If you’re a parent, you’re probably very familiar with that phrase: “children are like sponges”. It refers to how children absorb facts, language, and life skills at a remarkable rate during their earliest years of development. That’s because these years are among the most critical in shaping who they will become and what they will learn. And while kids discover many of the things they need to know from their families and communities, early childhood education is an integral part of this process.

Many people refer to early childhood education as preschool. But today, the term means so much more. It is a time when children begin to acquire essential social, emotional and cognitive skills. This will serve them well in later years and help lay the foundation for success in school and beyond.

Besides learning in the classroom, young children’s earliest experiences directly impact the development of their brains and their abilities far into the future. Research has shown that 90% of brain development happens before age 5. Early childhood education provides opportunities for active exploration and helps children meet essential developmental goals while encouraging curiosity and creativity. Here are some of the benefits of early childhood education:

👉 Socialization

Socialization happens when we learn how to live in harmony with other people in our communities — when we learn how to share, take turns, and respect each other’s boundaries. And for many kids, preschool is the first place they can practice those skills! 

Children at this age are often eager to make friends and connect with others, but they haven’t yet learned how to do so appropriately. They may still have trouble sharing toys or taking turns on the swing set. Young kids can experiment with interactions by participating in activities like cooperative play and music time with their peers. They can do it under the guidance of trained teachers who can show them how to communicate effectively in a group.

👉 Better Academic Performance

A study found that young children who attended early childhood education programs were more likely to score well on reading and math tests than those who didn’t attend these programs. 

One of the main reasons for this is that children who attend preschool are exposed to structured learning and playtime activities, which help prepare them for kindergarten and first grade. A child who has not mastered basic skills like the alphabet, numbers, and shapes will find it difficult to progress further in school. They may be at risk of falling behind their classmates or having to repeat a grade level. If a child is too far behind, they may eventually drop out of school. But if you give your children a head start when they are young, they will have fewer problems in school as they grow older. 

👉 Lifelong Learning

It’s a universal truth that children are the most tender, impressionable minds. Every experience they have, every interaction they witness, stays with them into adulthood. It shapes who they become as people and how they treat others. Early childhood education provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning. 

👉 Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence

Kids with a solid foundation in early childhood education tend to have higher self-esteem and confidence. Kids are naturally curious, and as they develop their knowledge through play and hands-on learning, their sense of self-worth also improves. They feel good about themselves for what they are capable of doing. 

A strong sense of self-worth is essential for children to build confidence throughout the rest of their lives. Preschools focus on the overall growth and development of the child rather than only academics. The curriculum that these institutions follow is designed to foster an environment for learning and social interaction for small children. This allows them to be prepared for life at school and provides them with the confidence to pursue their dreams.

👉 Better Attention Span

Children who attend preschool have better attention spans than kids who start kindergarten without the benefit of preschool education.

Zankhana, a Senior Curriculum Developer and a seasoned Foundational Year Educator at Square Panda, opines, “When in preschool, children get accustomed to having their attention directed by an adult. As a result, they are less likely to become distracted or frustrated when required to focus on a difficult task or academic concept. This increased ability to focus makes it easier for them to pay attention in class, making them more likely to succeed academically and socially.“

👉 Exposure to Diversity

As parents, you want your kids to grow up in a world where they are not judged by the color of their skin or what religion they practice. But beyond that, you should hope your child will grow up to be someone who respects other people and learns to understand the world around them. 

Early childhood education provides the opportunity for children to meet and get along with people who look like them and those who don’t. It is a place where they can develop empathy towards others while also gaining an understanding of themselves—which will help them later on when they enter the workforce and have co-workers from all walks of life!

👉 Healthy Lifestyle

Children need to be physically active to stay healthy and develop their gross motor skills, which will enable them to be successful in school. In childcare facilities, kids tend to follow the lead of their peers and teachers. If a child sees their friend running around outside or jumping through tires on a swing, they may be more likely to join in on the fun. The other kids might inspire them to try something new, or they may learn by watching what others do.

👉 Boosts Creativity

Though many parents worry that the pressure of learning too much at an early age will stifle their kids’ creativity, it’s actually the opposite — studies show that children exposed to an enriched environment from birth do better creatively later in life. 

Early childhood education programs often allow free play periods that give children time to use their imaginations when playing with other children. In addition, different classes may be offered in music, art, and storytelling that can help boost creativity in early childhood.

