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Hasti Group of Schools
Dondaicha
Blog Number 304
My mentor always stressed on the roles teachers need to cultivate to make teaching effective. “Greatness comes from being responsible and it is every teacher’s duty to be responsible towards their students ,” he stated, that a teacher has specific role and responsibility to play in the life of a child. Students will retain their learning and effectively use it if the teacher takes ownership in learning, he stated, adding teacher’s performance and presentation should be creative. Maintaining that disciplining the students is the foremost responsibility, he stated discipline should not be confined only in classroom but should be reflected wherever they are
discovering and developing one’s potential as a teacher is necessary for effective and impactful teaching. This includes understanding teaching styles, learning different pedagogical approaches, and cultivating a growth mindset towards continuous improvement.
Why is it necessary to discover the potential ?
Enhancing Teaching Effectiveness: Recognizing and developing individual strengths and weaknesses allows teachers to tailor their instruction to meet specific student needs, leading to better learning outcomes.
Personal Growth: The journey of self-discovery as a teacher fosters personal growth, leading to greater confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the teaching profession.
Increased Job Satisfaction: When teachers feel equipped and confident in their abilities, they are more likely to find fulfillment and job satisfaction in their work.
Supporting Student Success: Teachers who are aware of their own strengths can leverage them to create engaging and effective learning environments, ultimately contributing to student success.
Innovation and Creativity: Exploring different teaching methods and approaches can lead to innovative ideas and creative solutions for classroom challenges.
Lifelong Learning: Teachers who embrace self-discovery are more likely to engage in ongoing professional development, ensuring they stay abreast of the latest educational practices and research.
Discovering one’s potential as a teacher involves identifying strengths, embracing professional growth, and actively seeking opportunities for improvement. This process requires self-reflection, experimentation, and collaboration with peers.
Here’s brief of how to discover and enhance your potential as a teacher:

1. Self-Reflection and Awareness:Reflect on your teaching practices, lessons, and interactions with students to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
   Seeking Feedback: Actively solicit feedback from students, parents, colleagues, and supervisors to gain different perspectives on your teaching.
   SMART Goal Setting: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for professional development and improvement.
2. Embracing Professional Growth that is : *Continuous Learning Stay up-to-date with new teaching methods, research, and best practices.
   Experimentation: Be willing to try new strategies, techniques, and approaches in the classroom.
   Collaboration: Work with colleagues to share ideas, learn from their experiences, and collaborate on projects.
   Mentorship: Consider mentoring or being mentored by experienced teachers to gain insights and support.
   Developing Key Skills: *Communication Develop strong communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.
   Classroom Management: Learn effective strategies for managing classroom behavior and creating a positive learning environment.
   Technology Integration: Familiarize yourself with technology tools and resources that can enhance teaching and learning.
   Curriculum Knowledge: Develop a deep understanding of the curriculum and subject matter you are teaching.
   Problem-Solving : Learn to identify and address challenges in the classroom and with student learning.
   Emotional Intelligence: Develop empathy and understanding for students’ needs and experiences.
   Finding Your Purpose:Vision for the Future Consider your career goals and how they align with your teaching aspirations.
   Passion for Teaching Reflect on what inspires you to be a teacher and how you can make a positive impact on your students.
   Impact on Students Focus on *creating meaningful learning experiences and inspiring students to reach their full potential.
3. Seeking Opportunities for Professional Development Participate in workshops, conferences, and other professional development activities.
   School Initiatives: *Engage in school-wide projects and initiatives that promote innovation and improvement.
   Teaching Roles: Explore opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, such as coaching, mentoring, or leading committees.
   As we reflect on discovering our potential as teachers, it’s clear that this journey is about embracing our passion for education, nurturing our skills, and continuously growing. By recognizing our strengths, addressing our weaknesses, and staying committed to our students’ growth, we can unlock our full potential.
   Remember, teaching is not just a profession; it’s a calling that shapes minds, inspires futures, and transforms lives. As you continue on your teaching journey, may you find joy in the impact you make, fulfilment in the growth you facilitate, and pride in the difference you create. Discovering your potential as a teacher is an ongoing process, and with dedication and heart, you’ll make a lasting impact on the lives of your students.”
   Our Hasti school provides opportunities for discovering potential , for enhancing , exploring and developing the potential as a teacher

