Author: aischool_wgs6r0

Restful sleep is essential to human survival, just as important as food, water and air. It is during those precious night hours that our bodies and minds refresh and rejuvenate to keep us optimally productive for the rest of the day. While the amount of sleep required varies across age groups and individual circumstances, teenagers and adults generally need between eight to ten hours each night. On an average, most people – regardless of age – are getting much less than this amount, what with increasingly busy schedules and habitual use of umpteen backlit devices such as smart phones, tablets and computers. So how can you ensure that the sleep that you DO get is deeply restful and restorative? Here are five tips worth trying, no matter what your age or circumstances: 

Make the bedroom a distraction free zone 

You’ve probably heard it before and you’ll definitely hear it again from all kinds of experts, but gadgets such as televisions, computers and smart phones significantly interfere with restful sleep. As far as possible, avoid having such devices in the bedroom altogether, but if you must, then switch them OFF at least an hour before turning in. The blue light from backlit screens delays the onset of sleep so it is essential to steer clear of screen-time just before bed. If you are disciplined enough to keep cell phones out of the bedroom, use a regular old fashioned alarm clock to wake you up! Try minimising device usage before bedtime for a couple of weeks and you will notice the difference in the quality of sleep you get. It is also important to set up a calming atmosphere in the bedroom by keeping it clean and clutter-free. Opt for light shades of paint and decor whenever possible as these soothe the mind and are conducive to rest and relaxation.

Establish a wind-down routine

A great way to set yourself up for a good night’s sleep is to allow your mind and body some time to wind down from the busyness of the day. Maybe switching off your devices for the day can mark the beginning of your wind-down routine. Some relaxing things that could be part of this routine include a warm shower, some gentle yoga or meditation, reading or journal writing, and aromatherapy with a calming essential oil or scented candle of your choice. Customise your routine according to what works best for you but try to stick to a particular sequence of events every night as this will gradually train  your brain to get into ‘sleep mode’ even before you hit the bed. 

Get in sync with natural circadian rhythms 

Our bodies are naturally attuned to sleeping and waking according to the cycles of night and day. Enhance the sleep you get by making sure your bedroom is completely dark. If needed, use dark curtains to block out external light or wear a light and comfortable eye mask. Similarly, immediately upon waking up, get as much natural light as possible. You can also turn on indoor lights to jumpstart your brain into ‘awake mode’. 

Watch your food and drink 

Food and drink taken before bedtime significantly impacts the quality of sleep. Make sure you eat at least two or three hours before bedtime to give your stomach enough time to digest the food. If you must eat right before bed, dieticians Catherine Christie and Susan Mitchell in their book Smart Cookies Don’t Get Stale recommend consuming high-carb snacks that work to make you warm and sleepy. These include cereal, fresh fruit, dried fruit, fruit juice or toast with jam. In addition, herbal teas are great aids for a good night’s sleep. Try chamomile or lavender tea to relax before turning in. 

Get professional help 

If sleep evades you no matter what you try, it’s important to see a doctor or therapist to resolve underlying physiological or psychological issues. Certain medications can interfere with sleep, as can chronic stress or worry. Long term sleep disturbances and deprivation can lead to many more serious problems so it’s important to proactively deal with any issues and establish healthy sleep patterns for a balanced and happy life.

In the fast-paced, technology-infused, constantly evolving world we occupy today, stress is almost unavoidable. So much so that even young children can be commonly heard using phrases such as “I feel stressed,” “I am depressed,” “life is difficult,” etc. This casual use of language points to the worrisome rise in mental health issues among young people as they grapple with multiple stressors and performance pressure in all aspects of life. 

