The best is that it is with the simplest of things--baasi roti or chappatis left from the night before. It tastes best with slightly baasi roti but you could try with fresh as well.

Just take the chapati, heat it on the tava, make it slighly crisp. It tastes best with ghee or Amul butter and then sprinkle some red chilly powder and lil salt and roll it and give it to them. We use chaat masala instead of red chilly powder since my kids do not eat spicy food. It works well. I also sometimes sprinkle deghi mirch for flavour and colour. Deghi mirch has very little mirchi.

So for breakfast, milk and a roll of chattha mattha in their hands and off they go to school. Sometimes when I am at wit's end for a quick healthy snack after school or after soccer, it is chattha mattha time!

Do share some quick and easy snacks as well. It is summer time and they are being fussy in their eating...

Methinks that good idea to leave em a lil more "alone" but not totally...???

It was a short 2 day trip and we saw the Agra fort and the Taj. We went in the fairly warm time of the second half of September. This trip was mainly for the kids because we have been to Agra a few times. We kept Fatehpur Sikri for next time beause we thought the little ones would overdose on history and monuments. Kept it just enough to keep their interest and imaginations firing.

We did tell them a little about the history as we toured--the mughal kings Akbar, Jehangir, Shahjehan, the story about Shajahan and Mumtaz, the fanatical Aurenzeb who had imprisoned his father Shahjahan. It is amazing what eager sponges the little ones are and how much they remember. The other day my little one passed by a mosque and exclaimed, "Mama, look this has a dome and minars just like the Taj". Better lessons than any history text book for sure!

Agra Fort

• Somehow there is something about forts that really capture the kids imaginations. Tales of enemies, warms, valour and glory.
• The red sandstone Agra fort is so huge with the palace inside that it is quite an awesome experience.
• The kids enjoyed the spot from where Shahajahan was imprisoned by his son Auranzeb and you can view the Taj near the banks of the river Yamuna. Good photo spot to take kids photo as well with the faint Taj in the background.

Taj Mahal

• We pointed out the big features of the Taj like marble, dome, 4 minarets, raised platform, carvings and inlay work...
• We talked about how long it took (20 years) and thousands of people who made the building.  Also the intricate carvings in the age when they did not have the hi fi machinery.
• We also talked about the story how Shan Jahan had blinded and cut the hands of the artisans who worked on creating the monument so that they would not make it again for someone else.
• Every time one sees, it is always awe inspiring!

Tips

• Agra is very hot. Ideally you should go in the wintery months of Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan. But this is also the peak prices for hotels but might be worth it.
• But if you do go in the warmer months,  keep the monuments for early morning or later in the evening to beat the heat. My vote would be early morning. For example, we reached the Taj at 6:30 am. Less crowds too.
• Most monuments are open from 6am to 7pm. Do double check with the hotel. Do verify if the monuments will be open before you plan the trip. Taj Mahal is open all days except it is closed on Fridays.
• Check out the wikipedia entries for Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. You can check before and even after the trip. Lovely pictures and explanation of architecture.
• When you reach inside the Taj Mahal, you need to take off your shoes and it is very hot so keep socks for the kids. Especially if you are going when it is hot.
• Phase out the monument touring. Not in succession. I guess good things come in small packages for the small ones. The kids will have an overdose and get bored/cranky.
• To get a guide or not? We did not take a guide this time since we wanted to soak in the ambience and make it more like a fun story and experience for the kids versus loading them with too many details that were beyond their years. And we had seen it earlier. But for older kids, taking a good guide might be worthwhile. But make sure that you keep some time for yourself as well and keep the guides in check with the details that do not interest you.
• Btw, do not miss the yummy Agra chaat. Near the famous Panchi (namkeen /petha shop) in Agra city. There is a lane and excellent chaat shops. The kids might prefer their pasta/pizza but you deserve something too. One of the best alu tikki I have had! And my daugter too enjoyed the papri chat. And then it was back to the hotel for their pasta treat.

Last year my husband had asked me this question. And I was like .... hmmm...Ram story, Laxmi puja, thanfulness for our bounty, new beginings and new year....but to come up with an essence. Then I read somewhere something about light outside and kindling your inner light and it sounded good. So I lit our first diya with some feeling and thought instead of mechanically like a chore. It felt so good!

