EVENTS OF NOVEMBER 2009
This month is just enjoying the heavy monsoon rainfall. For a week we are unable to see the sun. Though we have planned to give holidays parents have protested that they cannot hold the children in the house.
Ms.Balambikai will be joining with us in December. She will be undergoing total observation in our school. She will be presenting her own syllabus based on Vedic studies to implement perfect spirituality in our school. Teachers will be trained for spoken English by her.She will be working for SriSakthi foundation to maintain and check the annual accounts, various web sights and she will be wrting articles about hertiage, culture, arts and Montessori education.
We have asked our staff members to list out one example per day for the sakthy lessons. After a month we will be seeing that.
December 28th Monday will be our second annual day. Few of our children will be doing various presentations before the parents. Mr.Marrappan Ganesh will be our chief guest. We will talk about him later.
Master Saravanan is being observed for his serious attitude issues by HOC. The child is being confused between the parental care and school. Parents were called for meetings. They were helpless.
7.11.09 – Arunpandi is a child in our HOC with few speaking and hearing problems. We have listed out our observations and asked the parents to have a thorough check up with an ENT specialist.
11.11.09 – School auto will be taking 2 turns to bring the children. The numbers of children are high and it is very unsafe. Letters were given regarding the auto timing and routes.
3 MORE YEARS
Our house owner has accepted to give the house to run the school for 3 more years from 2011. We thank all our staff and helpers for maintaining this house well.
Few more children got admitted in the second week. But there are many absentees because of fever and cold.
13.11.09- Pandit Nehruji’s birthday has been celebrated as CHILDREN’S DAY. Today sweets were prepared by Usha amma and Mani’s mother has them to the children. Teachers gave a simple talk about Nehru and sang few songs about India.
19.11.09- HOC HAS SET FOR NATURE WALK.
NEW SCHOOL NEAR OUR SCHOOL.- One of the villager has opened a new preprimary school just adjacent to our school. Our staff members have felt bad and scared about it. But we not worry about any new school because we are serving the village children and not expecting the high fees from them. But if we are going to depend upon the fees structure then we need to worry. But Dr.Pradheepkumar addressed that we need to improve the quality of English especially in the spoken area. He has also reinitiated the online spoken English session to our staff members. Mrs.Balambika will be continuing the sessions after a week.
Dr.Pradheepkumar has visited India from 22.11.09 to 13.12.09. He had a visit to Sabarimala with his Guru and many others. Dr.Madeswaran has also made the trip but not by long walking.
28.11.09- Dr.Madeswaran had meeting in HOC with the teachers. He has spoken very firmly about the working pattern to the helpers who are still not showing true dedication. Annual day agenda got framed and teachers will be conducting the whole festival. Reports were edited and teachers will be doing the fair work. Academics will be entered after second week of December.
Now we have 28 children in our school and many of them are below 2.5 years old and in this December holidays special workshop will be given to our teachers regarding this age development.
We also feel happy that the parents are paying the fees with certain regularity.
We are just aheading towards the third year and waiting for the annual day.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
EVENTS OF OCTOBER 2009
EVENTS OF OCTOBER 2009
2.10.09 – GANTHI JAYANTHI.
Today HOC has celebrated Gandhiji’s 140th birthday with simple but sensible way. Children and staff honored him with flowers and lighted the lamps of freedom and nonvilonce. Miss.Menaka delived the speech about Gandhji and Montessori especially about their meeting message in London in 1937.
Then Madurai Seeds trust members arrived and took part in the celebration. Mr.Karthik Bharathy gave away the prizes for 23 children from various schools who won prizes in Navarathry competitions.
After that the trust presented a beautiful joyful cultural program in our school. This is the first time others are involved with our celebrations. But it is very bad that only 4 parents of our school have participated.
From Monday HOC will be celebrating Deepawali festival legends along with regular learning activities.
The legend of Goddess Annapoorani regarding Deepawali which talks about abusing food by young children was narrated daily by the staff. On 15.10.09 HOC celebrated the Deepawali festival with sweets and lights. Greetings cards with Montessori saying regarding culture and traditions were distributed. By after noon every body left to their home.
Srisakthi foundation wishes every one in the school with Deepawali greetings!
The days are running asusual with various presentations. Nature walk, real object presentations, dramas, arts and various other activities are happening.
NEW CHILD: We are happy in welcoming Divya a 3 year old child to our HOC.
23.10.09 – Dr.Madeswaran has observed the HOC to asses the quality of language learning through Montessori system. From 2.5 years we are exposing to the language and mathematics materials. Today we observed each child’s learning process. It is very happy to see many of our children have imbibed the English and Tamil sounds clearly through this method. We appreciate our staff members for the dedicated work. It is sure that these children will be doing their reading soon.
24.10.09 – SRISAKTHY VIDHYA SYLLABUS LAUNCHING DAY.
27.10.09 – 1 year and 1 month old child Krithika has joined with us in HOC.
28.10.09 – NATURE WALK DAY.
30.10.09 – Dr.Pradheepkumar’s birthday was celebrated by planting trees in our land. 7 neem trees were planted and children listened about his life. HOC has prayed for him. We also wish Mr.Marrappan Ganesh for his birthday today.
2.10.09 – GANTHI JAYANTHI.
Today HOC has celebrated Gandhiji’s 140th birthday with simple but sensible way. Children and staff honored him with flowers and lighted the lamps of freedom and nonvilonce. Miss.Menaka delived the speech about Gandhji and Montessori especially about their meeting message in London in 1937.
Then Madurai Seeds trust members arrived and took part in the celebration. Mr.Karthik Bharathy gave away the prizes for 23 children from various schools who won prizes in Navarathry competitions.
After that the trust presented a beautiful joyful cultural program in our school. This is the first time others are involved with our celebrations. But it is very bad that only 4 parents of our school have participated.
From Monday HOC will be celebrating Deepawali festival legends along with regular learning activities.
The legend of Goddess Annapoorani regarding Deepawali which talks about abusing food by young children was narrated daily by the staff. On 15.10.09 HOC celebrated the Deepawali festival with sweets and lights. Greetings cards with Montessori saying regarding culture and traditions were distributed. By after noon every body left to their home.
Srisakthi foundation wishes every one in the school with Deepawali greetings!
The days are running asusual with various presentations. Nature walk, real object presentations, dramas, arts and various other activities are happening.
NEW CHILD: We are happy in welcoming Divya a 3 year old child to our HOC.
23.10.09 – Dr.Madeswaran has observed the HOC to asses the quality of language learning through Montessori system. From 2.5 years we are exposing to the language and mathematics materials. Today we observed each child’s learning process. It is very happy to see many of our children have imbibed the English and Tamil sounds clearly through this method. We appreciate our staff members for the dedicated work. It is sure that these children will be doing their reading soon.
24.10.09 – SRISAKTHY VIDHYA SYLLABUS LAUNCHING DAY.
27.10.09 – 1 year and 1 month old child Krithika has joined with us in HOC.
28.10.09 – NATURE WALK DAY.
30.10.09 – Dr.Pradheepkumar’s birthday was celebrated by planting trees in our land. 7 neem trees were planted and children listened about his life. HOC has prayed for him. We also wish Mr.Marrappan Ganesh for his birthday today.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 2009
EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 2009
This month has enjoyed more than other months because of the grand long 10 days Navarathry festival. Our school has already started preparing for the festival. Legends about the festival were narrated to children and dolls were taken out and cleaned by the staff and children. The festival commenced from 18.9.09.
18.9.09 – Today our school also observed Pitru pooja long with the public. Today is the important day in our nation to offer homage to our ancestors. So our school also remembered people who has dedicated for the growth of the oldest nation along with strong culture and traditions. Ghee lamp was lighted and ‘RAMA’ nama was chanted to seeks the blessings of ancestors.
Ganapathy pooja was done and Dolls were arranged in traditional Golu setting to start navarathry festival.
Notices and invitations were designed and given to schools around Sendurai village and villagers. The school has invited children and public for drawing, Kolam, Speech and Music competitions.
But unfortunately only 23 children from the whole village have presented their work. But the drawings were also not following the topics given. Many poor children have given the drawings in very old worn out papers and charts but we are accepting and rewarding these children for the true interest behind them.
It is very sad that the principals and staff members of many schools have never delivered the message about the competitions. This is the attitudes among most of the teachers. In this context we appreciated our schools staff for their dedication to initiate the child’s talent in creative work.
25.9.09 – Many children visited our school. They were explained about Golu and they explored our HOC and surprised with the Montessori materials. They presented their art work and 2 girls involved in Kolam designing. One girl alone sang a national song with true emotional expression. 2 girls came and delivered their speech. The topic was ‘’ how to improve the life standards of my village?’’
They gave the ideas like no to plastic, using toilets, water harvest and awareness about garbage.
We have decided to reward all these 23 children for their efforts. We told them that we never award first three places but we will tell them the best efforts. We told them that the effort and talent of every child differs. We also told them every effort of man will be recognized by Montessori school.
Ashram Matriculation school staff members have visited our school on 25.9.9 for the first time. Our teachers gave a very warm welcome and gave gifts also. They were introduced with the Madurai seed trust members and respected.
We have requested them to give the out puts about the students who leave us after 6 years and join for grade one class. They were surprised with the way and style we treat our staff members.
22.9.09 – MATHRU POOJA was celebrated to honor the mothers. Swathy’s mother drew floral designs and involved in our activities. Mothers blessed their children and teachers took part very well in organizing this festival.
Ms.Mallika has made her nephew Baby Narona who is 1.5 years old to join in our school.
23.9.09 – SCHOOL TRIP TO TEMPLE CITY
Today we went to Madurai as a school trip. We took a car and Mr.Nelson drove the car. We have to thank our student Basheeer’s father who has guided the driver in Madurai city and helped us.
We visited the famous old temple of Narashimar in Yaanai malai and then we went to Mrs.Priyakannan’s sister’s home where we had wonderful divine time. They have a very old temple with long history which is connected to Tamil history.
Teachers went to Meenakshi temple and shopping. By noon we had a delicious lunch prepared by the host. We left their home around by 5.30 P.M.
TRYING TO SEED OURSELF …
Today we made a visit to a non profitable trust like us which is called as MADURAI SEED TRUST owned by Mr.Karthik Bharathy. He is in this trust for the past 10 years serving for the students of all age group.
This trust is working in a place called KARUMBAALAI which is a slum part of Madurai city.
They are conducting successful after school activities. They are working in a team with 30 members who are young students. We got introduced with this trust by Mr.Pari Ganeshan who has married Mr.Mani’s sister.
We were given a very warm welcome. We were taken to few areas of their trust where we were greeted by children and got exposed to their activities also. This trust is planning with our foundation for few non profitable activities soon in Sendurai and Madurai.
TIME TO HONOR OUR STAFF
This was the day a big mass saw our work and greeted us out of Sendurai. We have made use of this occasion to honor our staff members for their selfish less efforts to uplift the life style of Sendurai children through the school.
We had a very nice time though it was raining and we reached Sendurai by 10 P.M.
25.9.09 – MADURAI SEED VISITED OUR SCHOOL AND OBSERVED CHILDREN’S WORK:
Today around 10 A.M, 30 members from Madurai Seed have visited our HOC. We need to thank Mrs.Usha and Mrs.Dhanamal for preparing good breakfast an dlunch for all these members.
Dr.Madeswaran explained the Montessori philosophy briefly to the Seed members and gave the directions to observe the children working in the environment. Though it was very crowd they admired the children’s every movement and realized the need for schooling for this particular age group.
After observing the HOC for 3 hours we had a very big circle time and gave away the gifts, greeting and enjoyed with sundal dish. Seed members gave away the biscuits and interacted with the children and by 12 P.M children left the school and we had a meeting.
EVALUATION BY THE PUBLIC MEMBERS:
Every member of the trust evaluated the activities of the children in our HOC nad appreciated the Montessori philosophy which is being implemented in a nice way by our teachers. This is very important in our school’s history because for the first time public is seeing our efforts and evaluating us. I feel very happy to appreciate our staff members for their efforts to uproot the Montessori philosophy.
