Hasti Group of Schools
Dondaicha
Blog Number 321

Research shows that your child’s math future can start with… music
Not with drills, Not with flashcards, Not with worksheets forced on them at age 3. * * But with rhythm.

Clapping games.

Singing lullabies.

Banging spoons in the kitchen.

Because music doesn’t just touch the heart, it also rewires the brain.

🧠 According to Rauscher et al. (Neurological Research, 1997), *children who listen to music as children show an increase in mathematical and spatial reasoning.

Why?

Because rhythm teaches the brain to recognize patterns.

Because melody strengthens memory.

Because playing music lights up the same parts of the brain responsible for logic, sequencing, and problem solving.

It’s not “just playing.” It’s dynamic cognitive development.

But here’s what we keep doing:
→ Cutting music out of classrooms.

→ Prioritizing early academics over creativity.
→ Treating musical expression like a luxury rather than a launchpad.
Meanwhile, science is screaming:
🎵Music builds brains. And not just math brains.*Regular brains. Connected brains. Flexible, joy-filled, creative brains.

So when your child is humming,, playing on instruments,, making meaningless noises…*Don’t silence them.
Join them.
Because that sound? That rhythm? That beat? It’s building something deeper than grades:
Focus.
→Memory.
→Emotional regulation.
→Pattern recognition.
Music is not extra. It’s essential.

So sing along. Dance barefoot in the light. *Let them drum, play, and play even if it’s off-key.
Because behind every off-beat song there’s probably a kid wiring their brain to shine

 The importance of reading simply can’t be overstated. Reading helps children in all school subjects. More important, it is the key to lifelong learning.

Here are some tips on how to help your child become a reader. 

1. Start early. When your child is still a baby, reading aloud to him should become part of your daily routine*.

2, Make sure that your home has lots of reading materials that are appropriate for your child. Keep books, magazines and newspapers in the house. Reading materials don’t have to be new or expensive

3,Set aside quiet time for family reading. Some families even enjoy reading aloud to each other (Do You Remember  Hasti Vachaspati Project) with each family member choosing a book, story, poem or article to read to the others.

4.Talk with Your Child Talking and listening play major roles in children’s school success.

children who don’t hear a lot of talk and who aren’t encouraged to talk themselves often have problems learning to read,

5Think of talking with your child as being like a tennis game with words—instead of a ball—bouncing back and forth.

6.*As you shop in a store, talk with your child about prices, differences in brands and how to pick out good vegetables and fruit.

7.As you fix a sink or repair a broken table, ask your child to hand you the tools that you name. Talk with her about each step you take to complete the repair. Tell her what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.

8.Demonstrate for him how to be a good listener:  When your child talks to you, stop what you’re doing and pay attention.

9.Monitor Homework Let your child know that you think education is important and so homework has to be done.

10. Ask her/him for suggestions about how you should do something. ( howsoever young the child is). As you watch TV together, talk with your child about the background of the characters, which ones she/he likes

Our HASTI PUBLIC SCHOOL   is making compatible  , logical and rational efforts to create awareness in society about this plastic hazard and threat

Awareness rallies , no plastic slogan  , drawing competition and video clip results in to increased awareness amongst the future citizens of our Nation

The fact that plastics are now a serious headache for the planet is proved by the fact that more and more governments are proposing measures to reduce their impact on the environment. In fact, in 2021 Europe will ban the sale of single-use plastics such as drinking straws, cutlery or cotton buds within its borders. To put the magnitude of the problem into context, let’s review some objective data:

Every year, 500 billion plastic bottles are produced worldwide.

In 2021we will generate more than 500 million tonnes of plastic, 1900% more than in 1980.*

Plastic in the ocean is already more than 150 million tons of waste.*

By 2050, they could contain more plastics than fish.**

Each year around eight million tons of plastic ends up in our seas and oceans.*

While on the subject of single-use plastics, which account for half of the plastic we use each year, they have an average useful life of 12 to 15 minutes and yet can take up to 500 years to disappear

According to Life Out Of Plastic (LOOP). Plastics outlive us and will outlive our children.

The good news is that it is in our hands, as consumers, to turn this situation around.

We have the power to make manufacturers change the way they produce.

