resources in order to achieve the long term goals.
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There is a huge gap in the quality of teaching and learning at school level education provided by government / aided and private / unaided schools. Learning outcomes from school ranking, if taken up in positive spirit, will definitely guide every school to endeavor to reach to its optimal performance.
Q
Should School Ranking be based on the criteria as prescribed by the Board/s? Board’s criteria are usually the basic guideline. But any respectable ranking organization must have many more detailed enquiries to quantify grading. The primary objectives and effective measures undertaken to achieve them, by any school, should be given the maximum leverage to grade a school.
Q
Does School Ranking help bring the schools on a common platform for a healthy academic climate in schools? Not sure. It is for the governing bodies to ensure year on year participation and implementation of learning outcomes. Then only the positive effects of such an exercise will be visible.
Q
Please give your criteria for assessment. School culture and teaching philosophy, religious orientation of school, academic excellence, enrollments, teachers educational background and qualification. Administrative transparency, tuition costs, availability of added facility like food and transport, provision for financial aid, school infrastructure like: playgrounds, library, laboratory, net connectivity, home language support, music programs, clubs and sporting teams, safety and security, teacher orientation and training of teachers and other staff. Sports opportunities, potential for recreational activities, nature walk and related exposures, parent engagement and community support programs.
Q
Do you think a wide range of criteria will help schools for continuous improvement? Ranking organizations usually follow multi criteria optimization. Though it is quite subjective, it is the most effective tool for any academic organization to set their sight for achieving excellence. It helps schools belonging to different regions, ethnicity and demographics to get sensitized towards contemporary prevailing criteria.
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• Certificate valid throughout the world. • Placements in top Indian and foreign Universities.
• International facilities including all kinds of sports and hobbies.
• Equip students with 21 century skills like problem-solving, criticalthinking, collaboration, communication by explaining beyond the curriculum topic.
• Own content in primary to match with all kinds of curriculum - CBSE, IGCSE, IB, ICSE. • Excellent classroom ambience to arouse the curiosity of the child.
• Secure and supportive environment in the classrooom.
• Well Equipped laboratories and library. Separate library for kindergarten.
• Activities to enhance speaking and listening skills.
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for 2016-17 Day & Residential Nursery-XI Std.
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COVER STORY
Q
Is school ranking required? If yes, if not, give reasons. It is felt that schools ranking is not required. The schools which are ranked may be feeling satisfied / happy. But what about the schools which are not ranked or which are not assessed. The schools which do not get any ranking may feel low and give “bias” as a reason, besides others. Many a time, the assessment is based on external factors-say-
“School” is a very difficult proposal. Here students of +2 age to + 2 class mix with each other and are brought by staff which is mixed-age wise, culture wise , background wise, religion wise. The aims of schools are to provide knowledge and to provide atmosphere to become good citizens. But actually the system is not achieving success. Many students fail or score less and people break rules regularly. So changes are needed and ranking may be positive step for a change in the education scenario.
Q
Do you think school ranking may transit the image of school in the minds of prospective admission – seeking parents? No and yes.
Mr. S. K. Sharma
Director Shemrock Sr. Sec. School, Mohali, Punjab
infrastructure, facilities available, teachers’ appointments, etc. The known schools which have been established over long periods are not interested in ranking. The schools located in remote areas, may not be assessed. Ranking is not required.
Q
Is school ranking a positive move or a healthy trend towards self assessment? Please explain. It is a positive step. But as mentioned in answer to the question above, it is a positive step for those who are ranked positively. Those who have been assessed negatively may not like self assessment.
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As mentioned above, the schools which are ranked may attract students for admissions, but those, non-ranked may lose the admissions to those schools which are “more known”. Schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodya Vidyalayas attract students whether ranked or not. The fee structure of the schools also affects admission - whether more or less. Overall effects of ranking or not ranked, are practically less.
Q
Do you think it will act as mediator of reform and improvement of schools? No. There are many types of schools – Govt. schools, Public schools (those with hostels), private schools and there are no laid down parameters to run/ manage these schools. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), ICSE, State Managed schools, only conduct exams and prescribe books for classes 9 and above
But as mentioned earlier, different systems have been adopted by various managements. Right direction would be have a uniform system of education for all and then assess. But a very difficult proposal a good view - a good idea - can take forward the existing schooling system. and issue other policy direction. But there are no parameters - how to teach tenses, nouns, clauses, decimals, least common multiple, fractions, tables etc. Ranking therefore cannot act as an indicator of reform and improvement, till parameters on “how to teach” are laid down.
Q
Should school ranking be based on the criteria as prescribed by the board/(s)? The Boards lay down guide lines, directions, pass instructions on various aspects and CBSE has an accreditation system too. (It is difficult to comment on the system, without seeing it). Apparently it will be data based. Right also. But all of us know that “what to teach” is laid down but “how to teach” varies from individual to individual. Accepted. But how to teach “percentage”. It can be said that percentage is “per” “cent”, cent is from “century” which indicates 100 years, percentage “therefore is “per 100”, “decimal” is from “deca”(please
understand-“decade” for 10 years); so decimal is related to 10. Is it “10 times” or “one tenth”? Ten “times” is “multiplication”. So decimal is 1/10th. Teachers may think of various ways on “how to teach”. Therefore there is need to lay down criteria for “how to teach” and then it can be assessed for ranking. Data based ranking could be carried on for a short time before the right criteria are adopted – thro out the country-as a policy direction by Ministry of HRD.
Q
Does school ranking help to bring the school on a common platform for a healthy climate in schools? It should and will. But a common criteria is required, as mentioned above.
Q
Please give your criteria for assessment. Interesting requirement. Views on assessment - needs have been indicated above. You may retain the 58 points mentioned in your assessment indicator. It is suggested serial number 28 and 29 may be dropped. Instructions on “how to teach” be laid down & then assessment done.
Q
Do you think of wide range of criteria will help school for continuous improvement? Yes. These should help the schools. But as mentioned earlier, different systems have been adopted by various managements. Right direction would have a uniform system of education for all and then assess. But a very difficult proposal - a good view - a good idea - can take forward the existing schooling system.
Ms. Shashi Banerjee Sr. Principal Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula, Haryana
Q
Is School Ranking required? If yes/if not, please give reasons. Yes, to some extent; as it helps to learn from the schools doing well in certain parameters and bring in improvements in school functioning in the interest of all the stake holders. And also one comes to know the areas where we need to catch up
Q
Is School Ranking a positive move or a healthy trend toward selfassessment? Please explain. Yes, if the School Ranking is authentic, unbiased and candid, it does help in self-improvement
Q
Do you think School Ranking will tarnish image of School in the minds of prospectiveadmission – seeking parents? Well, it depends on the mind sets of the admission seekers. It can also help them look for the schools of their choice depending upon the parameters that they wish to prefer.
Q
Do you think it will act as an indicator of a reform and improvement of schools? Yes, depends how the schools perceive the ranking.
Q
Should School Ranking be based on the criteria as prescribed by the Board/s? No knowledge of any such criteria, if it exists.
Q
Does School Ranking help bring the schools on a common platform for a healthy academic climate in schools? To a very little extent as there exists a vast variety, system and standards.
Q
Please give your criteria for assessment. No criteria can be fool proof. Variety of schools, systems, economic conditions, prevailing market and society values, the kind of gentry, private or owners aided etc. cannot be assessed on a single yard stick. It needs the permutation combinations of all the sides of the multidimensional disparities or else the ranking will be farce and misleading.
Q
Do you think a wide range of criteria will help schools for continuous improvement? Not exactly.
february 16
35
COVER STORY Ranking of Schools has to be fair and transparent with an objective assessment and involving more than just academics and CoCurricular activities to have a positive impact. It shouldn’t breed unhealthy competition, as directly or indirectly the final ‘beast’ of burden for this will be the children. School rankings are needed if it fulfills the above criteria. Schools like any organization can become lackadaisical and casual, at times becoming lethargic, based on their ‘laurels’ which at times could just
100
Carl Laurie
Principal Christ Church School, Mumbai
Well if the ranking is not just based on perception and unverifiable data, then like any survey it will be counter-productive and misleading for parents and again ultimately for children. A good and effective institute can be mis-represented and parents may skip such an institution. Hence caution must be exercised while ranking, and it shouldn’t defeat the very purpose, that it, fair and measurable. 36
february 16
be a perception. If we are going to be judged, it will keep us on ‘our toes’ so as to speak, and why not? Schools are dealing with the most precious resource of the future, our children. Anything that is going to impact the children in a positive way is welcome, though it can be an additional burden to an already full timetable for School administrators and teachers. Well if the ranking is not just based on perception and unverifiable data, then like any survey it will be counterproductive and misleading for parents and again ultimately for children. A good and effective institute can be mis-represented and parents may skip such an institution. Hence caution must be exercised while ranking, and it shouldn’t defeat the very purpose, that it, fair and measurable. No institute is perfect, and can do with improvements and reforms where needed, and yes, ranking can spur this activity and why not, if it’s going to be beneficial for our students, who are the business of our business. Rankings also contribute to learning and Schools
can learn from each other, and also un-learn from each other in case some points are detrimental. The greatest test for a school is the smile and joy on the face of every student in the School, and yes that’s again a source for future rankings. While undertaking a ranking exercise, its important to move beyond the normal criteria of board results, infrastructure, perception, etc. Why not measure the smile on children entering and leaving school each day? Why not the joy of coming to School? Why not include the background of the families the children come from, and the task of educating and bringing out the best, in those who are first generation School goers? Wouldn’t it be easier to teach children of IIT and Harvard background parents than those whose parents haven’t been to school? Why not include criteria on self-improvement, where children compete with themselves? Why not include values, isn’t it more important than percentages?
