Celebrating Childhood on Children’s Day

Time for fun n frolic and abundant delight as Children’s Day is here to make all toddlers smile.  Yes, it’s 14th November and whole of our country celebrates it as Children’s Day.  The occasion is commemorated to pay tribute to the India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birthday. All children lovingly called him ‘Chacha Nehru’ and he truly cherished this endearing name.

He had great love for roses and often children used to gift him one. He felt children were just like roses and he compared them. According to him, children were like the buds in the garden and they should be nurtured carefully and lovingly. He also often used to say that – children are the future citizens of the nation and thus they were real strength of our country and foundation of the society.

Children are like precious gems. They are divine gifts from god to the parents. Their innocent smile and laughter makes everything so colorful and bright. Truly, they signify pure and faithful love. Therefore, Nehru emphasized the importance of giving love and affection to children.

Amidst all this celebrations, one should not forget Chacha Nehru's real message. That is providing our children with a safe and loving environment to the children, in which they can grow with ample and equal opportunities. This day serves as a reminder to every one of us to renew our commitment for the welfare of children.

Celebrations in schools

Most schools hold cultural performances on Children’s Day. One such popular school – Mother’s Pride held fest on the occasion.  Children rejoiced the most as the day was filled with fun and fanfare. There was singing, dancing and storytelling and what not.

The children were let loose to enjoy to the hilt. There was no stopping for the little ones and whole environment of the school was filled laughter and smiles of the toddlers.  The school arranged special treat for the kids and the highlight was a little candy stall, that witnessed huge crowd of kids. All together, kids had gala time. They hoped celebrations would never end.

Right Age for Toddlers to begin Reading

Toddlers are at a stage where they are learning a language and familiarizing it.  Also, it is a stage when they are building their communication skills and experimenting with new words and vocabulary. Reading at such crucial juncture can help toddlers to spark up their brain development and imagination. Though every parent is aware of the fact that reading is essential for over-all child’s development but they don’t know what age to pursue their little ones to read?

What age is right age?

Children usually don't start reading before the age of 5 or 6 that’s because its takes time for toddlers to develop neural connections with printed letters and they learn slowly to decode them.

Though reading for toddlers sets the foundation for later independent reading. But before they can read independently, they need emergent literacy skills, which include – basic understanding that marks on a page represent letters and words and knowing the letters of the alphabet, knowledge of vocabulary and its usage, most importantly they need understanding of phonemic awareness.

Parents can read to their child as often as possible. It is the best way to help him or her learn to read independently. Reading words while pointing them out to the toddlers helps them to connect the sounds to words.

Choosing books for young toddlers

Toddlers have a very short attention span, and it is very difficult to keep them focused for long. It is natural for such young children. That’s why interactive books are recommended for them. By using interactive books or tools with interactive stories, the toddler improves his/her vocabulary and develops language comprehension well.

Picture books - Toddler books with pictures provide more elaborate plots and illustrations that catch attention of the little ones. Subjects range from ABCs to animals, feelings to favorite characters.

Colors and Shapes- Toddlers are dazzled by bright colors and bold shapes. One can try books which features familiar objects that will teach children basic information in an appealing, hands-on format. 

ABCs-  Playing with letter blocks and singing the alphabet song are must-dos for ABC learning, but these educational books will captivate your toddler and set them on the path to letter recognition.

                           

These types of books are great to introduce your little one to the pleasures of reading, and most have educational benefits as well.

Imbibing Traditions And Customs In Children During Diwali

Diwali is a special time for bonding and sharing. Festivals serve as a great pretext to make children understand the rich traditions of India. Like on other festivals, during Diwali too various rituals are observed. Rituals only make us aware of our culture and moreover in urban homes this is the best way to take time-out from work and spend time with the family.

It is wonderful time during festivals to make children aware of our great epics. Therefore, during Diwali parents and elders at home must narrate the story of Lord Rama’s Victory and the legends of Mahalakshmi to the children. Kids should be taught right moral that is the triumph of good over evil.

Celebrations at schools

School also plays vital role in enlightening children about various festivals. Diwali is one such main festival and schools on this occasion celebrate it in full swing. For play-schools, it is even more important as toddlers have to be made acquainted about the whole concept of Diwali.

Children on this occasion need to be taught true meaning of the festival. Through various activities in schools , children are taught to share candy and sweets, decorating school and home with lighting lamps and diyas (small clay pots which are lit like luminarias) .

Mother’s Pride, one such play–school which makes this festival truly memorable for kids by organized various activities and events for the little ones. Students were taught to greet everyone ‘Happy Diwali ‘on the occasion.

There was also enchanting medley of songs in schools that moved all. The dance performances by toddlers drew much applause from the enthralled audience. Children altogether had gala time in Diwali celebrations.

Victory Of Good Over Evil

Dussehra, one of the most important festivals of India, epitomizes victory of good over evil. As on this day, Lord Rama (son of King Dushrath) killed Ravana (King of Lanka). Popularly known as Vijayadashmi, it is celebrated differently in different parts of the country. Generally, celebrations of Dussehra last up to 10 days. On the tenth day of Navratra, the fast is ended and celebrations of Dussehra are held. This festival is celebrated by burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbarkaran and Megnath. Also, performances of the Ramlila (a short version of the epic Ramayana) are held at several places in Northern India. Dussehra also reminisce end of exile of Pandavas and their return to reclaim the kingdom as per the Mahabharata epic.

Vijayadashami is also celebrated to rejoice the victory of Ma Durga over demons, especially execution of Mahishasura by her. It is celebrated to honor goddess Durga, who fought with Mahishasura for nine nights and killed him on the tenth day.  

