Date:05/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/05/stories/2007060517870200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Parents return to childhood

BANGALORE: The pre-primary section of MES Kishora Kendra, Malleswaram, organised a workshop for parents to encourage them to spend quality time with their children. About 100 curious and thrilled parents assembled on the second floor of the school to have first-hand information on what their children would learn in class. The parents were split into groups of 10 and made to sit around the spacious tables. Demonstrations to impart lessons using day-to-day situations were held and to their surprise, the parents realised that the materials used as teaching aids were found in and around the house. Parents were told to list out many activities that occur in and around the house and with which the child was familiar.

About 12 activities, including painting, marble rolling, crushing, cutting, were held. Teachers explained that while printing with a vegetable cut, a child develops finger muscle coordination and concentration. Crushing paper develops grip to hold a pencil. A child develops concentration and mental alertness, while cutting and pasting paper bits and learns safety aspects, while using scissors. The teachers of pre-primary section demonstrated all the activities and explained the learning outcome.

To shed their inhibition and to develop friendliness and warmth, group games were conducted for the participants. The need to develop a good rapport between parents and teachers was highlighted.

Pre-primary headmistress Kaushalya Jagirdar said: "A child really enjoys, when a book is read by his parents." "Especially in the initial years, parents have a huge influence on their children. They must spend quality and productive time with children," she said. Principal R.K. Prahlada Rao lauded the enthusiasm and the involvement of the parents.

CBSE results

The performance of schools that are part of The Hindu's NIE programme in the classes X and XII examinations conducted by CBSE is fantabulous. Vidyaniketan Public School, Ullal, has recorded 100 per cent pass results for the 16th year in a row, while the first batch of Navkis Educational Centre, Mathikere, by passing in first class has laid a strong foundation. The success story continues in CMR National Public School, Kalyananagar, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Nagarjuna Vidyaniketan, Yelahanka, Military School, Army Public School, Venkat International Public School, Rajajinagar, Delhi Public School (South), KV (RWF), and others.

Bicycle distribution

The management of RBANM's High School (Main), Gangadhara Chetty Road, distributed bicycles to 30 poor students recently. Honorary secretary A.K. Ananth Narrain, board member Vasantha and headmaster Radhakrishna participated.

THE HINDU NIE TEAM