TIPS FOR REDUCING YOUR PLASTICS CONSUMPTION

Minimising he consumption of plastics is much simpler than it seems.

Avoid single-use plastics such as drinking straws

Single-use plastics, such as plates and cutlery made from this material, make our lives easier, but seriously harm the planet.

If you go shopping, remember to take a cloth bag

Recycle chewing gum… it’s also make of plastic Replace plastic Tupperware for glass or steel containers

If you eat at work, a Tupperware container is part of your day.

Not only will the planet appreciate it, so will your health because some of these plastic containers can release harmful substances.

When hanging out washing use wooden pegs instead of plastic ones

you manage to get your family, friends and co-workers to do the same by setting an example

Avoid using cosmetics that use micro-plastics, buy a biodegradable brush and wear natural fabrics

So in nut shell

Plastics are now a serious headache for the planet and it is in our hands to reverse this situation.

Plastic has become a constant element in our lives. It’s everywhere: product packaging, cosmetic ingredients, textiles, mobile phones, etc. It’s even in the chewing gum you might be chewing on right now!

*Its omnipresence is such that many would find the mere fact of giving it up a difficult task.

Reducing the consumption of plastics therefore requires not only a change in habits, but also a change of mindset.

JAI HIND

Listening vs. Hearing

“Are you listening to me?” This question is often asked because the teachers /speaker think  the listener is nodding off or daydreaming.

 We sometimes think that listening means we only have to sit back, stay barely awake, and let a speaker’s words wash over us. listening is often understood as a “passive” activity. More recently, O, the Oprah Magazine featured a cover article with the title, “How to Talk So People Really Listen

Four Ways to Make Yourself Heard.” This title leads us to expect a list of ways to leave the listening to others and insist that they do so, but the article contains a surprise ending. The final piece of advice is this: “You can’t go wrong by showing interest in what other people say and making them feel important .

 In other words, the better you listen, the more you’ll be listened

You may have heard the adage, “We have two ears but only one mouth”—an easy way to remember that listening can be twice as important as talking. *As a student, you most likely spend many hours in a classroom doing a large amount of focused listening, yet sometimes it is difficult to apply those efforts to communication in other areas of your life

4.1 Listening vs. Hearing

Hearing is an accidental and automatic brain response to sound that requires no effort. We are surrounded by sounds most of the time. For example, we are accustomed to the sounds of airplanes, lawn mowers, furnace blowers, the rattling of pots and pans, and so on. We hear those incidental sounds and, unless we have a reason to do otherwise, we train ourselves to ignore them. We learn to filter out sounds that mean little to us, just as we choose to hear our ringing cell phones and other sounds that are more important to us.

students who develop better listening skills are more likely to feel confident, comfortable, and prepared to succeed in school.

The importance of active listening also branches into social-emotional development.Improved relationship skills. Stronger sense of empathy.

students with strong listening skills don’t just retain more information, but they are also less likely to feel unprepared and frustrated Additionally, improved listening skills can lead to improved self-efficacy, or a student’s belief that they can succeed in class

This means that students who develop better listening skills are more likely to feel confident, comfortable, and prepared to succeed in school.

Learning how to listen can also teach students how to communicate their ideas

This is because students who listen pick up more knowledge to reflect on and think critically about before they respond. Plus, for dual language learners in your class, learning how to listen can help students pick up their second language faster.[6]

Teaching students listening skills leads to lasting advantages in a student’s academic career and beyond, including:

•           Greater ability to communicate

•           Faster second language acquisition

•           Lower levels of frustration, anxiety, and depression

•           Improved relationship skills

•           Stronger sense of empathy

How to Help Students Develop Stronger Active Listening Skills

On average, people listen at about 25% of their potential& in the classroom, teachers often understand that listening is an important skill to have but rarely teach it Clearly, teaching students how to be active listener should be a part of our class curriculum.

Active listening is easiest when there are fewer distractions. Try to limit the number of distracting decorations in your classroom, such as too many posters or large, very bright items. This will not only be helpful for your classroom as a whole but also students with disorders that act as a barrier to active listening and focus, like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

If you have students who struggle to listen in class, multisensory learning and curricula  can be helpful. Multisensory learning involves any activity that engages two or more of the senses (such as sight, hearing, or smell). You could, for example, *sing a song to teach students the names of the solar system planets or have students draw a scene from a book as you read it in class.As you engage several of your students’ senses, they will be better able to listen and comprehend class materials.