We are giving the most important points observed by those members:
Children are well settled with inner order.
Children have cultivated self discipline by work.
Children respect every thing.
Mixed age group has cultivated good social skills.
Understanding the method of Dr.Montessori.
Many felt that they need to reduce their age to work in a Montessori school.
Good approach to English.
Child’s personality differs.
They all left by 3 P.M and after that we had a meeting with the trust founder and 2 of his members about future plans with our trust. We will be discussing the plans with Dr.Pradheepkumar and we will work after wards.
On October 2nd Seed trust will present a cultural program in our school.
27.9.09 – SARASWATHY POOJA was performed in HOC by Usha and Devi.
28.9.09 – VIJAYA DASAMI DAY for new amission and GURU pooja.
This month has enjoyed more than other months because of the grand long 10 days Navarathry festival. Our school has already started preparing for the festival. Legends about the festival were narrated to children and dolls were taken out and cleaned by the staff and children. The festival commenced from 18.9.09.
18.9.09 – Today our school also observed Pitru pooja long with the public. Today is the important day in our nation to offer homage to our ancestors. So our school also remembered people who has dedicated for the growth of the oldest nation along with strong culture and traditions. Ghee lamp was lighted and ‘RAMA’ nama was chanted to seeks the blessings of ancestors.
Ganapathy pooja was done and Dolls were arranged in traditional Golu setting to start navarathry festival.
Notices and invitations were designed and given to schools around Sendurai village and villagers. The school has invited children and public for drawing, Kolam, Speech and Music competitions.
But unfortunately only 23 children from the whole village have presented their work. But the drawings were also not following the topics given. Many poor children have given the drawings in very old worn out papers and charts but we are accepting and rewarding these children for the true interest behind them.
It is very sad that the principals and staff members of many schools have never delivered the message about the competitions. This is the attitudes among most of the teachers. In this context we appreciated our schools staff for their dedication to initiate the child’s talent in creative work.
25.9.09 – Many children visited our school. They were explained about Golu and they explored our HOC and surprised with the Montessori materials. They presented their art work and 2 girls involved in Kolam designing. One girl alone sang a national song with true emotional expression. 2 girls came and delivered their speech. The topic was ‘’ how to improve the life standards of my village?’’
They gave the ideas like no to plastic, using toilets, water harvest and awareness about garbage.
We have decided to reward all these 23 children for their efforts. We told them that we never award first three places but we will tell them the best efforts. We told them that the effort and talent of every child differs. We also told them every effort of man will be recognized by Montessori school.
Ashram Matriculation school staff members have visited our school on 25.9.9 for the first time. Our teachers gave a very warm welcome and gave gifts also. They were introduced with the Madurai seed trust members and respected.
We have requested them to give the out puts about the students who leave us after 6 years and join for grade one class. They were surprised with the way and style we treat our staff members.
22.9.09 – MATHRU POOJA was celebrated to honor the mothers. Swathy’s mother drew floral designs and involved in our activities. Mothers blessed their children and teachers took part very well in organizing this festival.
Ms.Mallika has made her nephew Baby Narona who is 1.5 years old to join in our school.
23.9.09 – SCHOOL TRIP TO TEMPLE CITY
Today we went to Madurai as a school trip. We took a car and Mr.Nelson drove the car. We have to thank our student Basheeer’s father who has guided the driver in Madurai city and helped us.
We visited the famous old temple of Narashimar in Yaanai malai and then we went to Mrs.Priyakannan’s sister’s home where we had wonderful divine time. They have a very old temple with long history which is connected to Tamil history.
Teachers went to Meenakshi temple and shopping. By noon we had a delicious lunch prepared by the host. We left their home around by 5.30 P.M.
TRYING TO SEED OURSELF …
Today we made a visit to a non profitable trust like us which is called as MADURAI SEED TRUST owned by Mr.Karthik Bharathy. He is in this trust for the past 10 years serving for the students of all age group.
This trust is working in a place called KARUMBAALAI which is a slum part of Madurai city.
They are conducting successful after school activities. They are working in a team with 30 members who are young students. We got introduced with this trust by Mr.Pari Ganeshan who has married Mr.Mani’s sister.
We were given a very warm welcome. We were taken to few areas of their trust where we were greeted by children and got exposed to their activities also. This trust is planning with our foundation for few non profitable activities soon in Sendurai and Madurai.
TIME TO HONOR OUR STAFF
This was the day a big mass saw our work and greeted us out of Sendurai. We have made use of this occasion to honor our staff members for their selfish less efforts to uplift the life style of Sendurai children through the school.
We had a very nice time though it was raining and we reached Sendurai by 10 P.M.
25.9.09 – MADURAI SEED VISITED OUR SCHOOL AND OBSERVED CHILDREN’S WORK:
Today around 10 A.M, 30 members from Madurai Seed have visited our HOC. We need to thank Mrs.Usha and Mrs.Dhanamal for preparing good breakfast an dlunch for all these members.
Dr.Madeswaran explained the Montessori philosophy briefly to the Seed members and gave the directions to observe the children working in the environment. Though it was very crowd they admired the children’s every movement and realized the need for schooling for this particular age group.
After observing the HOC for 3 hours we had a very big circle time and gave away the gifts, greeting and enjoyed with sundal dish. Seed members gave away the biscuits and interacted with the children and by 12 P.M children left the school and we had a meeting.
EVALUATION BY THE PUBLIC MEMBERS:
Every member of the trust evaluated the activities of the children in our HOC nad appreciated the Montessori philosophy which is being implemented in a nice way by our teachers. This is very important in our school’s history because for the first time public is seeing our efforts and evaluating us. I feel very happy to appreciate our staff members for their efforts to uproot the Montessori philosophy.
We are giving the most important points observed by those members:
Children are well settled with inner order.
Children have cultivated self discipline by work.
Children respect every thing.
Mixed age group has cultivated good social skills.
Understanding the method of Dr.Montessori.
Many felt that they need to reduce their age to work in a Montessori school.
Good approach to English.
Child’s personality differs.
They all left by 3 P.M and after that we had a meeting with the trust founder and 2 of his members about future plans with our trust. We will be discussing the plans with Dr.Pradheepkumar and we will work after wards.
On October 2nd Seed trust will present a cultural program in our school.
27.9.09 – SARASWATHY POOJA was performed in HOC by Usha and Devi.
28.9.09 – VIJAYA DASAMI DAY for new amission and GURU pooja.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Events of August 2009
EVENTS OF AUGUST 2009
1.8.09 – We have planned to begin the spoken English program for our staff members through phone line. Mrs.Balambika living in Sreerangam will be conducting this session daily for a month. Later we have decided to extend this to village students.
We need to provide a good walker to our special child Mishal. Dr.Mani said that it can be offered as a free support from one of the American hospitals.
5.8.09 – As we have decided our staff members have started conversing with Balambika from today.
Dr.Madeswaran is editing all the narrative reports written by our teachers.
13.8.09- KRISHNA JAYANTHY FESTIVAL. Lord Krishna is the incarnation of true freedom with unconditional love. His child hood actions were very much admired by children for centuries.Today we have celebrated his birth star with traditional setup. Children appeared in fancy dresses. Staff performed various devotional songs and chanting. 7 parents were involved in this festival. Small feet were drawn from the entrance leading to pooja altar. Children walked upon these foot prints and expressed the joy of being Krishna. Sacred bath was given to the crawling Krishna and engaged in various divine plays. Sweets were offered. Children went home by noon.Kaaleeya nardhanam episode from Krishna leela was narrated to children and parents.
15.8.09 – 63rd INDEPENDENCE DAY.
Today we have celebrated our nation’s Independence Day which is our own freedom to live and serve the man kind. Mr.Ayyanan has hoisted the flag; sweets were shared among staff and children. We have been very keen about the child’s adult’s freedom with responsibility. The HOC must give the right opportunity to enjoy the freedom as described by Dr.Montessori and Mahathma Gandhiji. This freedom must lead any one who is with us to attain the inner freedom of spirituality through value based education which is very rare to get today. After the function staff and children left home.
21.8.09- HOC celebrated Vinayagar Chathurthi festival.
22.8.09- Staff meeting was conducted by Dr.Madeswaran. Minutes of the meeting are as follows:
1. Cooperation among the staff was strongly insisted.
2. Helpers were firmly insisted about their responsibilities.
3. 29th report giving day was planned.
4. HOC will be closed from 30.8.09 to 13.9.09 for term end holidays.
5. Staff will be going out for canvassing for Vijayadasami.
6. Staff will be functioning from 12th of September.
7. Ten days Navarathry festival plan was discussed.
8. The need for vast transport for more students was discussed.
24.8.09- It has been decided that students will be functioning as usual after the end of report day. But after the report day, teachers will be taking off for 1 week in turn system.
25.8.09 – We feel happy to share that Ms.Shanthi has passed her B.Ed degree. Madumitha's brother Balaji has joined in our HOC.
28.8.09 - ONAM FESTIVAL.
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala state. Our state also enjoys this occasion. Floral designs were made by staff and children traditionally. Payasam was offered as sweet. The legend of Vamana avatharam was narrated by the staff. Children admired the teachers with the similar saree designs.
29.8.09 – REPORT GIVING DAY.
Today is a very auspicious day. Yes! Dr.Madeswaran’s parents have made a grand visit to our HOC. They have given the freedom of choice for him to run this Montessori school and also to come here every week end. They felt much satisfied with the growth, service and functioning of the school. They have also thanked the parents and teachers for their dedicated work. They have blessed every one with love and bliss.
Except 2 parents all 21 have arrived soon to meet the special guests. By 10 a.m, the festival started with prayer chanting.
VERY IMPORTANT CHIEF GUESTS
Mr.T.S.Mohanasundaram and Ms.Mahalaxmi were introduced by the principal to the mass.
Ms.Mahalaxmi lighted the sacred lamp of wisdom and prayed for the further growth of the school.
Mr.T.S.M has honored Montessori and Gandhiji by offering the garlands.
The school principal has narrated how he has enjoyed the real freedom of choice with them.
Minutes of the speeches given by the chief guests:
1. Allow the child to be free.
2. Give the freedom of choice and speech.
3. Do not bribe them.
4. Do not disturb their childhood days with coaching classes.
5. Observe the child’s personality not the grades.
6. Make the child to feel the need to serve.
7. He narrated how the milk production in the state was increased in late 70ies by his work with villagers.
8. The mother has requested the parents not to disturb the childhood days.
Then parents were invited to talk about their child’s growth:
We feel very happy that this time each parent spoke about their children. Children were very happy to see that. We share very important observations given by our parents which is the ultimate result of a good Montessori school.
· Children have started expressing good habits and human culture in homes.
· They have developed the language skills.
· They were able to communicate clearly with good language.
· They are able to identify many Tamil and English sounds.
· Development of numerical skills.
· They wish to address them with respect.
· They are growing spiritually also.
· The children are becoming self directed.
· They are very different from other village children.
Sudeesh mother says,’’ I wish that my elder son must have studied under this system. After seeing my second son’s development, I have understood Montessori system and stopped disturbing the first son. I feel that Sudeesh must have been 2 years old less to stay more years.’’
Mohan’s mother says,’’ My son never allows any one to disrespect him after joining in this school.’’
Saravanan’s mother says,’’ My son has changed me and my husband in being clean, honest and spiritual.’’
Chandraraj’s father says,’’ My 1.5 year old child is becoming very order inner wards in mind.’’
Manikandashiva’s mother says,’’ After observing my 2 year old child, my husband has dropped the plan of leaving this village for 3 more years.’’
Darshini’s mother says,’’ After being in this school, my daughter is walking smartly and talking clearly.’’
Rema’s mother,’’ Rema is doing well in other school in grade one. Her grasping power is more which is because of this school’’.
Reports were given. Coffee and sweets were given. The guests were gifted with a greetings card and clay models made by children. It has been decided to collect the schools fees for a whole term here after wards.
