Capacity Building Programme by CBSE
“Teachers who are committed to the growth of their students must also be committed to their own growth.” – Andy Hargreaves, a renowned educational researcher, author, and consultant.
Teachers from SJS Naraina attended a Capacity Building Programme (CBP) organised by CBSE at Salwan Public School, Mayur Vihar, on 23rd November 2024. The session, titled “Learning Outcomes and Pedagogies,” focused on Bloom’s Taxonomy and 21st Century Competencies.
The session delved into the three key domains of learning – Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Affective – and their role in a child’s holistic development. The session was very engaging and interactive. It included various activities that encouraged teachers to reflect on their challenges and explore effective solutions. One of the highlights was an innovative activity where participants prepared a sweetdish kheer using the cognitive domain. This enjoyable exercise provided valuable insights into designing assessments that address all aspects of a child’s development.
The session was highly inspiring, motivating educators to critically evaluate and enhance their teaching practices. The teachers found the experience enriching and are excited to incorporate these learnings into their classrooms for more impactful teaching.
The Summit of School Principals: Promoting Psychological Safety for Students 'At-Risk'
The ICTRC hosted an insightful Summit of School Principals at the India International Centre, New Delhi on December 19, 2024, focusing on the pressing theme, “Protecting Students ‘At-Risk’ – Promoting Psychological Safety in Schools”. The event brought together school leaders, educators, and specialists, including a special educator, to address the challenges faced by students at risk of academic, behavioural, and psychological difficulties.
The summit began by defining “at-risk” students—those vulnerable to academic failure or facing mental, physical, or emotional challenges that could pose risks to themselves, others, or the school environment. Alarming statistics from the World Health Organization, indicating that one in five children is considered at risk, underscored the importance of addressing these issues comprehensively. The discussions highlighted that being “at risk” extends beyond academic struggles and encompasses emotional instability, social isolation, dysfunctional family dynamics, substance abuse, and violence.
The technical sessions delved into the causes, consequences, and solutions related to supporting at-risk students. Experts emphasized the social, academic, and psychological needs of these students while shedding light on critical factors such as unequal childhood experiences, high-risk environments, teacher and peer rejection, and mismatched learning systems. The consequences, including passive withdrawal, engagement in high-risk behaviours, and potential damage to self-esteem, were explored in depth.
Key strategies and programs were presented to empower school leaders in identifying and supporting at-risk students. Topics included profiling students, implementing academic and behavioural support programs, fostering cooperative learning, and adopting proactive parenting strategies. The summit also emphasized the significance of the “No Child Left Behind” policy and the role of guidance and counselling in building a strong support system.
The event concluded with an interactive feedback session, participant suggestions, as well as the distribution of certificates. The insights gained, particularly by the special educator, were invaluable in understanding effective strategies for identifying and providing tailored support to at-risk students. The summit concluded with feedback and suggestions from participants, as well as the distribution of certificates. The special educator found the insights gained particularly beneficial, especially in terms of strategies for identifying and providing tailored support to at-risk students in the classroom.
Annual Day Celebrations of Classes II to V: Salwan Junior School, Naraina
The Annual Day of Salwan Junior School, Naraina, unfolded as a grand celebration at the Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi, on 23rd December 2024. Themed “Synergy – A Call to Rise Up for Peace,” the event echoed the values of peace, justice, and unity, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16).
The event was graced with the presence of Chief Guest Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University; Guest of Honour Shri Samarth Pathak, a public advocacy specialist; Hon’ble Chairman, Salwan Education Trust, Shri Sushil Dutt Salwan; esteemed members of the Managing Committee, directors and principals of Salwan Schools under the aegis of Salwan Education Trust.
The ceremonial lamp-lighting and soulful Ganesh Vandana by the school choir set a serene tone with invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha for the smooth progression of the event. The Annual Report, presented by Head Boy Astitva Kataria and Head Girl Kaira Dhawan, highlighted the school’s achievements in academics, sports, and community outreach programs. It reflected Salwan Education Trust’s vision of nurturing empowered citizens exemplifying the motto “Service Before Self.” Achievements in national-level competitions, cultural milestones, and participation in global initiatives like RiseUp4Peace were applauded by the gathering.
The highlight of the event was the cultural extravaganza ‘Synergy – A Call to Rise Up for Peace’. This captivating medley of music, dance, and drama featuring 100% participation from Classes II to V showcased vibrant performances on themes like cyberbullying, environmental conservation and societal conflicts, portrayed through engaging dialogues and emotive performances. Interspersed with vibrant dances and melodious songs, the program celebrated global unity and peace. The drama ‘Peace in Our Hands’ and captivating dances left the audience deeply moved. The grand finale, All is Well, celebrated resilience and optimism.
The event was a platform to honour Late Shri Shiv Dutt Salwan, Chairman Emeritus, Salwan Education Trust. A tribute was paid to his enduring legacy as a visionary and an ambassador of education and service. His philosophy of holistic education and his commitment to social upliftment were acknowledged with deep reverence.