Square Panda India offers comprehensive early childhood programs that put children on a path toward academic success by setting them up with the tools they need to succeed, and creates the supporting ecosystem needed to ensure lifelong learning and success. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in 

Here are some useful videos to explore the topic further:
Why Educators Are The Key To Successful Early Childhood Education
5 Reasons India Needs A Strong Early Childhood Education System
8 Activities To Build Social And Emotional Skills In Early Childhood Education

You may also be interested in reading some of our blogs on early education:
The Economic Impact Of Early Education
How Adaptive Learning Can Transform The Early Education System In India
Why We Need Phonics In Early Childhood Education

We hope that you enjoyed our post on early education. If you have any tips or suggestions please leave a comment below. If you would like to collaborate with us, you can drop us a mail on marketing@squarepanda.in.

Follow us so that you never miss out on any updates:
Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

Empathy is a critical skill for every human being to have. It is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. To be empathetic, one must be able to imagine themselves in another person’s shoes. Thus feeling what that person is feeling. Anyone can learn empathy through practice and experience. We are all born with the capacity for empathy. But we often need to nurture it to grow into a full-blown skill.

Empathy maps are visual tools that explore the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of a particular population. We can use them to learn how a particular population processes information and makes decisions. They are based on the principle that we humans make decisions based on our emotions, not our intellect.

In education, an empathy map is a simple, easy-to-understand visual that captures knowledge about a student’s behaviours and attitudes. Using empathy maps, educators have a better chance of relating and connecting with students, which leads to more effective teaching practices. The empathy map consists of four quadrants: 

• thinks/says
• feels/needs
• does/goes/seek
• hears/sees

As a teacher or adult interacting with the student frequently throughout the day, you can capture insights about them in these different quadrants. We can use it to understand a student with whom you have a troubled relationship. We can employ empathy maps to build a relationship with any student you don’t know well yet.

For example, what does this student say to his or her peers? How does he or she act when her team is struggling with a problem? What does he or she look like when she is happy? 

Empathy Maps allow teachers to put themselves into the shoes of their students. They can then better understand what students need from them. A teacher may ask students questions about their learning experience and then record their responses on a map to make it easier to analyze the data.

How do Empathy Maps help Teachers?

Empathy Maps do not replace in-depth assessments or other methods for understanding students’ needs. They provide a framework for educators to go beyond conversations with students and generate more meaningful results. These results contribute to improved design, courses, and programs. 

These maps help teachers see things from the perspective of their students. They also aid in developing an emotionally supportive learning environment. By understanding what they need and want, teachers can provide more engaging lessons that cater to the specific interests and goals of their learners.

It is essential for educators not only to know how students feel, but also why they feel this way. Thus, Empathy Maps should include reasons behind emotions expressed by students during classes. With such information at hand, educators can adjust their lesson plans accordingly to address students’ needs and promote a positive classroom atmosphere.

Benefits of Using Empathy Maps:

The use of Empathy Maps promotes the development of emotional intelligence in students. They become more attentive to others and get new skills in communication. In addition, this approach encourages interpersonal relationships and personal growth and development.

This benefits learners in many ways, including:

• It helps learners put themselves in someone else’s shoes, and see things from another person’s perspective. By developing greater empathy, learners can better understand the world around them and work collaboratively.
• It helps them get to know each other better as team members. Having a learner complete his or her Empathy Map can help other members understand that person better. 
• You may be asked to work with someone who is not part of your usual team. They may have a chance to see your perspective in a new way and generate ideas about how best to work together.

By using a variety of unique approaches and pedagogical tools, Square Panda India helps people across the education ecosystem realize their full potential through the transformative capabilities of EdTech. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in

We hope that you enjoyed our post on empathy maps. If you have any tips or suggestions please leave a comment below. If you would like to collaborate with us please reach out to us on marketing@squarepanda.in.

Here is the link of our social media channels:
Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

Here is a list of our other blog posts that may interest you:
Six Tips to Help Children Cope with Stress
Overcoming The Gendered Digital Divide Through Education In India
3 Ways ICT Labs Can Equip Students To Be Better Learners

Stress can get the best of us, and children are no different; they’re sensitive to stress too. The fear of not knowing what comes next can be paralysing. Anxiety becomes an unwelcome companion, and frustration can turn into anger, manifesting itself in defiance, often throwing tantrums or causing a scene. From school to home, from art class to the playground, from one class period to the next – so many things can keep children overwhelmed. Plus, after studying from home for the last two years, the recent transition to the physical classroom has resulted in an increased amount of stress. 