Considering the competition and rapid change that is  characteristic of the 21st century, perhaps stress itself cannot be completely alleviated from children’s lives.  But here are some ways in which we as parents, teachers and guardians can support young people in order to minimise their risks of stress-induced mental health problems: 

Build strong, supportive bonds 

Healthy relationships are the most important pillars of support for young people. In our increasingly busy lives, it is essential to carve out quality time that we dedicate to our children so as to help them feel safe and cared for. Make it a point to have at least one meal together everyday, go on weekend outings and excursions or just spend quiet time together whenever possible. Be sure to keep away from smartphones and other screens when spending time together. Why not go old school and indulge in fun activities like puzzles, card games, board games, art and craft and more? Quality time together is key to fostering meaningful and fulfilling relationships that are so essential to a child’s psychological wellbeing. 

Listen and pay attention 

It is not enough to simply spend time with children. True communication is a lot about listening and ensuring that children feel heard and listened to. This ensures that when they are faced with stressful situations and problems of any kind, they will open up and share their feelings with you. Do remember that it’s ok for children and youth to feel sad or angry. Encourage them to talk about how they feel, and keep conversation flowing by asking meaningful questions. However, in a case where your child does not feel comfortable talking to you, help him/her find someone that they can speak to so as to get them timely help if and when needed. 

Be a mindful parent 

Young people both consciously and unconsciously pick up habits, patterns and language from the people around them. That’s why it pays to be more mindful of how we speak and and behave around children in particular. When children see their parents respond negatively to stress of any kind, they learn how to do the same and acquire detrimental thought patterns. So make a conscious effort to cultivate positivity in your thoughts, attitudes and life as a whole. Be careful about discussing serious family issues—such as finances, marital problems, or illness—around your children. Children can worry about these things. At the same time, be a role model by taking care of your own mental health: Talkabout your feelings and make time for things you enjoy. Teach your children how to relax when they feel upset. This could be through deep breathing, going for a walk, or spending some time alone. 

Provide unconditional love and acceptance 

Every child needs love and acceptance from the people around them, especially their parents. When your child shares their innermost feelings and experiences with you, be patient and understanding. Reserve judgements and make it a point to respond with empathy. Even when a child needs reprimanding, there is always a way to do it in a nurturing way that reinforcesa message of love and acceptance to the child. When a child feels loved, it builds their self esteem and enables them to feel good about themselves which is key to avoiding mental health issues or dealing with them in a timely manner. 

Cultivate respect and trust 

It is essential to treat children as individuals and respect their unique needs and opinions. Remember that it’s not always necessary for children to see things from your point of view. When a problem situation arises, show your children some respect by considering their thoughts and ideas about it. Talk about possible solutions to improve a situation and try not to take over as the chief problem solver. Moreover, as a general rule, help children set realistic goals for themselves and praise them when they do well. Recognise their efforts as well as what they achieve. In day-to-day affairs, ask for their opinions about issues at hand and value these. This creates a bond of mutual trust and respect which gives children confidence in their capabilities. This promotes sound psychological health and creates a healthy environment for young minds to blossom in. 

One of the new initiatives at AIS this academic year is the makerspace, currently available to students of grades 5-7. The purpose of the makerspace is to encourage students to unleash their curiosity and give free reign to their creativity. They are guided to design and make things in order to bring ideas to life and grow into skilled problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow. Here are some of the benefits that students get from spending time in the makerspace every week:

Making inspires innovation 

The lateSteve Jobs famously said “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” At the crux of innovation is freedom to experiment and of course fail. Having the time and space to try out ideas and tinker with different materials helps children gain confidence in their abilities and become better problem solvers.  In the makerspace. students are no longer passive consumers of information or knowledge, but rather active creators and innovators. Working independently on projects that are meaningful to them helps young learners take charge, think on their feet, and be responsible for their own learning. The final product or result is not nearly as significant as the process of making and tinkering that sparks useful mental connections and shapes the thought process and vision of young people. This empowers them to step out into the real world as thinking, enterprising innovators

Making sparks a brain boost 

Research by psychologists Robert and Michele Root Bernstein has shown that activities involving use of the hands sparks a brain boost that bolsters skills such as observing, visual thinking, and pattern recognition.
A large part of the brain’s somatosensory cortex is connected to the hands, so activities that engage the hands expand the intellect. In fact, many prominent scientists including Einstein indulged in hobbies connected to the hands. Therefore, working in the maker space helps engage and stimulate the brain to help young learners acquire skills such as trial-and-error problem solving, perseverance and grit.