The Chief Guest, Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, commended the school’s commitment to seamlessly blending value-based education with academic excellence. He highlighted the importance of nurturing a generation of empathetic and socially responsible individuals. The Guest of Honour, Shri Samarth Pathak, enriched the occasion by sharing valuable perspectives on global peace initiatives. He encouraged students to take small yet impactful steps toward building a harmonious and inclusive world. The Vote of Thanks was moved by a parent representative, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that defines the Salwan school community.
The program concluded with the National Anthem, filling the auditorium with a sense of pride and unity. The 2024 Annual Day of Salwan Junior School was a a testament to the power of synergy. It celebrated the students’ immense talent and the school’s dedication to fostering global citizens who uphold the values of peace, justice, and inclusion. The event left everyone inspired to contribute to a better world, affirming that unity and commitment can overcome any challenge.
Christmas Celebrations : Special Assembly
The festive spirit of Christmas was beautifully brought to life during the special assembly organized by the Nursery class. The event began with a captivating enactment of the nativity scene, with students dressed as Mother Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, and even animals like goats, recreating the birth of Jesus Christ.
The assembly featured soulful performances filling the atmosphere with a sense of joy and celebration. Students also performed the popular Christmas carol “Jingle Bells,” further enhancing the cheerful ambiance.
The highlight of the event was a lively Christmas dance, where students showcased their energy and coordination, delighting everyone present. The Christmas tree was beautifully decorated, and the little ones, dressed in colourful party attire, added an extra touch of charm to the celebration. A special appearance by Santa Claus brought even more joy as he distributed goodies to the children.
This memorable assembly not only captured the essence of Christmas but also imparted important lessons about sharing, kindness, and joy.
Literary Day Competition 2024: Fostering Creativity and Love for Literature
To celebrate the joy of reading and storytelling, Salwan Junior School, Naraina hosted the Literary Day Competition on Saturday, 30th November 2024, for students of Classes II to V. This event aimed to inspire young minds to engage with literature in creative and thought-provoking ways.
Activities and Highlights:
- Classes II & III: Students were assigned books based on their grade level. Class II read Gulli Box of Things, while Class III explored A Book for Puchku. Drawing inspiration from these stories, students created imaginative book covers, offering artistic interpretations of the tales. The book covers provided ample space for creativity.
- Classes IV & V: Students selected a book of their choice and crafted thoughtful book reviews. These reviews reflected their comprehension of the author’s viewpoint and personal reflections. On the day of the presentation, students shared their reviews within a 3-minute limit.
Language Options:
Participants from Classes IV and V had the option to present their work in either Hindi or English, allowing for inclusivity and ease of expression.
Recognition and Rewards:
One exceptional entry from each class was recognized. The winners received certificates, “Book Lover” badges, and their achievements will be featured in the upcoming edition of Primary Plus.
This competition provided a platform to students to showcase their literary and creative talents through self-expression and helped nurture a lifelong love for reading and storytelling. The Literary Day Competition 2024 highlighted the role of literature in developing critical and creative thinking among young learners.
Webinar on the Mental Health of Children
Salwan Junior School, Naraina organised a webinar on the mental health of children on 23rd November 2024. It was conducted by Ms. Jyoti Chaudhary, Counsellor, Salwan Public School, Gurugram. The session, attended by teachers from Salwan Junior School, was both informative and engaging. It aimed at providing educators with valuable tools and insights to better support the mental well-being of their students.
The counsellor, Ms. Chaudhary, highlighted the crucial role that teachers play in identifying and addressing mental health issues in children. The session was in alignment with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which stresses the importance of holistic development, including mental health, in the education system.
The session covered key topics which included the impact of hormonal imbalances, particularly Dopamine, GABA, and Serotonin, on children’s mental health. The bio-psychosocial model, which outlines how biological, psychological, and social factors interact in mental illness, was also introduced. An introduction to behavioural analysis techniques for managing maladaptive behaviours was also shared, with more detailed discussions scheduled for future sessions.
The session also emphasized how different parenting styles affect a child’s emotional well-being. Educators were encouraged to develop well-planned lesson plans that could help prevent emotional and behavioural issues. Strategies for fostering resilience in children, as well as accommodating different learning styles, were also highlighted to create a more inclusive environment.
The webinar equipped the participants with practical strategies and insights to better support their students’ mental health. The next session will focus on understanding different types of learners and how to engage and include all students effectively in the learning process. This initiative is a step forward in promoting mental health awareness in educational settings, fostering healthier, more resilient students.
Early Identification of Mental Health Concerns
On Saturday, 30th November 2024, a webinar on Early Identification of Mental Health Concerns was conducted by the counselor of Salwan Public School, Gurugram. Held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the session was attended by 20 teachers from Salwan Junior School. The webinar aimed to equip teachers with the skills to identify mental health concerns early, understand age-appropriate mental health markers, and highlight the importance of early intervention and the teacher’s role in supporting children’s mental well-being.
The session began with an overview of the domains of development, focusing on the uniqueness of every child and the need for a nuanced understanding of socio-emotional growth. Teachers were guided to recognize common mental health concerns such as attachment issues, separation anxiety, school refusal, and challenges in communication and conduct. Mental health challenges that may arise due to underlying disabilities were also discussed, with emphasis on their impact on emotional and behavioral development. It was emphasized that the term “disorder” should be used cautiously and only after receiving a proper report from a professional.
