Puja's Educational Blog

Recently, I had the chance to revisit the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, a place steeped in childhood memories with my grandma and cousins. I fondly recall those summer vacations, Diwali celebrations and Christmas holidays spent at my grandma’s house, where the Mumbai Zoo was always a highlight. It was where I first saw wild animals I had only read about in my school books, leaving a lasting impression. Every trip to the zoo felt like a mini picnic for us. My cousins and I would bundle up a frisbee, our favourite snacks like crispy wafers, biscuits and delicious homemade treats along with those nostalgic Coca-Cola toffees from the '90s. Those moments were filled with laughter and joy. After many years, I finally returned to the zoo and was struck by how much it has changed. I was heartened to see that the animals now have more space to roam and are no longer confined in cages with heavy chains. However, I was a bit disappointed by the number of animals on display...

  In an increasingly fast-paced world dominated by digital media, the timeless practice of storytelling remains a cornerstone of childhood education. Stories not only entertain but also serve as powerful tools for enhancing language skills and nurturing a lifelong love for reading. In this blog you will get to know how storytelling impacts early learning and why it should be an integral part of every child's educational journey. The Language Connection Vocabulary Development: Engaging with stories introduces young children to a rich vocabulary. As they listen to narratives, kids encounter new words and phrases in context, which helps them understand and remember their meanings. Repeated exposure to storytelling can significantly expand a child's lexicon, aiding in effective communication. Listening Skills: Listening to stories requires children to focus and comprehend information, which is vital for language acquisition. By paying attention to character dialogues, plot develo...

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was introduced in India in 2012 as a transformative legal framework aimed at safeguarding children from sexual abuse and exploitation. This legislation is critical not only for older children but also has significant implications for early years children, who are particularly vulnerable to various forms of abuse. Below, we explore the key aspects of the POCSO Act, its implications for early childhood education, as well as potential abuses of the law. Key Provisions of the POCSO Act Definition of Child : The POCSO Act defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years, which directly applies to early years children, typically aged between 0 to 6 years. Prohibition of Sexual Offences : The Act prohibits any form of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and child pornography against children. This includes acts that may be perpetrated by adults as well as older children. Reporting Obligations : The Act mandates that individuals...

Ram Navami is a significant festival in Hindu culture, marking the birth of Lord Rama, an embodiment of virtue and an integral figure in the epic Ramayana. Celebrating this festival in early years education can provide children with rich cultural insights while encouraging values such as kindness, respect, and teamwork. Here’s how educators can incorporate Ram Navami into early childhood curriculum and create meaningful learning experiences. 1. Understanding the Story of Lord Rama Introduce children to the story of Lord Rama in a simplified and engaging manner. Use storytelling techniques with colorful illustrations or puppets to make the narrative relatable. Discuss the themes of good versus evil, the importance of duty (dharma), and moral values that Rama embodies. Activity Idea : Create a 'Story Time Corner' at home or in the classroom where children can gather to listen to tales from the Ramayana. 2. Cultural Crafts and Activities Encourage creativity through arts and cr...