Even before the Covid-19 virus hit, high rates of psychosocial distress plagued children in many countries. According to a UNICEF and Gallup survey, 1 in 5 young adults felt depressed or were demotivated. While children can be resilient to occasional stress, constant stress can affect their physical, emotional, and behavioral health. Children exposed to long-term stress may become fearful, anxious, and insecure. They may also feel depressed and irritable. Stress in children can also lead to various physical symptoms, including headaches and stomach aches. Over time, chronic or severe stress can weaken the immune system and cause more severe problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

While stress may be inevitable, there are ways to help manage it. Throughout April, schools worldwide celebrate stress awareness month and encourage children and teens to de-stress. Here are some helpful tips on how to help your kids cope with stress:

👉 Talk It Out

Helping your children learn to cope with stress begins with communication. This can be as simple as a casual conversation while driving in the car or when you’re tucking your child into bed at night. Take the time to talk to them about their feelings and listen carefully to what they have to say. When they share things with you, try not to judge them – simply offer support and guidance. Make sure you let them know that it’s OK for them to express their feelings and ask questions about their day or any activities that seem out of the ordinary for them. Keep communication open and honest so that your child will feel comfortable confiding in you when they encounter stressful situations. It’s also essential for parents to talk about being stressed so that kids know it’s OK to talk about it too.

👉 Make Time For Fun

Take a break from your family’s hectic schedule and do something fun together. Play a game, take a walk, or simply enjoy each other’s company without distractions like cell phones or television. Avoid the temptation of over-scheduling activities outside the home. While it might seem like you’re doing something special by taking your child out to see a film or play, too many outings can leave children feeling rushed and overwhelmed when you could be spending quality time together instead.

👉 Limit Screen Time

Everyone likes to unwind after a hard day at work. But if your child is spending too much time online, it could be hurting their emotional well-being. Studies show that children and teens who spend more than two hours a day in front of a computer or TV may be at greater risk for anxiety and depression. Try to keep children from using electronic media during the hour before bedtime. This will help them fall asleep faster and sleep better throughout the night.

👉 Encourage Physical Activity

Exercise helps kids de-stress, reduce anxiety, and manage depression. It’s also good for developing their mind, social skills, and overall health. Practice taking deep breaths or imagining a quiet place together to help deal with everyday stressors like test anxiety or trouble sleeping. Breathing exercises can help slow down a rapidly beating heart and calm racing thoughts. 

👉 Help Children Get Good sleep

Sleep deprivation can worsen mood disorders in children and teens, so it’s essential to set a regular bedtime routine that allows them to get at least 9 to 11 hours of sleep each night, depending on the child’s age. 

👉 Model Healthy Coping Skills

Children watch what you do and take cues from how you handle stress. Show them how you use healthy coping skills such as talking about your feelings with people you trust, walking outdoors, or writing in a journal. Remind them that everyone feels stressed at times and that there are healthy ways of dealing with these feelings.

At Square Panda, we believe learning should be an enjoyable, engaging experience for kids of all ages. Our innovative and experiential programs ensure that kids’ attention spans are not lost in our increasingly busy worlds, and that they imbibe the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a stress-free manner. To know more, visit https://ecce.squarepanda.in/.

The gendered digital divide refers to the unequal distribution of access to and use of digital technologies by women and men. It is a multifaceted phenomenon rooted in the gender-based disadvantages women face in many areas of life, including economic power, financial resources, social status, and political influence. 

As a consequence of a robust patriarchal tradition and the low status of women in India, girls are often considered less important than boys by their families. However, gender disparities in educational attainment and technology access continue to persist. These gender disparities are particularly pronounced among youth from rural areas and low-income families, who face considerable obstacles regarding access to schools and quality education. In India, only 15% of women own a mobile phone, and 33% use internet services compared to men. In 2020, a quarter of all adult females owned a smartphone, compared to nearly half of all adult males.