Making fosters independence

While in a classroom setting, students are often dependent upon the teacher to further their learning but in the makerspace, the processes of ideation, tinkering, experimenting with new ideas, making modifications and striving for success help young people become self reliant and intrinsically motivated learners. This is an invaluable trait to have in the 21st century world where professional setups require independent thinkers who can

Making builds resilience

Learning to deal with failure is one of the most valuable life lessons that regular schooling often does not impart. Makerspace serves to teach students that failure is but an integral part of the learning process. It should not be considered the end result or lead to quitting . The makerspace is a place where learners can learn from their mistakes and debacles without it affecting their grades or academic performance. This equips them for future success. 

Making encourages resourcefulness

An oft overlooked benefit of making is that by repurposing what’s readily available, we conjure a sense of resourcefulness, creativity, and empowerment. Psychologist Rollo May has defined creativity as the process of combining old elements to bring something new into being. In the makerspace, students can utilise waste materials like broken objects, material fragments, abandoned toys, etc. to create something meaningful or utilitarian. This imbibes a mindset of making he most of resources and thinking in creative ways to turn junk into treasure. 

Ahmedabad International School is hosting the second edition of the Ahmedabad International Model United Nations on 18-19 August, 2017, as part of Kairos, the annual fest organised by students of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. To register and participate, fill in the simple application form at 

Model United Nations is an extracurricular activity that has gained increasing popularity in recent years. It’s a simulated United Nations conference in which students represent various countries and debate resolutions in an attempt to solve pressing world problems.

Apart from the fun aspect of dressing up and pretending to be global leaders, there are several reasons why MUN is such a revered extracurricular the world over. It’s an enriching experience for every participant and here are the top five reasons any high schooler shouldn’t miss a chance to participate:

Extend Your Learning 

Model United Nations serves as the perfect platform for students to learn about the world and think critically about real problems. Through research and discussion, students present possible diplomatic solutions to complex issues such as the rising threat of nuclear warfare, escalating climate change, conflict in the Middler East and many more. Students gain an understanding of how problems taking place in other countries impact their own communities and the world as a whole. At the same time, the formal setting of the conference allows participants to understand how existing international bodies work, and how respect and cooperation are the fundamentals of debate and diplomacy. 

Build Confidence Through Public Speaking 

MUN supports young people’s personal growth through allowing delegates to practice their public speaking skills in a safe and structured environment. This bolsters confidence and helps students become more articulate speakers and debaters. In addition to this, MUN also teaches crucial teamwork and organisational skills. Running a conference is often like running a small business that involves finding “customers” (delegates), developing a “product” (the conference), and managing people. 

Learn to Lead 

For frequent participants of the conference, the chance to chair debates or serve in positions such as Secretary General or Director General are all invaluable opportunities in leadership. The debate requires different people to fill different roles and students who get a chance to lead can pick up valuable lifelong lessons about building professional relationships and effectively managing teams. 

Network and Make Friends 

One of the most fun aspects of MUN is interacting with students from other schools and cities. Not only is this a great way to gain richer perspectives but it enables students to practice the crucial professional skills of networking, lobbying and negotiating. This can often spark lasting friendships and teaches young people how to build and sustain connections in the world. Great preparation for an increasingly connected globalised world! 

Looks Good On Your Resume 

With all the skills that Model UN helps develop, there’s no doubt that it’s a valuable addition to every high schooler’s resume and college application. Admissions committees  at top universities and colleges around the world are always looking for enterprising and informed young people who can add value to their student communities. MUN participants often have just the skill-set that these committees are looking for! Moreover, conference experiences and lessons learned provide great material for personal essays and interviews that are a significant part of the admission process. 