Thought would share ideas as we embarked on the festivities....

Btw, had penned our last Diwali in my blog as well in Post Diwali Thoughts.

Curious to hear more...

Many little ones are being exposed to the Egyptian civilization in school, thought would share some cool websites.

http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/egypt/index.htm

Any of your favorites?

National museum is one of the premier museums of India and has amazing collections of old art--pottery, tools, weapons, textiles, paintings, sculpture, jewellery, kids toys. Transports everyone to years back with wonder and fascination of how advanced the old cutures were and pride in India. In all great cultural exposure and wonder for the little minds.

The kids were totally fascinated by seeing the old artefacts that were thousands and hundreds of years. Our daughter had just read about Harappan (Indus Valley) civlization in school and was totally overrawed by their world famous collection of the Harrapan civilization--about 5000 years ago. There were seals (stone tablets), pottery, tools, toys, jewellery galore and there were huge photographs (floor to ceiling) of the excavated sites with the streets, houses, and drainage system. They also enjoy the 2 skeletons excavated from that time. It was a female skeleton wearing a bangle. Recently I heard my gore-loving 1st grader son telling someone how the bangle looked like an old bone itself.

The other sections we checked out was Arms and Armour section (swords, shields, bow and arrows, old guns from British times, heavy armours, elephant armours, horse saddles etc.). We breezed through the coins, textiles and the Gupta period sections.

We were there for just an hour since that is what these kids could take and then rushed to have a snacky lunch at the Nathus sweets (chaats) in Bengali Market near Mandi House. Pet pooja is as important as mind pooja. ;-)

The National Museum also sells plaster of paris replicas of original ancient art and sculpture from the museum. So our daughter really enjoyed showing off the seals that she had taken to the class.

The museum is located at the corner of Maulana Azad road and Janpath and like most museums is open on all days except Mondays. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm. They do have a decent cafe.

Please try and make the trip short and sweet instead of boring your kids. Choose the relevant sections and ask them to choose as well.

The web site is http://www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/

I sometimes feel that for our young women--middle school or 6/7th grade onwards perhaps should go to quality girls only school.

We are very liberal and it is not the fear of boys/boyfriends/dating that makes me feel this way. But I feel that at that adolescent age girls get very self conscious and in front of boys get self conscious as well and because of societal pressure start acting a role that is expected of them (to be lady-like, not be great at math, not speak a lot in class, do not be assertive in class discussions etc.). They start losing confidence. This really adversely affects their leadership skills as well. Also, because there are boys around get too caught up in looks and clothes. Perhaps in an all girls school at that tender age, they can really focus on being themselves, school stuff and having fun without the boy stuff.

Regarding the notion that after all they need to learn how to be with boys since that is the real world is not that highlighted to me because of course they learn that at home and outside school.

I say this from my personal experience as well: I had always been in convents and was a good student. 9th to 12th I moved to a mainstream top school that was co-ed. I noticed the girls were very self concious. The boys dominated the class discussions. In  the convents, we girls were really boisterous, had tons of loud fun and of course we did the silly giggling and talking about boys but that was it. I feel the girls in the new school lacked confidence and were very conscious of how they appeared to the boys. They had already started playing second fiddle to the guys at this young age!

I have also heard about other top private schools in the United States being girls only from middle school because of this reason. I think there are some studies also that girls only schools lead to better confidence and leadership skills in young women.

Also, they say many top women went to girls only institutions.

If co-ed, then the schools really should be more conscious about these issues and tackle them well so that our young ladies can be confident leaders and there are limited gender stereotypes in our young folks.

I have 2 small kids—1st grader and a 3rd grader. Our school, like most Indian schools, has mostly worksheet based learning and lesser project work. They do have 2-3 and (make a chart, sometimes something practical) and of course the big Show and Tell where kids are given projects and explain that to parents and the school. But not much. I really wish they did. Am big on projects because I feel they make learning come alive etc. (more reasons later in this piece). Some thoughts and questions on the what, why, how of projects and also about how to make projects more meaningful...