One parent said that many are admiring his children’s growth and asking for the possibility to have Montessori schools in their areas also.
Guests were invited by Saravanan to his poor but richest lovable hut. He has served tea and tender coconuts. The parents showed their thanks for helping and caring this boy.
Guests left the HOC by 12 P.M.
30.8.09- Miss. KALAISELVI’s wedding was attended by all staff and few parents in Madurai. We thank Usha amma for her help to their family during these weeks for wedding.
Ms.Priya and Mallika will be on leave for a week.
Third term of 2009 – 2010 has started. We thank all the staff members for their dedicated work. We wish a happy TEACHER’S DAY on September 5th.
1.8.09 – We have planned to begin the spoken English program for our staff members through phone line. Mrs.Balambika living in Sreerangam will be conducting this session daily for a month. Later we have decided to extend this to village students.
We need to provide a good walker to our special child Mishal. Dr.Mani said that it can be offered as a free support from one of the American hospitals.
5.8.09 – As we have decided our staff members have started conversing with Balambika from today.
Dr.Madeswaran is editing all the narrative reports written by our teachers.
13.8.09- KRISHNA JAYANTHY FESTIVAL. Lord Krishna is the incarnation of true freedom with unconditional love. His child hood actions were very much admired by children for centuries.Today we have celebrated his birth star with traditional setup. Children appeared in fancy dresses. Staff performed various devotional songs and chanting. 7 parents were involved in this festival. Small feet were drawn from the entrance leading to pooja altar. Children walked upon these foot prints and expressed the joy of being Krishna. Sacred bath was given to the crawling Krishna and engaged in various divine plays. Sweets were offered. Children went home by noon.Kaaleeya nardhanam episode from Krishna leela was narrated to children and parents.
15.8.09 – 63rd INDEPENDENCE DAY.
Today we have celebrated our nation’s Independence Day which is our own freedom to live and serve the man kind. Mr.Ayyanan has hoisted the flag; sweets were shared among staff and children. We have been very keen about the child’s adult’s freedom with responsibility. The HOC must give the right opportunity to enjoy the freedom as described by Dr.Montessori and Mahathma Gandhiji. This freedom must lead any one who is with us to attain the inner freedom of spirituality through value based education which is very rare to get today. After the function staff and children left home.
21.8.09- HOC celebrated Vinayagar Chathurthi festival.
22.8.09- Staff meeting was conducted by Dr.Madeswaran. Minutes of the meeting are as follows:
1. Cooperation among the staff was strongly insisted.
2. Helpers were firmly insisted about their responsibilities.
3. 29th report giving day was planned.
4. HOC will be closed from 30.8.09 to 13.9.09 for term end holidays.
5. Staff will be going out for canvassing for Vijayadasami.
6. Staff will be functioning from 12th of September.
7. Ten days Navarathry festival plan was discussed.
8. The need for vast transport for more students was discussed.
24.8.09- It has been decided that students will be functioning as usual after the end of report day. But after the report day, teachers will be taking off for 1 week in turn system.
25.8.09 – We feel happy to share that Ms.Shanthi has passed her B.Ed degree. Madumitha's brother Balaji has joined in our HOC.
28.8.09 - ONAM FESTIVAL.
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala state. Our state also enjoys this occasion. Floral designs were made by staff and children traditionally. Payasam was offered as sweet. The legend of Vamana avatharam was narrated by the staff. Children admired the teachers with the similar saree designs.
29.8.09 – REPORT GIVING DAY.
Today is a very auspicious day. Yes! Dr.Madeswaran’s parents have made a grand visit to our HOC. They have given the freedom of choice for him to run this Montessori school and also to come here every week end. They felt much satisfied with the growth, service and functioning of the school. They have also thanked the parents and teachers for their dedicated work. They have blessed every one with love and bliss.
Except 2 parents all 21 have arrived soon to meet the special guests. By 10 a.m, the festival started with prayer chanting.
VERY IMPORTANT CHIEF GUESTS
Mr.T.S.Mohanasundaram and Ms.Mahalaxmi were introduced by the principal to the mass.
Ms.Mahalaxmi lighted the sacred lamp of wisdom and prayed for the further growth of the school.
Mr.T.S.M has honored Montessori and Gandhiji by offering the garlands.
The school principal has narrated how he has enjoyed the real freedom of choice with them.
Minutes of the speeches given by the chief guests:
1. Allow the child to be free.
2. Give the freedom of choice and speech.
3. Do not bribe them.
4. Do not disturb their childhood days with coaching classes.
5. Observe the child’s personality not the grades.
6. Make the child to feel the need to serve.
7. He narrated how the milk production in the state was increased in late 70ies by his work with villagers.
8. The mother has requested the parents not to disturb the childhood days.
Then parents were invited to talk about their child’s growth:
We feel very happy that this time each parent spoke about their children. Children were very happy to see that. We share very important observations given by our parents which is the ultimate result of a good Montessori school.
· Children have started expressing good habits and human culture in homes.
· They have developed the language skills.
· They were able to communicate clearly with good language.
· They are able to identify many Tamil and English sounds.
· Development of numerical skills.
· They wish to address them with respect.
· They are growing spiritually also.
· The children are becoming self directed.
· They are very different from other village children.
Sudeesh mother says,’’ I wish that my elder son must have studied under this system. After seeing my second son’s development, I have understood Montessori system and stopped disturbing the first son. I feel that Sudeesh must have been 2 years old less to stay more years.’’
Mohan’s mother says,’’ My son never allows any one to disrespect him after joining in this school.’’
Saravanan’s mother says,’’ My son has changed me and my husband in being clean, honest and spiritual.’’
Chandraraj’s father says,’’ My 1.5 year old child is becoming very order inner wards in mind.’’
Manikandashiva’s mother says,’’ After observing my 2 year old child, my husband has dropped the plan of leaving this village for 3 more years.’’
Darshini’s mother says,’’ After being in this school, my daughter is walking smartly and talking clearly.’’
Rema’s mother,’’ Rema is doing well in other school in grade one. Her grasping power is more which is because of this school’’.
Reports were given. Coffee and sweets were given. The guests were gifted with a greetings card and clay models made by children. It has been decided to collect the schools fees for a whole term here after wards.
One parent said that many are admiring his children’s growth and asking for the possibility to have Montessori schools in their areas also.
Guests were invited by Saravanan to his poor but richest lovable hut. He has served tea and tender coconuts. The parents showed their thanks for helping and caring this boy.
Guests left the HOC by 12 P.M.
30.8.09- Miss. KALAISELVI’s wedding was attended by all staff and few parents in Madurai. We thank Usha amma for her help to their family during these weeks for wedding.
Ms.Priya and Mallika will be on leave for a week.
Third term of 2009 – 2010 has started. We thank all the staff members for their dedicated work. We wish a happy TEACHER’S DAY on September 5th.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
EVENTS OF JULY 2009
EVENTS OF JULY 2009
Children have enjoyed a nature walk. We felt that our staffs are free from the stress of settling them and now they are performing the assistance work according to the plans we have designed during this summer.
Mean while Rajashee’s father have approached us for Transfer Certificate. Though we have given him a letter that the child has studied under us he said that the Convent where she has joined is stressing them to have a T.C.
We need to revisit Government officials regarding this. The parents spoke ill about the school and this was the time I need to talk firmly.
It is very important any institution to convey the facts about various issues to the parents before we admit the child. Though we have given the written forms about the norms of the school some people like this parent troubles us always. Let us ignore them and continue our sacred service to the villagers through Montessori system.
July 8th, 9th and 10th – Dr.Madeswaran will be observing Mullai Montessori Environment in Kalashetra School in Madras to complete his 10 days AMI assistance course.
July 8th – Mrs.Priya and Pranav arrived India, handed over the sacred Prasad from Ammachi to us and many other items from USA and Dubai. We thank her brother Deelipan for offering his son’s dresses for poor village children.
9.7.09- Pranav has sorted out very well all the toys, books and dresses which have to be handed over to poor children in Sendurai village. He too has written a letter to our staff and children. He has given few packets of biscuits.
11.7.09- Dr.Madeswaran has observed HOC based on AMI style and gave the repot to his staff after 3 hours. They HOC conducted meeting to analyze about the various aspects of the school. Teachers have analyzed their own work and discussed more about Montessori philosophy.
We observed Sudeesh doing arithmetic material till 10,000. He is able to make quantities with any number.
Mean while Saravanan who has abstracted only till 10 has started doing addition, subtraction, division and multiplication with counters.
Teachers were amazed to see the progress of this special child through Montessori system.
Cloths and snacks brought by Pranav were distributed to all the children. Few toys were given secretly to few poor children.
GREAT ABOUT OUR TEACHER:
Ms.Shanthi after doing B.Ed has rejoined with us though an other school called her with more salary. She said that she is very relaxed and stress less in our school. Than that she said that she likes Montessori philosophy very much. But she needs to be very grace to her own son.
We have presented again mathematics materials and language to staff.
All the staff members have applied for degree in MKU in Madurai. On Tuesday they are paying the fees. We are glad to greet them for their education. We feel proud to say that Srisakthi Foundation is giving the space for village girls to educate for their future.
We have assured them about the required leave they need for education.
12.7.09- Today we have planned the AADi month festivals. WE have presented the drama of churning the ocean which is linked with cosmic studies. SreeAandal’s festival will be celebrated on 25th Saturday.
Varalaxmi festival and lamp festival will be celebrated together on July 31st.
THANKS TO Dr.MONTESSORI:
Aandichaami a 3.5 year child who was delaying with speech has started talking well after living in Montessori environment for 2 weeks.
THE NATURE WALK: [1.7.09]
· Children were taken to a local mountain side where a village God is worshipped. Immediately on seeing the shrine children have started chanting the slokas.
· Children were crying ‘’ mountain! mountain!’’ In English after seeing the huge green mountain.
· Many children were singing most of the songs taught in the school.
· 1.5 year old Surya called a cow in its English name.
· A child called her friend to show the garden lizard.
· Children saw Marygold flowers getting harvested and said that all will be made into garlands.
· Arunpandi saw a tractor and said that it will be used for ploughing the farms.
· Children were taken to a near by farm to see the Brinjal harvest.
· One elder child pampered the new younger child who is crying and made her to eat.
· Madhumitha said sorry when she got dashed with Arunpaandi.
· 2 year old Naveen said to his friend that he will eat only after chanting the prayers.
· When continents were displayed, 2.5 years old Basheer screamed ‘’ yellow color Asia, yellow color Asia!’’
· When they were coming back, Sudeesh saw a hen and sang the song about chicken.
· Naveen also said that the hens are living very friendly.
· Saravanan showed the dark clouds and said that they have drunk lot of water.
· 1.25 year old Melwin removed a dry leaf by himself from the garden by himself.
· Naveen identified the sound ‘’A’’ which has been written on a jack fruit.
· When Saturn planet was presented, T.Darshini showed her red bangle and linked the red ring.
· The elder most Samydurai insisted his friend to wind up when they heard the bell sound.
· When children saw the chillies Divyadarshini said it in English and said that she saw in the village market.
· Saravanan saw the greens and said that his house has lot of greens and his mother cooked them by morning.
13.7.09 – THE DAY TO MOURN
Today Ms.Sujee has passed away in Coimbatore. She is around 35 years old. She has a 5 year old child. She was suffering from Cancer and took treatment under Dr.Pradheepkumar. But she has passed away today.
By Ammachi’s grace, Priya and Ganesh visited her yesterday and offered the sacred prasadhams from Ammachi and chanted all sacred slokas. HOC is observing prayers for her soul and to support her husband and child.
We are much worried about the child!
16.7.09- One of my Chennai students Sruthy and her sister Neha have donated lots of books to our school. It is a great collection but at the same time that our school is not making use of English books sufficiently. So we have to make our mind first to feel light about the language. We thank these girls for their great heart. They are settled in Kodaikanal and we may invite them to our HOC soon.