TIME BANK
The society in India is changing very fast. Over the years, significant migration has occurred from rural areas to cities. According to the World Bank data, in the last 60 years, India’s rural population has decreased from 82% to 64%. Further, the type of families has changed, with nuclear families becoming a norm, which is in contrast to the traditional joint family set-up.
The reduction in the proportion of nonnuclear families means that over time, fewer family members would be available to care for elderly persons, and they would be left to their resources to care for themselves. Older people who would not have resources to pay for the required help will suffer a great deal.
Then, who is going to care for older people and spend time with them?
The answer is complex!
Is there a solution?
Can we do something now so that someone will be available around us when we age!
The answer is yes, and what can be done-we deposit some time in our time bank, which we can draw in our old age.
WHAT IS A TIME BANK?
To simply understand, the concept of time bank, you spend time in caregiving (helping others) and get it back when needed. The concept is based on equality, i.e., 1 h of help means 1 h of credit to your account
The idea promotes community engagement and reduces the market economy’s impact, based on the simple principle of give and take. There is no financial exchange when providing help. The exchange of time can occur between different individuals, organizations, or a combination of both.
Time bank is reported to create active citizens, i.e. people who are engaged with their community and give time to maintain and expand the community networks by supporting each other through volunteering and taking part in decision-making processes
The time bank concept was founded by Edger Cahn in the 1980s in the United States when the then government withdrew funding for social programs.
*According to Cahn, when one does some service for a community member, which can include cooking a meal, cleaning the house, etc. he accumulates hours in his time bank that he can use to purchase another service from someone else in the network – this way a community network of helping each other was built. ,
In his book “No More Throw Away People,” Cahn outlined the four core principles of time banking (later added another one). These principles include
everyone being an asset,
redefining work,
reciprocity,
social networks, and
respect.
A Time Bank is a community-based exchange system where people trade services using time credits. Instead of using money, individuals contribute their skills and labor, receiving credits for their time which can be used later to hire others within the network for services.
How it works:Time Banks operate like a barter system, but instead of goods, they exchange services. One hour of work earns one time credit, which can be used to request services from other members.
benefits:
Time Banks promote community building, social connections, and the sharing of skills and knowledge. They can also be helpful for individuals who need assistance with tasks or have specific skills they want to share.
Examples:Time Banks can be used for various purposes, such as providing childcare, elder care, tutoring, gardening, or even professional services.
Focus on Empowerment:Time Banking can be particularly beneficial for empowering women by recognizing and valuing the economic value of unpaid labor.
Community Building:Time Banks can foster a sense of community by encouraging reciprocal relationships and mutual support.
Addressing Social Needs :They can be instrumental in addressing unmet needs within a community, such as helping the elderly, supporting individuals with disabilities, or providing access to educational opportunities.
Hasti School is excited to introduce our students to a unique opportunity for personal growth, financial literacy, and community engagement. By participating in our Time Bank program, children will learn invaluable skills such as time management, responsibility, and the importance of contributing to society.
Our goal is to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.
We intend to invite our students, parents, and community members to join us in this innovative endeavour,& to open an account in Hasti School’s Time Bank, and start earning ‘time credits’ by volunteering, mentoring, or participating in community service projects.
Together, let’s shape a brighter future and instil a sense of social responsibility, empathy, and financial wisdom in our young learners.”

Your feed back is very important in initiating this project*

*Hasti Group of Schools*

*Dondaicha*

*Blog Number 309*

*Mindfulness Activities That Foster Social Emotional Learning*

*At Hasti School, we recognize the significance of mindfulness in fostering holistic development among our students. Mindful activities play a vital role in cultivating emotional intelligence, reducing stress, and enhancing focus*. *By incorporating mindfulness practices into our curriculum, we are sure to  empower students to navigate challenges with clarity, compassion, and resilience, setting them up for success in all aspects of life*.”