 What do I mean by projects

 Things like making a chart, model, cutting and pasting pictures, scrapbook, researching on the net and writing a report, growing plants, collecting stones etc...

 Not just during Show and Tell or vacation project but ongoing small projects – part and parcel of learning along with written homework, worksheets, exams etc.

 Do any schools have a good number of projects?

 Methinks a balanced curriculum is a good idea. Concepts taught in class and discussed in class. Projects to explore more about the topic and actually experience the topic. Also worksheets for drill and other stuff...

 Wondering if any schools have a good amount of practical stuff and projects? And what kinds? Am curious.

 Do schools ever explain the why and how of projects to parents?

 I too many times wonder why this project, what is the point and how much do I need to be involved? Should I cut and draw? Should I tell them what to do? Should I correct and make it neater?...

 Most times parents, teachers and kids are confused about the point of projects and how much and what kind of parental involvement is appropriate for different projects (planning, prep and the actual doing).

 Wondering if any schools give out any handy guidelines for projects? General guidelines and per project guidelines? What do you think of this? Have been thinking of going with our school with these ideas. Thought would tap on ideas of other parents on  this.

 General guidelines: Am thinking it might be a good idea for schools that profess to be modern and conceptual to give out general guidelines on the purpose of projects to parents as well as ideas on the appropriate parental involvement. It could be per grade. For example something like “We believe that kids also learn by doing. The idea of projects is to supplement worksheets and make the experience richer. The idea is for kids to learn general things like planning, research and it will hone other skills as well and of course the actual topic. So our curriculum will also have projects. Parents are requested to be involved but not actually do or farm out all the work. The process is very important than the  end product. Be involved in brainstorming with child, but encourage them do as much as they can. They learn from talking to you but doing it themselves.....blah blah blah....”...You know what I mean...

 Per project guidelines: So give out one general guidelines and also some per project guidelines. For example for a particular project where they are supposed to fill in an outline of lungs for a second grade class. The teachers could say ---that the idea is for kids to understand that the lungs are pink in colour and spongy in texture with air inside and that they are delicate. So, with that in mind parents would be able to stress subtly on that aspect versus just getting it over with. The teachers could also say that parents can ask kids what material to use. One idea is to use sponge. The kids should be able to cut out the sponge and stick it themselves.

 So now why do I think I dig projects?

• I feel they create excitement about the topic and kids will more attracted to learn about the topic. I remember when the school asks kids to plant some seeds and do the basic experiment. How excited the kids are? Simple rites of passage for most kids but they really enjoy this.
•  Projects help the kids to explore more about a project and research it. Not possible in the limited time in the classroom. The kids can be taught to be creative with ideas.
•  The kids will understand the concept better. The whole multi sensory, tactile—learning by doing and feeling bit. I mean the lungs example I gave earlier where my daughter stuck sponge on the lungs outline. She still remembers the spongy texture of the lungs and was saying that smoking is bad.
  • My 3rd grader just finished learning about Indus Valley Civilization. A complex and lofty topic for such a small age (but that is another story..). Anyway, I did some searches on the net and found that elsewhere they made the kids make seals (the clay tablets) with playdoh. Or make a model of the house of a certain civilizaton. Draw a scene from the life of the Egypitan people...Make a chart of the way the people looked...making history so much more fun and live vs. just cramming the facts and figures.
•  The kids also retain the concepts better. Once they do it versus just cramming and writing about it. My daughter had done the life cycle of a froggie chart for her Show and Tell in 1st grade. Even though I have to admit I did most of it she did do some drawing and colouring. I am not saying that parents should do the work but that  because of the project she  still remembers the topic very well.
•  Projects also help in important skills. So much goes into a small project say like making a chart with a diagram about a topic and a few bullet points. Planning (brainstorming, selecting what to do and how to do, scheduling the work...), Research (internet research, talking to folks, visiting places...), Prep work (getting materials ready) and of course the actual doing (cutting, pasting, drawing, writing, how much space to draw and how much to write in, making...).
  • I feel involving them in brainstorming and planning is also a great learning experience. Helps them become independent and more efficient in projects. They learn so much by discussing and coming up with their ideas encourages creativity and self esteem.