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Mumbai Experiences RICFPA – (Jan 7-10)
O
ver 40,000 people enjoyed Ryan’s International Children’s Festival of Performing Arts held at 3 venues in Mumbai. The show had a variety of performing arts including cultural dances, puppetry, juggling, choirs, theatre and music. The festival was graced by eminent dignitaries. The Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri. CH. Vidyasagar Rao was full of praise for the event and said, “The Ryan International Group of Institutions has become a nationally acclaimed institutions offering quality education in various states of the country and all children who have come here to display their country’s cultural traditions are Cultural Ambassadors to India.” Mr. Holger Leister, Leader of Traumer, Tanzer und Artisten, Hannouer, Germany, said, “This is my second visit to this festival and it is such a colourful and gorgeous show. We have travelled to many countries but India is always special. I am very grateful to the Ryan Group and Mrs. Pinto for the fabulous time.” Madam Grace Pinto, MD, Ryan Group said, “This festival is a great platform to bring together different countries and cultures and teach children the values of harmony, tolerance and peace.”
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INTERVIEW
BOOKS ON WHEELS-
‘READ MORE INDIA’
At a time when books shops all over the country are closing down, Shatabdi Mishra and Akshaya Rautaray bring hope with their independent book store on wheels. Started in January 2014 by two bibliophiles, Akshaya and Shatabdi, ‘Walking Book Fair’ is a unique initiative by which the duo has covered 19 districts of Odisha taking books of various genres to people across the state to inculcate reading habit among them. The duo’s sole aim is to inculcate reading habits among children and adults. Their initiative “Read More India 2015” is a three- month tour covering as many as 20 States in India encouraging people to read books. The books are on display on a mobile library. They decided to take the books to the doorstep to be accessible to book lovers.They are confident about achieving their goal before they end their tour. Brainfeed team met the founders of Walking Book Fair. The following is what the ‘Brainfeed’ team gathered interacting with them. 40
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Q
What is the purpose of starting Read More India?
Akshaya-We are trying to take books to people on wheels, it is like a library, people can look, read and feel the book. If they wish to buy they get it on 20% discount. Other aspect is, why children are not encouraged to read story books but always forced to stick to curriculum books.
Q
Is it a mobile library?
Shatabdi: It is a free library and book shop with more than 4000 books. We have variety of story books for children and adult for different ages. We have collection of mixed ranges of fiction, best sellers, literature etc.
Q
How do you find the reading trend among the students?
Shatabdi: Mostly students are not exposed to story books. Schools focus only on curriculum. Akshaya: People focus a lot on exam and curriculum based learning. They believe marks are everything. They don’t value importance of poetry or story books and don’t think that it can teach children something.
Q
How do you grade them?
Akshaya: We don’t grade anyone. It is open for all the age groups. Shatabdi: People can come in, pick up any book and read. We encourage them to select books on their own.
Q
How did you feel when you came to know that the children saw the story book first time in Koraput, Odisha?
Shatabdi: We started in Koraput, What inspired us was that the children have no access to story books. Children going to school may have seen text books but did not know what a story book is. This made us start the walking Book Fair.
Q
How do you workout with the first generation learners?
Shatabdi: For a child who is unable to read or write it is still possible to read a book. We have so many picture books, there is no content but the story is conveyed through the pictures.
Q
Which places do you prefer?
Akshaya: The trip is actually to try and make people aware that there is requirement in the society to promote reading and we need lots of people to do this as we can’t go to every village or city. We both can’t change everything. People in the city can go out and try to do something in a small place, talk to children, tell or read stories to them who can’t read.
Q
Akshaya said, “Offices of an organization are set up in nook and corner, but the condition of libraries is pitiable.”
Which languages is normally preferred?
Shatabdi: When we travel in Odisha, we took Oriya as well as English books. We want them to have the
Shatabdi said, “Our initiative was appreciated by many book lovers and the effort was received warmly by many people.”
feel of English books which are not accessible to them. Akshaya: We have to protect language and give the best understanding of the world. Both English and the regional language are equally important.
Q
creates lasting bond between people, which is losing in this materialistic world.
Q
How far have you succeeded in your tour?
Shatabdi: We do not know whether we have succeeded or not. We have interest in doing this and we are continuing to do it. Akshaya: Reading is not promoted as an enjoyable activity. Students have lost creative thinking. If we make books more accessible, they will explore. If famous people
What prompted you to start this project?
Akshaya: It is a small effort from both of us to change something in the world. Let people think whether they are losing art of storytelling and understanding. We do not have target of making huge money. An adult not reading book is a crime. We would like to meet people, talk to them, understand and if possible work together to bring some change wherever it is required.
Q
Are parents and teachers responsible for not inculcating the habit of reading story books? Shatabdi: Yes, Parents and teachers play a big role. They have to inspire and encourage the students to read story books. Together people can create a small community reading centre. Every evening they can meet, discuss, read a book which can encourage the future generation for the art of reading. This
advertise for books, it will work out. Parents look for essay books, GK books but not for story books. This initiative taken by us need to benefit at least few people, and then we can think about our success.
Q
How did the famous author Ruskin Bond react to your initiative?
Shatabdi: Ruskin Bond is the brand ambassador for Read More India. He visits every year. He is impressed with our idea. Lots of authors come over and talk with people. We have an activity of Books, Tea and Conversation with the authors where people are also invited. People talk to them and gain a lot of interest in reading. february 16
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ART
P. V. Seshubabu
FOLK ART
OF INDIA
LISTEN
India is a land of rich cultural heritage and a home to many art forms. Indigenous styles of paintings and folk art have rich historical perspective.
PATACHITRA
MADHUBANI PAINTING
‘Pata’ indicates ‘Vastra’ and ‘Chitra’ means ‘Painting’. The Patachitra painters, from Odisha, use fine gauze-like cloth fortified with tamarind paste, chalk-powder and gum. The Patachitra painters dry this canvas and draw the most intricate designs on it
The folk painting of Bihar is known as Madhubani or Maithili. The paintings are developed on various geometrical designs. Stories from the mythologies are depicted with Lord Krishna as the favourite subject. The art form at the time of Ramayana in Mithila may have developed into Maithili art. MINIATURE PAINTING
and colour it with natural dyes. The Patachitra paintings depict the epic Ramayana and the Mahabharata and Lord Jagannath.
Miniature paintings are small in size but capture great detail of subject and expression. The main characteristic of the miniature painting is the intricate brush work and the vibrant colours made from semi-precious stones, conch shells, gold
BENGAL PAT The paintings, developed in Bengal, are made with dyes prepared from spices, earth, soot, etc and reflect the life and times of the society and folklore. The paintings depict spoofs on retrograde social practices prevalent hundreds of years back when roaming minstrels used to sing about incidents of the distant past and popular lore to villagers.
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and silver. Developed during the Mughal Period, Indian miniature paintings have a touch of Persian miniature. Mughal miniatures flourished under the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan.
look very beautiful and add a touch of grandeur to their surroundings. The characters of these paintings are mainly gods and goddesses with large round faces and embellished designs and was patronized Chola Kings. KALAMKARI GOND ART Gond art is a tribal art developed by the Gonds of Central India. This art has been inspired by the hills, streams and forests where the Gonds live. Nature and social customs are depicted with a series of dots and dashes intricately arranged into forms. Gond paintings are made on walls, ceilings and floors of village houses in honour of customs and festivals. The technique of Gond art can be traced to the old art of tattooing. TANJORE ART Tanjore art form flourished in Tanjore and the style is still popular and widely learnt. The paintings are made with semi-precious stones, glass and gold. They
‘Kalam’ meaning pen and ‘kari’ meaning work. The artists use fine pens made of bamboo dipped in vegetable dyes to draw. Drawings are made up of fine lines and intricate designs. This style of painting was developed in Sri Kalahasti and Masulipatnam. Kalamkari paintings have mythological theme and some of them show touch of Persian influence in motifs and design. Courtesy: Anjali Nayyar 7 Forms of Folk Art in India.
SPORTS
Vanalatha
LISTEN
BASQUE PELOTA
Basque pelota is the name for a variety of court sports played with a ball using one’s hand, a racquet, a wooden bat or a basket, against a wall or, more traditionally, with two teams face to face separated by a line on the ground or a net.
