#Chennai preschools traditional games

[helloparent]

Modern Preschools in Chennai with Traditional Tamil Nadu Games

Traditional games are being included into preschool curricula again in the quickly changing educational environment of today. Preschools in Chennai are embracing traditional games since they have cultural value and can improve kids' social, mental, and physical development. This article examines the advantages of incorporating traditional games into early childhood education, the methods used by Chennai preschools to carry out these activities, and the use of technology to this endeavor.

The Importance of Traditional Games

Traditional games have been passed down through generations and are a vital part of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage. These games, often played outdoors, are simple yet effective in teaching various skills. They promote physical activity, strategic thinking, teamwork, and cultural awareness. For young children, these games offer a break from digital screens and provide a tactile, engaging way to learn and play.

Benefits of Traditional Games for Preschoolers

Physical Development

Traditional games often involve running, jumping, and other forms of physical activity that help develop gross motor skills. Games like "Kabaddi" and "Kho-Kho" require agility, speed, and coordination, contributing to children’s overall physical fitness.

Cognitive Skills

Many traditional games involve strategy and problem-solving. For instance, "Pallanguzhi," a traditional board game, enhances counting skills and strategic thinking. These games stimulate the brain, encouraging children to think critically and make quick decisions.

Social Skills

Traditional games are typically played in groups, promoting teamwork and social interaction. Children learn to communicate, cooperate, and resolve conflicts, which are essential social skills. Games like "Hide and Seek" and "Marbles" foster a sense of camaraderie and collective play.

Implementation in Modern Preschools

Structured Playtime

Many preschools in Chennai are incorporating structured playtime dedicated to traditional games. Teachers organize these activities in a way that ensures all children participate and benefit from the experience. This approach helps maintain a balance between modern educational methods and traditional practices.

Integration with Curriculum

Traditional games are being integrated into the broader curriculum to enhance learning. For example, counting stones in "Pallanguzhi" can be linked to math lessons, while storytelling sessions about the origins of these games can be part of language and history classes. This integration makes learning more holistic and engaging.

Outdoor Learning Environments

Preschools are utilizing outdoor spaces to conduct these activities, providing a natural and stimulating environment for children. Playgrounds and gardens are often equipped with materials needed for traditional games, ensuring that children have access to a variety of play options. This also supports the physical development of children by involving activities like running and jumping, which are essential for their growth.

Role of Technology

The school parent app is an invaluable tool for modern preschools in India. It helps in communicating with parents about the integration of traditional games into the curriculum. Through the app, parents can receive updates, photos, and videos of their children participating in these activities. It also offers resources and suggestions for parents to engage in traditional games at home.

Digital Resources

While the essence of traditional games is in their physical play, digital resources can support learning. Videos and interactive content about the rules and history of these games can be shared with children to enhance their understanding. This blend of traditional play and modern technology enriches the learning experience.

Community Involvement

Parental Engagement

Engaging parents in the reading journey is crucial. Preschools can organize reading workshops and parent-child reading sessions. These events encourage parents to read with their children at home, reinforcing the habits developed at school.

Libraries and Book Clubs

Local libraries and book clubs play a significant role in promoting reading among young children. Many libraries in Hyderabad offer story hours and reading programs specifically designed for preschoolers. Book clubs provide a social aspect to reading, allowing children to discuss books with their peers.

Challenges and Solutions

While integrating traditional games into modern preschools offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges. These include a lack of knowledge about the games among younger teachers and limited space in urban settings. Solutions include:

Training Programs: Providing training for teachers on the rules and benefits of traditional games ensures they are well-equipped to lead these activities.

Adapted Spaces: Creative use of available space, such as rooftops and small playgrounds, can accommodate traditional games even in urban settings.

Conclusion

Chennai's customary games Preschools are resurfacing in a big way, connecting the past and present. Preschools in Chennai are fostering social, cognitive, and physical development while conserving cultural legacy by introducing these activities into the curriculum. By improving communication and involvement via the use of technology—like the school parent app—parents and kids may both profit from this all-encompassing approach to early education. Adopting traditional games into contemporary learning environments benefits students' education and fosters a strong bond between them and their cultural heritage.

[asisinternational]

Unlocking the Potential of Preschoolers: The Advantages of Integrating Technology in Early Education, and How to Ensure Safe and Effective Usage

As the world becomes increasingly digitized, it's no surprise that technology has made its way into our classrooms. This is especially true in early education, where innovative tools and strategies are being employed to unlock the full potential of preschoolers. While some may be skeptical about integrating tech into early childhood education, the advantages are clear. From promoting creativity and critical thinking to enhancing social and emotional development, technology has proven to be a powerful learning tool for young children. However, with great power comes great responsibility. It's important to ensure that the use of technology in the classroom is safe and effective. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of integrating technology in early education and provide practical tips for ensuring that its usage is both safe and effective. So, let's dive in and unlock the potential of our future leaders!