*Let us dive deep in the mindfulness*

*When we get caught up in the busyness of life it is easy to lose track of our emotions. Mindfulness, or mindful exercises, are a powerful tool (or superpower) for helping children understand social emotional learning!* .

Everyday Mindfulness

*Mindfulness has become a popular term in the workforce for adults to increase productivity and positivity. Mindfulness may look differently depending on your child’s age and stage of emotional development*. For example,

 *for three and four-year-old students we take two minutes after recess to calm our bodies, take a deep breath, and get our minds ready for going back to the classroom*.

*Mindfulness can support a child’s understanding of social emotional learning. For kids, mindfulness can be a superpower*! *While mindfulness is specifically an exercise for self-awareness*.

1. Foster Your Child’s Self-Awareness

First, what is mindfulness?Mindfulness: *A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations*.

*Mindfulness plays a significant role in strengthening self-awareness. Being in the present moment helps one to be more aware of their present thoughts and emotions. Children can observe their own thoughts without being carried away by them*. *Mindfulness for ourselves sets the tone for how we approach managing our emotions, creating positive relationships, and making responsible decisions*.

*When I was growing up my teacher  would ask my sisters and I, “What’s the story?” Without realizing it, she was engaging us in a conversation about what we were thinking about, what emotions we were feeling, and how those emotions were affecting our behavior in the moment*.

*Focusing on self-awareness gives us an opportunity to focus on our strengths and develop a sense of empowerment. We are more aware of our emotions when we are focused on how we feel in the present moment and those emotions will feel less scary when we are confident we know how to manage them. A Daily Schedule can help your child be mindful of their day and to reflect on behavior throughout the day*. 

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” -Thich Nhat Hanh

2. Strengthen Your Child’s Self-Management

*It is hard to manage emotions when our minds are cluttered with worries. When I start to feel anxious I ask myself, “Am I mindful or is my mind full?” I remind myself to be mindful of how my emotions are reflected in my behavior and my focusing on present moment certainties I can remove the worries and distractions that are making my mind feel full*.

Mindfulness helps us to take the time to declutter worries, let go of what cannot be controlled, and focus on what can be controlled. Social emotional learning helps empower kids with the knowledge and tools to regulate their emotions, even the big emotions*.

*Managing stress becomes easier when we accept we cannot always control the situation but we can manage how we react. By removing our worries when we are mindful, we can focus instead of positives. Reconnecting with positivity is a tool kids (and adults) can use when managing anger, anxiety or fear. An activity your child can do at home to reconnect with positivity is to visualize their happy place. Next time your child feels anxious or angry they can visualize their happy place to feel calmer*.

*“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” – Buddha*

3. Nurture Your Child’s Social Awareness

*While we are mindful of our own emotions we might also take the time to reflect on the feelings of people we interact with*. *When we are fully present we are also present with others therefore strengthening our ability to understand the perspective of others and empathize with how they might have felt in a shared situation*. Additionally, as a core competency of social emotional learning, social awareness helps children learn about the importance of recognizing support systems when dealing with difficult emotions.

*A mindful activity I do with my students to engage in social awareness is simply tossing balloons! I pair two students together and there is a calming effect when they work as a team to pass the balloon back and forth to each other without it hitting the floor*.

*Another reflective activity parents can do at home is ask their child how have they made someone else smile today. Not only will your child be able to recall how their behavior had a positive impact on someone else, it will also make them smile remembering it*!

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” – Henry David Thoreau

4. Help Your Child Build Positive Relationships

*Establishing healthy and positive relationships with others can only happen if we first have a positive relationship with ourselves*.

*With my students I encourage them to take pride in the work they do, after affirming if I like their work I tell them it is important that they like it. While strengthening our ability to be in the present moment we can also strengthen our listening skills*.