Additionally, a new survey shows that the pandemic has further widened the gap between access to mobile phones and computers among young girls in India. According to UNESCO, over 158 million girls were affected by the closure of schools in India during the lockdown. This has intensified the already-existing gap in educational opportunities for young and adolescent girls.

How can Education Help?

Education has long been recognized as one of the most powerful tools for overcoming poverty and inequality. The emergence of open, digital platforms has presented the means to address the educational divide head-on. It is pivotal to creating opportunities for future generations and helps pave the way for upward social mobility. 

However, the first step must come from political policymakers and politicians themselves. Political leaders must develop policies that will help girls from low-income families and those with fewer privileges than men to realise their full potential.

📌 Improving Digital Infrastructure for Women

Governments could offer free or low-cost distribution of ICT devices to women. Investing in women’s education, including training in digital skills, can have a social dividend for the nation since women with the right training make significant contributions to the economy. Just look at countries with high rates of ICT use, where men and women are on par when it comes to technological know-how and productivity.

📌 Advocating Women Education

Digital literacy classes are not enough, though. We also need to create systems and cultures that support women’s and girls’ long-term interests and success in technology. This means creating safe spaces to practice their skills without fear of harassment or discrimination. Schools should also encourage female students to be interested in computer programming & other technology-related subjects rather than discouraging them because of their gender.

📌 Better Workplace Environments

Encouraging women to join the workforce and providing support services for them to be able to both work and raise a family could go a long way toward solving the problem. It is also essential to combine employment possibilities with educational opportunities that promote the better distribution of unpaid care (childcare and housework) and training for lifelong learning.

The Bottom Line

Despite rapid growth in mobile penetration and digital access in India, women lag behind men in both these areas. Gender discrimination in technology, low level of internet access, and lack of digital literacy among women inhibit their ability to participate in the economy. By supporting women and enhancing their digital literacy and access, we can empower and enable them to fully participate in the creation of the next chapter of India’s growth story.

Our comprehensive range of programs help deepen digital access and equitability, empowering all stratas of society to realise their full potential through the transformative capabilities of EdTech. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in

With a seemingly constant stream of new technologies transforming education, schools have regularly upgraded their computer labs to keep up with the changing times. However, with more schools switching from traditional curriculums to blended learning classes, computer labs are being phased out in favour of technological advances.

As technology increasingly impacts how we live our lives in an ever-evolving world order, the need for students to enter the workforce with robust technology skills has become a critical component of our curricula. Computers and technology permeate all aspects of daily life, so it only makes sense that students should have access to them in school. 

One of the best ways for students to gain these skills is by creating computer labs. ICT Labs not only focus on technical education, but also helps develop soft skills like teamwork, leadership skills, and presentation skills. ICT Labs aim to produce better learners by providing them with a healthy mix of academic and technological learning.

These ICT laboratories have been modified and modernized to meet current industry standards. For instance, the Ranchi district administration will soon unveil digitized laboratories in government schools as part of a pilot project to increase students’ digital education. Each tab has educational apps that provide general information and the course materials specific to each teacher’s class. The idea is to give students access to digital learning materials at the click of a button.

Here are 3 ways that ICT Labs can be great enablers of education.

👉 Desktop Computers Have More to Offer

Full-sized workstations offer greater power and more display space than smaller mobile devices. They provide a more comprehensive array of software options and offer greater support for the heavy-duty graphics cards used in virtual reality and 3D visualizations. These computers tend to be more expensive than laptops, and are best suited to students needing more screen real estate and processing power. Virtual reality headsets are increasingly used for experiential learning in schools and colleges in India. For instance, some students of Smt. Godavari Devi Saraf Senior Secondary School in Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh is using VR headsets to learn how the human heart works, which is more than what a textbook chapter can teach.

👉 ICT Labs ensure Equal Access

With digital technologies playing an increasingly vital role in learning, educators have struggled to ensure that all students have equal access to resources and opportunities. In addition to disparities in technology access among children, there are also differences in parents’ levels of technology fluency. School computer labs ensure that all children get to use computers until they get a dedicated laptop or a tablet. Most schools have recognized the value of having dedicated lab time, where students can learn basic computing skills and use the internet and software applications.

👉 Computers Supplement Classroom Learning

Computer labs provide an opportunity to explore a world of knowledge beyond the required classroom curriculum. They can help develop soft skills and introduce concepts that aren’t learned in class, mainly because classroom teachers have a wide-ranging curriculum to explore in a limited period of time. School computer labs are the perfect complement and enhancement tool for classroom learning.