23.7.09- We are not functioning today because our staffs are going to Madurai Kamarajar University for their degree admission. But we are working on Saturday.
25.7.09- We worked for half a day. Today I have observed 1.75 years old Chandraraj. The observation lasted for 2.5 hours. The observation has made us to think more about this age group.
By 12.30 every body left and we sat for the meeting. I am happy about the way in which the adults functions. But there were some issues about the helpers and their work.
Usha amma has to pay the rent in Canara Bank here after. She must also pay the current bill and relieve Mani’s father from that.
24.7.09 – THIRUAADIPOORAM festival was celebrated with as usual divinity and children listened to SreeAndal’s legend. Four parents have taken part in this festival.
VERY IMPORTANT SERVICE BY HOC: Its has been decided that Dr.Madeswaran will be conducting English coaching sessions for our teachers who have who have joined in B.A degree in distant education system. This will be extended to other villagers also. This will help them to improve their spoken English. School will be benefited with good spoken English.
26.7.09- As we have planned, the English coaching session started today.. Jeyaraman was also there to inspire the adults.
We are planning to admit one 10 months old child soon.
28.7.09 – A GOOD SOUL HAS LEFT US!!!- Mr.Krishnamoorthy uncle [82 years old] has merged with cosmic truth. He has been always praying for our school and gave much moral support. We are chanting ‘’SREE RAMA JAYAM’’ on 30.7.09 for his soul.
31.7.09- FESTIVAL OF WEALTH: Today VARALAXMI POOJA is celebrated in HOC with simple rituals but with great depth of spirituality. Goddess of wealth has been worshiped for more wealth to SreeSakthi Foundation to extend its service to man kind. Parents showed good interest today.
Drama of churning the ocean was narrated with models for the past 1 week. This story talks about creation of living beings from the ocean by Goddess Mahalaxmi.
Children have enjoyed a nature walk. We felt that our staffs are free from the stress of settling them and now they are performing the assistance work according to the plans we have designed during this summer.
Mean while Rajashee’s father have approached us for Transfer Certificate. Though we have given him a letter that the child has studied under us he said that the Convent where she has joined is stressing them to have a T.C.
We need to revisit Government officials regarding this. The parents spoke ill about the school and this was the time I need to talk firmly.
It is very important any institution to convey the facts about various issues to the parents before we admit the child. Though we have given the written forms about the norms of the school some people like this parent troubles us always. Let us ignore them and continue our sacred service to the villagers through Montessori system.
July 8th, 9th and 10th – Dr.Madeswaran will be observing Mullai Montessori Environment in Kalashetra School in Madras to complete his 10 days AMI assistance course.
July 8th – Mrs.Priya and Pranav arrived India, handed over the sacred Prasad from Ammachi to us and many other items from USA and Dubai. We thank her brother Deelipan for offering his son’s dresses for poor village children.
9.7.09- Pranav has sorted out very well all the toys, books and dresses which have to be handed over to poor children in Sendurai village. He too has written a letter to our staff and children. He has given few packets of biscuits.
11.7.09- Dr.Madeswaran has observed HOC based on AMI style and gave the repot to his staff after 3 hours. They HOC conducted meeting to analyze about the various aspects of the school. Teachers have analyzed their own work and discussed more about Montessori philosophy.
We observed Sudeesh doing arithmetic material till 10,000. He is able to make quantities with any number.
Mean while Saravanan who has abstracted only till 10 has started doing addition, subtraction, division and multiplication with counters.
Teachers were amazed to see the progress of this special child through Montessori system.
Cloths and snacks brought by Pranav were distributed to all the children. Few toys were given secretly to few poor children.
GREAT ABOUT OUR TEACHER:
Ms.Shanthi after doing B.Ed has rejoined with us though an other school called her with more salary. She said that she is very relaxed and stress less in our school. Than that she said that she likes Montessori philosophy very much. But she needs to be very grace to her own son.
We have presented again mathematics materials and language to staff.
All the staff members have applied for degree in MKU in Madurai. On Tuesday they are paying the fees. We are glad to greet them for their education. We feel proud to say that Srisakthi Foundation is giving the space for village girls to educate for their future.
We have assured them about the required leave they need for education.
12.7.09- Today we have planned the AADi month festivals. WE have presented the drama of churning the ocean which is linked with cosmic studies. SreeAandal’s festival will be celebrated on 25th Saturday.
Varalaxmi festival and lamp festival will be celebrated together on July 31st.
THANKS TO Dr.MONTESSORI:
Aandichaami a 3.5 year child who was delaying with speech has started talking well after living in Montessori environment for 2 weeks.
THE NATURE WALK: [1.7.09]
· Children were taken to a local mountain side where a village God is worshipped. Immediately on seeing the shrine children have started chanting the slokas.
· Children were crying ‘’ mountain! mountain!’’ In English after seeing the huge green mountain.
· Many children were singing most of the songs taught in the school.
· 1.5 year old Surya called a cow in its English name.
· A child called her friend to show the garden lizard.
· Children saw Marygold flowers getting harvested and said that all will be made into garlands.
· Arunpandi saw a tractor and said that it will be used for ploughing the farms.
· Children were taken to a near by farm to see the Brinjal harvest.
· One elder child pampered the new younger child who is crying and made her to eat.
· Madhumitha said sorry when she got dashed with Arunpaandi.
· 2 year old Naveen said to his friend that he will eat only after chanting the prayers.
· When continents were displayed, 2.5 years old Basheer screamed ‘’ yellow color Asia, yellow color Asia!’’
· When they were coming back, Sudeesh saw a hen and sang the song about chicken.
· Naveen also said that the hens are living very friendly.
· Saravanan showed the dark clouds and said that they have drunk lot of water.
· 1.25 year old Melwin removed a dry leaf by himself from the garden by himself.
· Naveen identified the sound ‘’A’’ which has been written on a jack fruit.
· When Saturn planet was presented, T.Darshini showed her red bangle and linked the red ring.
· The elder most Samydurai insisted his friend to wind up when they heard the bell sound.
· When children saw the chillies Divyadarshini said it in English and said that she saw in the village market.
· Saravanan saw the greens and said that his house has lot of greens and his mother cooked them by morning.
13.7.09 – THE DAY TO MOURN
Today Ms.Sujee has passed away in Coimbatore. She is around 35 years old. She has a 5 year old child. She was suffering from Cancer and took treatment under Dr.Pradheepkumar. But she has passed away today.
By Ammachi’s grace, Priya and Ganesh visited her yesterday and offered the sacred prasadhams from Ammachi and chanted all sacred slokas. HOC is observing prayers for her soul and to support her husband and child.
We are much worried about the child!
16.7.09- One of my Chennai students Sruthy and her sister Neha have donated lots of books to our school. It is a great collection but at the same time that our school is not making use of English books sufficiently. So we have to make our mind first to feel light about the language. We thank these girls for their great heart. They are settled in Kodaikanal and we may invite them to our HOC soon.
23.7.09- We are not functioning today because our staffs are going to Madurai Kamarajar University for their degree admission. But we are working on Saturday.
25.7.09- We worked for half a day. Today I have observed 1.75 years old Chandraraj. The observation lasted for 2.5 hours. The observation has made us to think more about this age group.
By 12.30 every body left and we sat for the meeting. I am happy about the way in which the adults functions. But there were some issues about the helpers and their work.
Usha amma has to pay the rent in Canara Bank here after. She must also pay the current bill and relieve Mani’s father from that.
24.7.09 – THIRUAADIPOORAM festival was celebrated with as usual divinity and children listened to SreeAndal’s legend. Four parents have taken part in this festival.
VERY IMPORTANT SERVICE BY HOC: Its has been decided that Dr.Madeswaran will be conducting English coaching sessions for our teachers who have who have joined in B.A degree in distant education system. This will be extended to other villagers also. This will help them to improve their spoken English. School will be benefited with good spoken English.
26.7.09- As we have planned, the English coaching session started today.. Jeyaraman was also there to inspire the adults.
We are planning to admit one 10 months old child soon.
28.7.09 – A GOOD SOUL HAS LEFT US!!!- Mr.Krishnamoorthy uncle [82 years old] has merged with cosmic truth. He has been always praying for our school and gave much moral support. We are chanting ‘’SREE RAMA JAYAM’’ on 30.7.09 for his soul.
31.7.09- FESTIVAL OF WEALTH: Today VARALAXMI POOJA is celebrated in HOC with simple rituals but with great depth of spirituality. Goddess of wealth has been worshiped for more wealth to SreeSakthi Foundation to extend its service to man kind. Parents showed good interest today.
Drama of churning the ocean was narrated with models for the past 1 week. This story talks about creation of living beings from the ocean by Goddess Mahalaxmi.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
EVENTS OF JUNE 2009
IMPORTANT EVENTS OF JUNE 2009
On May 30 and 31st our staff has gone out for canvassing for further admission in our HOC. They have highlighted the following points,
1. Individual child care
2. Scientific development of child
3. Personality development
4. Development of languages and logic mathematics
5. Culture and traditions
After the 2 days canvassing they said that the villagers have good idea and opinion about the school especially for the personality growth of the very young children. We have decided to take only children from 2 years.
Mean while Mr.Philip has joined to continue his college studies. Miss.Kamala has again approached us for a job but she said that she cannot study. THIS IS THE FATE OF MANY VILLAGE GIRLS EVEN TODAY.
She will be getting married after a year. So we have asked her to come for a month observation from 5.6.09.
2.6.09 – Mrs.Manjula came in the noon session and gave the spiritual class to our children. The legend behind the VIKAASE VISHAKAM FESTIVAL is getting presented to the children in various forms. On 5th HOC will be celebrating that festival along with our parents. Proper invitations have been designed and send to them.
A new boy has joined today. He is 4 years old coming from near by village. He has settled soon.
On June first Dr.Pradheepkumar has asked Dr.Madeswaran to think about working for HOC and foundation. By end of this term Dr.Madeswaran will be deciding that.
3.6.09- A new boy of 2.5 years has joined in HOC. He is master Bharani.
He too has settled well by today itself.
5.6.09 – VAIKAASI VISHAKAM FESTIVAL
The HOC has celebrated Vaikaasi vishakam festival in simple way but with deep spiritual sense. Ms.Manjula performed sacred chants and rituals in HOC. 5 parents and children participated in this festival.
The legend behind the festival was narrated and meaning behind every sacred bath given to the deities was explained by her. It was observed that our children observed every event without even moving their body and just maintained silence. This is the natural orderliness the Montessori environment has created within them. The icon deities were dressed and decorated. Sacred food was cooked by Ms.Usha and offered to all in the school. Children left home after the festival. Monday will be a holiday because the HOC will be functioning on 13.6.09 which is a Saturaday under the observation of Dr.Madeswaran.
10.6.09 – A new student called AANDISAMI has joined in our school today. He is 4 years old. His father has deserted his family and went some where. The mother is going for daily wages and taking care of the child. She has been asked to pay how much as she can. Our staff said that the villagers are asking us to admit 1.5 years old children. But we have decided to take them only after few months because we need our staff to settle the new children.
Dr .M.Madeswaran will be visiting the HOC by this Saturday for observation. Mean while the staff has started giving the legend of one of the local important festival. Dr.Madeswaran may place cube of 1000 material this time in HOC.
13.6.09 – Children were observed by Dr.Madeswaran. It is very glad to see such a peaceful and happy environment with continuous working sessions by the staff and children. Staffs are happy and more confident about their working pattern framed in this summer.
The local Church has disturbed many of our admissions. Some of our Christian children were taken away by the Church’s pressure.
But we are keeping calm and making the villagers to realize the need of a Montessori schooling for a child who is below 6 years old.
Dr.PradheepChalliyil has advised to involve the Church in important Christian festivals and to make the Church to appreciate the secularism feeling in educational system. This is the most important and delicate task for the foundation.
The comment given by a parent:
One of our parents who has taken back his 2 children and admitted them in near by Matriculation school has commented that the foundation must not collect even a single paisa from the villagers. Our transparent account sheets have proved how much we are earning and spending.
