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Showing posts from September, 2025

Navratri and Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences – Celebrating Every Child’s Unique Strength

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Navratri is a festival that beautifully celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga , each representing a unique quality of power, wisdom or creativity. It’s a time when communities come together with joy, music, dance, devotion and vibrant traditions. In many ways, Navratri also reflects what we see in our classrooms, children shining in their own unique ways. Just as the festival honours diversity in divine forms, education must honour the diverse intelligences within every child. This idea resonates deeply with Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences , which reminds us that intelligence is not a single measure but a spectrum of abilities. Every child has a unique blend of strengths and as educators, our role is to recognize and nurture them. Let’s explore how Gardner’s intelligence can be celebrated through the spirit of Navratri: 1. Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smart) Children who love words, stories and rhymes can express themselves by creating Navratri poems, festi...

World Gratitude Day & International Day of Peace: Nurturing Thankful Hearts in Early Childhood

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Today, as we celebrate World Gratitude Day alongside the International Day of Peace , it is the perfect moment to reflect on the values we wish to pass on to our youngest learners. Gratitude and peace are not just big words for adults; they are life lessons that can be gently nurtured in early years classrooms and homes. Children need to be encouraged to appreciate the simple things they have and to recognize the efforts of the people who support them every day, whether it’s a parent, a teacher or a helper. When young children learn to say “thank you,” share kindness, and value the little things, it shapes their character for life. Gratitude becomes more than a habit; it becomes part of who they are. Similarly, introducing the idea of peace at an early age helps children understand the importance of empathy, cooperation and harmony. It begins with small actions, such as sharing toys, listening to friends, resolving conflicts with gentle words and learning that every person deserves ...

Celebrating Hindi Diwas and Grandparents Day: Staying Connected to Our Roots in Early Childhood

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Today holds a special significance as we celebrate both Hindi Diwas and Grandparents Day,  two occasions that beautifully highlight the importance of culture, tradition and relationships in a child’s life. In the early years, when a child’s mind is most receptive and eager to learn, staying connected to one’s roots can shape their identity, values and emotional well-being. The Importance of Hindi Diwas in Early Childhood Hindi, being one of India’s official languages and widely spoken across the country, plays a crucial role in communication and cultural bonding. Introducing children to Hindi from an early age not only helps them connect with their heritage but also enhances their linguistic ability. The brain during the early years, especially before the age of 6, is highly adaptable and capable of learning multiple languages with ease. When children are exposed to Hindi through simple conversations, storytelling, songs and activities, they begin to absorb the language natura...

Fostering Social-Emotional Learning in Early Years

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The early years of a child’s life are a time of immense growth not just in terms of language, physical development and cognitive skills, but also in social and emotional understanding. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) forms the foundation of how children perceive themselves, relate to others and navigate the world around them. As parents and teachers, we have a unique opportunity to guide children through this vital phase, helping them build resilience, empathy and healthy relationships. What is Social-Emotional Learning? Social-Emotional Learning refers to the process through which children develop awareness of their emotions, learn to manage them, build positive relationships and make responsible decisions. SEL skills, such as empathy, self-regulation, and communication, are not innate; they are nurtured through everyday interactions and experiences. Why is SEL Important in Early Years? Emotional awareness  enables children to recognize and label their feelings, there...