Computer skills include how to use word-processing programs, utilize spreadsheets, navigate the Internet, send and receive email messages, create multimedia presentations, and many more skills. Rather than relying on self-instruction, computer labs in schools can provide an ideal location for students to learn and practice their skills in a safe, controlled environment.

At Square Panda India, we understand the importance of equipping educators with technological and digital skills for today’s classroom. Our educator empowerment programs include basic training about ICT Labs and cyber safety, where we include topics about introducing fun, relevant digital tools to the school. We want to empower educators by giving them the knowledge and skills needed for the current 21^st-century classrooms. To know more, visit https://www.squarepanda.in/

Holi is the festival of colors celebrated by Hindus worldwide to honor and welcome spring. People usually spend this day with their family, and visit friends and relatives as they look to color one other. But with growing environmental concerns, water conservation and pollution, we see many people celebrating the festival in a humbler fashion. However, there are still ways you can get kids excited about Holi and make it a fun time for all.

👉 Design Color Bouquets

Let your kids express their creative abilities in making eco-friendly flower craft as part of the festival of Holi. You can use a wide range of colors, all of which are widely available in chemical-free variants. Children can create flowers from a small paper plate, plastic cups, and paper tubes to resemble a real flower. This can be a great activity with children because of its engaging nature, allowing them to learn new skills and develop their minds in the process. 

👉 Holi Puppet Show

These days, children can be found staring at the television for hours. This is especially true during the holidays, when your child may have more time on their hands. While children may enjoy watching TV shows and movies, teaching your child about Holi by celebrating it in your own home can help instill pride in their cultural and religious heritage. Whether springing out of a pre-planned puppet show or spontaneously within a play session, these alternatives can help your child learn in an interactive environment.

👉 Make Organic Colors

Most people purchase synthetic, non-toxic powders, but there are many ways to make your own organic colors at home using natural ingredients and common kitchen spices. Natural ingredients like ground turmeric, henna powder, beetroot, sandalwood paste, and flowers like the red hibiscus can be used to make wonderful colors.

👉 Color Hunt

Another easy way to teach kids about Holi is to arrange a color hunt. Bring home three different colored balloons — red, yellow, and blue — and ask your kids to find matching objects in the house for each color. If you have more than one kid, you can organize a race. The one who finds more matching items first wins the race! This will add a fun element and help them recognize colors faster.

👉 Organize an art competition

Painting competitions can help children discover their hidden talents and boosts their confidence. Art competitions can inspire joy and excitement among kids, with the best paintings possibly made into greeting cards that you can send to family and friends. This would help remind them that we all have an artist within us who needs an opportunity to be discovered.

👉 Dance-offs

The festival of Holi is incomplete without some peppy Bollywood songs being played in the background. Get your kids to dance along with you on some upbeat numbers, and have a blast!

The Bottom Line

While throwing colors and having fun is certainly a significant part of the Holi experience, other aspects are to consider for added excitement. An unexplored yet captivating choice of activities would be to add some learning. By making activities educational and rewarding, learning will suddenly become quite enjoyable, with your kids being eager to participate in your next Holi celebration—passionately engaged while they are at it!

At Square Panda, it is our constant endeavor to deliver joyful learning experiences that engage children and empower teachers to better impart their wisdom. To know more about our comprehensive learning solutions and programs, visit our website: ecce.squarepanda.in

The pandemic has altered almost every area of our daily lives. Teachers and students, in particular, have had to adapt to online education, which has proved difficult for many learners. Educators agree that online courses are no substitute for in-person learning experiences. In 2018, the New York Times reported that online classes do not allow for the same level of individual attention as in-person classes, and children studying online perform worse than those directly studying with teachers.

Despite this, some students have managed to thrive by embracing this remote style of learning. Learning styles can be deeply individual, and students who respond well to online learning usually have a strong sense of independence and self-motivation. Those students often choose this learning style because they can work at their own time and pace.

Let’s look at why some kids are succeeding in online learning.