T
he roots of this class of games can be traced to the Greek and other ancient cultures. Today, Basque Pelota is played in several countries. In Europe, this sport is played in Spain and France, especially in the Basque Country. The sport is also played in Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Cuba. Since its origin, the International Federation of Basque Pelota has standardised the different varieties into four modalities and fourteen disciplines, with fixed ball weights, rules and court sizes. THE COURT This sport is usually played in a two walled court. Pelota courts include the one-walled place libre, the two- or three-walled fronton, and the small, covered court, called the trinquet.
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RULES The basic principle in hand-pelota is that there are two teams of two players each. The team to serve bounces the ball, then propels it towards the playing area of the narrow, front wall where it has to rebound between the low line demarcating the low off-area and the high line demarcating the high off-area.
The ball may either be played so it rebounds directly off the front wall onto the playing floor or onto the long side wall first. The opposing team may either play the ball immediately after rebounding from the front wall or side wall without rebounding from the playing floor or after having rebounded from the playing floor once.
EQUIPMENTS Different types of bats are used but cesta is mostly used.
Cesta, is a woven basket type of paddle and is the most difficult form of Pelota. Instead of being struck, the ball is caught in a wicker Cesta and hurled back at the wall.
The traditional ball is made of wool around a hard core and covered with leather. The standard ball should weigh 92–95 grams.
SCORING A team scores • If the opposing team fails to play the ball before it has rebounded off the ground more than once. • If it plays the ball and it rebounds off the front wall and rebounds off the floor and outside the playing area. • If the opposing team plays the ball and it hits the front wall below the low line or above the high line. • If the opposing team plays the ball in time but the ball doesn’t reach the front wall. Since 1952, the International Federation of Basque Pelota has organized the World Championships of Basque Pelota. Pelota was played as a demonstrative sport in the Olympic Games in 1924.
CBSE
Syllabus
Residential & Day-Scholor Schools with International Standards
Facilities Class room area 75,000 sq.ft. & gated area 2,70,000 sq.ft. Large library, audio-visual cell, digital media center Modern, well-lit, spacious
class rooms
Computer to each student with internet and Wi-Fi Sophisticated information Technology facilities Abacus & advanced mathematics courses English language lab & personally development classes well-trained faculty and staff indoor stadium and sports facilities separate play grounds for different age groups Frequent medical check-ups by our medical advisors Lunch and snacks are provided by school
ant, be relev to t s u m n “Educatio ng and oriented i challeng d needs� l r o real-w
CBSE SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL
NAVYABHARATHI GLOBAL SCHOOL �‡ ˆ ‰ �
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�  � Š † … ‹ † Œ � �Ž ‘ … … … ’ AFFILIATION NO: 130237, SCHOOL NO: 40009 Email Id:navyabharathi@gmail.com,Website:navyabharathi.co.in,Ph.No:9491010050 VILLAGE: MANIKBANDAR, MANDAL: MAKLOOR,NIZAMABAD.(AP) - 503003  �� � �� � �   �€ � ‚ ƒ „ … † … … †
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I N
A S S O C I A T I O N
YLE
YOUNG LEARNERS ENGLISH
W I T H
PEDAGOGY
S. Sainath
Storytelling
in schools hat place does storytelling have in a classroom situation is a question that many ask little knowing that the age-old tradition that has been coming down from ages has tremendous potential. A story well told not only enthuses children and adults alike but is a powerful tool in the hands of teachers to make the teaching and learning process interesting.
W
In Indian schools storytelling is still in a nascent stage as several State and Central Boards are yet to include it in the curriculum. However, there have been instances in schools; private as well as government where attempts to include storytelling have been met with success. Mostly storytelling is gaining ground in private schools and several NGOs have been promoting the concept. For instance, Nutspace an organization based out of Kanpur is involved in integrating class curriculum with experiential learning. Storytelling forms an integral part in the whole learning process. Kathalaya, founded by Geeta Ramanujam in Bengaluru stresses on bringing a positive change in education through storytelling. The Academy of storytelling was set up in 2006 and till date over 60,000 people have undergone training. The academy runs certificate courses for teachers.
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Storytelling in school curriculum is still a far cry but the potential is slowly but steadily being felt and recognized by schools.
Likewise, there are several initiatives in different parts of the country where people are waking up to the potential of storytelling. In Chennai and Bengaluru there are schools that include storytelling in driving home several complex science and math concepts. While private and international schools are warming up to the idea of storytelling as an effective way to make students grasp ideas, the State and Central Boards are slow in accepting the idea. However, there is a perceptible change, the CBSE has allocated 10 marks in the Board exams for story writing in English Language and also has a story telling certified course (One day program).
Realising the potential of storytelling, Dr. Lipika Maitra, course director, Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) has included workshops on storytelling at the Centre for Cultural Resource Training in Hyderabad. In a welcome change not just English Language teachers but even Science and Math teachers have begun to use storytelling as a tool to drive home concepts. School managements especially from small towns are keen on using the means. The winds of change are blowing from across the country, albeit slowly but surely. From Raigada to Raebareilly, Darwad to Dehradun schools big and small, government
Where most school teachers dread the substitution class in which they have to engage another teachers students for 45 minutes, it was in this very situation that Deepa Kiran found her true calling-storytelling. She speaks to Brainfeed Magazine on her experiences of how disinterested students turned into the smartest ones
and private are conducting workshops, inviting professional storytellers and using stories in teaching. Sindhu Madhavan, head mistress, Jain Heritage in Hyderabad vouches for storytelling, she says, Stortytelling in the hands of a good communicator can make a huge difference. But the teacher needs to also be a performer and spontaneous. Storytelling has huge potential in the classroom. While storytelling in India is still not made a foothold and is being used in isolated places, the Western world has long ago realized the potential says Krishnan Nambiar, an educationist. India has a rich tradition of storytelling-bommalatam, chitrakatha, harikatha, villu pattu are examples. The need of the hour is to revive the old forms and integrate into school curriculum as you no longer have grandmothers and parents telling bedtime stories. The idiot box has taken over our lives. In the Indian storytelling space, Jeeva Raghunath, Jeyarathnam, Geetha Ramanujam, Deepa Kiran and several others have been doing their bit but a lot more is needed says Revathy, a school teacher.
Q
Stories can bring out the best in a person and also shed inhibitions. Who does not like to hear a good story? I have seen hyperactive kids becoming silent and composed during storytelling sessions.
Q
You have also created stories for school teachers to use in their classes. Tell us about the experience. Schools in Raigada in Odisha and Nanded wanted stories so that concepts such as deforestation and water vapour cycle could be taught. I used the famous stone cutters story as an analogy in which the cloud becomes a character. The schools are using the story with much success.
You no longer take substitution classes as you left teaching but taken up training teachers instead. Tell us about the journey
Q
I realized the potential of storytelling when I would tell the students that if they kept quiet for 30 minutes, I would tell them a story for the rest of the period. It worked wonders as the naughtiest too not only listened but participated. I took to storytelling as a career in 2008 and have trained several teachers across the country.
I would believe so at least at the moment. In my experience smaller cities have a deeper understanding of storytelling for curriculum. In bigger cities and metros storytelling is still confined to competitions and winning a prize.
Q
Can you recall an incident when a reluctant student was floored by stories?
I wouldn’t like to use the work reluctant but yes a little girl who would just not talk to anyone, even to her classmates started taking part in the interactive sessions to the delight of her parents, teachers and all of us. It was in Sarvodaya School in Malkajgiri in Secunderabad. I was part of a program sponsored by the British Council.
Do you think the Western world is more proactive in using storytelling as a tool in the learning and teaching process?
Canada has a curriculum based on imagination and storytelling and have designed a national curriculum. Singapore in the East has established storytelling centres and collaborate with schools. Kiran Shah in Singapore and Richard Martin in Germany are doing great work. Richard has been using storytelling in German Gymnasium (Grammar School0 for close to 25 years now. In Singapore schools get funding from the National Arts Council to offer enrichment courses (performance, literature, visual). These workshops enable students to learn how to tell stories and last anywhere between 10-20 hours. february 16
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CELEBRATIONS
Vanalatha
When do the Chinese Celebrate New Year?
LISTEN
C
hinese New Year marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar and is represented by a zodiac animal sign. It is also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. Chinese New Year is celebrated between January 21 and February 19. It is the most important event in the Chinese year. China follows the Gregorian calendar for daily business but other important festivals are determined by the Chinese calendar. Chinese people greet each other by saying, “Kung hay fat choy,” that means “May you prosper.”
This year Chinese will celebrate their New Year on February 8, 2016 which is known as the Monkey Year. The monkey year will last till January 27, 2017.
Why do Chinese wear Red Colour on the New Year’s Eve?
According to the popular myth, the origin of this day lies in the fight against Nian, a beast in Chinese mythology. The beast would visit the cities and eat cattle, crops and people. In order to protect themselves from the beast, people would place food at their doorsteps after which the beast wouldn’t harm them. The people believed that the beast was scared of the colour red. From then on, on the first day of every New Year, people would hang red paper lanterns and dress up red and light fire crackers to scare off the beast. According to tradition, red envelopes containing money are given by the elderly to the young. The red envelopes are symbolic of avoiding evil and bringing in good luck. The red colour is always associated with “happiness and good fortune”.