 Redoing okay? How much involvement?

 I also wonder about how much to be involved? Should we redo their work? I know the right answer is no. But that is a big change for us all in India. In the real world and until we all get fully immersed in the project culture and the process-is-important mentality, how do we tackle this?  For example let us take this situation:

What if  the chart is for Show and Tell and they make something untidy even if they try their best. They will feel bad if their stuff does not look as good. So if I just pretty it up and explain why I did that (that their work was great but since other kids etc...) then is it acceptable? Perhaps I can tell them to let their teacher know that mom did some finishing touches so that they are encouraged to be truthful...What do you think?

 I know projects demand my time and attention as well but worth it.

 I used to grumble but now am realizing the learning experience that projects offer. It is also a way that can help the little ones learn the way I do things—breaking things down and learn from them as well. A good mix of learning from me and using their own minds.

 Have started having fun myself exploring things with them...

 Btw, what do you think about projects?

Are they useful or too much work? Also, any other ways that we can all (schools, parents, kids) enhance the project learning experience?

And now it is time start all over again with my first grader. They just started with 2 and 3s and now have moved on to 5s. It never ends! You finish with one and then start it again with the second since they are just 2 years apart. Thank god I have just 2 brats.

It happened the same with phonics. I thought I was done with making her read the phonics readers. I barely had time to pat my back and then it was time to go through the drill again with the little one.

Of course, the little ones learn faster and actually you have the material and process set for them. And yes, you do not really care that much...but still...

And it is going to be the same with lot of other topics--from learning about time to learning about the Indus Valley Civilization. It does get easier and I will be an expert at this. Yeah, expertise in first grade and 3 grade stuff. Something is better than nothing. ;-)

Maybe our hands will evolve in the same part as our tail (thousands of years ago) that became vestigial and will not be writing any more???

Check out this BBC artilce about the Slow Death of Handwriting.

So what do you think?? Do you think handwriting will die out? What does it mean for our kids? How important is to stress on good handwriting?

In my kids school, they stress a lot on cursive writing especially till the 1st standard and many a times that have thought about this. I have never made the kids do those cursive writing workbooks at home. Whatever they learnt, was in school. In fact many times have told myself not to stress on their writing because as they grow they will be typing more and more.

But that said, recently have noticed some reasons why I think kids should write well. Have noticed, that when they write clearly and well, it translates into more excellence and few mistakes in their work. For example, many times if my daughter does not write clearly in Math sums, she misreads and makes many silly mistakes. So have realized that it is important to write clearly and well. My first grader son's handwriting (most of the time) is very neat and pretty and yes it does feel good to see it.

Recently, my third grader who was writing in cursive till 2nd grade is now writing sort of in print. I do remind her regularly to go back to cursive but am not stressing over it. Need to pick my big battles.

So, what do I think about handwriting for kids? I feel that for the next couple of generations handwriting is definitely around especially for little kids. So it is a good idea to teach good handwriting and the pride in good handwriting am not going to stress too much over it.  I look at handwriting more as a means to an end and not an end by itself.

Wondering what thoughts others have about this?

No 10th class boards. No stress and pressure and hoping kids can do more meaningful learning.

Thoughts?

Recently our family got exposed to the wonderful (I say) or slightly wicked (my husband says) world of “competitive” tests like the IAIS, Olympiad etc. and wanted to share our learnings and get some more insights, tips and gyan from fellow parents. Many of the websites have sample test questions that you can expose your kids to. Btw, most of these tests prefer calling themselves diagnostic tests because they help parents and schools better understand how the kids apply knowledge and their skills and development process.

Our journey so far

Being the liberal non-pushy parent, wasn’t going to take these tests as seriously but when I took a look at their sample questions of the 3rd grade IAIS test, I was very impressed with the way they encouraged thinking, problem–solving, reasoning, conceptual understanding versus the current rote based learning. I still find many questions tough since it is a different way of thinking. For example, say in the Science test, all the facts and data are given, but it is how you reason, think, interpret the data and come to conclusions. Amazing. Very impressive.