👉 Self-Paced Learning

There is a lot of flexibility in online learning. The choice to learn at your own pace instead of being forced to go through the material in a certain way can help you stay focused and attentive. Therefore, students who do well in self-paced, flexible learning situations thrived while learning online. It allowed students to remain focused and attentive to course materials. Students could take any past classes they may have missed or repeat them as many times as needed. Anytime students wanted to repeat a lesson, they could replay it at their own pace, allowing them to fully comprehend the material and gain an understanding that would not be found in a classroom setting.

👉 More Time, Less Distraction

It is not an overstatement to say that today’s students had a grueling schedule in a pre-pandemic world. They attended school and were also expected to manage different extracurricular activities, such as sports and arts, alongside their classes. In addition to this, most students had to receive additional support from private tuitions and preferred going to these sessions in the evening or on weekends. As a result of the pandemic lockdown, many students had to curtail social activities, focusing on their online courses and studies, which proved to be beneficial for many.

👉 Mental Well-Being

Mental health is an integral part of overall wellbeing, and it varies from person to person. Regardless of the child’s age, some students may suffer from anxiety about going to school or the thought of being in a physical classroom where they feel uncomfortable. For these students, online schooling provided the opportunity to learn without all the pressures and expectations of being in an actual classroom. Even if they weren’t able to keep up with their classes at first, they were still able to complete their assignments at a later time without worrying about falling behind.

👉 Family Support

While it is widely known that school-based interactions and relationships with peers helps develop a child’s academic and emotional well-being, many children thrived while learning remotely. Parents play a significant role in how well their children flourish at school. Since online learning was new for children, many parents were actively involved with their children’s education. Most children were able to cope well with the demands of online learning because parents assisted them with the technology being used. This helped in boosting their child’s self-esteem and confidence.

The Bottom Line

There are several reasons why some kids thrive during remote learning, but it’s important to remember that every child is different. It’s never a good idea to compare your child with others or expect them to perform just as well as their peers in every subject area. While the thought of virtual schooling may have been far from parents’ minds when it first emerged, they can now view it as a viable alternative to attending classes physically in school, for now and the foreseeable future.

Our comprehensive interventions span across the lifetime of a child’s education journey, and impact multiple factors that influence a child’s educational achievement – such as learning, teacher support, parent support, educational infrastructure, access to technology, health & exposure to other skills. 

To know how our array of products and programs improve learning outcomes from pre-primary through secondary grades, visit ecce.squarepanda.in/ 

Generating questions is often equal parts a creative and cognitive process. Teaching students to ask their own questions as part of the learning process is a powerful and fascinating way to promote deeper thinking about a topic. Asking students to generate their questions and troubleshoot their answers develops critical thinking skills.

Student-generated questions have great potential for deeper thinking because students are prompted to reflect upon what they have learned before articulating their thoughts and ideas in a back-and-forth manner with peers, teachers, or both. Elaborating the content goes beyond knowing ‘what,’ ‘how,’ or ‘why’, and encompasses exploring ‘who,’ ‘where’, and ‘when’ factors relevant to the content or subject-matter.

Students are more than just observers and recipients of information in many cases. They also possess the potential to influence and change that very information. A study found that teachers ask 93% of classroom questions, leaving little scope for students to formulate their own. Encouraging students to develop their own questions fosters critical thinking, helps internalize the subject material more fully, and identifies areas where they need further clarification.

The Importance of Student-Generated Questions

Student generated questions often point out gaps between what students know and what they need to know to understand what is being taught. These gaps may not be apparent from a teacher’s lecture or from the answers students write on worksheets or give on tests. The questions students ask indicate that they are processing what teachers are discussing, and they have been trying to draw connections between the ideas presented and other things they already know.

Questions are an excellent way for students to check their understanding of a topic before moving on to new material. Student-generated questions also allow students to take control of the direction of their learning. Furthermore, when students ask questions, they engage with the material at a higher level and understand it in greater depth. They have a better chance of understanding the material or skill if they know their knowledge gaps, and articulate it. The teacher also gets insights into what the students understand and what areas they might do well to pay more attention to during instruction. This helps the teacher get more out of each class period.

While in-class discussion of student-generated questions is practical, teachers can also use such questions in online or in-person activities. Here are three classroom activities that incorporate student-generated questions.

✏️ Teach Students How to Ask Relevant Questions

Teaching kids to ask great questions is just as important as teaching them how to answer them. Some students may be hesitant to generate questions independently and resort to yes/no or factual prompts at first. To elicit more complex questions, ask students to reflect on some of the more difficult concepts they have encountered in class and then pose questions that begin with “explain” and help them focus on the how’s and why’s of a concept.