“Growth mindset” is a term coined by Stanford Psychology professor, Dr. Carol Dweck. It refers to an attitude wherein individuals realize that natural talent or intelligence is only a starting point, a baseline from which real progress begins. These people know that anyone can learn or do nearly anything through dedication and work. Such an outlook fosters personal responsibility and self-empowerment which kindles passion for learning and resilience in the face of failure. 

In contrast, a “fixed mindset” is wherein individuals tend to think that their abilities and qualities are simply static and unchanging traits — things that one is either born with or is not. Such an outlook limits potential and growth, making people more likely to resign in the face of mistakes or failure. 

It is easy to see why a growth mindset is essential for success in the 21st century world – it builds self-confidence and ensures that one keeps trying and does not give up on achieving their goals. 

Both teachers and parents play a crucial role in helping young people develop a growth mindset and believe in their unique individual abilities to succeed. Here are some useful strategies to adopt: 

Set an example 

A sure shot way for children to acquire a growth mindset is through seeing adults around them have the same approach. Developing a growth mindset is often difficult for adults because it’s hard to change thought patterns that you’ve used for years, but you can start by becoming conscious of self-defeating, fixed-mindset thinking. Some examples of this include an overemphasis on perfection, a commitment to being happy and comfortable at all times, a desire to please everyone, or a fear of failure. Then, work toward overcoming the self-defeating thoughts, making an effort to strive for progress rather than perfection on a day-to-day basis. When you receive criticism, for instance, don’t get defensive. Instead, think about the ways you can put feedback into practice the next time. A fixed mindset may be a sort of default setting for humans, and moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset cannot happen overnight.

Rethink how you praise your child 

Many of the compliments we give children tend to reinforce the idea that “natural” intelligence and ability are in some way static and unchangeable. For instance, telling children that they are smart or talented suggests to kids that their own hard work didn’t help them do well, and that their intrinsic abilities matter more than the effort they put into a project or a problem.

In the long term, this may cause children to shy away from challenges due to fear of failure, or even quit when they hit a small snag in a plan.

instead, when praising children, focus on the value of the learning process, on kids’ strategies, and on the ways in which both of these things contribute to positive as well as negative outcomes. Effective phrases include “Wow, you really worked hard on that, and look how you’ve improved,” or, “See, this time you studied more and your grade on this test is higher.” 

At the same time, according to research, using language that emphasises on possibilities encourages the growth mindset. For instance, adding the word “yet” to a despairing sentence like “I can’t,” changes its meaning and opens doors for growth and opportunity, implying that with the right time and effort, anything is achievable. 

Embrace mistakes, do not fear failure 

Children largely learn through the process of trial and error, be it on a small scale (like using a washing machine) or a large one (like creating a complex science project). Every mistake is an opportunity to improve, and learning to master a task eventually leads to autonomy, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride in children. This process leads to curiosity, independence, and persistence.

Therefore, it is crucial that parents and teachers treat mistakes as opportunities for learning and allow children to experiment before coming up with a solution to a problem. Be careful not to focus too closely on the desired outcome; instead, follow curiosity from possibility to possibility, in search of answers and opportunities to learn.

Since the 1970s, multiple psychologists and educational theorists have offered differing theories about various kinds of learning styles, that is, the unique ways in which individuals learn best, not only in the classroom but also in routine everyday life. 

While the concept of learning styles is widely contested, it is still a significant factor to consider in order to enhance the educational experience. The most common classification of learning styles is based on Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences.

Gardner defined seven main types of learning styles which are described below. Two or more styles may overlap within a single individual which broadens the possibilities of how he/she can learn best. 

Visual (spatial)

Visual learners can relate better to pictures, images and spatial understanding. They are the kind of people to whom the popular idiom of “a picture is worth a thousand words” holds unequivocally true. They are good at reading maps and graphics so can better comprehend information that is presented in such visual forms.