And finally, lead by example. Provide students with an opportunity to model active listening skills by holding regular classroom meetings. The subject of these meetings (anything from class policies to recent academic topics) doesn’t matter so much as the structure. Remind students to practice their active listening skills and focus less on making their opinion

INSTEAD OF HEARING DO LISTEN                                                                           Do read the blog and  give your valued opinion to increase  the reading value of this blog

Jai hind

               SOCIAL SKILL  DEVELOPMENT   IN CHILDREN

Social skills, also known as interpersonal skills or soft skills are important for everyone irrespective of age. Human beings are social animals and having strong social skills can help you build and maintain successful relationships both professionally and personally. Social skills in kids are a very important factor. Some kids are naturally more socially-adept than others. Not everyone is born with social skills. It is a skill just like anything else and some kids need some social “tutoring.” Like any skill, social skills in children can be developed and refined with practice, but by helping develop good social and communication skills in a child from their youth, you are equipping them straight away with the skills to build a successful future.

So if you are wondering how to help a child with social skills in life, here are a few ways that you can adapt to help your child develop different facets of this life skill

Be Social Yourself

Always remember that you are your child’s first teacher. He learns whatever he/she sees. You can’t expect your child to develop good social skills out of the blue when you spend most of your time doing chores or relaxing in front of the TV. Social skills in Take your time out and interact with friends and family and slowly your child will start imitating you. If your child continuously watches you swirling into a cocoon shell because you are too shy for conversations, chances are they will start doing the same. When going out or meeting new people, involve them in your conversations. Start by getting them to answer the simple questions which are often asked such as “ *What is your name”?” or “How old are you?” These are some very basic questions but don’t answer them on your child’s behalf. Get your child to say it. *At our school *HASTI PUBLIC SCHOOL*good manners and behaviours are shown to tiny tots

Show, Don’t Tell

Actions speak louder than words. If you want your child to be kind, be kind yourself. Just merely preaching without practicing won’t do any good to your kid. Your behavior speaks volumes, and your children will remember it far more effectively than what you have told them.  If you want them to learn basic etiquettes, show them. For them to be polite, you need to remember saying sorry and thank you to everyone, including your children. By getting very angry or messing up a situation, don’t just behave like it didn’t happen. Rather, when you are calm talk to them and apologize for your behavior and make them understand that your behavior was inappropriate.

Importance Of Eye-contact

Out of many social skills examples in general, making and maintaining eye contact is one of the crucial ones. Encourage your children to look into their eyes while talking. It leads to effective communication and helps build confidence. When you keep eye contact with the person you are talking to it indicates that you are focused and paying attention. It means that you are actually listening to what the person has to say. Many children may have eye-contact anxiety. You may have to put in an extra effort in that case. If your child has such issues, get them to talk to you, maintaining eye contact.

Teach Them To Listen

Listening is a very important tool. Many people don’t listen and they try to jump in before someone finishes his/her statement. If your child does so, teach them to be patient listeners. Before they are good speakers they need to be good listeners. This is the key to building a good relationship.

Teach Them Emotions

A child must be able to identify different emotions to spot social clues. Try playing a game. Get your child to imitate different emotions or show them pictures of different  emotions like joy, anger, disappointment, excitement, mischief, weirdness, nervousness, tiredness, terror, danger, etc and get them to identify. This helps them differentiate emotions and express better, and not get confused when mingling with other kids or people. “To teach them emotions, you need to understand them and you also communicate how you feel.  If they make you mad, make a straight face, and tell them that they are upsetting you, their behavior makes you mad.

Make Them Communicate

Communication is fundamental to children’s development; children need to be able to understand and be understood. Talk to them, ask them how their day was, and never turn away your child when he wants to say something. This may have a very negative influence on them.

Some really good ways to make your child communicate are

Get their toys and make a puppet show, show them how conversations are made if your child is socially anxious.