Benefits of Integrating Technology in Early Education

Integrating technology into early childhood education can have a multitude of benefits. One of the most significant advantages is that technology can promote creativity and critical thinking. Preschoolers who use technology in the classroom are often encouraged to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to problems. This type of thinking can help children develop important problem-solving skills that will be invaluable throughout their lives.

Another major advantage of integrating technology in early education at American International School in Chennai is that it can enhance social and emotional development. Many educational technology tools are designed to encourage collaboration and teamwork, which can help children build important social skills. Additionally, technology can help children learn how to manage their emotions and express themselves in healthy ways. For example, some educational apps are designed to help children identify and name their feelings, which can be a valuable tool for emotional development.

Finally, technology can also provide children with access to a wealth of information and resources that may not be available through traditional teaching methods. For example, educational videos and interactive games can help children learn about different cultures, animals, and scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way. This type of learning can help children develop a love for learning that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Concerns about Technology in Early Education

Despite the many advantages of integrating technology in early education, there are also some concerns that must be addressed. One of the most significant concerns is that technology can be a distraction. Preschoolers may become so engrossed in a game or app that they lose focus on the lesson at hand. Additionally, some parents and educators worry that too much screen time can have negative effects on children's mental and physical health.

Another concern is that technology can be expensive. Not all schools and preschools have the resources to purchase the latest educational technology tools and devices, which can create a digital divide between schools and communities. Finally, there is the concern that technology can be addictive, leading children to spend more time in front of screens and less time engaging in physical activity and social interactions.

While these concerns are valid, they can be addressed through careful planning and implementation of technology in the classroom.

Guidelines for Safe and Effective Technology Usage

To ensure that the use of technology in international preschool in Chennai is safe and effective, it's important to follow some guidelines. First, it's important to limit screen time and ensure that children are engaging in a variety of activities throughout the day. This can include activities such as outdoor play, arts and crafts, and imaginative play.

Additionally, it's important to choose age-appropriate technology tools and devices. Not all educational apps and games are suitable for preschoolers, so it's important to do your research and choose tools that are developmentally appropriate. Some resources for choosing appropriate technology for preschoolers include Common Sense Media, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Another important guideline is to ensure that technology is used as a tool to enhance learning, rather than a replacement for traditional teaching methods. While technology can be a valuable learning tool, it should not be used as a substitute for hands-on learning experiences and interactions with teachers and peers.

Finally, it's important to ensure that technology is used in a safe and secure way. This means ensuring that devices are password-protected and that children are supervised while using technology in the classroom. It's also important to teach children about online safety and privacy, including the importance of not sharing personal information online.

Resources for Choosing Appropriate Technology for Preschoolers

Choosing the right technology tools and devices for preschoolers can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help parents and educators make informed decisions. Some of these resources include:

•           Common Sense Media: Common Sense Media provides reviews and ratings of educational apps and games, as well as tips for safe and effective technology usage.

•           American Academy of Pediatrics: The AAP provides guidelines for screen time usage for children of all ages, as well as tips for choosing appropriate technology tools and devices.

•           National Association for the Education of Young Children: The NAEYC provides resources and guidelines for using technology in early childhood education, as well as recommendations for high-quality educational technology tools and devices.

By using these resources, parents and educators can make informed decisions about the technology tools and devices that will be most beneficial for preschoolers.

Conclusion

Integrating technology into early childhood education can have a multitude of benefits, from promoting creativity and critical thinking to enhancing social and emotional development. However, it's important to ensure that the use of technology is safe and effective. By following guidelines for safe and effective technology usage and using resources to choose appropriate technology tools and devices, international schools in Chennai can ensure that preschoolers are getting the most out of their educational experiences. With careful planning and implementation, technology can be a powerful tool for unlocking the full potential of our future leaders.

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[todaybharatnews]