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The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac The Chinese animal zodiac, or shengxiao, is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year being represented by an animal and its reputed attributes. In order, the 12 animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. According to one belief, the Jade emperor of China organised a race for animals. The first twelve animals to finish the race were given a place in the Chinese zodiac.
Vanalatha
THE
BIG Question
Why is the Sea Salty? E
veryone who has been to the beach knows that seawater is salty. However, rain water, rivers, and even ice are not salty. Why are some of the Earth’s waters salty and others not? The river and lake water is salty but we don’t notice its saltiness because it is less salty than the ocean. So the first reason why the sea is salty is that all the slightly salty water of all the rivers of the world flows into the sea and leaves its salt there. So all of the salt from the earth’s crust that is caught in rain water concentrates
in the ocean. Then there is added salt from the ocean’s floor, just as there is from a river bed, but this is a much larger bed. The ocean is noticeably less salty near the mouths of rivers or areas where ice melts. On the other hand, ocean water is more salty than normal in places that are far from river mouths and where heat increases the level of evaporation. The sea is noticeably saltier in the hot, tropical zone north and south of the equator. Some parts of the oceans are very salty. Scientists learned that water seeps into the earth and heats up. The trapped
Why Are The Planets Round? T
he planets in our solar system differ in sizes. Their distances from the sun are different. Some are small and rocky, and others are big and gassy. The larger the object, the stronger the gravitational field turns. All the planets are round because of gravity. During the formation of the Solar System, gravity gathered billions of pieces of gas and dust into clumps which grew larger and larger to become the planets. The force of the collision of these
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sea water cooks down to a higher concentration of salt and then is released into the ocean. Similarly when volcanoes erupt the molten rock cooks and concentrates sea water. The Dead Sea, on the border between Israel and Jordan is ten times saltier than the ocean because it is heated by a very strong sun with temperatures as high as 43 degrees Celsius. Eventually the Dead Sea will become a dry salt bed. Scientists seem fairly certain that the oceans have maintained the same level of saltiness for hundreds of millions of years.
pieces caused the newly forming planets to become hot and molten. The force of gravity pulled this molten material inwards towards the planet’s center into the shape of a sphere. Later, when the planets cooled, they stayed spherical. Planets are not perfectly spherical because they also spin. The spinning force acts against gravity and causes many planets to bulge out more around their equators. The rotation of the planets helps to round out the rough edges. As time passes and the planet cools the planet settles into its final shape depending on its own rotation and the gravitational influence of its star. This is what makes a planet round.
EDUCATION
PART VII-B
Study better, stress less and succeed in school Brainfeed brings you a new series on how to ‘Make the Grade’ where you will learn everything you need to study better, stress less, and succeed in school. Quality education is important for both personal and professional success. So, successful students do well because they map out what matters most to them, and then follow through, putting maximum effort where ever necessary, and not wasting valuable time on things that are less important. The great thing is that these prioritizing techniques are available to everyone, and if you adopt them, you’ll not only do better in school but also learn great skills you can use in applying for jobs, getting into college, and even navigating personal relationships as well. In part VII-B, you’ll be learning about how to study in groups, practice new concepts and to complete your assignments regularly.
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Study Groups: Divide and Conquer S
tudy groups offer a true way of learning material faster and more completely. Study groups aren’t for everyone; they do require some extra coordination and preparation. If you can fit it into your schedule and find the right people, working with a study group can have some terrific benefits. Engaging your homework through discussion, explanation, and debate, you’ll gain a much more thorough understanding of the material. Three to five members with similar goals and a range of skills and talents will make an ideal group. Groups that meet on the same day and at the same time each week get better participation and will encourage and support one another to work. Study-Group Tips It is possible to have a little too much fun when you are in groups. Stay on track by making sure you have goals for each session and that group members prepare in advance for reading and taking notes. Determine how long you will meet for each sessionif it’s two hours or more, be sure to take a break in between. Make one person as the group monitor who keeps the track of time and gets the group on task.
Let us count the ways for study groups Socializing
Understand the Concepts
Having other people around makes studying more interactive and fun. Multiple group members provide the opportunity to quiz one another, compare notes and assignments, and reap the benefits of bouncing ideas off of different people.
In most Mathematics classes, the teacher will present you with a new concept and help you solve problems using technique or formula. Sometimes you follow and understand it, sometimes you can’t grasp it. Here’s a quick rundown of two common scenarios, along with advice about how to address them.
A Shorter Learning Curve You can learn faster and cover more syllabuses in a study group. Someone in the group might be able to explain much more quickly than you might have figured it out or together the group might solve a complicated problem that no one could do alone. You can also break up the work; individual members can become “experts” on a certain part of the material and teach the rest of the group what they need to know. Decreased Likelihood of Procrastination Study groups are excellent procrastination-busters. As an integral part of a group, you are more likely to actually take responsibility for your work. Plan accordingly and the team will also follow it. Mathematics Studying for Mathematics is a bit different. This subject relies on your past experience and knowledge. The more that you understand what you are learning today, the more it will help you tomorrow. In order to really get what you are doing today, you need to understand the concept the teacher is presenting and just practice the concepts again and again.
SCENARIO 1 But I understood it in class! Situation: During a geometry class, you were clear with the concept about how to find the midpoint. The concept was understandable, so you didn’t feel the need to write down all the steps. But when you go home, what made total sense in class is no longer clear. Reason: Sometimes when things are explained to us they make sense and we can apply the knowledge right away. But when there is hours gap between Mathematics and the time you are doing your homework, then you might forget a key step or explanation that makes it all come together. Solution: Write down the entire process so that you can re-create the steps that made perfect sense earlier in the day. It will make it easier to refresh your memory hours later. SCENARIO 2 I just don’t get how to do it. Situation: During algebra your teacher taught you multiplying polynomials using the area model, but the explanation didn’t make any sense to you, and the further explanations make you more confused and you are lost completely.
Reason: Sometimes the way the teacher explains doesn’t make sense the first time. She might be using terms that you don’t know, or you might have spaced out for a moment and missed a main bit of explanation. Solution: It doesn’t matter why you didn’t get it; you have several ways to get an explanation that makes sense. First, reread your notes. Recollect the process and even if you can’t understand, get help from your teacher, ask a friend in class, or check out some of the resources found on the internet. This will really help you out. Practice, Practice, Practice Practice each new concept you learn by doing problems in class and at home. This will help you to understand the concept better and make you confident to solve the problems. If you find yourself struggling with some of the homework, try using your resources like friends, math videos, textbooks that help you to understand it. If you still don’t get it, circle or mark the problem, discuss with your teacher and solve it out. Do Your Work Every Day Teachers give you assignments at the end of the unit almost regularly. This is a great opportunity to put your efforts. Complete assignments regularly, the next concept you learn will make more sense and it will be easy for you to understand. Complete your work every day; don’t keep your work pending which will burden you. Make a planner and complete your assignments.
Concluded
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COMMEMORATION
W
orld Cancer Day is a global observance that helps raise people’s awareness of cancer and how to prevent, detect or treat it. ‘World Cancer Day’, held every year on February 4, is a chance to reflect on what one can do and pledge to take action. World Cancer Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer and pressing Governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease. ‘We Can I Can’ makes all the difference to fight against the global cancer epidemic.
FEB
04 WORLD CANCER DAY
We Can
I Can
Inspire action Take action
Make healthy lifestyle choices
Prevent cancer
Understand that early detection saves life
Create healthy environment
Support others
Work together for increased impact Share my Story
F
FEB
ebruary 13 every year is observed as National Women’s Day in commemoration of India’s First Woman Governor, Sarojini Naidu. The day is remembered in recognition of the work done by her for uplifting and development of women in India. Bharatiya Mahila Sangh and Akhil Bharatiya Mahila Sammelan celebrate the 136th birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu in 2016.
13 NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Popularly known as the ‘Nightingale of India’, Sarojini Naidu was child prodigy, a poet and an activist during Independence Movement and served as the Governor of United Province of Agra and Oudh and became the President of Indian National Congress.
FEB
W
22 WORLD SCOUTS’ DAY
orld Scouts’ Day in commemoration of the Scouting Movement throughout the year. Typically, it is a day when all members of scouting will re-affirm the Scout Promise. Founder’s Day of World Scout Movement is celebrated on February 22, the birthday of Robert Baden Powell, the founder of scouting. World Thinking Day is observed on February 22 as it is the birthday of Scouting and Guiding – Founder Robert Baden Powell and Olave Baden Powell and it is celebrated by Girl Guides Association.
I
n 1986 the National Council for Science and Technology recommended that February 28 may be observed as ‘National Science Day’ marking the day of the discovery of “Raman Effect” by Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman which won him Nobel Prize in Science in 1930. National Science Day is to recognize the excellent and wonderful endeavour in the field of science communication and popularization. Students demonstrate science projects in national exhibitions. Efforts are taken to spread about the significance of scientific applications in the daily life of the people. The theme of the year 2016 will aim to raise public appreciation on scientific issues for the development of nation.