We are not ready to give any thing free like the local government to spoil the citizens. But we are giving them concessions.
So we need to work without much worrying about these comments.
THE TEACHER WHO HAS MADE US TIRED
Miss.Prabha who has completed came to us for job. So as usual we have asked her to start her observation. After a week we saw she has never opened her mouth to talk to any one of us and she also could not mingle with us.
On Saturday we have asked her to prepare a story for Sunday. But on Sunday she did not turned up. When we approached her family they said that she is not interested in teaching in the school. We are tired with such attitude people and we have learned not to accept any application for teaching faculty without studying about the candidate. It is the waste of our time and energy.
AGAIN A NEW CANDIDATE:
On Sunday, the local priest has introduced a fresh school passed candidate Miss.Tamilarasi for teaching faculty. She is very sportive open minded and wished to observe the children and staffs for a month. She is also going to study her degree course by correspondence education. Let us see how she is taking her observation.
Mean while Miss.Menaka is doing well and she has learned and changed lot. Even Mrs.Priya is very much changed in her attitude. Yes! Dr.Montessori will change every body. I said that I am training them and indirectly training my self.
OUR STAFF HAS OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING THE MOST TOUCHING HUMAN BEHAVIOUR WHICH EXPRESSES THE GREAT HUMAN PERSONALITY.
1. Saravanan has showed Andichami who is new student how to use the toilet.
2. Madhumitha brought a banana after attending a local festival and shared with every friend and also wanted to talk about the fruit.
3. When the special child Yalini cried, Shiva who is 1.5 years old brought a bottle full of water thinking that she might need it.
4. When children saw flower harvest in local farms during the nature walk, Sudeesh said the flowers will be tied along with national flag while hoisting the flag.
5. Saravanan who is a special child slowly requiring from autism has gained the knowledge of language letters and number rods. Teachers are realizing the effect of the educational idea framed by Dr.Montessori.
6. One of our children saw the cotton seeds and said that the cotton will be used fro making wicks, dresses, to thread the needle and to clean the hurts with blood.
7. Manoj who is senior child has introduced the constructive triangles to the new child Jenis.
8. Madhumitha showed the threading of beads to the new child Periyasami.
9. Shiva who is very young child helped the 1.25 year old boy Surya to sit properly during the prayer time.
10. Darshini was able to relate Africa’s green color with Menaka’s saree color.
11. Dharani sawa grasshopper in his home. But he could not remember its name. But as he has received the color lessons, he said that the ‘’green insect’’ has come to the house. His parents have relished this incident.
12. Children have taken the natural interest of cleaning the garden by them self after lunch daily.
13. When the rituals were performed to tree, Gutham asked whether the tree can hear his voice. Teachers said that the tree can feel his love. Immediately he said that he belongs to the HOC and his name was Gautham.
14. Before every presentation children them self conduct one minute prayer.
15. When a special child got admitted in hospital for sickness, Mishal prayed for her and told that she is asking God to send the girl soon to HOC to enjoy the work.
WE HAVE MANY MORE SUCH GRACEFUL OBSERVATIONS IN OUR SCHOOL. IT WILL CONTINUE AS LONG AS THE TEACHERS BELIEVE THE MONTESSORI PHILOSOPHY.
17.6.09- Today a new student has paid the fees and got admitted in our school. He is ARUNPANDIYAN and he is 3 years old.
The school is also thinking the various reasons for children leaving the hoc. Dharani is one among them who has joined without even informing the school. The staff has decided to talk to the father about it and to insist about the ethics of parenting and communication with the schools.
There are few suggestions about the improvement of the school. But these ideas must be discussed in detail before we implement which must not be a hurdle for MONTESSORI philosophy.
1. UNIFORM.
2. FEW BASIC BOOKS
3. TRANSPORT SYSTEM
This week again the observation will be done by Dr.Madeswaran and more Mathematics material will be introduced in HOC.
20.6.09 – We have introduced the SOLAR SYSTEM material to our children. First we played the game of sun and planets revolving around the sun. We gave the names and later we did the drama of Earth and Moon revolving each other and sun.
Later children were presented with the material.
We are happy to see our staff working with true dedication.
THE REAL SUCCESS BEHIND THE MONTESSORI EDUCATION
This evening Jenish visited our HOC with his parents. They were forced to join in the local Church school by the Church father. But the parents are very sad about the child who is missing great values and great lessons through Montessori education.
The father said that he can join him again in our HOC even though the Church is against. But we have made him to understand the need of harmony with their family Church and said that the boy can enter and work at any time during holidays. We are very happy to see parents who have really understood the educational system.
We thank our staff members for this appreciation.
THE IMPORTANT LETTER
We are also sending a letter saying the need for Montessori education. The letter has asked the parents whether the child needs a uniform and homework. The letter is also requesting the parents who have taken the children not to talk ill about the Montessori educational system.
The letter is also asking them to discuss any issue they have about the school.
Madumathy’s mother was called for a meeting and explained about her growth and development. We have requested her and her husband not to test the child always to say every thing.
THE MANGO FESTIVAL
Mango festival to remember the great spiritual saint KARAIKAAL AMMAI will be celebrated in our HOC for children to realize the need for feeding poor, selfish less character and staunch trust in God.
Our staff and Mrs.Manjula are practicing the skit about the saint and going to present on 22.6.09. Invitations were designed and send to our parents. Staffs are preparing themselves with the children for the festival. Mango is one of the tropical crops in this village.
THE GREATNESS OF OUR CHILDREN OBSERVED IN THIS WEEK
· When a child was tracing the geometrical shapes, for some time he kept quiet and suddenly said that he saw the full moon as a big circle at night.
· When the 1.5 years old twin brothers are settling for prayer they observe perfect silence and they never distract others also.
· Few children were able to identify the planets along with the colors.
· Madhumitha said that the sea water will be very salty and we extract salt from that water. She is only 2.5 years old.
· When Chandran did not settle down for prayer his brother Suryan made him to come and sit. They are just 1.5 years. This week they are able to utter very clearly the word ‘’rough and smooth’’.
· T.Darshini asked the group around her who were seeing her work to clap after her exercise.
· Younger children were insisted by elder ones not to call them without respecting suffix in the local language.
· Shiva who is just 1.5 years old showed his ears immediately when our staff gave the name lesson of ear buds.
· Mohan who is 3 years old just stayed even after the school time and suddenly went out and saw the setting sun and started singing ‘’I AM THE SUN’’ poem which we are singing for planets presentation.
· Saravanan is fastly identifying the sand paper letters both in Tamil and English.
THE MOST PROLONGED MEETING
On Saturday [27.6.09] we had 4 hours staff and parents meeting. We discussed the following points very carefully and keenly.
1. Uniform.
2. Home work.
3. Transport.
4. Talking ill about the school.
5. Transfer certificate.
Before the meeting we showed how mathematics is being presented to children with materials. Parents were surprised to see Sudeesh working till 10000 within few minutes.
Parents appreciated the quality of syllabus in Montessori HOC.
They too said no to uniform.
They have requested for simple light week end home work for 4 years children.
WE ARE FRAMING A BOOK WHICH WILL MAKE THE PARENTS TO LEARN AND GUIDE THEIR CHILDREN WITH VARIOUS NAME LESSONS. Mr.Ganesh has taken charge of this printing work.
WE THANK OUR STAFF FOR CELEBRATING MAAMBALA THIRUVIZHA. PARENTS HAVE APPRECIATED FOR CONDUCTING SO MANY ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S MORALITY.
NEW MATERIALS:
Spindle box, water cycle and cubes of 1000 were introduced this week.
We are also doing few carpentry works to fix the back yard door, lid to the tank and board to display the sand paper letters.
Our new child Arunpandiyan who is 3.5 years old is delaying in speech. We have spoken to his mother not to beat him and also to talk more in home environment. We need to ask them to see a speech specialist soon.
I FEEL VERY GLAD TO ANNOUNCE THAT MS.SHANTHISAKTHIVEL IS JOINING WITH US ON JULY FIRST AFTER HER GRADUATION WITH B.Ed.
On Sunday we worked with many experiments like, how roots absorb water and leaves prepare food. We showed the day and night experiment with globe. New land form names were given to the staffs by showing the real mountains and plains around the village.
Now we are feeling that we do not have more time. We are also feeling the clear cut framing of syllabus and material presentation. Teachers are very happy and just I left by saying the following line very often said by SreeRukminiRamachandran in Chennai AMI centre.
‘’ LET US NOT ABUSE THE CHILD’S MEMORY, PLEASE!’’
On May 30 and 31st our staff has gone out for canvassing for further admission in our HOC. They have highlighted the following points,
1. Individual child care
2. Scientific development of child
3. Personality development
4. Development of languages and logic mathematics
5. Culture and traditions
After the 2 days canvassing they said that the villagers have good idea and opinion about the school especially for the personality growth of the very young children. We have decided to take only children from 2 years.
Mean while Mr.Philip has joined to continue his college studies. Miss.Kamala has again approached us for a job but she said that she cannot study. THIS IS THE FATE OF MANY VILLAGE GIRLS EVEN TODAY.
She will be getting married after a year. So we have asked her to come for a month observation from 5.6.09.
2.6.09 – Mrs.Manjula came in the noon session and gave the spiritual class to our children. The legend behind the VIKAASE VISHAKAM FESTIVAL is getting presented to the children in various forms. On 5th HOC will be celebrating that festival along with our parents. Proper invitations have been designed and send to them.
A new boy has joined today. He is 4 years old coming from near by village. He has settled soon.
On June first Dr.Pradheepkumar has asked Dr.Madeswaran to think about working for HOC and foundation. By end of this term Dr.Madeswaran will be deciding that.
3.6.09- A new boy of 2.5 years has joined in HOC. He is master Bharani.
He too has settled well by today itself.
5.6.09 – VAIKAASI VISHAKAM FESTIVAL
The HOC has celebrated Vaikaasi vishakam festival in simple way but with deep spiritual sense. Ms.Manjula performed sacred chants and rituals in HOC. 5 parents and children participated in this festival.
The legend behind the festival was narrated and meaning behind every sacred bath given to the deities was explained by her. It was observed that our children observed every event without even moving their body and just maintained silence. This is the natural orderliness the Montessori environment has created within them. The icon deities were dressed and decorated. Sacred food was cooked by Ms.Usha and offered to all in the school. Children left home after the festival. Monday will be a holiday because the HOC will be functioning on 13.6.09 which is a Saturaday under the observation of Dr.Madeswaran.
10.6.09 – A new student called AANDISAMI has joined in our school today. He is 4 years old. His father has deserted his family and went some where. The mother is going for daily wages and taking care of the child. She has been asked to pay how much as she can. Our staff said that the villagers are asking us to admit 1.5 years old children. But we have decided to take them only after few months because we need our staff to settle the new children.
Dr .M.Madeswaran will be visiting the HOC by this Saturday for observation. Mean while the staff has started giving the legend of one of the local important festival. Dr.Madeswaran may place cube of 1000 material this time in HOC.
13.6.09 – Children were observed by Dr.Madeswaran. It is very glad to see such a peaceful and happy environment with continuous working sessions by the staff and children. Staffs are happy and more confident about their working pattern framed in this summer.
The local Church has disturbed many of our admissions. Some of our Christian children were taken away by the Church’s pressure.
But we are keeping calm and making the villagers to realize the need of a Montessori schooling for a child who is below 6 years old.
Dr.PradheepChalliyil has advised to involve the Church in important Christian festivals and to make the Church to appreciate the secularism feeling in educational system. This is the most important and delicate task for the foundation.
The comment given by a parent:
One of our parents who has taken back his 2 children and admitted them in near by Matriculation school has commented that the foundation must not collect even a single paisa from the villagers. Our transparent account sheets have proved how much we are earning and spending.
We are not ready to give any thing free like the local government to spoil the citizens. But we are giving them concessions.
So we need to work without much worrying about these comments.