Aural (auditory-musical)

These kinds of learners prefer to learn through sounds and music. They perform well in traditional lecture-driven classroom setups.  They can better retain information by speaking it out loud or recording and hearing it back. They are good at keeping up with verbal instructions and enjoy expressing through drama and music. 

Verbal (linguistic)

Verbal learners find it easy to express themselves, both in writing and speaking. They best absorb information through reading and can easily pick up and use new words. Rhymes, limericks, mnemonics and the like are all effective tools to enhance learning for verbal learners. Verbal learners are  most often adept communicators and good at learning foreign languages too. 

Physical (kinaesthetic) 

These are the individuals who cannot sit in one place and learn. They require movement and hands-on activity to acquire and retain information. 

Physical learners are more sensitive to the physical world around them. For instance, they notice and appreciate textures and like using their hands to make models or work out jigsaws. They can learn best through use of manipulative and various play activities. 

Logical (mathematical) 

Logical learners are adept at solving math problems, abstracting visual information and analysing cause and effect relationships. They are drawn to logic puzzles and games. They are also natural tinkerers and builders who enjoy bringing mathematical and conceptual ideas into reality via hands-on projects such as computer assisted design, creating electronic devices, using computer applications, or programming computers.

Social (interpersonal) 

Social learners enjoy interaction with others and do well in group settings. They communicate well and heighten their learning by sharing thoughts and ideas with others.  They are best taught through group activities, seminars, and dialogues. 

Solitary (intraprsonal) 

These learners prefer to work alone and use self-study. they are typically introspective and need to work through their thoughts on their own in order to process and reflect upon their learning. They are the most independent kind of learners and have good self-awareness. They work best with tools such as books and journals. 

One of the highlights of the new academic year at Ahmedabad International School is the Makerspace, an initiative aimed at allowing students to explore and express their creativity. It is an innate human desire to give form to ideas through making things using our hands. This process in turn fuels engagement, creativity and curiosity, qualities that are essential for real-world problem solving. 

The Makerspace is a dedicated place where students are free to ideate, experiment, tinker, collaborate with each other, and reflect upon their creations in order to make improvements. While the space is open to the entire school community, there are regular weekly sessions for grades 6-8. Each session begins with a brief introduction to the concept or problem being studied, after which students split into pairs and work on an appropriate project. While each grade is periodically set different challenges and problems to solve, students also have the liberty to work on independent projects. Below is a slideshow of a handful of moments from the Makerspace so far. 

Remember to follow this blog and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for more updates coming soon. 

There are many ways in which the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme stands out as a top educational qualification the world over. It equips students with a unique blend of knowledge, skills and competencies that are especially essential for success in the dynamic 21st century world we live in. The IBDP lays a solid foundation for higher studies and the world of employment and entrepreneurship that lies beyond. Here’s how: 

The IBDP increases academic opportunity 

According to research conducted by the International Baccalaureate organisation, graduates of the Diploma programme are more likely to be enrolled at leading higher education institutes around the world as compared to students holding other qualifications. The transdisciplinary, skills-centric approach of the IBDP equips students with the academic calibre and mindset to persevere and achieve excellence in the pursuit of their goals. 

IB students care about more than just results 

Through the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) component of the IBDP, students gain exposure to the world and extend their learning far beyond the confines of the classroom. This allows them to grow as individuals, emotionally and ethically. IBDP graduates value the learning process over end results. They demonstrate the skills and sensitivity to reflect upon their efforts so as to make improvements where required and make a true and valuable contribution to every group or community they belong to. 

It creates confident and independent learners 

In addition to participating effectively in group situations, IBDP graduates are lifelong learners who enjoy discovering new things and taking up challenges. The Extended Essay component of the programme requires students to conduct in-depth research which is a key skill required for success in advanced courses at university and beyond. The substantive work load of the programme also ensures that students develop good time management and study habits so as to be ready for success in the competitive 21st century world. 

