Teaching tool strategies

I. Serenity & Life Skill Classes

Serenity - The definition of serenity is a state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled. Achieving this positive state of mind means that we will be able to manage ups and downs in life. It is the quality of being peaceful and calm. These values are often derived from tradition and may include things like respect for elders, the importance of family, loyalty, and adherence to humane or moral principles. Practicing serenity is acting with intention to get to a place of equanimity where we can contain ourselves enough to keep perspective, show our gratitude, and act with care and thoughtfulness. It is a path that leads to forgiving, accepting, loving, and finding serenity within ourselves and with others. Hence, we have dedicated a weekly "Serenity" slot to teach them these essential skills. With this dedicated time, our students will be able to learn how to regulate their emotions and lead a happier, more fulfilling life. We believe that taking a holistic approach to education is crucial to developing a generation of lifelong learners who can adapt to the constantly changing world.

II. Elocution Classes

At BGS Vijnatham School, we firmly believe education should go beyond just textbooks and classrooms. Our unwavering dedication lies in the all-round development of individuals, and we prioritize fostering public speaking abilities among our students. In today's fast-paced world, effective communication is not just important but paramount. Therefore, we ensure that our students are equipped with the necessary tools to articulate their thoughts and ideas through public speaking. This empowers them to become confident and influential individuals capable of communicating effectively in any setting. We hold a weekly activity "Elocution" to improve our students' speech-language skills.

III. Phonic Based Reading Program for Foundation Stage

At BGSV, we use a phonic approach to literacy. It consists of carefully graded story books. Each reader builds on the one before by introducing a new sound or digraph, and a few special words to learn by memory. Once a child has learnt the new sound and the special words, they can proceed to read the story. It provides sequential progress from one story to the next. .

IV. Reading Program for Primary & Middle School

At BGS Vijnatham School, we believe "Readers are leaders and leaders are readers". Reading is a great mental exercise that helps children relax and opens doors to new knowledge. Children who read, develop better cognitive skills. To cultivate future leaders, we have added a dedicated "Reading Program" to our schedule.

V. General Awareness Program

General Awareness is knowledge of facts, innovations, and happenings around the world with a non-subjective approach. The program will be conducted on a weekly basis through videos and modules followed by a monthly quiz.

Key Features:

General Awareness Classes comprise a simple theory of Knowledge – Communication – Confidence - Success

• Knowledge: Increase our knowledge of the world.
• Communication: The more we know, the better we communicate.
• Confidence: The better we communicate, more confidence we gain.
• Success: More confidence we gain, more success we embrace.

VI. Collaborative Learning Projects

At BGSVS, we believe ”Readers are leaders and leaders are readers”. Reading is a great mental exercise that helps children relax and opens doors to new knowledge. Children who read, develop better cognitive skills. To cultivate future leaders, we have added a dedicated "Reading Program" to our schedule.
Collaborative learning refers to an educational approach in which students work together in groups or pairs to achieve a common learning goal. Collaborative learning encourages

• Active participation
• Engagement
• Team spirit
• Assertion and collaboration
• Healthy interaction among peers

A collaborative learning environment fosters active participation, team work and critical thinking among students. We want our students to embrace collaborative learning strategies to enhance their learning experience and prepare them for success in the interconnected and collaborative world beyond the classroom.

VII. Skill Subjects

• Coding
• Robotics
• Financial Literacy

VIII. Inquiry-Based Instruction

The thought-provoking questions always inspire the students to think for themselves and become more independent learners. The educators always encourage students to ask questions and investigate their own ideas to help improve their problem-solving skills as well as gain a deeper understanding of academic concepts. Both of which are important life skills. For example, inquiries can be science or math-based such as ‘why does my shadow change size?’ or ‘is the sum of two odd numbers always an even number?’. However, they can also be subjective and encourage students to express their unique views, e.g. ‘do poems have to rhyme?’ or ‘should all students wear uniforms?’.

IX. DIFFERENTIATED LEARNING (CATERING TO DIVERSITY)

Many a time, we differentiate the teaching by allocating tasks based on students’ abilities, to ensure no one gets left behind. Assigning classroom activities according to students’ unique learning needs means individuals with higher academic capabilities are stretched and those who are struggling get the appropriate support. For example, the students with special abilities/disabilities, are given more of such tasks and assignments that are in sync with their interest level and keep them engaged in a meaningful and constructive manner.

X. INCORPORATION OF TECHNOLOGY

BGSV in sync with its motto incorporates technology into the teaching is a great way to actively engage the students, especially as digital media surrounds young people in the 21st century. Interactive whiteboards or smartboards can be used to display images and videos, which helps students visualize new academic concepts. For example, Cognitech Zone, Cubetto. Learning can become more interactive when technology is used as students can physically engage during lessons as well as instantly research their ideas, which develops autonomy.

XI. ‘ADOPT A CHILD’ PROGRAM (PERSONALISED REMEDIAL TEACHING / BRIDGING THE GAP)

No two students are exactly alike. That’s why personalized learning builds a learning experience that addresses the unique abilities of each student. The educators conduct remedial teaching for some students during the evening to overcome the learning gaps. Through remedial teaching, the educators are able to know the strengths and weaknesses of the child and provide a flexible learning environment to the students.

XII. Flipped Classroom

During the current ongoing online classes, BGS educators have been consistently using flipped classroom methodology wherein the students are given the opportunity to present a particular topic/lesson, already covered to the entire class. The students have been presenting various topics during the online classes via PPT or a whiteboard or a blank word document followed by worksheets made on Google form. By doing so, students are able to focus on participating in class and receive feedback on their efforts during the lesson — not just after. Such methodology also helps the students to engage in active learning. Students become much more involved during the lesson discussion with the flipped classroom style of instruction by engaging in debates, small group discussions, or in-depth investigations. In a flipped classroom, educators act as guides, structuring class time and clarifying the doubts of the students.

XIII. Table Tool Kit

At BGS, we have a fun-filled- activity-oriented kit that helps in enhancing fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and visual perception.

XIV. Science Kit

At BGS Vijnatham School, we aim to provide a great learning experience through a science kit, so that the child can develop a massive interest in the subject. The wow science kit we use is made by following the topmost safety standards and protocols, thus ensuring safety for the children while they are trying out the experiments. The kit has class-wise fun science activities for the students that cater to branches in science like physics and chemistry (as per the grade) to enable a better understanding of the subjects.