The monthly newsletter from EI
Issue 63 | June 2010 | www.ei-india.com
phy Photograst Conte s r Winnenced annou
page 3
This Month’s Issue Back to School ................. 01 ASSET WEEK..................... 02 ASSET Ambassador .......... 02 ASSET Photography Con... 03 Motivating Students ........ 04 Mindspark ........................ 05 Mathematics .................... 06 Contribute Article ............ 06 Teacher’s Bite .................. 07 Activity with Newspaper .. 07 Student Learning Study ... 08 Sishya School Fanfare .... 08
* illustration by Naomi Rohilla, class 8, DPS, Bopal
Back to School The first day of the class sets the tone for the rest of the term. It is natural for both students and teachers to feel anticipation, excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty. To reduce students' anxiety and uncertainty, try to create a relaxed, open classroom environment conducive to inquiry and participation, and let students know what you expect from them and what they can expect from you and the course. Students do better in class both academically and socially when they are comfortable, relaxed, and "at home". For the first day, plan an activity that provides opportunities for students to speak to one another or solve problems. Students also tend to work harder and respond more positively if they believe the teacher views them as individuals rather than as anonymous faces in the crowd. Here are some great ideas and exciting activities which you might like to try with your class, it will give you an opportunity to introduce yourself to students and students to their classmates. Group Sharing Have each student share with the group the best
thing he or she did during the summer, his or her biggest fear or biggest hope for the new school year, and so on. You can supply the list of topics. Design a T-shirt Have each student design a Tshirt press-on that talks about himself or herself. Invite each student to display and explain the design to rest of the class. Wall of Fame Make a bulletin board where the students can display their things they want to share with others The students can maintain this bulletin board throughout the year. “Ours is a long vacation of 50 days. A time to refresh, enjoy and study as well. After we all come back to school afresh with shining faces, we participate in a debate 'Summer Vacations are Useless'. It is unbelievable, how many novel points the students usually come up with. Points to be paid heed of - both in support and against the motion are usually noted. Summer camp in the school itself is a demand from both the sides.” -Arundhoti Roy Choudhury, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ballygunge, Kolkata