The IBDP is an international qualification 

The IBDP is a top educational qualification recognised by institutes of higher education and employers the world over. Moreover, the programme imparts an international mindset that shapes graduates into global citizens who can interact effectively with diverse people. The IB experience teaches young people to analyse and evaluate issues, generate ideas and consider new perspectives. 

It encourages breadth and depth of learning 

Students choose to study a variety of subjects from six different groups namely, Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts. Each subject can be studied at different levels and Theory of Knowledge classes allows students to form connections between subjects This allows for both breadth and depth of learning while providing all-round academic and intellectual growth. Moreover, the assessment process ensures that students gain a thorough understanding of the subjects they study as opposed to simply memorising facts or topics. 

Back in May, a handful of our IBDP graduates made short videos to celebrate College Signing Day.  Watch two of them below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qWLzBGbIU0
Second

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4GWRLOybdY

Both history and popular culture bear witness to the power of journals, whether it’s classic books such as The Diary of Anne Frank or fictional accounts like the immensely popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid, there is something uniquely engaging and inspiring about personal journals. In it’s simplest form, journaling involves keeping a written daily record of your observations and experiences. Even though your day to day life may not seem particularly significant to write about, keeping a diary can have many benefits. Here are five of the best ones: 

Achieve Your Goals 

Writing down your dreams and ambitions is the first step toward realising them. The process of reflecting upon your goals and breaking them down into smaller targets on paper, serves to encourage the brain to take relevant action whenever possible. Journaling also helps you keep track of your progress and can act like a psychological blueprint, increasing your chances of achieving the goals you think and write about. 

Improve Memory and Comprehension 

Keeping a journal is an excellent way to help you improve your ability to recall events and data. What you record in your journal is entirely personal, but you may find it helpful to focus on writing down anything that you would like to be able to recall several years from now. This may include your impressions of places you visit, special experiences that only come around once in a lifetime, your thoughts about world events, etc. The relationship between the brain and the hand is such that the physical act of writing out letters and words sparks connections in the brain and spurs cognitive recall, hence strengthening memory and comprehension. 

Boost Your IQ

According to a report by the University of Victoria, vocabulary is one of the best single measures of overall intelligence as measured by intelligence tests. As journaling is an exploration of language, it inspires the natural urge to search for new words and increase your vocabulary. Over a long period of time, a regular writing practice can therefore boost intelligence. “Writing as part of language learning has a positive correlation with intelligence,” the report further states. 

Increase Emotional Intelligence 

Just as important as IQ, Emotional Intelligence is the ability to perceive and manage your emotions, and that of others. Since journaling is an outlet for processing our feelings and experiences, it works to substantially increase self-awareness. Writing about our life helps us notice any limiting beliefs and negative patterns we unconsciously engage in. This can help us break through emotional and psychological blocks to become more balanced and happy individuals. Moreover, increasing familiarity with ourselves helps us better intuit and understand what others are experiencing. The ability to empathise with someone is a mark of emotional intelligence, and allows us to form deeper, more meaningful relationships. 

Cultivate Mindfulness 

Mindfulness or being in the present moment helps combat stress and frustration. Research has shown a strong connection between happiness and mindfulness as focussing on the present moment helps us notice the little things that are often taken for granted. Journaling is a mindful activity  Journaling brings you into a state of mindfulness as writing calls a wandering mind to attention. It involves actively engaging with your thoughts which makes past frustrations and future anxieties lose their edge in the present moment.  A particularly effective way of mindful journaling is writing about the things, situations or people that you are grateful for in your life. Taking the time to really notice the positive things that surround us is the simplest and most effective way of cultivating a sense of  joy and peace t in life.

School is back in session and with it comes the struggle of settling into a busy routine. Here are some useful hacks that you should try this year to better handle  the different aspects of school life. 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

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