The Monthly Newsletter
Issue 110 | December, 2014 | www.ei-india.com
7 Day FREE Trial
Teaching Kindness in Schools
Mindspark
Try w! Mindspark 7 Day free Notrial
COVER Story Manners Matter! Social skills are more critical to a child’s future than either intelligence or academic prowess. They affect the child’s self-esteem, grades, career choices and future relationships, says Dr. John Mayer, Chicago-based clinical psychologist. Some kids intuitively learn the nuances of social interactions, while other kids need help. Kids diagnosed with ADHD, language delays or autism spectrum disorders, especially benefit from some direct social skills teaching. Here are five simple manners that can be used in everyday life: Making Eye Contact - Many kids, especially those with autism, avoid making eye contact. Teach children to look the other person in the eyes every few seconds. Dr. Alison P. Block, licensed psychologist and Director of the Health Psychology Centre in Little Silver, New Jersey, says, “Hold up two fingers, point to your eyes and then point to your child’s eyes,” she says. Respecting Physical Space - If a child stands too close or constantly touches her friend, try this trick from Dr. Block: Tell the child to keep an arm’s length distance, when talking to her friends or teachers. Another idea is to tell the child to pretend she has a bubble around her. If she gets too close to someone, the bubble will pop. Starting a Conversation - Since most people love talking about themselves, the best way to start a conversation is, by asking a few basic questions, such as, “What school do you go to?”
or “Do you like sports?” Sharing and Taking turns - Children younger than 4 years of age usually don’t have the emotional or cognitive skills necessary to share with others. Say something like, “While Aaron’s here, you must share your toys. If there’s anything you don’t feel comfortable sharing, let’s put it away now.” Lea Keating, early childhood educator and founder of Sensory Street Kids, suggests that puppets can be used to teach kids to use specific phrases in social situations, such as, “Can I have a turn?” or “Can I play?” Talk about what to do if a child says no -wait for a turn, look for another toy or ask an adult for help.
Emotions - Many kids are not able to interpret nonverbal communication. Jennifer Little, Educational Consultant and founder of Parents Teach Kids says, “Watch a television show with the sound off. Have the child relate what each character would be thinking or feeling as the story unfolds. Or, find photographs of people’s faces and have children make up a story or explain what is happening and how the person is feeling.” All kids want to feel loved and accepted, and good social skills pave the way for rewarding personal relationships. Make note and offer praise when your child gets it right. A little positive reinforcement goes a long way.
Reading Facial Expressions and Labeling Source: http://www.education.com/
Student Corner 7 Important Reasons for Teaching Kindness in Schools Most people have heard the phrase ‘random acts of kindness’, which refers to a selfless act of giving, resulting in the happiness of another person. Terms like this are increasing in popularity around the world, as more people identify a deficiency in their lives that can only be fulfilled by altruism. It seems we just can’t get enough of those addictive feel-good emotions and with good reason. Scientific studies have shown that kindness has a great number of physical and emotional benefits, and that children require a healthy dose of the warm and fuzzies in order to flourish as health, happy, well-rounded individuals. Patty O’Grady, PhD, is an expert in the area of neuroscience, emotional learning, and positive psychology with special attention to the educational arena. She believes that “kindness changes the brain with the experience of kindness. Children and adolescents do not learn kindness by only thinking about it and talking about it. Kindness is best learned by feeling it so that they can reproduce it. Kindness is an emotion that students feel and empathy is a strength that they share.” A great number of benefits have been reported to support the theory of teaching kindness in schools: 1. Happy Children Science explains that the good feelings we experience when being kind are produced by endorphins that activate areas of the brain that are associated with pleasure, social connection and trust. It’s proven that these feelings of joyfulness are contagious, encouraging kinder behaviour by the giver and recipient. 2. Increased Peer Acceptance Research on the subject has determined that kindness increases our ability to form meaningful connections with others. Studies show that kind, happy children enjoy greater peer acceptance because they are well-liked and that better than average mental health is reported in classrooms that practice more inclusive behaviour due to an even distribution of popularity.
trigger a release of the hormone oxytocin which has a number of physical and mental health benefits as it can significantly increase a person’s level of happiness and reduce stress. More recently though, it’s been found to play a significant role in the cardiovascular system, helping protect the heart by lowering blood pressure and reducing free radicals and inflammation, which incidentally speed up the aging process. 4. Greater Sense of Belonging and Improved Self Esteem Studies show that people experience a ‘helpers high’ when they do a good deed, a rush of endorphins that creates a lasting sense of pride, well-being and an enriched sense of belonging. Even small acts of kindness are reported to heighten our sense of wellbeing, increase energy and give a wonderful feeling of optimism and selfworth. 5. Increased Feelings of Gratitude When children are a part of projects that help others less fortunate than themselves, it provides them with a real sense of perspective and helps them appreciate the good things in their own lives. 6. Better Concentration and Improved Results As it increases serotonin, which plays an important part in learning, memory, mood, sleep, health and digestion, kindness is a key ingredient that helps children feel good. Having a positive outlook allows them greater attentions spans and enables more creative thinking to produce better results at school.