Then, I came across other parents who were ordering the sample test papers. So some of us parents teamed up and bought the papers and made copies. Our daughter was not able to complete all the practice tests at home. But we plan to do them the year around. Great way to introduce conceptual (alternative, lateral) thinking that is lacking in the current curriculum and the teaching methods. Oh and she loves doing them. Initially, we were lost. But I sat with her with all the questions, even the ones she got right, and slowly we understood the pattern and are getting better and enjoying.

Our third grader took the IAIS test in Bangalore through her school. In fact from grades 3-5, this test is compulsory this year for all the students. The school also gave a schedule of other tests they offered this year like the Olympiad and NTSE.

What is common about these tests?

• They stress on application of knowledge rather than knowledge per se.
• Focus on reasoning, thinking, interpretation of data.
• Standardised tests.
• Objective, multiple choice
• Offered in different subjects depending on the test (English, Math, Science, Computers.
• Schools offer different tests. Some offer IAIS and some ASSET. Some kids enroll individually for these tests if the school does not offer them
• These tests are made appropriate for the Indian context to some extent Many of these tests provide schools diagnostics and metrics about how students did in general and how to improve.

IAIS (International Assessment for Indian Schools)

• AKA (also known as) Macmillan or University of South of Wales, Australia Test
• http://iais.emacmillan.com/
• Dates: Aug 28, 29 2009
• Subjects English, Computer Science, Math, Science
• Classes 3-12
• One of the toughest tests in the spectrum

 Asset testing

• ASSESSMENT OF SCHOLASTIC SKILLS THROUGH EDUCATIONAL TESTING (ASSET)
• http://www.ei-india.com/about-asset/how-do-i-prepare-for-asset/
•  
• Core Subjects: English, Maths and Science
• Optional Subjects: Social Studies and Hindi
• Based on the Indian curriculum (CBSE, ICSE and state boards)
• Detailed Skill-wise feedback with customized letter for every student
• Conducted in the school during school hours
• Schools choose to take the test in Summer (July-August) or Winter (December)
• Similar to IAIS. But supposed to be slightly easier.

Olympiads

• http://www.silverzone.org/
• Grade 1-12
• Around Oct 6th
• Our school offers only the Informatics Olympiad (computers + general reasoning).
• But they offer Informatics, Science, English and Mathematics.
• Relatively easy compared to IAIS.
• Any other information??
• Offered in most traditional Indian schools. CBSE schools.

NTSE exam (National Talent Science Exam by Unified Council)

• http://www.unifiedcouncil.com/what_is_nstse.aspx
• Grades 2-12
• Our school is taking on Jan 31, 2010
• Again offered by most traditional schools
• Devised by the Unified council (academic experts from different fields in India and abroad).
• In the 2nd and 3rd grade, they are on science and mathematics. Later more specialized subjects like chemistry, biology, physics, General Knowledge are offered.
• Traditionally, supposed to be good  foundation for other tests offered after school: Exams like IIT-JEE, AIEEE, AFMC, AIIMS, GRE, GMAT, CAT etc.

Some other popular tests out of India:

(Not meant for Indians but can be used as practice tests for our kids)

STAR Test in California

• Through friends, have also got exposed to the STAR test offered by the California state in the U.S.
• Grade 2-12
• You can check out the sample questions at http://www.thesmartbean.com/category/library/library-assessment-tests/library-assessment-california/?r_sortby=highest_rated&r_orderby=desc
• Good practice.
• Relatively simple (me thinks).

MCAS in Masschsetts

• http://www.doe.mass.edu/

Other tests? Please share...

What do you think?

 What do you all think about these competitive tests or diagnostic tests for young kids—1st to grades 5?

 Do you know they can harm, why do them, or help?

So far my thinking is that to some extent they can help expose your child and you to different approach to learning and thinking (lacking in the traditional set-up). Also prepare for the future real-world. We also use the sample tests in lieu of academic practice workbooks. As long as they do not hinder any original thinking and enthusiasm the kids have.

What say you folks? Also, other tips, information, other fun practice sample tests that you know of. Please share the wealth... ;-)

The kids would really enjoy having the baby Krishna swing, baby Krishna footsteps.