THE TEACHER WHO HAS MADE US TIRED
Miss.Prabha who has completed came to us for job. So as usual we have asked her to start her observation. After a week we saw she has never opened her mouth to talk to any one of us and she also could not mingle with us.
On Saturday we have asked her to prepare a story for Sunday. But on Sunday she did not turned up. When we approached her family they said that she is not interested in teaching in the school. We are tired with such attitude people and we have learned not to accept any application for teaching faculty without studying about the candidate. It is the waste of our time and energy.
AGAIN A NEW CANDIDATE:
On Sunday, the local priest has introduced a fresh school passed candidate Miss.Tamilarasi for teaching faculty. She is very sportive open minded and wished to observe the children and staffs for a month. She is also going to study her degree course by correspondence education. Let us see how she is taking her observation.
Mean while Miss.Menaka is doing well and she has learned and changed lot. Even Mrs.Priya is very much changed in her attitude. Yes! Dr.Montessori will change every body. I said that I am training them and indirectly training my self.
OUR STAFF HAS OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING THE MOST TOUCHING HUMAN BEHAVIOUR WHICH EXPRESSES THE GREAT HUMAN PERSONALITY.
1. Saravanan has showed Andichami who is new student how to use the toilet.
2. Madhumitha brought a banana after attending a local festival and shared with every friend and also wanted to talk about the fruit.
3. When the special child Yalini cried, Shiva who is 1.5 years old brought a bottle full of water thinking that she might need it.
4. When children saw flower harvest in local farms during the nature walk, Sudeesh said the flowers will be tied along with national flag while hoisting the flag.
5. Saravanan who is a special child slowly requiring from autism has gained the knowledge of language letters and number rods. Teachers are realizing the effect of the educational idea framed by Dr.Montessori.
6. One of our children saw the cotton seeds and said that the cotton will be used fro making wicks, dresses, to thread the needle and to clean the hurts with blood.
7. Manoj who is senior child has introduced the constructive triangles to the new child Jenis.
8. Madhumitha showed the threading of beads to the new child Periyasami.
9. Shiva who is very young child helped the 1.25 year old boy Surya to sit properly during the prayer time.
10. Darshini was able to relate Africa’s green color with Menaka’s saree color.
11. Dharani sawa grasshopper in his home. But he could not remember its name. But as he has received the color lessons, he said that the ‘’green insect’’ has come to the house. His parents have relished this incident.
12. Children have taken the natural interest of cleaning the garden by them self after lunch daily.
13. When the rituals were performed to tree, Gutham asked whether the tree can hear his voice. Teachers said that the tree can feel his love. Immediately he said that he belongs to the HOC and his name was Gautham.
14. Before every presentation children them self conduct one minute prayer.
15. When a special child got admitted in hospital for sickness, Mishal prayed for her and told that she is asking God to send the girl soon to HOC to enjoy the work.
WE HAVE MANY MORE SUCH GRACEFUL OBSERVATIONS IN OUR SCHOOL. IT WILL CONTINUE AS LONG AS THE TEACHERS BELIEVE THE MONTESSORI PHILOSOPHY.
17.6.09- Today a new student has paid the fees and got admitted in our school. He is ARUNPANDIYAN and he is 3 years old.
The school is also thinking the various reasons for children leaving the hoc. Dharani is one among them who has joined without even informing the school. The staff has decided to talk to the father about it and to insist about the ethics of parenting and communication with the schools.
There are few suggestions about the improvement of the school. But these ideas must be discussed in detail before we implement which must not be a hurdle for MONTESSORI philosophy.
1. UNIFORM.
2. FEW BASIC BOOKS
3. TRANSPORT SYSTEM
This week again the observation will be done by Dr.Madeswaran and more Mathematics material will be introduced in HOC.
20.6.09 – We have introduced the SOLAR SYSTEM material to our children. First we played the game of sun and planets revolving around the sun. We gave the names and later we did the drama of Earth and Moon revolving each other and sun.
Later children were presented with the material.
We are happy to see our staff working with true dedication.
THE REAL SUCCESS BEHIND THE MONTESSORI EDUCATION
This evening Jenish visited our HOC with his parents. They were forced to join in the local Church school by the Church father. But the parents are very sad about the child who is missing great values and great lessons through Montessori education.
The father said that he can join him again in our HOC even though the Church is against. But we have made him to understand the need of harmony with their family Church and said that the boy can enter and work at any time during holidays. We are very happy to see parents who have really understood the educational system.
We thank our staff members for this appreciation.
THE IMPORTANT LETTER
We are also sending a letter saying the need for Montessori education. The letter has asked the parents whether the child needs a uniform and homework. The letter is also requesting the parents who have taken the children not to talk ill about the Montessori educational system.
The letter is also asking them to discuss any issue they have about the school.
Madumathy’s mother was called for a meeting and explained about her growth and development. We have requested her and her husband not to test the child always to say every thing.
THE MANGO FESTIVAL
Mango festival to remember the great spiritual saint KARAIKAAL AMMAI will be celebrated in our HOC for children to realize the need for feeding poor, selfish less character and staunch trust in God.
Our staff and Mrs.Manjula are practicing the skit about the saint and going to present on 22.6.09. Invitations were designed and send to our parents. Staffs are preparing themselves with the children for the festival. Mango is one of the tropical crops in this village.
THE GREATNESS OF OUR CHILDREN OBSERVED IN THIS WEEK
· When a child was tracing the geometrical shapes, for some time he kept quiet and suddenly said that he saw the full moon as a big circle at night.
· When the 1.5 years old twin brothers are settling for prayer they observe perfect silence and they never distract others also.
· Few children were able to identify the planets along with the colors.
· Madhumitha said that the sea water will be very salty and we extract salt from that water. She is only 2.5 years old.
· When Chandran did not settle down for prayer his brother Suryan made him to come and sit. They are just 1.5 years. This week they are able to utter very clearly the word ‘’rough and smooth’’.
· T.Darshini asked the group around her who were seeing her work to clap after her exercise.
· Younger children were insisted by elder ones not to call them without respecting suffix in the local language.
· Shiva who is just 1.5 years old showed his ears immediately when our staff gave the name lesson of ear buds.
· Mohan who is 3 years old just stayed even after the school time and suddenly went out and saw the setting sun and started singing ‘’I AM THE SUN’’ poem which we are singing for planets presentation.
· Saravanan is fastly identifying the sand paper letters both in Tamil and English.
THE MOST PROLONGED MEETING
On Saturday [27.6.09] we had 4 hours staff and parents meeting. We discussed the following points very carefully and keenly.
1. Uniform.
2. Home work.
3. Transport.
4. Talking ill about the school.
5. Transfer certificate.
Before the meeting we showed how mathematics is being presented to children with materials. Parents were surprised to see Sudeesh working till 10000 within few minutes.
Parents appreciated the quality of syllabus in Montessori HOC.
They too said no to uniform.
They have requested for simple light week end home work for 4 years children.
WE ARE FRAMING A BOOK WHICH WILL MAKE THE PARENTS TO LEARN AND GUIDE THEIR CHILDREN WITH VARIOUS NAME LESSONS. Mr.Ganesh has taken charge of this printing work.
WE THANK OUR STAFF FOR CELEBRATING MAAMBALA THIRUVIZHA. PARENTS HAVE APPRECIATED FOR CONDUCTING SO MANY ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S MORALITY.
NEW MATERIALS:
Spindle box, water cycle and cubes of 1000 were introduced this week.
We are also doing few carpentry works to fix the back yard door, lid to the tank and board to display the sand paper letters.
Our new child Arunpandiyan who is 3.5 years old is delaying in speech. We have spoken to his mother not to beat him and also to talk more in home environment. We need to ask them to see a speech specialist soon.
I FEEL VERY GLAD TO ANNOUNCE THAT MS.SHANTHISAKTHIVEL IS JOINING WITH US ON JULY FIRST AFTER HER GRADUATION WITH B.Ed.
On Sunday we worked with many experiments like, how roots absorb water and leaves prepare food. We showed the day and night experiment with globe. New land form names were given to the staffs by showing the real mountains and plains around the village.
Now we are feeling that we do not have more time. We are also feeling the clear cut framing of syllabus and material presentation. Teachers are very happy and just I left by saying the following line very often said by SreeRukminiRamachandran in Chennai AMI centre.
‘’ LET US NOT ABUSE THE CHILD’S MEMORY, PLEASE!’’
Friday, May 29, 2009
EVENTS OF MAY' 2009
EVENTS OF MAY 2009
Dr.Madesawaran has arrived with fresh new concepts about handling the children from 1.5 years after I week experience with AMI training centre. On May 2nd he has conducted the workshop for staff, near by person who has a new born child along with a special child. Miss. Kalaiselvi who is also going get married soon attended the workshop.
The workshop covered the main topic about pregnancy, child care from zero years to 6 years. The various features of this age group were very clearly discussed with realistic examples. Mr.Philip is the young student who has just finished his schooling gave out the clear picture of a Montessori environment.
We have planned to conduct this valuable workshop to Sendurai people on May 17th. We are very happy that the staffs are able to understand and lead the various age group children based on their needs. But at the same time we must also have at least 10 more children. But one of our staff has expressed that it would be difficult to handle more because of more toddlers.
But we have expressed the fact behind the freedom to move and choose the work. The children must be very independent in working without adult’s intervention.
Mr.Jeyaraman has addressed about the financial crisis in America and our needs. We are planning to increase the salary of the staff very soon but not very high. But we feel it will be injustice to make them to handle more children for 8 hours with this salary.
We all respect our staffs’ dedicated work and so we are planning to have shift system among the staff members. This will be well planned and implemented when Dr.Madeswaran goes to Sendurai for summer workshops for 3 weeks after May 10th.
THE MOST DEDICATED ADULTS:
Mrs.Priya Kannan is in turn leave. She has gone to her husband’s place just to take leave. She said that she would be tempted to come to school if she stays in the village. I feel she is one among the best dedicated Montessori adult. Even Mallika said that she could not just stay in her home during her turn leave.
WE HAVE HARVESTED:
On 3rd May, Swetha’s mother came to see us in the burning hot sun along with her baby. We thought she may want to see us to discuss about the school work. But she has approached us to help and guide her in knowing and understanding various traditions and culture of the state which will be celebrated as various festivals all over the year.
She said that she has learned a lot through her daughter from the HOC. We feel very proud to say this and share that a child can change the family. We gave her many ideas and also few story books about Indian myths.
She has accepted to join with us in summer to conduct spiritual story classes. We are also planning for free English sessions for village children and free story session.
THE LITTLE GIRL WITH GREAT HEART:
Swetha has forced her mother to light the lamps in the evening to pray to God for Ravikumar’s healing. See the greatness of little children!
As Montessori said that it is only the adults who live in real life as role models can be the true guides to young children.
*** Miss.Menaka is the aunt of our student Dharun. After her schooling she has completed her 1 year diploma in nursing. She has joined with us for 1 month observation to work as Montessori adult. She will be observing and recording her views and doubts. She will be also reading various materials about Montessori education in Tamil. She will be interviewed after a month. We have said all the necessary details about our HOC to her. We are happy about her sportiveness.
On Sunday we practiced 6 stages of Sound Games. We are very firm about learning phonetics. We are also getting few children in this summer but we don’t mind. Whether it is few are many children are individuals and they gain from the HOC personally.
SUMMER ADDRESSING:
On May 10th Dr.Madeswaran will be addressing children in PUDHIYADHOOR Institution in Ramavaram – Madras about the topic ‘’WATER’’. He would also discuss about the various activities to start a Montessori class room with that foundation.
10.5.09- Dr.M.Madeswaran was given a very lovable and simple welcome by Mr.R.Narayanan. He is the founder of a trust called ‘’PUDHIYADHOR…’’. This is a trust which is serving the underprivileged children of all age groups in and around Chennai.
The objective of this trust is to establish good resource centers for quality teaching and learning for new concepts and also to make the children to makes use of their evening time and holidays in constructive ways.