via Today Bharat At a time when activity-based learning for school-going kids has become the need of the hour, and has taken precedence over traditional learning methods, can institutions afford to lay off their music and art teachers? art and music classes, online learning for kids in lockdown, activity based learning, dance and yoga, learning, parenting, 'Inclusion of art helps to bring in an aesthetic appeal towards learning, thereby helping the learners overcome the monotony of academics.' An online class starts. A music teacher appears on the screen with an instrument and begins to play it. Assisted by his daughter, he looks into the camera and tells his students that they can pause and rewind the video at any time, should they have a doubt. It is obviously a recorded video that is available on the school’s website, but the said music teacher also takes a 30-minute class every week for students who are interested in learning an instrument. The teacher who works at an international school in Chennai and whose classes have now completely moved online tells indianexpress.com on the condition of anonymity that music is an important part of the school curriculum. “There are two ways in which I have been conducting these classes: live sessions on Zoom, and recorded videos. I am mostly teaching early years and kindergarten students, and these classes help them to identify and repeat pitch, tone, etc. For this age group, especially, music helps in their speech, makes them learn new words and identify new sounds.” Across the country, most schools have shifted their curriculum online. As such, teachers are slowly adapting to the new system. While classes for regular subjects are continuing, some schools are letting go of their music and art teachers, deeming their services as ‘no longer necessary’ in the virtual setup. In fact, on May 8, services of some 20,000 guest teachers across all Delhi government schools — who were paid per day of work — were discontinued. In July, Education Minister Manish Sisodia had said they would be re-engaged as part of the ‘remote-teaching learning plan’. On July 13, the education department directed all school heads to “engage willing guest teachers and contract teachers wherever required for online teaching-learning activities”. Guest teachers engaged as librarians or for art, music, PE, and home science, along with some language teachers, however, found their roles have become redundant. Many have been told they cannot be engaged as there is no requirement for them. But, at a time when activity-based learning for school-going kids has become the need of the hour, and has taken precedence over traditional learning methods, can — and should — institutions afford to lay off their music and art teachers? Independent artist and teacher Shruti Kakar, who has her own studio in Noida and takes art classes online for school-going kids, says her classes are interactive. “Everybody can see each other’s work, like they are in a classroom and physically present. These classes are conducted on Zoom calls so any questions or queries are answered there and then. While I was sceptical in the beginning, I am pleasantly surprised as to how well these sessions have worked out. Art is, of course, important, and my students always look forward to these classes. It takes their mind off of everyday stress; it is like therapy. “If I am teaching them how to shade, the science of how the light falls on objects comes into play. It adds to their knowledge, and in art there is always something new to learn. I have got students as young as two years old, and art can help them to develop their motor skills. For older children, it is more of a mental reprieve as they are able to cut off from chaos,” she explains. art and music classes, online learning for kids in lockdown, activity based learning, dance and yoga, learning, parenting, indian express news A class in session at the Chaman Bhartiya School (CBS) (Source: PR handout) Sheeba John, a school coordinator and facilitator for Chaman Bhartiya School (CBS) in Bengaluru, agrees. “I have integrated art lessons in our virtual lessons while teaching all core subjects. Learners are given different media to work with, like oil pastels, models with clay (they made Babylonian maps dated 700 BC), pencil diagrams (science lab apparatus), day-and-night formation using poster colours or sketch pens, papier-mâché to make a model of the earth, etc. “Inclusion of art helps to bring in an aesthetic appeal towards learning, thereby helping the learners overcome the monotony of academics. With a plethora of professions to choose from (not limited to medicine, engineering, and law) students of the 21st century do have an opportunity to see themselves as architects, designers, painters, etc., which are lucrative in nature. Blending art with academics at an early age helps them understand the dynamics of various professions,” she tells indianexpress.com. What do parents think? Rohini Mukund, whose son Arnav (10), goes to CBS, feels that for the younger age group of children, a one-to-one approach is better, due to their low concentration levels. “For the younger age group of children, a practical approach is more feasible. My child is in the 5th grade and he loves it [art classes]; but it also depends on the facilitator and what kind of activities they are conducting,” she says. “I think these classes pressure them more by increasing their screen time.” Nandini Vyshak, a Bengaluru-based dance, yoga and music teacher, disagrees. “I have a preschooler and I think it is important for them to continue with their co-curriculars. Kids are imaginative and this is the age when they can learn through these activities and mediums. It is not just about the art form, but what it is teaching them. For instance, a child can explain a mathematical concept through art or music, or a pattern using dance. All kids — regardless of the board they are studying under — when they start it, they learn a lot. So, why discontinue these art forms later on? Online learning can be strenuous for a kid given the screen time, but they should have these classes at least once every week,” she suggests. Niveditha Sharma — a classical dancer herself, who has a three-year-old daughter — says it is the parents who have to be more encouraging of their children learning these skills. “It is getting pretty monotonous for kids these days. They wake up, get ready and sit down with their laptop. When they dance or sing, they stand in front of the computer but do not look at the screen. There is some kind of movement, and they are also aware that somebody is watching them. My own daughter is learning how to play the veena instrument; she is really young but we just make her sit with it. Art is a way of life, it is a discipline.” Mom blogger Shraddha Fogla, the founder of ‘2monkeysandme‘ weighs in on the subject. “Music is important for the overall development of a child’s brain. When they are born, they are made to listen to lullabies, and a particular lullaby can calm them down. As they grow older, poems, rhymes and rhythms excite them. They learn language and vocabulary with music and sounds. Music should be a part of the growth of a child and should definitely be continued. “Art is a great way to explore the sense of touch, and that is why you would notice all children love to paint their hands first and then the paper. Mixing those colours to create a new one gives them joy. Art explores creativity and in today’s world, one thing that I have learnt is that you need to be creative in whatever work you do. Music gives you the option to be a band manager, songwriter, make a career in the film/video games sector, be a ghost songwriter, music transcriber, etc. Through art, the child can pursue a career as an art teacher, illustrator, art gallery owner, conservator, art therapist, architect, and fashion designer, to name a few,” she says in conclusion.