This is the way we go to school!

The new academic year has begun and Bengaluru’s tiny tots have entered pre-school for the first time. ALLAN MOSES RODRICKS finds out what teachers do on the first day to break the ice

June 09, 2016 04:31 pm | Updated October 18, 2016 12:41 pm IST - Bengaluru

Learning is fun At pre-school Photo: Sudhakara Jain

Learning is fun At pre-school Photo: Sudhakara Jain

Its 6:30 a.m. and two-year-old Anoushka Dinakar is already up, running around her mum and dad to get her ready. The reason behind her excitement, believe it or not, is school! It has been only three days since her first day at pre-school, but her happiness to go to school knows no bounds. Dressed in her new, crisp purple and black uniform with a pullover, the toddler is soon on her way to her neighbourhood pre-school, leaping in the air, carrying her tiny bag and basket and singing her favourite rhymes.

With a new academic year kicking off across schools in the city, MetroPlus catches up with the newest generation of pre-schoolers and teachers to find out how they break the ice on the first day of school.

Debbie Thomas, a freshly graduated first-time teacher in a pre-school in Indiranagar, says she’s as excited as the kids in her class. “Unlike crèches where children only play and learn rhymes, a pre-school has defined classes, syllabus, examinations and extra-curricular activities for the holistic development of the child. My first day with nursery kids had a lot of ice-breaker sessions – from building blocks and team games to rhyme time and learning the alphabet. We all took back happy thoughts and memories.”

Pramila David, the principal of True Happiness Pre-School in East Bengaluru says the first day is crucial to establish a long-lasting friendship, trust and mutual understanding between the student and teacher. “After the formalities of introductions and calming down the few crying children, we start off with the daily prayer. That is important for the children because when they close their eyes, they are sending a signal to their brain to relax and prep up for a day of focussed learning and fun.” She adds: “We break them into classes so they get familiar with their teachers. We usually don’t have any lessons on the first day nor do we make them come in uniform. We make them comfortable and have a lot of activities, videos and games. There is a snack break where they get to interact with students from other classes. We try and ensure no one cries since crying spreads easily among pre-schoolers.”

David Manavalan, the school director, says more than the students, it is the parents who are anxious. “To set their minds at ease, I tell them that when their wards are inside the campus, they are our children. We treat them as our own. We take safety precautions and ensure a lot of love and care is given.”

Usually comprising kindergarten and nursery, some pre-schools also have LKG and UKG. David adds: “Whichever class they are in, on the first day, we make friends with them. We encourage them to clap, sing and participate in activities. We play team games so they get used to their classmates. I also do a little magic to gain their attention. They instantly begin to like me, so once they have fondness towards the teacher, they will listen to him or her automatically. I purposely mix up their names and call them sometimes. Immediately the class will chorus correcting me – that way they learn each other’s names too.”

Why is pre-school important? David explains that without the foundation, you cannot construct the building. “Pre-school is the basics. Going straight to LKG is tough. There’s a lot to learn and if the child is unprepared, he or she will have a tough time coping with the studies and environment.

“Pre-school does the ground work for them. In kindergarten we teach them orally and in nursery they learn to hold the pencil, read and write. So by the time they reach LKG, they are ready. It makes a big difference in their development.”

Rebecca Ebenezer, the mother of three-year-old Suzanne says she puts positive thoughts about the school in her child, instead of telling her to not be scared. “I tell her we’re going to school to have fun and make new friends. Both parents and the children suffer from separation anxiety. We need to be calm and positive about the child going to school. Don’t ask the child if he or she is nervous on the first day. Don’t rub off your anxiety on your child.” She points out that today was Suzanne’s first day in nursery at Ann’s Play Home in R.T. Nagar.

“It went well. She’s happy to go since her school environment is fun. As soon as you enter, there’s a playground. So she threw her bag and ran to play on the swing. Of course, when I went to pick her up, because some kids were crying, she too saw me and started crying. But she’s already telling me animatedly about all that happened today and is excited to go back.”

Nathaniel James, a children specialist in counselling, says the first few days at school are the most crucial for pre-schoolers.

“The right attitude and environment will go a long way in shaping their character and moulding their personality. Children at that age pick up a lot since their learning curve is high. They’re eager to learn and most of the qualities the people around them show are what they also imbibe into their character. A good balance between discipline, fun and encouragement is ideal for teachers and students.”

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