Roleplay- If your child is going to be in a new environment, roleplay with him how he is going to meet new people and start a conversation. You can start with basic questions and get your kids to answer them.

If you have elders at home, they can be very helpful in building confidence in your kid.

Give Them Environment

Get your child comfortable so that he can freely express himself. If your child is socially anxious help them get comfortable by striking a conversation and then slowly getting them into the conversation. Don’t just leave them alone saying they need to learn it themselves, take one step at a time. Give your child the chance to meet with different people, the variety in people may help them know things differently and get them to adjust better in situations. Playschools, playgrounds, and hobby classes will give them a chance to socialize.

Teach Them About Personal Space

Everyone feels more comfortable when the person they are with, respects their personal space.  Some children may come up and sit in your lap, hug you without permission, touch your hair, play with your necklace, touch a design on your shirt, or touch your body without permission, sometimes in inappropriate places. Teach them not to invade someone’s personal space. Everyone has their own “space bubble”.

You may come across many other lists of social skills to teach but they all are important and address different areas of life.                      

 I THINK THIS WOULD HELP WE TEACHERS  AND PARENTS IN DEVELOPING SOCIAL SKILLS IN OUR TINY TOTS.PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POUR  YOUR SUGGESTIONS AND FEED BACK THIS MAY HELP ME IN IMPROVING .PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO SUGGEST ME THE NEW TOPIC                                                                                                        

THANKS FOR READING        

*HASTI PUBLIC SCHOOL & JR.COLLEGE* , *DONDAICHA*    ,                                                                                                                   *BLOIG NO.140*

*Why Offering Your Child The Freedom To Make Mistakes Is Essential* ?

*At our Hasti school  we  strongly believe*  that *In education, learning without experiencing mistakes and failures is almost impossible* , ironically our education system is fundamentally based on the idea that *everything that is not perfect is a mistake*.

*At our Hasti School we give freedom to children  make mistakes and we advice to the parents to give this freedom of making mistake to their children  *This may seem like a counterintuitive parenting strategy *, but letting your child make mistakes is one of the best things you can do for them. *Watching your child struggle or fail at something may be difficult, but it’s important to remember that making mistakes is a crucial part of learning and growing*.

*Imagine someone who is just learning to walk.   *when you learn to walk, you just fall over a lot. There is a lot of ‘failure’ in learning to walk* because *not being perfect from the start is what any kind of learning is all about* .

*Learning without the freedom to make mistakes can feel like walking on a tightrope above a shark tank*, There is  huge amount of stress, anxiety, fear and mental health issues students experience ..

*Is it okay for kids to make any or only specific mistakes* ?

Well, it depends on the child’s age, maturity level, and the severity of the mistake. For example, it might not be a good idea to let a very young child play with matches, but it could be okay for an older child to make a small mistake like spilling milk.

Why is it okay for kids to make mistakes?

Here are some of the reasons why it’s essential to let your child make mistakes:

1. *It helps them learn from experience*.

One of the best ways for kids to learn is through experience. If they’re never allowed to make mistakes, they’ll never have the opportunity to learn from them. Creating and correcting errors is a crucial part of the learning process.

2.*It allows them to explore their independence*.

Making mistakes is a natural part of becoming independent. As kids grow up, they’ll need to learn how to make decisions on their own. If you’re always there to catch them when they fall, they may never know how to stand on their own two feet.

3. *It builds their character*.

Making and then owning up to their mistakes can be a valuable character-building experience for kids. It teaches them responsibility, accountability, and how to deal with the consequences of their actions.

4. *It helps them develop a growth mindset*.

Creating a “growth mindset” in kids—the belief that their intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching, and perseverance—is one of the best things you can do to succeed in school and life. Allowing them to struggle with new challenges and make mistakes is one way to help them develop this mindset.

5. *It shows them that you trust them*.

When you allow your kids to make mistakes and take risks, it sends the message that you trust them to handle whatever comes their way. This builds their confidence and self-esteem, which will help them in all areas of their life.

*The takeaway is this: we should allow our children to make mistakes. Of course, some boundaries and lines shouldn’t be crossed,* but allowing them to explore and learn from their own experiences is integral to helping them grow into successful adults.

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*.”