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FEB
28 NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY
TRAVEL
Vanalatha
LISTEN
BALI
The Miraculous Island K
nown for its yoga and meditation retreats, Bali an island and province of Indonesia is for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. Bali is a popular tourist destination and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music. The Indonesian International Film Festival is held every year in Bali. Bali is part of the Coral Triangle, the area with the highest biodiversity of marine species.
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The island of Bali lies 3.2 km east of Java, and is approximately 8 degrees south of the equator. Bali Strait separates Bali and Java. East to west, the island is approximately 153 km wide and spans approximately 112 km North to South; administratively it covers 5,780 km2, or 5,577 km2. Its population density is roughly 750 people / km2. Bali’s central mountains include several peaks over 3,000 metres in elevation. The highest mountain is Mount Agung (3,031 m), known as the “mother mountain” which is an active volcano rated as one
500
Over reef building coral species can be found here. of the world’s most likely sites for a massive eruption within the next 100 years. Mountains range from centre to the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak. Bali’s volcanic nature has contributed to its exceptional fertility and its tall mountain ranges provide the high rainfall that supports the highly productive agriculture sector. South of the mountains is a broad, steadily descending area where most of Bali’s large rice crop is grown. The northern side of the mountains slopes more steeply to the sea and is the main coffee producing area of the island, along with rice, vegetables and cattle. Climate Lying 8 degrees south to the equator, Bali has a fairly even climate year round. Day time temperatures at low elevations vary in between 20-330C although it can be much cooler than that in the mountains. The west monsoon is in place from approximately October to April and this can bring significant rain, particularly from December to March.
Dolphin sightings at Lovina Lovina has a number of attractions and activities and is the best place to sight dolphins. One can find school of dolphins happily jumping with enthusiasm. Ubud Uluwatu Temple – Pura Luhur The temple is a majestic structure, constructed in the 11th century, perched at the steep cliff of 70 meters above the Indian Ocean. At higher grounds nearby, breathtaking view of either side or sunsets over Uluwatu temple can be experienced. Pura Tanah Lot It is the most popular for its serenity and cultural significance as it is associated with the Balinese mythology as one of the seven temples that form a ring in the southwest of Bali. Walking across the water, to the temple
during low tide gives a pleasant feeling. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Resting at the edge of Lake Bratan, the beautifully structured temple doubles the beauty due to reflections of the clear lake.
Considered as the heart of Bali, this place is filled with nature, temples, museums, man-made gardens and parks. One can take interesting bike tour, activities like whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities, and can relax with yoga and meditation or have some pampering of spas and massages. Kuta Beach It is best known for its Indian Ocean surfing and party-centric atmosphere. Those looking out to socialize and party will have fun and good time. Hike/Climb Mount Batur at Kintamani Up in a highland in East of Bali, lies Mount Batur caldera in Kintamani. A climb to the summit of 1,700 m of this active volcano is a great experience for active travelers. Many would prefer the sunrise hike for an ultimate experience, starting from as early as 4 am to reach in time for 6 am sunrise. This hike is relatively easy and the treks are quite well marked. february 16
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SPACE
Vanalatha
VANGUARD 2 THE FIRST WEATHER SATELLITE
Radio communication was provided by a 1 W, 108.03 MHz telemetry transmitter and a 10 mW, 108 MHz beacon transmitter that sent a continuous signal for tracking purposes. A command receiver was used to activate a tape recorder that relayed telescope experiment data to the telemetry transmitter. The power supply for the instrumentation was provided by mercury batteries. Both transmitters functioned normally for 19 days. The satellite was spin stabilized at 50 rpm, but telemetry data were poor because of an unsatisfactory orientation of the spin axis. Researchers selected Vanguard 2 for use in determining upper atmospheric densities as a function of altitude, latitude, season, and solar activity due to its symmetrical shape. As the spacecraft continuously orbited, it lagged its predicted positions slightly, accumulating greater and greater delay due to drag of the residual atmosphere.
T
he first attempt to look at Earth’s weather from space occurred early in the space programme of the United States. On February 17, 1959, Vanguard II was launched with light-sensitive cells, able to provide information about Earth’s cloud cover.
The scientific experiments flown on the Vanguard satellites increased scientific knowledge of space and opened the way for more sophisticated experiments.
Vanguard 2 or Vanguard II is an Earth-orbiting satellite as part of the United States Navy’s Project Vanguard. The success of Vanguard 2 was an important part of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Vanguard 2 was third satellite put into orbit, after Sputnik 1 and Vanguard 1. Vanguard 2 took the first photo of earth from a satellite and was also the first weather satellite. The satellite was designed to measure cloud-cover distribution over the daylight portion of its orbit, for a period of 19 days, and to provide information on the density of the atmosphere for the lifetime of its orbit.
The spacecraft was a magnesium sphere, 50.8 cm in diameter. It contained two optical telescopes with two photocells. The sphere was internally gold-plated and externally covered with an aluminum deposit coated with silicon oxide of sufficient thickness to provide thermal control for the instrumentation. 58
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TECHNOLOGY
Vanalatha
APPS of the Month QUIZCHAT- QuizChat is a new way to take BuzzFeed quizzes with your friends. Start a quiz, send your answers to your friends, and get special results made for two! Take a quiz. Start chatting. QuizChat’s airy offerings range from “Who’s the Kendall and who’s the Kylie?” Each quiz requires you to shoot a text or Facebook message to a friend—who also has to take the quiz—before you can get your results.
THE WEEKDAY - The
WeekDay, is an app which is completely new way of staying on top of the news. It brings the essential stories for the day at 8 am, with an updated briefing at 5 pm. The WeekDay’s unique format doesn’t just cover news, but also includes food & drink, films, theatre and much more and is all backed up with analysis and insight.
SUMAZE! - Sumaze! is a puzzle
game in which you are required to move a tile through a number maze to get to the goal. Sumaze’s puzzles involve arithmetic, inequalities, the modulus function, indices, logarithms and primes. There are 7 sections containing 14 levels which obviously increase in difficulty as you go.
RHYTHM EXPERT - Rhythm
Expert is an app designed to improve the rhythm playing abilities of musicians at all levels of experience. An ability to match the rhythms that we hear to the written form is the key to developing rhythm reading skills. Rhythm Expert uses a unique shorthand method to help you notate what you hear. Choose which note value combinations you wish to improve, then practice, practice.
J
ibo was created by Cynthia Breazeal, an MIT associate professor who specializes in personal robots. Jibo is about a foot tall family friendly robot that is capable of doing everything. It looks a lot like a static, albeit animated, lampshade, and has a glowing orb-like face and the ability to rotate its head 360 degrees. Jibo comes without any of the conventional buttons, swipes, or commands that usually follow artificial intelligence; you have to talk to it as you would to any other person. The body has sensors that are able to pick up your touch and it reacts accordingly. For example, it displays a large heart on the screen when you touch it lovingly. It has six microphone inputs that help it to take voice instructions and reply back. It can take pictures, assist you in your daily chores, switches lights on and off, read out your messages and can be a cute little tutor to your kids and can tell stories to them. It can also show pictures and video on its face.
JIBO-THE WORLD’S FIRST FAMILY ROBOT
that you have a message. Jibo comes with a black glass “face” that lights up with a circular icon that is an eye and a mouth, and is ridiculously cute. How JIBO Works 1. Connect him to your WiFi network 2. Teach JIBO to recognize your face & voice 3. Learn what you can ask JIBO to do 4. Download the JIBO mobile app to connect JIBO to your mobile devices
It is a robot lacking arms or legs; it just has a flexible neck which can look around and looks cute. It monitors your e-mail, voicemail, text messages, etc and be able to tell you february 16
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CAREER
Vanalatha
RADIO JOCKEY
Musical career in Radio
n individual blessed with love for music and presence of mind with good communication skills can opt for the career for Radio Jockeying. Working in a fast paced and youth oriented work environment, RJ’s speak from platforms that reach out live to thousands in homes, in offices and on the roads simultaneously.
A
Radio industry is one of the most popular industries and is expected to expand more and more in the coming years.
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There are various radio channels we tune into everyday and listen to our favourite programmes. FM Radio is a fast progressing industry with more and more channels opening in every city of the world. Hence, this is the best time to be in FM Radio Industry. Radio Jockey has been with us for almost a century, but since the advent of FM channels, the Radio Announcer is suddenly being referred as Radio Jockey or RJ. A Radio Jockey is usually related to FM, because FM channel broadcasts in stereo and has very good sound quality as compared to other short, medium wave channels. Various RJs welcome us every day and entertain us and talk to us. Every successful RJ has his/ her own style of communicating with a sweet, mid to heavy voice. It all depends upon the confidence and the way to deliver it through one’s voice. If you have what it takes to be a good RJ, then the world can be your stage and the world is all yours.
Role of RJ • Can be called to host or anchor a show anytime of the day or night. • Must have one’s own style of communication and must be cheerful all the time. • Should be culturally active and aware of main events taking place. • Must be familiar with languages. • Must be aware about movies, songs etc. • Must be able to write a script for shows. • Introduces and discusses genres of music; hosts a talk radio show that may take calls from listeners; interviews celebrities or guests; or gives news, weather, sports, or traffic information.