✏️ Have Students Create their Own Tests

Students who generate their questions often think more deeply about what they do not know or understand. This active learning technique enhances students’ content knowledge, develops critical thinking skills, and improves retention by forcing them to think about the material differently. Learning is much more effective when we actively engage with the material rather than passively read or listen to it. When students create test questions, they are forced to process and reflect on what they are learning rather than simply reading about it or listening to a lecture about it. Additionally, creating test questions requires that students analyse and synthesise information and critically evaluate the quality of their research and arguments.

✏️ Play Games to Encourage Creative Questions

Playing games encourages students to ask questions because it engages their curiosity. At the end of each class, give the students a puzzle to take home and think about. At the next class, each student has to ask at least one question about the puzzle, whether asking for hints or checking their answer. Students are often reluctant to speak up in class, so this exercise gets them talking. The game is also fun for kids because it can be played in class or small groups.

Another way to do this is to ask children to play with a few pieces of Legos or building blocks. Children who played by themselves created new shapes and designs, followed the directions in the manual, or built things that already existed. When people played in groups, they asked more questions of one another, such as “What if we did this?” and “What would happen if we combined these pieces?” These questions allowed them to create more innovative designs. 

Student generated questions tap into a child’s natural curiosity, and helps unlock a world of learning for them that will lead to a lifelong journey of discovery and enrichment. 

At Square Panda India, our team of experts creates adaptive, self-paced curriculum that engages children throughout their learning journey. Our programs are tailored to deliver improved learning outcomes and provide a more holistic educational experience. To learn more, visit our website – ecce.squarepanda.in 

You might not think it, but room arrangements can actually make a big difference on a student’s performance. As a learning environment, it’s not too surprising that flexibility impacts success by putting the student at the center. Flexible room layouts allow for a more student-centric teaching and learning methodology. In fact, flexibility can be a driver for increased engagement and performance in students, teachers and the school as a whole.

Let’s understand what flexible classrooms are

Flexible classrooms are an innovative idea that strikes a balance between the two dominant educational paradigms: traditional classrooms (with rows of desks), and project-based problem-oriented learning. Each flexible room has its own unique set of features. Children and teachers adjust them to suit the activities they choose to complete while in those spaces. Because no two flexible-space classrooms are alike, and children who study in them may be from different grades, each flexible-space classroom presents unique challenges for those working in them.

Flexible learning spaces are not one-size-fits-all, nor are they static. There is no one right way to set up a flexible classroom; every teacher should decide what works best for them and their students. Below are some of its features:

✏️ Movable Furniture

A flexible classroom allows for the movement of furniture, creating a variety of seating arrangements to best suit a variety of different classroom activities, such as lectures, small group discussions, and lab exercises. The classroom arrangement depends on the curriculum and purpose for which it is being used. In addition, furniture should be comfortable, durable and sized appropriately for students.

Flexible classrooms are designed to give students choices about where they work and how they learn. For example, if a student wants to collaborate with other students on a project, they can move desks into a circle so that all members can be involved in the discussion. If another student needs space from others or wants time alone to concentrate on an assignment, they can choose a quiet corner or workstation away from the group activity.

✏️ Storage Spaces

A flexible classroom has shelves or storage bins for each child’s belongings to avoid clutter around the room. There also might be a little kitchen area where children can make snacks and keep their lunch readily available.

✏️ Technology Integration

The current generation of learners have grown up with technology. They expect it to be part of their learning experience. They live in an interactive world where mobile technology allows them to connect with others continually, access information quickly, and multitask daily. It’s also essential to have technology available to support a flexible classroom layout, where students have the freedom to decide how they organize their time, space, tools and activities.

The technology used in the classroom takes many forms, including interactive whiteboards, projectors, document cameras, computers, and digital recorders. Technology will enable teachers to present content in numerous ways and engage students in hands-on learning activities.

✏️ Display Areas

Display areas also provide opportunities to revisit past lessons and concepts. Children’s work is displayed throughout the room to showcase student effort and encourage peer review. 