Any good ideas on how to whip this up fast??? Can also make it after. Better late than never.

My daughter just took out her Stories of Krishna Amar Chitra Katha. Thank goodness for books.

The kids were quite amused by all the buzz about this and talked a lot about it with their pals as well. Even our 6 year old.

Would love to show more pictures from "real" folks to my budding wannabe astronomers. :-)

(Btw, here is how you can attach pictures to your blog)

Oh No. We love Crocs. My kids live in them. The frugalista that I can be sometimes, I have to admit that my kids do not even possess any other shoes other than their sneakers. They wear even to parties. Easy to slip on and practical. And we recently discovered economical knock-offs at the Lifestyle store in Bangalore that work well. Ooops...

Some time back had listed them as my favorite kiddie products in this blog

I live in their flip-flops. I do not do knock offs. That stuff is for the kids. ;-)

 All the good karma to the Crocs company!!

Looking for book suggestions for my 2 voracious readers. My boy is in the first grade and the girl is in the third grade.

To share ours...

* The first grader just got hooked to reading Cam Jensen's, June B. Jones and also the Usborn Young Reading books (many even have classics like Ulysses, Sindbad, Treasure Island...). Any other books that your kids just love?

* The third grader is big into Bailey School kids these days. I think has just a few books left in the series to read. She also digs the Captain Underpants series. It does have slight "potty humour" but am totally fine with it after I see her laughing and i think pretty harmless.

Am looking for age appropriate version of classics for her. Any ideas? She loves to read her brother's Usborne books though, even though real easy for her, am fine with it.

Thank goodness for the school library and the Hippocampus library that we go to otherwise would be khalaas. ;-)

Some of my thoughts...

Schools having kids talk about their ideas, projects to the class. I mean it is not just having a class on Drama, poetry recitation and debating clubs but encouraging writing, talking and presenting ideas in all subjects. Not just having them do a project but having them talk about their project to the class, fielding questions from the class etc. More Show and Tells in early classes.

Parents and schools working together at building self-esteem and confidence in children. Not harping on what they do not know but what they know.

Focus on good writing early on and not just regurgitating facts.

I also heard that in my kids’ school, they will have Powerpoint in the 4th grade. How cool! Very soon these little ones will be giving us preso fundas.

I know they do that quite a bit my kid’s school. I feel that these youngsters are very confident. Actually even my quiet shy daughter, is very comfortable on the stage in her “quietly confident” manner—you know what I mean...

Thoughts???
 

I have been thinking about getting tickets for Ice Age 3 for the kids this Sunday and lo and behold I find an email from Common Sense Media in my inbox giving details about the movie. Thought would share.

 Btw, Common Sense Media is a cool site that helps parents make decisions about appropriate media (TV, computers, internet, movies etc.) for kids of different ages. do check it out.

Here is what is says about Ice Age 3 or Ice Age--Dawn of the Dinosaurs.

So enjoy the movie!

A lot happening this weekend. So let us see if we actually land up taking the kids for the movie. DH wanted to see the new Star Trek. But it sounds like it has left Bangalore. Finger's crossed.

To support this certain changes in ways schools work: replacing grades with marks, semester system, continuous assessment, an independent accredition organization to accredit/certify schools...

The idea they say is to bring "the joy back to childhood"...to focus on the learning, the process vs. cramming for exams. Also to avoid educational malpractices (papers leaking out, capitation fees etc.)

Of course, lot of political, logistical and educational reform "stuff" needs to happen to make this successful.

1) Wondering what parents thought? Good idea? Bad idea?

2) How can this work well? What steps?

My personal feel is that it is good. :-) It will take focus off from exams and more towards learning and also other activities and sports. But to make it successful many steps will need to be taken to change education in schools, the mindset, teacher training etc.

On a lighter note, there will be a vaccuum--we are all so exam oriented. I know so many working moms take off from work for the all important 10-12 class boards, the tutors, the training institutes. Of course, we competitive Indian parents will channelise energies towards the other entrance exams or something else...

Thoughts???

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Scrap-Class-10-board-exams-Kapil-Sibal/articleshow/4700236.cms