Some of the Prominent
Skills Required • Youngsters are preferred as radio jockey, owing to their fresh ideas and mindset. • An enthusiastic, friendly individual with presence of mind, a good voice, good command over the language, a clear diction and good modulation is required. • Must be innovative and make the show interesting. • Must enjoy talking with people. • Must be familiar with sound equipment and computers. • Must be confident and have positive attitude. How To Enter The Field There is no specific academic path to become an RJ but graduation is mandatory. However, one can opt for a diploma or a post graduation degree in Indian and International level in radio-television-film, mass communications, journalism, or English. Also, several courses are available which can help you pick up the skills and get better understanding of the profession and its technicalities. Those who undergo training at institutes that focus on pronunciation, voice modulation, mixing or voiceovers, creative thinking and public speaking can excel in this field. Qualifications may be useful but skills and passion count for more in this profession.
Institutes in India
• Radio City School of Broadcasting, Mumbai • Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi • Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai • The Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA), Ahmedabad • ARM Academy of Radio Management, New Delhi Employment Opportunities There is a lot of scope for employment opportunities for a radio jockey in the media industry. They can apply in organizations like AIR, Times FM, Radio Mid-day,
Radio Star, Radio Wani and other independent radio stations. Over time a jockey can also apply for dubbing for commercials, television shows and movies. Remuneration The demand for radio jockeys is on the increase due to private radio waves venturing in this field. The remuneration of a beginner radio jockey would be less. With experience and time one can earn `2,500 - `3,000 per show. Senior Radio Jockey’s, get an excellent package.
The job profile for a radio jockey consists of the various types of jockeys. FM/AM radio jockeys
Sports talk Radio Jockeys
• Public radio station jockeys
• Discuss sports news
• Play music or talk or both • Interaction with audience
• Jockey has to be a former athlete, a television anchor or sportswriter
Talk Radio Jockeys
• Interaction with audience
• Talk for the entire time period of the show about some topics
Satellite Radio Jockeys
• Discuss different social and political issues • Interaction with audience
• Same as FM/AM radio jockeys • Can talk or play explicit content without considering the sensitivity of the issue
Some of the famous RJ’s Ameen Sayani is a popular radio announcer from India. He achieved fame and popularity all across South Asia when he presented his Binaca Geetmala program of hits over the airwaves of All India Radio.
Jeeturaaj radio mirchi Tune into the show called ‘Hi Mumbai’ and you’ll realize what separates an ordinary morning from a Jeeturaaj morning. This magician mesmerizes the city of Mumbai through his sheer energy.
RJ Aditi - Red FM 93.5 - She loves the fact that she gets to connect with people, especially those who are traveling, resting, cooking.
RJ Shagufta Ahmed - Radio Indigo 91.9 - Commonly called as the ‘gossip queen’, she is loved by the Bengalurians. She calls herself the ‘Pop Defender’ and she does justice to the title; play any Michael Jackson or Madonna song and she’ll groove till the break of dawn. february 16
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HISTORY
Vanalatha
SRI KRISHNADEVARAYA
THE
GREAT
RULER K
rishnadevaraya was born to Tulava Narasa Nayaka and Nagala Devi on February 16, 1471 in Hampi, Karnataka. His father Narasa Nayaka, was an army commander under Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya and established the Tuluva Dynasty after the death of Saluva Narasimha to prevent it from splitting up.
1509-1530. The political condition of the Vijayanagar Empire was very gloomy. He planned well and worked hard for the development of the Empire. He was an able administrator, a great warrior, a scholar, a poet, a musician and a kind king. He was loved very much by his subjects and he even treated his enemies with honour.
After Narasa Nayaka, Viranarasimha Raya, the eldest son of Narasa Nayaka, took charge of the kingdom, but soon after his death, Krishnadevaraya took charge as the third ruler of the Tulava Dynasty. The king’s coronation took place on the birthday of Lord Krishna and he ruled the kingdom from
He is regarded as an icon by many Indians and earned the titles Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana (Lord of the Kannada empire), Andhra Bhoja and Mooru Rayara Ganda (King of three kings). His empire extended from Cuttack in eastern India to Goa in the west and Raichur in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south.
Major Battles
He kept himself fit by regular exercise, was a renowned horseman and was an inspiring general, leading his army from the front.
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• He attacked the unconquerable Udayagiri Fort, ruled by Gajapati Prathapa Rudra Dev, in 1512 and after a year of continuous battles, the Gajapati army surrendered and escaped to Kondavidu. • The battle of Raichur in 1520 saw over
703,000
32, 600
551
foot soldiers, cavalry and elephants fighting Ismail Adil Shah of Bijapur for the capture of its fortress leading to his defeat, amidst the death of 16,000 Vijayanagara soldiers. • He won all the wars he had waged during his rule
Krishna Deva Raya benefited from Timmarusu, who was regarded by the emperor as a father figure and was responsible for his coronation. The proficient Prime Minister Timmarusu, assisted Krishnadevaraya, in his administration, who gave him wise counsel.
increase the revenue he brought new lands under cultivation by ordering deforestation of some areas. His concern for the welfare of the people was amply proved by his extensive annual tours all over the empire, during which he studied everything personally and tried to redress the grievances of the people and to punish the evil doers.
The great king appointed eight literary luminaries popularly known as Ashtadiggajas, or eight poets, in his court –
Vijayanagara Empire
Foreign Trade
• Pingali Surana
Vijayanagara Empire, reigned over most of South India in the 16th century. Krishnadevaraya built a beautiful suburb near Vijayanagara called Nagalapuram in the memory of his mother. His rule extended over parts of present day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Northern Tamil Nadu. The Vijayanagara Kingdom rose to its highest peak of glory during his reign. Vijayanagara proved to be the custodian of Indian culture. In South India Vijayanagara started a new era by setting up a modern city with major town planning which included drainage system, canals, irrigation systems and many more of which some are functional even till date.
During Krishnadeva’s reign, the Europeans, mainly the Portuguese traders came to India and he encouraged foreign trade with the visitors. Krishnadevaraya encouraged foreign trade and collected revenue in the form of custom duties and taxes from the Portuguese traders.
• Nandi Thimmana
Portuguese traveler Domingos Paes, praised Krishnadevaraya as, “the most feared and perfect King… a great ruler and a man of much justice”.
• Allasani Peddana
Timmarusu
Internal Affairs During his reign he kept a strict control over his ministers who were severely punished for any misdeeds. He abolished some of the obnoxious taxes and to
Literature And Art The rule of Krishnadevaraya was an age of good literature in many languages. But it is known as a golden age of Telugu literature. The king was fluent in Kannada and Telugu besides his native Tulu and encouraged literary efforts in all three languages.
• Dhurjati • Ramaraja Bhushanudu • Madayyagari Mallana • Tenali Rama Krishna • Ayyala-raju Rama-Bhadrudu
Many Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada and Tamil poets enjoyed the patronage of the emperor. Krishnadevaraya had in his court poets of great renown. Tenali Rama, the scholar, who was famous for his wit and satire, was a gem in the court of Krishnadevaraya. His Role as an Able Administrator Krishnadevaraya proved to be a talented general and diplomat as well as architect and city planner. He took active steps to promote agriculture by building dams and irrigation canals. He set up a system of provincial government with himself as the absolute head and with trusted aides as governors of smaller provinces. Sri Krishnadevaraya occupies a unique place among the rulers of South India. Presiding over the empire at its zenith, he is regarded as an icon by many Indians. february 16
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HEALTH
Vanalatha
Protect your LIVER from Hepatitis cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances like alcohol, certain drugs and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis. There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. These 5 types are of greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread. In particular, types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and, together, are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.
Liver is a key player in the body’s digestive system. Liver, reddish brown in colour is the largest and heaviest internal organ of the human body weighing about 1.6 kilograms. A person can’t feel the liver, because it’s protected by the rib cage. The liver has two large sections, called the right and the left lobes. The gallbladder sits under the liver, along with parts of the pancreas and intestines. The liver and these organs work together to digest, absorb, and process food. 64
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The function of the liver is to filter the blood coming from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body. The liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. As it does so, the liver secretes bile that ends up back in the intestines. The liver also makes proteins important for blood clotting and other functions. It helps the body to digest food, store energy, and remove poisons. There are many kinds of liver diseases. Viruses cause some of them, like hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Others can be the result of drugs, poisons or drinking too much alcohol. If the liver forms scar tissue because of an illness, it’s called cirrhosis. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, can be one sign of liver disease. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be selflimiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver
Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of infected body fluids. Symptoms • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) • Dark urine • Extreme fatigue • Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
JAUNDICE- the yellow discolouration of the skin A virus called Hepatitis A, is a common cause of infective jaundice. This virus is transmitted through water and food. Children are often affected. This condition forms when there is too much bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is formed by the breakdown of dead red blood cells in the liver. Jaundice may indicate a serious problem with the function of liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is present in the faeces of infected persons and is most often transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. Infections are mild in many cases, with most people making a full recovery and remaining immune from further HAV infections. However, HAV infections can also be severe and life threatening. Most people in areas of the world with poor sanitation have been infected with this virus. Antibodies produced in response to Hepatitis A last for life and protect against reinfection. The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is
transmitted through exposure to infective blood and other body fluids. HBV can be transmitted from infected mothers to infants at the time of birth or from family member to infant in early childhood. Transmission may also occur through transfusions of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures. The best way to prevent is to get vaccinated.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This may happen through transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. There is no vaccine for HCV.