Now they are very keen about establishing Montessori schools for these children. So we had a very long discussion with him and Ms. Meenakshi. She had attended the AMI training course. We have suggested them how to begin the school, what are the possibilities to reduce the cost in making Montessori materials and other practical details.
After that Dr.Madeswaran gave a presentation about ‘’WATER’’. This presentation was attended by 30 children from 2 years to 13 years. Children found it very different and useful.
We need to appreciate the adults of the center who were just recording the techniques used by Dr.Madeswaran.
The presentation was very much successful and children gave their feed back also.
Mr.Narayanan has welcomed him to present the same concept to a big gathering of children ranging from 6 to 15 years old in Besant Nagar in Chennai on 11.5.09.
10.5.09 MR.ADHAVAN [ Dr.Madeswaran’s cousin brother in Chennai ] HAS DONATED Rs.20000 to SRISAKTHI FOUNDATION TODAY. WE THANK AND PRAY FOR HIM.
11.5.09 – Dr.Madeswaran gave the same presentation to 40 children in the community hall established by Tamil Nadu State Government in Wannan Thurai in Adyar. The children are from local washermen community. More children also travelled across 25 KM from OORAPAKKAM near Chennai for this presentation.
His presentation was appreciated and more practical learning took place. Children learned how to think about a concept with the imagination. They admired the life and work of Dr.Montessori who just lived in the place where today they are living in Adyar.
Projects about various water and land forms were suggested by Dr.Madeswaran.
Master. Saravanan came back to school after 1 week. He has undergone very horrible family problems because of his parents. The child felt very tired and stressed to settle down back to the school. His parents were called and warned by the staff. We are planning to have a meeting with them on Wednesday.
13.5.09 – INDIAN PARLIAMENT ELECTION IN TAMILNADU. HOC WILL BE CLOSED FOR CHILDREN. TEACHERS CAN PUT VOTE AND COME FOR MEETING.
12.5.09 – Mr.Madhusudhanan has handed over the Montessori materials made by himself to Dr.Madeswaran.
13.5.09 – Sewing ring, constructive triangles materials are added to our HOC. Teachers need to be practice and present them to the children.
13.5.09- Teachers arrived late to school and we have discussed about the arrival time which must be very prompt. We have linked that with the order and manners. Later we saw all the various materials brought from Madras.
Mean while Saravanan and his mother came to HOC. But the child has expressed the negative approach to us. So we have sent them back home. We are meeting the parents for their UN acceptable behavior which has upset the child’s life and his actions.
Then we all sat for presentation with new Montessori materials. Constructive triangles boxes were presented with great interest and we all have enjoyed that.
We were able to understand the depth behind the Constructive Triangles Material. Teachers said that the materials are making us to think a lot and also imagine. We were also able to interpret many geometrical shapes and relate to life.
STRICT WARNING TO THE PARENTS:
We have spoken to Saravanan’s parents about their cruel attitude with the children because of their personal family issues. The child was very much upset physically and mentally. Mother was given very important lessons about the family setup, mother’s attitude and child psychology. The father has really changed slowly in these years based on our warnings, lessons and considering child’s mental development. But the mother is taking every thing very easy and it is the context to address her very firmly. We said that the children will be taken away from the school if any more issues upset them. Then the child was called and told before them that the parents will never quarrel and hit each other and he can believe.
By 2.30 P.M Mrs.Kalaivani came to see us. She took important points about child care from pregnancy to 6 years. We believe that she is person who really spreads and working for children. She will spread the messages to many parents.
On 14.5.09 we will be observing the children. We are going to start implementing 2 things.
1. All will be talking and addressing each other in very low sound.
2. Dr.Madeswaran will be talking only in English.
*** Mean while we are going to take the sincere lessons about English phonetics also.
14.5.09- Today we gave the presentation of
1. Conversation
2. Picture conversation
3. English Noun Game
By after noon we did a very interesting practical session about ‘’OBSERVATION’’. Teachers have expressed that they need more practical sessions like that which makes them to understand the methodology easily.
GOOD BYE TO SASIKALA
Today by afternoon we gave good bye to Miss.Sasikala. Saravanan honored her by offering the saffron, greetings card and salary cover. Children spoke in praise of her. Many said that they like her because she teaches them well.
After that we had a mini staff meeting in which we spoke about her work.
Dr.Madeswaran said that she is a person of enormous patience and joy. He highlighted her great service in attending several phone calls at any time regarding the school. He too thanked her family for the support behind her work.
The school has given privilege of coming and working back at time she likes.
We observed how the 1.5 years old children are very aware about the surroundings through their absorbent mind.
WE ARE HAPPY ABOUT MISS.MENAKA’S DEDICATED WORK IN HOC.
WE ARE ALSO HAPPY TO CONVEY THAT PHILIP WHO IS WORKING WITH US AFTER HIS SCHOOLING HAS SECURED 964 MARKS IN +2 EXAMS AND STANDING FIRST IN HIS SCHOOL.
15.5.09 – Today we have started talking very softly. This has worked out well. Some times we need to insist some children to remember that rule. After the prayer we had a small story session which is based on AMI training.
After that we asked the children to choose their own work and settle down in various places as they wish. But we were very particular about sitting alone and working.
We have presented the following materials for the staff observation.
a. Blue triangles [ Manoj worked with this material with his Excellency in creativity]
b. Cylindrical blocks [ eye fold activity ]
c. Decanomial square.
d. Secondary color tablets.
e. Number rods.
f. Sand paper letters in English.
*** It was a very challenging task to handle Ravikumar. Again we had very sad information about Saravanan’s parental behavior yesterday. By evening the mother was called and spoken about the need of good behavior.
16.5.09- Today we worked for half day only and today is Saturday. Children were not there. We gave the presentation of Tertiary color tablets, sound boxes, presenting a real object and then we have started classifying picture cards.
We felt very unhappy about the staff attitude that they are not preparing the language well.
Even after 1 year one of our staff is unable to pronounce well with some the English words. I spoke to them and explained how it is important to prepare our self first before approaching the children. It is very important to feel the needs of parents and society from the HOC with prepared staff. I have given a week time for them to learn and practice. On next Friday we will be conducting a very serious oral exam for them with picture cards.
HARD WORK’S HARVEST.
Swetha’S mother came today for clearing her doubts about various spiritual lessons. Dr.PradheepKumar’s lessons about spirituality have served her purpose. She asked many questions and accepted to conduct the spiritual classes on all Saturdays.
Today we have handed over few spiritual books to her. She has spent lot of time with her 1.5 years old daughter with picture cards.
Mean while this gave us the opportunity to observe the child’s absorbent mind with sensitive periods.
SASIKALA’S DELICIOUS DOSAI:
Miss.Sasikala use to bring good dosai with delicious side dishes. So today she has served us with the dosai and chuttny- sambar combinations.
PINE APPLE LESSON
We showed the real pine apple and gave a crisp conversation presentation about the fruit. Saravanan, Ravikumar and Chandrakumar were there.
The school has condemned the staff for not taking the children out to show the cotton plantation, palm fruit shop and other happenings which can enrich their experiences. There is lack of commitment. But we believe that they will get back to the old interest of running the HOC.
18.5.09 – Today we have the presentations of Noun game, Verb cards, English naming game and Sand paper letters. As usual we have learned many things. By afternoon we have classified many picture cards and framed our plan for various language activities for 2 weeks.
19.5.09 – Today we have presented PAPAYA FRUIT to children and they observed a lot and learned more about the fruit. We also presented the picture cards based on our plan for the children.
We were able to see the child expressions of 1.5 years old children.
Again we have rearranged many rooms and shelves.
Many old worn-out materials were discarded.
Philip and Muthuraj have accepted to repaint the materials with respective paints by tomorrow.
Mallika and Priya practiced well with the picture cards and they are confident.
More name lessons were given and recorded by them in their observation books.
Children were seemed to work for ever even without having break with snacks.
From yesterday 1.5 years old children have started staying in HOC till 3.30 P.M. Today they had more movements and explorations.
We too had the presentation of book reading.
Because of local festival in the village Menaka took leave today.
20, 21.5.09 – We have rearranged the school. Children were directed to work alone and mingle when there is a need. Break time was altered as individual‘s wish to have the snack. But teachers have felt that this is upsetting their social skills and we have decided to give general break time.
Most of the preliminary materials were displaced inside stock corner. Sensorial and EPL activities were rearranged and placed well and the work for the staff became easier for them with the daily recording sheets.
Children were more aware about ground rules. They were observing the orderliness, soft talking and other ethics of Montessori environment.
ONE MORE SPECIAL CHILD
Tomorrow baby Yalini [special child] is expected to join in our HOC for 1 hour with her mother. HOC have addressed her parents regarding her physical challenges and advised to approach the SPASTIC SOCIETY OF INDIA in Madras.
We believe the Montessori education will assist this special child to enrich her experiences with the surrounding and social skills. We pray to GOD for her happy timings in our HOC.
Muthuraj will not come to HOC from Monday because his school is going to reopen. We have given this message to our children. They have enjoyed more with his presence.
GREATNESS OF PRIYA AND OTHERS
Today when we have asked the staff to get ready for half day work from Monday Mrs.Priya said that they all prefer to render their great service to the children for 8 hours. The reason was very important. So we have left this to their choice.
THIS YEAR WE HAVE ENJOYED THE SUMMER DAYS WITH GOOD BREEZE AND SHOWERS.
22.5.09 – Today again we had experienced a different working condition in our HOC. We were very clear about the choice of work and the place where the child has to sit. Then we had presented flowers, name cards, verb cards, carrot pealing and mango cutting.
We need to assist the children to eat the food without spilling the food.
We need to practice the various language activities with the new grouping method.
Ms.Priya expressed that she is feeling stressed with working time and also with the 1.5 year old son. We have asked her to inform us about her decision by Monday.
23.5.09 – Today we have conducted 3 hours seminar about PREGNANCY AND CHILCARE THROUGH MONTESSORI METHOD. Dr.Madeswaran and our staff have called for this rare workshop for our parents. We have received only 6 parents out of whole village. But we were so happy that they are aware about their children and made use of this work shop to first think about themselves.
Parents also gave many feed back about their children.
Mrs.Ganesh [ Swetha’s mother ] commenced the very first SPIRITUAL CLASS in our HOC. She narrated the legend of SreeKrishna and Kuchaela. After that she rendered a divine song on Lord Shiva and explained the meaning behind it. She also made us to think and discuss about ‘’ HOW TO OVER COME THE HURDLES OF OUR LIFE THROUGH SPIRITUALITY?’’
Then she took hints about MADURAI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE COMPLEX FOR NEXT CLASS. She has decided to present her thoughts on spirituality on every Saturday.
PAINTING WITH DEDICATION:
We need to thank Philip and Muthuraj for painting our Montessori materials. They have done an excellent work with great perfection. Muthuraj said that they thought the work will be tedious. But after doing for some time they have realized that they are enjoying the work and the small size materials are making them to think about their mathematical concepts in Geometry.
After painting they played English Spelling Game with us and left the school.
FREE EYE CAMP:
Tomorrow SriSakthi Foundation and Madurai Aravind Eye Hospital are going to conduct free eye checking and operation service to villagers for the third time. So the foundation members are working towards this.
· We thank Mr.Karthikayan for arranging, bringing, pasting all the required wall posters along with Mr.Panidy.
· We render our humble thanks to Mr.Balamurugan who has arrived today morning from Thiruvaaroor. He has travelled all along the villages in auto with Mr.Jagadesan and made proper communication to many uneducated people and gave the awareness about the eye care and eye camp.
· We also thank Mr.Mani’s family for accepting this tough service in the absence of Mr.Jeyaraman. He has been transferred to Salem which is very far away from this village. This must be the lesson to all of us that we must not arrange for any such program without perfect man power. So we are expecting more than 1000 people from the villages for this free eye camp. We also thank all our parents for allowing us to get into the public life for service.
24.5.09 – FREE EYE CAMP.