3. Improved Health and Less Stress
7. Reduced Depression
It’s widely documented that being kind can
Dr. Wayne Dyer, internationally renowned
author and speaker, says research has discovered that an act of kindness increases levels of serotonin (a natural chemical responsible for improving mood) in the brain. It’s also found that serotonin levels are increased in both the giver and receiver of an act of kindness, as well as anyone who witnesses that kindness, making it a wonderful natural antidepressant. Maurice Elias, a professor at Rutgers University Psychology Department says that “as a citizen, grandparent, father, and professional, it is clear to me that the mission of schools must include teaching kindness. Without it, communities, families, schools, and classrooms become places of incivility where lasting learning is unlikely to take place. We need to be prepared to teach kindness, because it can be delayed due to maltreatment early in life. It can be smothered under the weight of poverty, and it can be derailed by victimization later in life. Yet despite these and other travails, the receipt of kindness and the ability to show kindness through service are both growth enhancing and soul cleansing. Kindness can be taught, and it is a defining aspect of civilized human life. It belongs in every home, school, neighborhood, and society.” It’s become quite clear that modern education must encompass more than just academics, that in order for children to develop into happy, confident, well-rounded individuals, matters of the heart must be taken seriously and nurtured as a matter of priority.
Source: http://www.edarticle.com
Student Corner Developed on adaptive logic, Mindspark is a website-based personalized learning tool developed by Educational Initiatives (EI). It helps a child to explore mathematical concepts at his/her own pace and level of understanding. Adaptive logic ensures that a more difficult question is asked only if the student answers the easier questions
correctly. If a child is continuously answering certain questions wrongly, Mindspark asks easier questions till the child masters them. It is expected that the child learns the topic by answering these questions, beginning with the most basic concept and working his way up to the more difficult and complex concepts. Presently, Mindspark is fully
compatible with the mathematics curriculum followed by the ICSE, the CBSE and the IGCSE schools in addition to one developed by the Mindspark Development Team based on EI's expertise and research in the field of school assessments for the last 14 years. For more information, visit www.mindspark.in
Testimonial Over the last few years I have explored a number of e-learning software on the web/android and IOS domain and Mindspark is easily one of the better e-learning packages I have seen. The team at Mindspark has really done a great job with the content, managing to find the right balance between fun and knowledge. By only answering the progressively challenging questions my son Advit has learnt the concepts of class 2, 3 and 4 within a matter of two months.
Mindspark's strength lies in the wellstructured and adaptive approach. The software seems to adapt itself and helps the child practice the concepts that he was weak in. here are a lot of software that excel in one concept or two, but Mindspark seems to be the only holistic package I have found so far.
“I like Timed Tests..nice format and idea.. must say you have some really creative people working for you, MS!�
-Aparna Iyer, class 3E, Vidya Valley School, Pune
I would definitely recommend Mindspark for children of all ages and at all levels of learning, and I hope the Mindspark team launches a science learning product soon.
-Gaurav Arora, A happy Mindspark parent
7 Day FREE Trial Students can learn Maths anywhere and anytime with Mindspark
Try Now!
www.mindspark.in mindspark@ei-india.com
EDUCATORS’ Zone Mrs. Naina Gala, Headmistress, Kenia & Anchor English School, Chinchpokli, Mumbai
1
Who has most influenced you to become an educator, and how did they influence you?
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– I was inspired by my own educators at various levels right from school to the university and above all my deep passion for teaching. I opted for this profession as it was very unique and challenging which offered me a wide platform to unleash my talent and potential with creative minds.
2
What is your approach to classroom management and student discipline? –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Classroom management is a very important and challenging task. Cooperative learning is a method we use to create a positive, accountable environment for better behavior. An interactive session in the classroom creates self-discipline.
3
What are your views regarding the ‘Importance of Teacher Training and Development’ in educating Students?
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Teacher training plays a vital role in personalised quality development of a teacher. Teacher quality is the most important factor affecting student performance. The key professional values and attitudes such as reflective practice, autonomous learning and collaboration are promoted through teacher training.
4
What is your view regarding the ASSET Test? –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The ASSET test are scientifically designed diagnostic tests. The questions are graded and challenging and encourages students to reason and analyse. It aims at conceptual clarity and discourages rote learning. Apart from a comparison of the class average with the national average, a particular class average could be compared with the best section within a particular school so that a benchmark of a quality result could be set within the child’s nearest territory. It helps the teachers and parents to plan remedial teaching as the ASSET results clearly focus on the areas that need to be reinforced.
Fun Zone
“I think the economy is affecting my grades” Bookpost
Educational Initiatives Pvt. Ltd. A-201, Baleshwar Square, Opp. ISKCON Temple, S.G. Highway, Ahmedabad-380015 Phone : 91-079-66211600 Fax : 91-079 66211700 Email : info@ei-india.com Website : www.ei-india.com
We would like to receive your feedback on the contents of ASSETScope and the activities of EI. Please send your comments / opinions / suggestions to bindu@ei-india.com, assetscope@ei-india.com or to the postal address mentioned on the left. This is a platform meant for you and it would be great to exchange ideas with you.