*Developing listening skills is especially important for children as they establish healthy and positive relationships*. Additionally mindful practice will help children develop respect, compassion, and kindness for others. *A mindful activity you can do with your child at home is identify their support system*. *These are people whose support in uncertain times helps us feel more confident about managing our emotions*.

*“Today…spend more time with people who bring out the best in you, not the stress in you.” – Unknown*

5. Teach Your Child How To Make Responsible Decisions

*Making responsible decisions becomes a more thoughtful process when we are mindful*. *This will help children reflect and evaluate the consequences of certain actions before they make a decision*. They will be aware of their own personal values and how they will embody them in their behavior. *Mindful practice will help children with solving conflicts by communicating clearly with others* . When one of my students is having a hard time making responsible decisions, we go for a walk to refocus our minds and talk about how he can make better choices. *Parents can do this at home with this activity to help their child think about if their actions reflect what they know to be positive choices*.

*“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson*

*Mindfulness can be practiced both at home and at school*. *As Olaf says in Frozen II it is an opportunity to “control what you can when things feel out of control*.” 

*Being mindful of the present moment allows us to be aware of our emotions and our ability to regulate them. When we are mindful we can empathize better with others, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions*.

*It is important for parents and teachers to support children and to encourage them to take time for mindful moments*.

*Mindfulness will support our understanding of ourselves and our understanding of social emotional learning*.

*Apart from above 5 there are many other simple mindful activities for kids. For ex.1.mindful breatihing.2. Body scan meditation.3.Balancing Relay.4.books.5.mindful eating.6.listening mindfully.7. Gratitude list and Gratitude exercise.8.Blindfold taste test.9. mindful colouring.10. mindful poses.11.balloon breathing.12.Nature walk.13. Yoga.14. pinwheel breathing. 15.mindful observation. Everyone is aware of the above activities which will be topic of our blog in near future*.

“In conclusion, *mindful activities at Hasti School provide students with invaluable tools for personal growth, academic excellence, and emotional well-being*.

*By embracing mindfulness, our students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing world*.

*We’re committed to nurturing mindful, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals who will make a positive impact in their communities*.”

Blog Number 307*

* Empowering Student Success Together

*At Hasti School, we’re committed to fostering a collaborative environment that ensures student success. *With various initiatives like *PTA meetings*, *monthly orientations*, *class-wise parent-teacher meets*, and *regular discussions on answer sheets*, *we’re dedicated to keeping you informed and involved*.

Key Highlights:

1. *Regular Updates: Stay informed about your child’s progress through mail and social media*.

2. *Personalized Interaction: Meet teachers at designated times or schedule meetings as needed*.

3. *Active Involvement: Your participation in PTA and other forums helps shape our approach to student success*.

*Let’s Work Together By leveraging these tools and staying engaged, we can guarantee a brighter future for our students. Your involvement is crucial to their success*!

*Let us dive deep in to the topic*

*Many elements contribute to whether or not students embrace their educational experience. Family support, equitable access to education, organized leadership, committed educators, and attainable educational goals play a significant role in every student’s academic success*.

Parents and guardians play an essential role in school learning, but effectively reaching them can be an ongoing challenge for even veteran elementary school teachers*.

*Studies continue to show that parent involvement is one important factor in helping students engage in their learning, and parent-teacher communication is a key aspect of promoting parent involvement*.

What Is Parent-Teacher Communication?

Parent-teacher communication begins at the start of a school year and lasts until students move onto the next grade. Teachers and parents will make introductions and gradually establish a relationship based on what they have in common: the student. Parent-teacher communication can take place in person, typically through parent-teacher conferences or during student drop-off or pick-up times. Teachers can also reach out to parents on the phone or by email.

From offering a simple smile to fostering a sense of trust, below are the tips,  key to effectively communicating with parents.