Also, Vijayadashami is the day of the Saraswati or the deity of knowledge and learning.

Festivals Help Kids To Understand Culture Better

Festivals help to draw children closer to the culture. Celebrations not just at home but at school also aid in promotion of Indian ethnicity. Keeping this spirit alive, Dussehra was celebrated at Mother's Pride School in big way.  The classes were decorated magnificently according to the Dussehra theme. The whole ambience of the school gave a new festive look.

As a whole, it was a mythological week in Mother’s Pride school. Many events were organized. One of them was fancy dress, where tiny toddlers came dressed as Lord Ram, Sita , Laxman and Raavana. Spiritual and devotional songs were played and little ones performed on them. Also, mythological tales and fables about Lord Ram were narrated to the kids, to familiarize them with the epic Ramayana.

Remembering ‘Bapu’

Birthdays and anniversaries serve as good mementos and provide us the chance to relive those moments again. October 2^nd does the same for us. It offers an opportunity to pay respect to the great figure who unwaveringly led our nation towards Independence.  

Gandhiji is proudly called as the ‘man of the century’. He had the courageous heart and a fearless spirit. His life reflected ideals of humanity and values of the country. He had been a beacon of light for many freedom fighters determined to fight for the independence of the country. The day is declared as national holiday due to which offices and colleges remain close. Prayer ceremonies are held at Rajghat, where people from different communities and religious background pay homage to the inspiring leader of the nation. 

Celebrations in schools 

Several commemorative ceremonies are held at different schools, where students actively participate. Different schools celebrate Gandhi Jayanti in different ways.

At Mother's Pride, gala ceremonies were held on the occasion. The entire school was brimming with the ‘Gandhian’ spirit. One could see toddlers dressed as Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Bhagat Singh, soldiers and others. Children held placards conveying the message of peace and non-violence. Students paid tribute to the leader by reciting poems and singing patriotic songs. Also, little ones danced on the songs of the movie ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’.  The main highlight was the song ‘Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram’, which was sung in his memory. 

Along with that, quiz was also held for the children, where they were asked questions about Gandhiji. The purpose was to make children acquainted with Gandhian concepts and glorify ideas like peace, non-violence etc. Also, to make them aware of Gandhi ji’s role in the Freedom struggle. 

Simple Tips and Tricks for New Moms and Moms-to-Be

Being first-time mother is a wonderful feeling. Generally new moms get intimidated by people around her telling what to do and what not to do. Being a parent is not something that you can really prepare for. Just listen to your instincts and you will know what to do. Try and follow few tips that will guide you towards better parenting -

Get good prenatal and postnatal multiples: Good nutrition is very important for new moms and soon to be moms, particularly, during development of fetus. A good healthy diet will not only boost energy for new moms but will also increase nutrients for both you and your baby.

Breast feed your child: Breast-feeding is the most healthy and preferred method for feeding an infant. Breast milk provides specific nutrients for immune system. Breastfeeding protects against wheezing, respiratory tract illnesses in the first four months, particularly when other risk factors are present.

Avoid Diaper Rash: Change diapers frequently. Rashes can be avoided by keeping baby’s skin clean and dry. Allow diaper area to dry before reapplying diaper. Protect your baby’s tender skin with a diaper rash treatment.

Nurture yourself and Sleep whenever you can: Try to rest whenever baby is asleep or being cared for by someone else. You are putting out an enormous amount of energy. It is important to recharge your batteries. Take a break. Take advantage of relatives or friends wanting to watch the baby for a few hours, or even overnight, if it's convenient for you.

Co-sleeping: Co sleeping promotes bonding and enables mother and baby to sleep better and for longer hours. You could actually sleep better when the baby sleeps next to you rather than in another room or bassinet. 

Cuddle your baby: Babies up to 4 months old love being swaddled and cuddled; it recreates the warm, cozy feeling of being in uterus. So, cuddle your baby as much as you can.

Trust your instincts: Last but not least, trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone else. Every day you will know more than you did before, so celebrate being a mommy!!

Relevance of Teacher’s Day

What does school life reminisces about? Friends, wild pranks, homework, detention etc. Along with that there is one more important aspect of school life that is our relationship with our teachers, which we cherish throughout our lives and even share it with our children. We all have had some share of lovable and interesting memories associated with our teachers. Duly, a special day is kept to honor and admire educators of schools and colleges, which is called as Teacher’s Day. It is celebrated across India on 5^th September every year with great passion and pride. This day gives you an opportunity to express your gratitude towards your teachers.  It is truly said that there is no noblest profession or more valuable employment to a state than teaching. Everyone must realize the importance of the Teacher’s Day as the day signifies the tribute to all teachers who have made noteworthy contribution in our lives. Teachers not only play a role in imparting academic knowledge but also impart ethical and moral values in children. They in a way lend a hand in overall development of the child. Moreover, they play a major role in developing students into best citizen of the nation. Basically, this memorable day is devoted to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, one of the greatest teachers and scholar of our country. 

Origin of Teacher's Day

It is actually birth anniversary of the former President of India Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan which is observed as Teacher’s Day. One day his students approached requesting him to allow them to celebrate his birthday. But, instead Dr, Radhakrishnan told them that not to celebrate his birthday separately, rather it would be his privilege if September 5th is observed as Teacher's day. Then since 1962, 5th of September is celebrated as Teacher's Day. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan was a renowned philosopher and a teacher of par excellence, who wanted to bring revolutionary change in the educational system across India and he wanted to achieve that by improving quality of education. He strongly believed that only the right kind of education can solve many problems of the society and the country.