Hepatitis D virus (HDV)
infections occur only in those who are infected with HBV. The dual infection of HDV and HBV can result in a more serious disease and worse outcome. Hepatitis B vaccines provide protection from HDV infection.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV)
is mostly transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. HEV is a common cause of hepatitis outbreaks in developing parts of the world and is increasingly recognized as an important cause of disease in developed countries. Safe and effective vaccines to prevent HEV infection have been developed but are not widely available.
Treatment Treatment options vary depending upon the form of Hepatitis. • Bed rest, consuming lots of liquid and taking medication help relieve symptoms. Most people who have hepatitis A and E get well on their own after a few weeks. • Hepatitis B and C are treated with drugs. • Liver transplant to be done for hepatitis B or C, or D-caused liver failure. Prevention • Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before and after eating food. • Drink fresh water and avoid contaminated water and food. • Use fresh needles for any medication. • Don’t share personal items such as toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers. • Take vaccinations related to hepatitis. Follow a healthy lifestyle and keep your liver functioning properly. february 16
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FOOD
Vanalatha
CREATE A NATURAL
A
functioning liver works as our bodies’ fat-burning organ.’ It converts nutrients from the food we eat into essential blood components, storing vitamins and minerals and producing proteins and enzymes to maintain hormone balances in the body. It also helps our immune system fight infections, remove bacteria from the blood and make bile, which is essential for digesting our meals. Problems with liver can be inherited if the body is infected by any viruses or
harmful chemicals. Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, coffee and white sugar and adding in low impact exercises like walking and drinking lots of water are all ways to ensure good liver health. The food we eat, the cleanse out toxic as a protective 1. Garlic helps the water we drink, the materials and mechanism for liver activate air we breathe and aid the digestion the liver. enzymes that can taking stress and process. flush out toxins. worrying– all have It also has a high 5. Green tea is full of become potentially plant antioxidants 9. Turmeric has amount of allicin hazardous to been known to known as and selenium, our health. The help our bodies catechins, which two natural importance of digest fats and has been known compounds detoxification is stimulate the to improve the that aid in liver production of bile. huge today, and functions of liver. cleansing It can also act as there are a number 6. Avocados can a natural form of of ways to cleanse 2. Grapefruit the body and its help the body detox for liver. juice can help organs of the produce a type liver flush out drastic amount 10. Walnuts are of antioxidant carcinogens and of chemicals they also high in called glutathione, toxins. This fruit accumulate and glutathione and which is needed is also high in retain over the omega-3 fatty for our livers to both vitamin C years. acids, which filter out harmful and antioxidant help support the materials. properties. liver through its cleansing 3. Carrots, Radishes 7. Cruciferous veggies like process. and Beets are broccoli, high in plant11. Olive oil, hemp cauliflower and flavonoids, which and flax-seed Brussels sprouts can improve the help the body by also increase overall functions providing a lipid the amount of of liver. base that can glucosinolate suck up harmful in our bodies 4. Green leaves toxins in the body. that helps like spinach and create enzyme lettuce have 12. Asparagus is production for the ability to a great diuretic, digestion. neutralize metals, helping in the chemicals and cleansing process 8. Lemons are full pesticides that and sharing the of vitamin C, may be in our detox load of the but lemons also foods, and act liver and kidneys. help our bodies
DETOX DIET
Follow these food into your diet in order to maintain a HEALTHY LIVER.
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FILM REVIEW
CHILDREN’S COLUMN
Childhood
Chalk-N-Duster Banner
: 3s Creations
Cast
: Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla, Zarina Wahab, Divya Dutta, Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Sameer Soni, Arya Babbar, Richa Chadda
Direction
: Jayant Gilatar
Production
: Subhash Singh
Music
: Sandesh Shandilya, Sonu Nigam
Subhash Singh, a veteran make-up artist’s directorial debut ‘Chalk-N-Duster’ highlights the hardships of the teachers, not only in their day-to-day lives, but also in the education system and society norms. Subhash Singh’s highly anticipated production ‘Chalk-N-Duster’ boasts of an ensemble cast that includes Bollywood veterans like Juhi Chawla, Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta. ‘Chalk-N-Duster’ is written by Ranjeev Varma and directed by Jayant Gilatar. The movie targets the teachers , students and the education system, giving out a socially relevant message, in spite of being an out-and-out commercial film. It is a coming of age, movie that deals with life of teachers. The movie endeavours to bring to light, the plight of senior teachers who strive hard to hold their ground in an age where the notion of permanent job has gone obsolete. ‘Chalk-N-Duster’ has hit the screens on January 15, 2016. The film touches on the importance of teachers in our lives and shows the apathy of the powers-that-are towards providing equal educational opportunities. ‘Chalk-N-Duster’ has it’s heart in the right place. Made with an intention of showcasing the worms in the current education system, where money often gets merit over capability.
Childhood, under the loving wings of parents and teachers, is an unmatched phase of our life. Childhood is the most unforgettable experience. I miss those days – the days under great care of parents’ love and happiness. It is the period in life that is filled with immense pleasure and happiness. The childhood leaves behind a bunch of memories that are so lovely. I cherish childhood, because it does not have any responsibility, or commitment or preconceived notion about anything. It is the most wonderful period of our life. Ch. Shiva Satvika, Class VII Lotus Lap School, Saroornagar, Hyderabad
Nature Above the sky when clouds burst, It rains and clears our thirst. Tiny droplets touch the earth, Before taking her to death. How precious the world is! More than gold! Everywhere it is greenery, Filling our eyes with beautiful scenery.
N. Hemanth, Class VI Narayana Group of Schools Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad
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LANGUAGE STUDY
VOCABULARY in
FRENCH
for BEGINNERS Here are some everyday used simple words in FRENCH language.
F FRENCH
HELLO, HOW ARE YOU? Salut, Comment allez-vous? Salut, Koment alle vu? DO YOU UNDERSTAND FRENCH? Comprenez-vou le francais? Komprene vu le fransay?
F P
F P
F
DO YOU SPEAK FRENCH? Parlez-vous francais? Parle vu fransay?
F
NO, THIS IS MY FIRST VISIT TO PARIS Non, ceci est ma premiere visite a Paris Non, sisi e ma premier visit a Paris OH, NO PROBLEM. I SHALL ACCOMPANY YOU
P F
HAVE YOU BEEN TO FRANCE BEFORE? Avez-vous ete en France avant? Avez vu et e France avan?
P
P
F
F
P
P
Oh, pas de probleme. Ja vais vous accompagner Oh, pa de problem. Ya vwa vu akompene PLEASE TAKE ME TO EIFEL TOWER, THE LOUVRE AND RIVER SEINE Sil vous plait prenez-moi a Eifel Tower, le Louvre et la Seine Sil vu play prene-mwa e Eifel Tower, le Louvre e la Seine
GAY NECK
BOOK
The Story of a Pigeon
Review
Author: Dhan Gopal Mukerji Illustrated By: Boris Artzybasheff Original Published: 1927 Genre: Children’s Literature Publisher: National Book Trust of India / E P Dutton (USA) Award: John Newbery Medal Hard Cover/ Paperback: 150 Pages ISBN: 8123724888 Language: English
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P PRONUNCIATION
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Gay Neck, the story of a pigeon is a 1928 children’s novel by Dhan Gopal Mukerji that won the Newbery Medal for Excellence in American Children’s literature in 1928. It deals with the life of Gay Neck, a prized Indian pigeon. Writing out of his own experience as a boy in India, Dhan Gopal Mukerji tells how Gay Neck’s master sent his prized pigeon to serve in World War I, and of how, because of his exceptional training and his brave heart, Gay Neck served his new masters heroically. Winner of the 1928 Newbery Medal, it is the story of the training of a carrier pigeon and its service during the World War I, revealing the bird’s courageous and spirited adventures over the housetops of an Indian village, in the Himalayan Mountains and on the French battlefield.
LearnEnglish
BRITISH COUNCIL Activity 1 Before you read, match the word or phrase to a definition. 1. breathtaking
2. dawn
3. pick
4. plague
5. squeezed into
6. trance
a. large group of insects which attack and damage something b. a state similar to sleep in which someone is not able to move or act freely c. forced into a confined space d. causing excitement or wonder e. take with your fingers f. the first light of the day © VisitBritain / Britain on View
Breakfast in a balloon By Monica Flood
Why get out of bed in the middle of the night? In my opinion, there are very few good reasons for getting up at four in the morning but if it’s to fly in a hot air balloon, it’s well worth the effort. Cappadocia, in Turkey, is ideal for this activity and its strange moonlike landscape is breathtaking to see from the air.
