Category: September 2024

Finding peace by living naturally

Meenakshi Umesh
Is our modern lifestyle doing more harm than good? Meenakshi Umesh explores the troubling consequences of globalization, our education system’s impact on the environment, and how Gandhi’s vision of Nai Talim – integrating heart, head, and hands – offers a path toward sustainable living.

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What we can learn from the children

Vimala Nandakumar
The Shaktii Girl’s Education Trust started as a small after-school program for underprivileged girls in Navi Mumbai, and in ten years, it has transformed countless lives. Chairperson of the Trust, Nandakumar shares stories of how the shy and timid girls have grown into confident individuals ready to take on the world.

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Keep calm and click refresh

Anuja Venkatraman
Mindfulness, reflection, and creative hobbies can help manage expectations and find clarity. Journaling, for example, is an effective technique to “keep calm,” writes Anuja Venkatraman.

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Coaching children to be centered

Aruna Sankaranarayanan
Calmness, composure, and emotional regulation aren’t typically part of the school curriculum, but they are crucial for effective learning. Aruna Sankaranarayanan writes about socioemotional learning (SEL) and how teaching children to identify, express, and manage their emotions can lead to more positive and satisfying lives within and beyond the classroom.

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A cool me for a cool them

Sheela Ramakrishnan

Sheela reflects on her four decades as an educator and shares some classroom memories! With stories from both sides of the teacher’s desk, she writes about how to handle classroom disruptions, offering insights on understanding student behavior, building trust, and staying calm. Read on for practical tips and self-care strategies to thrive as an educator in today’s dynamic classrooms.

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Staying calm in an unquiet world

Anindita Bhattacharya

In a world where stress is constant, finding calm can feel impossible. With a basic understanding of the brain’s amygdala and happy hormones, you can learn practical ways to manage your emotions. From dopamine-boosting activities to simple breathing exercises, Anindita writes about easy yet effective techniques to reclaim your calm and happiness.

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Keep calm and dance

Fareen Wahid

“Keep Calm and Dance” isn’t just a motto but a way for Fareen Wahid to bring joy, resilience, and creativity into the classroom. From impromptu moves in the corridors to using dance as a coping mechanism, read how she uses dance to balance the demanding life of an educator.

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One child at a time

Lakshmi Mitter

The idea of making a difference in the life of every child can be daunting. Lakshmi Mitter is reminded of the famous starfish story, and how it helps her pace herself, by focusing on one child at a time.

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Keep calm and stay healthy

Dr. Anamika Sharma and Dr. L.Ravithej Singh
The pressures of classroom management can take a toll on the teacher’s health. They may struggle with stress, anxiety, impostor syndrome and the lack of work-life balance. “Keep calm and stay healthy,” can help teachers maintain their wellbeing and create a positive learning environment.

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The calmness quotient

Nabanita Deshmukh
Arati Biswas, an NGO worker, embarks on a journey across India to uncover how teachers manage stress and seek peace in their daily lives. She meets inspiring educators like Gangamani, who uses soothing audio stories to calm her class, and Kumar, who learns to “compartmentalize” his personal struggles. As Arati learns from each teacher, she discovers that the path to calmness is unique but vital for effective teaching. Read Nabanita’s piece on lessons to find peace in your own classroom or workplace.

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