*Be warm*. *A little friendliness goes a long way, especially when it comes to elementary school parent-teacher communication. Whether you’re communicating via email, text, or in person, be warm, be welcoming, and offer encouragement. When you see parents in person, smile, shake hands, and make eye contact*.

*Be positive*.Effective communication between parents and teachers starts with positivity. When contacting a student’s parent or guardian, start out by saying something positive about him or her. Like friendliness, a little positivity goes a long way.

*Foster a sense of trust*.*The basis of effective communication with parents also starts with trust. It’s essential for parents to trust their child’s teacher. When speaking to parents, assure them that everything you discuss is confidential and that as an elementary school teacher, you always have your students’ best interests at heart*.

*Communicate often*.Also make sure to communicate often! A common mistake amongst elementary school teachers, as well as secondary educators, is simply not communicating enough, or only reaching out when there’s a problem. Communicate regularly with parents and they won’t be on high alert when they hear from you!

*use effective communication tools* *One size does not fit all when it comes to parent-teacher communication, in  school and otherwise. From *apps*, *message boards*, and *email* to *social media* *texting*, and *phone calls*, *find out what communication tools work best for parents and guardians, then stick with it*.

*Make parents feel valuable*.Great parent-teacher communication, especially in elementary school, starts with making parents feel valuable. All parents and guardians have something worthwhile to offer your classroom, whether it’s helping at an event or speaking to students about their occupation. Encourage them to participate and share their strengths.

*Acknowledge involvement*.  *Parents are not required to participate in their child’s education. Whether it’s a parent or guardian taking the time out of his or her day to meet with you or participating in school events, it’s important for elementary school teachers to acknowledge contributions and express thanks*.

*Ask questions (and listen!)*. *When talking to elementary school parents, ask questions. Not just about your students’ study habits, but about their interests. Listen and absorb the information. Ask follow-up questions. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn about not only your students, but their families, too*.

IDon’t make assumptions*. *No teacher, elementary or otherwise, should ever make assumptions about a student’s home life. Don’t assume a student lives with two parents or any parent at all. Also don’t assume that English is a parent or guardian’s native language. Be mindful of the fact that families come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds*.

Through regular communication with parents, teachers can share information about a student’s good work and achievements. If a student begins to struggle with a certain subject or exhibits behavioral problems, the parent will already have a relationship with the teacher, which helps facilitate parent-teacher collaboration. This cooperative relationship empowers parents to step in and support the student at home, supplementing what the teacher is doing at school.

Benefits of Parent-Teacher Communication When conversations are flowing, students can see that teachers and parents have their best interests at heart. Effective communication helps establish a relationship of respect between teachers, parents, and students.

*Benefits for Students* *Parents who are more involved in their child’s education can help improve academic achievement* .*When parents communicate with teachers to discover their children’s needs, students see that their family is looking out for them and wants them to be successful*.

*Benefits for Parents* *Effective parent-teacher communication can also benefit parents. Since parents are not always directly involved in the classroom, regular conversations with teachers can help them understand which subject areas their children are doing well in, and which ones they are struggling with*

*Benefits for Teachers*  *Teachers also benefit from parent-teacher communication, as parents can serve as a valuable asset in the learning environment. Teachers who cultivate relationships with parents will gain added cooperation, as

Communication Strategies *Parent-teacher communication can look different for different teachers and parents. Some relationships may be more difficult to establish than others, but *Discovering the best methods of communication and formulating messaging plans early in the year is important, as is maintaining consistent communication throughout the year* * Teachers and parents can try the following tactics for improving parent-teacher communication*:

• Regular in-person communication: .
• Parent-teacher conferences:
• Phone calls and emails:
• Text messages.  
• Open houses:
• Parent-teacher associations:
• Homework handouts and newsletters: .
• Class websites:

*By embracing open communication and collaboration, Hasti School unlocks a brighter future for our students*.

*Together, parents and teachers can ignite a passion for learning, foster emotional intelligence, and nurture well-rounded individuals*.

 *Let’s join forces to empower our students to excel, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in the world* at our Hasti public school*.”