Activity 3 Match a paragraph heading to a phrase. 1. Why get out of bed in the middle of the night?
a. Coming down to Earth
2. Watching balloons
b. A good reason to wake up
3. Too many balloons?
c. It’s not like it used to be
Watching balloons
4. The first time
d. My first experience in a balloon
Ten years ago, when I first visited, I would wake at dawn to the strange, explosive sound of the flames blasting hot air into a balloon floating over my hotel. We used to climb onto the flat roof of the hotel to wave at the happy people in the basket underneath the balloon, and on one occasion they came so close we could almost touch it. The pilots’ speciality back then was to take the balloons right down into the valleys so passengers could pick fruit from the trees.
5. Safety and landing
e. My first experience with balloons
Too many balloons? Now ballooning is a huge business and at dawn every day in summer you can see up to sixty balloons floating overhead. The local farmers finally protested about this plague of balloonists taking their fruit and it’s no longer possible to breakfast in the air.
Activity 4 Use the words from the box to complete the sentences about the story. but
because
in spite of
as
even though
too
as well as
therefore
because of
so
The first time
1. It is not easy to get up so early in the morning when it’s cold (…………).
Last year I finally decided to try it and I can say that it’s not at all frightening, apart from the price, and when you’re in the air you go into a sort of dreamy trance. Nobody talks much and apart from the occasional blast of flame, there is almost total silence.
3. People don’t get so excited about seeing balloons now (…………) there are so many.
Safety and landing Safety is very important and before take off we practised the landing position, which involves sitting down on the floor, which is difficult when 24 people are squeezed into a small space. Landing can be tricky and about ten people rush up to the basket and throw themselves onto it to stop it from floating off again. When it’s finally tied down you climb out for a welcome drink, usually in a dusty field, and the presentation of your flight certificate. The flight lasts about an hour and is not cheap, but I can’t think of anything more fun to do on a summer’s morning in Turkey.
2. Cappadocia is a good place to fly in a balloon (…………) the interesting scenery.
4. It used to be possible to pick fruit from the balloons, (…………) now this is not allowed. 5. (…………) being nervous at the start, I felt very relaxed about the flight. 6. Lots of safety precautions are in place, (…………) you don’t feel that you are in danger 7. There are a lot of people in the basket. It is (…………) difficult to move around. 8. It’s not easy to get the balloon to stay down after landing (…………) it is still full of hot air. 9. You get a certificate after the flight (…………) a drink. 10. A trip in a balloon is a wonderful experience (…………) it is very expensive.
Activity 2
Activity 5
Now complete the sentences using words and phrases from the text. Make any changes to the words that are necessary.
Have you ever been up in a balloon? If not, would you like to?
4. There was a (..........) of ants last summer – millions of them all over the house and garden. 5. In the morning I walk up the stairs to the office because I don’t like (..........) the lift when there are so many people. 6. The kids don’t move or speak when they’re watching that TV programme – it’s like they’re in a (..........).
Answers
3. The apples on the tree were ripe and so we (..........) some to eat for lunch.
Activity 3 1. b; 2. e; 3. c; 4. d; 5. a Activity 4 1. too; 2. because of; 3. because; 4. but; 5. In spite of; 6. so; 7. therefore; 8. as; 9. as well as; 10. even though
2. When he got up it was dark, and by the time the first light appeared at (..........) he was already working in the garden.
Activity 1 1. d; 2. f; 3. e; 4. a; 5. c; 6. b Activity 2 1. breathtaking; 2. dawn; 3. picked; 4. plague; 5. squeezing into; 6. trance
1. The view from the top of the mountain was (..........) – hundreds of other mountains as far as the eye could see.
To find more English language activities visit: www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish © British Council 2014
february 16
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SHORT STORY
The Tale of Demon Nian – A Chinese Folk Tale
ong ago there lived a frightful demon called Nian with a single large horn, heavy green scales, a huge mouth, and very sharp teeth. The demon was locked by the heavenly gods in a prison. It was permitted to leave only once every twelve months so that it would not starve.
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The yearly release of the Nian was very dreadful for the people as it would kill them. The frightened villagers would put out some of their livestock in hope of satisfying its appetite while they would hide inside their houses. But one year an odd old beggar happened to visit the village on the day when the monster was due to be released. Everyone fled in panic, leaving the old beggar in the village to be devoured by the demon. There chanced to be a piece of red paper fluttering from the door of a house, and it attracted the attention of the demon, but as it charged the door, it happened to be hit by lightning, which hurt quite a bit, so that the demon’s dreadful scream was almost as loud as thunder. The demon cautiously moved into the village avoiding anything red. Observing this, the beggar wrapped some red cloth and emerged into the lane. The demon saw a red figure coming towards it carrying a bright lantern and making sounds like thunder. Frightened, the demon turned and fled in terror. Now, the villagers knew how to protect themselves from the demon Nian. So each year, when it was released, people would light up their houses, and would paste red paper on their doors and wear red clothes, and would set off firecrackers and beat drums. The cowardly monster never troubled them again. This is the origin of the use of lanterns and fireworks and the colour red used during the Chinese New Year.
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8. The former England football captain, David Beckham has been honoured with the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Leadership awardv.
3. The World Braille Day is observed every year on January 4 across the world to commemorate the birth anniversary of Louis Braille.
7. Kerala has become the first Indian state to achieve 100% primary education. This has been achieved through the primary education equivalency drive of the state literacy mission “Athulyam”, to provide primary school education to people aged between 15 and 50.
2. Music maestro Ilaiyaraja has been selected for Kerala Tourism’s Nishagandhi Puraskaram 2016 for his artistic excellence and contribution to the Indian film music industry.
6. The 20th National Youth Festival was held in Naya Raipur, the new capital city of Chhattisgarh from January 12 to 16.
1. Virat Kohli has won the BCCI Cricketer-of-the-Year 2015. The award was presented to him on January 5, 2016.
4. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Asia’s oldest stock exchange BSE will get its own postage stamp. BSE had recently become the world’s fastest stock exchange clocking a median trade speed of six micro seconds. 5. Telangana Deputy Chief MinisterMr. Mohammed Mahmood Ali received the World Peace and Prosperity Foundation Award for the year 2016.
9. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic state by implementing organic practices on around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land. 10. Jharkhand was set to make a mark by flying the world’s largest Tricolour atop the India’s tallest flagpole at the Pahari temple in Ranchi. The 293 feet tall flag pole will be 53 feet taller than the Qutub Minar.
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Who has received the World Peace and Prosperity Foundation Award for the year 2016?
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When is the World Braille Day observed?
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s r i a f f A t Curren
QUI Z
AMAZING
FACTS ATM is known as Bancomat in Europe and Russia and Multibance in Portugal.
The human ear drum vibrates 17,000 billion times in an average life time.
Teacher: Suresh, I told you to write this poem out 10 times to improve your handwriting and you have done it only 7 times. Suresh: That’s because my Mathematics is rubbish as well!
The longest onesyllable word in the English language is
“screeched”.
Mother: “Did you enjoy your first day at school?” Girl: “First day? Do you mean I have to go back tomorrow?”
The psychiatrist was asking questions to test his patient. Psychiatrist: Do you ever hear voices without knowing who is speaking or where the voices are coming from?
Snails can sleep for three years without
Patient: Yes, sir, I do.
eating.
Psychiatrist: And when does this occur? Patient: When I answer the telephone. A group of owls is called a parliament and a group of unicorns is called a blessing.
The name of the first airplane flown at Kitty Hawk by the Wright Brothers, on December 17, 1903, was the Bird of Prey.
A dolphin’s hearing is so acute that it can pick up an underwater sound from fifteen miles away.
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Hira: My dog is lost. Mira: Why don’t you put an advertisement in the paper? Hira: Silly, that won’t work, my dog can’t read.
Teacher: Where do you find sincere and honest police officers? Student: We can find them in Saavdhan India and Crime Patrol.
ORDER YOUR COPY
CROSSWORD SOLUTION 31
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Amount: ................................................................................. 11+
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KEN KEN SOLUTION 26 9+
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MIND
MINE
CROSSWORD 32
1
Across
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1. ---------- pyramid is a style of writing in which the most important information is in the first paragraphs.
1. To gather news by asking people questions.
2. -------------- journalism is a style of writing that uses large headlines, many illustrations, and simple words to sell more newspapers. 3. The ------ to the Editor section of the newspapers/magazines features the opinions of readers. 7. Joseph ------------------ began a movement to raise the professionalism of journalism. (name)
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6. -------- weeklies focus on local news, opinion pieces, and entertainment
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7. The term for low-cost newspapers sold in New York in the 1800s. (2 words)
8. A ------------ writes the news. 8
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How to Solve Ken Ken? Fill the grid with digits so as not to repeat a digit in any row or column. Digits within each heavily outlined group of squares, called a cage, must combine to make the arithmetic result indicated.
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A 3X3-square puzzle will use the digits from 1 to 3, a 4X4-square puzzle will use the digits from 1 to 4, etc. Solving a Ken Ken puzzle involves pure logic and mathematics. No guesswork is needed. Every puzzle has a unique solution. In a cage marked with a plus sign, the given number will be the sum of the digits you enter in the squares. In a cage marked with a minus sign, the given number will be the difference between the digits you enter in the squares ( the lower digit subtracted from the higher one).
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