✏️ Supportive Materials

Flexible classrooms contain various instructional materials that support multiple learning styles and interests. Materials may include elements such as blocks or number tiles,  audiovisual aids such as videos and games, science kits, art supplies, maps, musical instruments, dress-up clothes, and dramatic play props such as puppets or play money, sports equipment, etc.

It’s important for teachers not just to allow flexibility, but also make use of it themselves. While some instruction will happen at the front of the room, for example, during whole-class discussions, teachers may occasionally move around the classroom while teaching and checking student progress.

The Bottom Line

Formal learning spaces are becoming more flexible and informal, creating a blend of work and lifestyle. While traditional classrooms are the most used learning spaces, they do not offer all the elements desired in a flexible learning space. A study has shown that flexible classrooms provide increased collaboration, more engaging material delivery mechanisms, close proximity between students, and teacher workstations that are not separate from students. Flexible classrooms can help create the right environment for learning for students and educators, and it is something that teachers and institutions everywhere need to closely consider when setting up their classrooms, for it can create a joyful learning environment.

Inclusive classrooms will be the norm in the near future. Educational institutions are already taking steps toward more-flexible spaces for students of all learning styles. Our programs are designed considering the differences in students’ learning styles and how teachers can be flexible in their approach to stay relevant and in tune with the needs of each student. To know more, visit, ecce.squarepanda.in.

In a world that’s becoming more and more globalized, the “majority” language can no longer be the only language being spoken. An increasing number of schools are beginning to offer their students the opportunity to take lessons in a foreign language. Building familiarity in multiple languages can make students smarter, more open-minded, and even more appreciative of their own culture. 

India has seen an increase in the number of courses taught in its native languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and others. In 2021, there were 1,230 seats for study in approved engineering schools for this purpose. The Odisha School Education Programme Authority has created more than 302 textbooks and 2,500 reading materials in 21 tribal languages. 

As parents and educators, we want to equip our children with the tools to succeed in life. Multilingual education is a rewarding way to build proficiency in communication and language acquisition while ensuring enjoyable and engaging learning experiences. Children who are exposed to two or more languages at an early age develop enhanced executive functioning skills and show higher levels of cognitive efficiency—and research indicates that students continue to reap these benefits throughout their post-academic careers.

NEP 2020’s Emphasis on Multilingual Education

The New Education Policy has stressed the importance of using mother tongues and local languages as the medium of instruction. It aims to make the English language learning process easier for students, and aspires to teach in local/regional languages for better learning experiences for students. 

NEP 2020 provides students with access to study Sanskrit and other classical languages at all school and higher education levels. All children, however, will have a choice to select the one additional language that they wish to study. Students in Grade 6-8 will be able to participate in a language project, such as an activity about one of the languages ​​of India, under the ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ initiative. At the secondary level, several foreign languages will be offered. An effort will be made to standardize Indian Sign Language (ISL) throughout the country.

Here’s how a multilingual classroom makes children smarter:

📍 Builds Empathy among Children

Multilingual classrooms are more likely to produce students who appreciate different cultures and languages. It is vital that we foster empathy in our children, which multilingual classrooms do better than single-language classrooms. Teaching different languages helps them understand the importance of accepting the differences of one another. 

Moreover, when children understand the value of being inclusive of other people’s differences, they learn to be better citizens. As a result, they will be able to respect the rights of others more efficiently and exercise more tolerance towards people who are different from themselves.

📍 Develops Cognitive Skills

Language is not just a matter of communication. A solid foreign language curriculum provides students with opportunities to explore their own world-view through the lens of another culture. This way establishes a foundation for genuine cross-cultural understanding and communication. Early exposure to a foreign language provides children with an opportunity to develop what some scholars call a “language instinct,” giving them a foundation for communicating and interacting with people from around the world.

📍 Positive Effect on Academic Performance

Multilingualism in the classroom fosters positive effects on the academic performance of their students. A class with diverse languages allows for increased collaborations and interactions between its members. Students who speak multiple languages are better equipped to solve problems and engage in critical thinking. This is because they have learned how to view things from different perspectives, which helps them analyze situations more accurately and develop sound solutions for problems.

At Square Panda India, we believe that in a multilingual country like India, children and educators need to be well-versed in more than one language to properly succeed in the future. Our initiative ‘Aarambh’ immerses educators, Anganwadi workers, and children in a multitude of local languages, and aims to greatly impact India’s early learning landscape. Learn more: ecce.squarepanda.in