To assist teachers in identifying concerns, it was announced that a screening checklist would be shared for systematic observation. Specific anxiety-related behaviors like bed-wetting and thumb-sucking, often triggered by strict environments, were discussed. The session introduced the 4Ds—Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Dangerous behaviors—as a framework for understanding significant mental health challenges.
Teachers were trained in behavioral strategies such as continuous and partial reinforcement, both positive and negative, to manage behavior effectively. The importance of providing a non-judgmental environment and offering unconditional support was underscored, fostering trust and emotional safety in children. Teachers were also encouraged to recognize triggers, understand individual learning styles, and collaborate with parents by sharing practical parenting strategies a part of psycho education of parents.
The webinar concluded by emphasizing the importance of early intervention and the teacher’s crucial role in fostering mental health. Participants left equipped with actionable strategies to create a supportive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment for students, ensuring their holistic well-being.
Empowering Educators: Embracing Technology for Upskilling in English Language Teaching
Ms. Japsifat Kaur Bhatia, English faculty member, attended a stimulating panel discussion focused on enhancing the field of English language teaching on 16 November, 2024. The event highlighted the significant role of integrating technology into language learning, providing participants with valuable strategies to update and enrich their teaching methods.
The discussion apprised the participants with the significance of incorporating technology in classrooms to make teaching-learning more engaging and relevant. Several innovative tech-tools were introduced, including Quizizz, Magic School, Acadeli, Kahoot, Busy Teachers, etc. which focused making language learning more interactive and enjoyable.
The session also explored the idea of incorporating virtual tours into lesson plans, enabling students to explore new environments while enhancing their language skills. Through this enriching session, Ms. Bhatia gained a comprehensive understanding of how technology can transform English language teaching, enabling educators to remain at the forefront of modern educational techniques.
Workshop on Elementary Maths Learning Strategies
A one-day workshop on “Elementary Maths Learning Strategies” was conducted by the mathematics author and educator, Ms. Ashalata Badami, at Hotel Radisson, Paschim Vihar on 23rd November 2024. The session emphasized integrating critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication into elementary mathematics teaching.
Key Highlights of the Workshop:
- ELPS (Experience, Language, Picture, Symbol)
Ms. Badami began the session with the ELPS approach for concept building, particularly focusing on multiplication. The structured progression was illustrated through engaging activities, including building multiplication tables and the Tic-Tac-Toe multiplication game.
- Fractions Through Activities
To make fractions accessible and engaging, Ms. Badami demonstrated several hands-on activities, which emphasized on strengthening students’ understanding using pictorial representations.
- Place Value and Arithmetic Operations
Activities integrating sketching and movement helped illustrate concepts of place value, addition, subtraction, and division. The resource person emphasised on implementing strategies that enable deeper conceptual clarity and retention.
- Movement in the Mathematics Classroom
Highlighting the need for physical engagement in math learning, she provided examples like using LCM through group movements and integrating STREAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts.
- Mathematics Walks
A unique idea presented was a “Maths Walk” through historic sites like Humayun’s Tomb. This approach connects mathematical patterns and structures with real-world experiences.
- Math Talk/Math Speak
Ms. Badami encouraged allowing students ample time for math discussions in the classroom. For example, giving prompts such as, “You can add in any order but cannot subtract,” stimulates critical thinking and communication.
- Mindset in Mathematics
The session concluded with a focus on Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets through engaging slides. Ms. Badami emphasized the importance of fostering a growth mindset in students to build resilience and adaptability in learning mathematics.
Conclusion
The workshop provided a treasure trove of strategies to integrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication in elementary mathematics classrooms. Teachers gained actionable insights into creating dynamic, interactive, and inclusive learning environments, ensuring mathematics becomes a subject of joy and exploration for students.
The session was enlightening and interactive, inspiring participants to implement these innovative methods in their teaching practices.
Workshop on NEP and the Trinity of ECE: Gijubhai, Froebel, and Vygotsky
The school organised an enriching online workshop on “NEP- Gijubhai, Froebel, and Vygotsky: The Trinity in ECE”, held on November 30, 2024. The session, led by renowned educationist Dr. Swati Popat Vats, explored the profound contributions of Gijubhai Badheka, Friedrich Froebel, and Lev Vygotsky to Early Childhood Education (ECE) and their alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Ten teachers from Salwan Junior School attended the workshop, gaining insights into innovative teaching approaches. The session highlighted Gijubhai’s focus on joyful, child-centered learning; Froebel’s pioneering use of play and structured activities; and Vygotsky’s emphasis on socio-cultural interactions and scaffolding.
Dr. Vats connected these philosophies with NEP 2020’s principles of play-based learning, holistic development, and teacher-guided exploration. Teachers were inspired to adopt strategies that foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative learning.
The workshop was a transformative session, reinforcing its commitment to child-centered education and continuous professional development. It empowered participant to create engaging, meaningful learning environments aligned with NEP 2020, ensuring the holistic growth of every student.