Today SriSakthi Foundation and Madurai Aravind Eye Hospital has joined and conducted the third free eye camp for the villagers. 10 nurses and 3 women doctors came from Madurai. Mani’s mother has arranged fro the morning breakfast and by sharp 9 the eye care unit started its calm work for the real service.
The local public school has offered large desks and chairs. We received 250 people from the age of 3 to 80. People from very far away villages have arrived and checked their eyes. Among them 47 people were advised for the surgery. They were taken to Madurai through city bus and some through the hospital van. All the charges will be shared by the hospital. The villagers were happy with the service. Doctors said that this camp was very stress less for them and every thing has been organized properly.
We all said good bye to the Hospital unit and rested. We must be aware only about the food in this village. We must serve good food to the unit who ever come for any service. Dr.Pradheepkumar has addressed the foundation members and thanked for their service.
Mr.Balamurugan left to Thiruvaaroor by night. Mr.Jeyaraman also left to Salem and Ms.Usha came nack after her long leave and joined in work.
25.5.09 – Miss.Mallika did not come because of her village festival. Today also we followed the new pattern of work and we all handled the children well. Many presentations tooks place without abusing the child’s memory.
Usha amma offered avil with jiggery to children as her snack from Coimbatore. Muthuraj recoated all the materials.
So the day has passed with more work.
Swetha’s mother saw her work with bead materials till 1000. Her 1.5 years old daughter also worked in the HOC. By after noon we discussed about Vaikaase Vishkam Festival. Swetha’s mother has accepted to conduct the festival.
27.5.09 – Nature walk.
Children and staff left out to buy palm fruits. Palm fruits are very good for health for summer season. Children walked in line and followed many rules while walking on the road. When they ate the fruits the science lessons were given by the staff. After that they them self took a plastic bag and put the remains and placed aside in that shop. People felt very happy and surprised with their smartness.
Today salary was given to our staff.
Jothy akka has been asked to come only for noon session from June 1.
Jothy akka and Usha amma are getting the same payment.
Mallika‘s increment is Rs.100
Priya’s increment is Rs.250
Menaka received her first salary.
We have interviewed a new +2 candidate. She is from a poor back ground. We spoke all the rules and regulations for the +2 passed candidates. Her mother said that she will make us to know the decision by tomorrow.
28.5.09 – Today we conducted the HOC as usual and many instructions were given to the teachers. Dr.Madeswaran left to Madras after 25 days. It is very clear that there is a need for a person to instruct the staff and observe their work. Though the teachers are good in implementing the Montessori system they need many more days of training and direction to implement the system perfectly.
Last summer went with setting and beginning of more work. This summer left with experiencing more work and efforts which have to be reframed and teachers were guided more in depth. It is always the belief that we all are good humans and we serve the best for the children.
Children said good bye to Madeswaran and asked when he will come?
On 13.6.09.
Dr.Madesawaran has arrived with fresh new concepts about handling the children from 1.5 years after I week experience with AMI training centre. On May 2nd he has conducted the workshop for staff, near by person who has a new born child along with a special child. Miss. Kalaiselvi who is also going get married soon attended the workshop.
The workshop covered the main topic about pregnancy, child care from zero years to 6 years. The various features of this age group were very clearly discussed with realistic examples. Mr.Philip is the young student who has just finished his schooling gave out the clear picture of a Montessori environment.
We have planned to conduct this valuable workshop to Sendurai people on May 17th. We are very happy that the staffs are able to understand and lead the various age group children based on their needs. But at the same time we must also have at least 10 more children. But one of our staff has expressed that it would be difficult to handle more because of more toddlers.
But we have expressed the fact behind the freedom to move and choose the work. The children must be very independent in working without adult’s intervention.
Mr.Jeyaraman has addressed about the financial crisis in America and our needs. We are planning to increase the salary of the staff very soon but not very high. But we feel it will be injustice to make them to handle more children for 8 hours with this salary.
We all respect our staffs’ dedicated work and so we are planning to have shift system among the staff members. This will be well planned and implemented when Dr.Madeswaran goes to Sendurai for summer workshops for 3 weeks after May 10th.
THE MOST DEDICATED ADULTS:
Mrs.Priya Kannan is in turn leave. She has gone to her husband’s place just to take leave. She said that she would be tempted to come to school if she stays in the village. I feel she is one among the best dedicated Montessori adult. Even Mallika said that she could not just stay in her home during her turn leave.
WE HAVE HARVESTED:
On 3rd May, Swetha’s mother came to see us in the burning hot sun along with her baby. We thought she may want to see us to discuss about the school work. But she has approached us to help and guide her in knowing and understanding various traditions and culture of the state which will be celebrated as various festivals all over the year.
She said that she has learned a lot through her daughter from the HOC. We feel very proud to say this and share that a child can change the family. We gave her many ideas and also few story books about Indian myths.
She has accepted to join with us in summer to conduct spiritual story classes. We are also planning for free English sessions for village children and free story session.
THE LITTLE GIRL WITH GREAT HEART:
Swetha has forced her mother to light the lamps in the evening to pray to God for Ravikumar’s healing. See the greatness of little children!
As Montessori said that it is only the adults who live in real life as role models can be the true guides to young children.
*** Miss.Menaka is the aunt of our student Dharun. After her schooling she has completed her 1 year diploma in nursing. She has joined with us for 1 month observation to work as Montessori adult. She will be observing and recording her views and doubts. She will be also reading various materials about Montessori education in Tamil. She will be interviewed after a month. We have said all the necessary details about our HOC to her. We are happy about her sportiveness.
On Sunday we practiced 6 stages of Sound Games. We are very firm about learning phonetics. We are also getting few children in this summer but we don’t mind. Whether it is few are many children are individuals and they gain from the HOC personally.
SUMMER ADDRESSING:
On May 10th Dr.Madeswaran will be addressing children in PUDHIYADHOOR Institution in Ramavaram – Madras about the topic ‘’WATER’’. He would also discuss about the various activities to start a Montessori class room with that foundation.
10.5.09- Dr.M.Madeswaran was given a very lovable and simple welcome by Mr.R.Narayanan. He is the founder of a trust called ‘’PUDHIYADHOR…’’. This is a trust which is serving the underprivileged children of all age groups in and around Chennai.
The objective of this trust is to establish good resource centers for quality teaching and learning for new concepts and also to make the children to makes use of their evening time and holidays in constructive ways.
Now they are very keen about establishing Montessori schools for these children. So we had a very long discussion with him and Ms. Meenakshi. She had attended the AMI training course. We have suggested them how to begin the school, what are the possibilities to reduce the cost in making Montessori materials and other practical details.
After that Dr.Madeswaran gave a presentation about ‘’WATER’’. This presentation was attended by 30 children from 2 years to 13 years. Children found it very different and useful.
We need to appreciate the adults of the center who were just recording the techniques used by Dr.Madeswaran.
The presentation was very much successful and children gave their feed back also.
Mr.Narayanan has welcomed him to present the same concept to a big gathering of children ranging from 6 to 15 years old in Besant Nagar in Chennai on 11.5.09.
10.5.09 MR.ADHAVAN [ Dr.Madeswaran’s cousin brother in Chennai ] HAS DONATED Rs.20000 to SRISAKTHI FOUNDATION TODAY. WE THANK AND PRAY FOR HIM.
11.5.09 – Dr.Madeswaran gave the same presentation to 40 children in the community hall established by Tamil Nadu State Government in Wannan Thurai in Adyar. The children are from local washermen community. More children also travelled across 25 KM from OORAPAKKAM near Chennai for this presentation.
His presentation was appreciated and more practical learning took place. Children learned how to think about a concept with the imagination. They admired the life and work of Dr.Montessori who just lived in the place where today they are living in Adyar.
Projects about various water and land forms were suggested by Dr.Madeswaran.
Master. Saravanan came back to school after 1 week. He has undergone very horrible family problems because of his parents. The child felt very tired and stressed to settle down back to the school. His parents were called and warned by the staff. We are planning to have a meeting with them on Wednesday.
13.5.09 – INDIAN PARLIAMENT ELECTION IN TAMILNADU. HOC WILL BE CLOSED FOR CHILDREN. TEACHERS CAN PUT VOTE AND COME FOR MEETING.
12.5.09 – Mr.Madhusudhanan has handed over the Montessori materials made by himself to Dr.Madeswaran.
13.5.09 – Sewing ring, constructive triangles materials are added to our HOC. Teachers need to be practice and present them to the children.
13.5.09- Teachers arrived late to school and we have discussed about the arrival time which must be very prompt. We have linked that with the order and manners. Later we saw all the various materials brought from Madras.
Mean while Saravanan and his mother came to HOC. But the child has expressed the negative approach to us. So we have sent them back home. We are meeting the parents for their UN acceptable behavior which has upset the child’s life and his actions.
Then we all sat for presentation with new Montessori materials. Constructive triangles boxes were presented with great interest and we all have enjoyed that.
We were able to understand the depth behind the Constructive Triangles Material. Teachers said that the materials are making us to think a lot and also imagine. We were also able to interpret many geometrical shapes and relate to life.
STRICT WARNING TO THE PARENTS:
We have spoken to Saravanan’s parents about their cruel attitude with the children because of their personal family issues. The child was very much upset physically and mentally. Mother was given very important lessons about the family setup, mother’s attitude and child psychology. The father has really changed slowly in these years based on our warnings, lessons and considering child’s mental development. But the mother is taking every thing very easy and it is the context to address her very firmly. We said that the children will be taken away from the school if any more issues upset them. Then the child was called and told before them that the parents will never quarrel and hit each other and he can believe.
By 2.30 P.M Mrs.Kalaivani came to see us. She took important points about child care from pregnancy to 6 years. We believe that she is person who really spreads and working for children. She will spread the messages to many parents.
On 14.5.09 we will be observing the children. We are going to start implementing 2 things.
1. All will be talking and addressing each other in very low sound.
2. Dr.Madeswaran will be talking only in English.
*** Mean while we are going to take the sincere lessons about English phonetics also.
14.5.09- Today we gave the presentation of
1. Conversation
2. Picture conversation
3. English Noun Game
By after noon we did a very interesting practical session about ‘’OBSERVATION’’. Teachers have expressed that they need more practical sessions like that which makes them to understand the methodology easily.
GOOD BYE TO SASIKALA
Today by afternoon we gave good bye to Miss.Sasikala. Saravanan honored her by offering the saffron, greetings card and salary cover. Children spoke in praise of her. Many said that they like her because she teaches them well.
After that we had a mini staff meeting in which we spoke about her work.
Dr.Madeswaran said that she is a person of enormous patience and joy. He highlighted her great service in attending several phone calls at any time regarding the school. He too thanked her family for the support behind her work.
The school has given privilege of coming and working back at time she likes.
We observed how the 1.5 years old children are very aware about the surroundings through their absorbent mind.
WE ARE HAPPY ABOUT MISS.MENAKA’S DEDICATED WORK IN HOC.
WE ARE ALSO HAPPY TO CONVEY THAT PHILIP WHO IS WORKING WITH US AFTER HIS SCHOOLING HAS SECURED 964 MARKS IN +2 EXAMS AND STANDING FIRST IN HIS SCHOOL.
15.5.09 – Today we have started talking very softly. This has worked out well. Some times we need to insist some children to remember that rule. After the prayer we had a small story session which is based on AMI training.
After that we asked the children to choose their own work and settle down in various places as they wish. But we were very particular about sitting alone and working.
We have presented the following materials for the staff observation.
a. Blue triangles [ Manoj worked with this material with his Excellency in creativity]
b. Cylindrical blocks [ eye fold activity ]
c. Decanomial square.
d. Secondary color tablets.
e. Number rods.
f. Sand paper letters in English.
*** It was a very challenging task to handle Ravikumar. Again we had very sad information about Saravanan’s parental behavior yesterday. By evening the mother was called and spoken about the need of good behavior.
16.5.09- Today we worked for half day only and today is Saturday. Children were not there. We gave the presentation of Tertiary color tablets, sound boxes, presenting a real object and then we have started classifying picture cards.
We felt very unhappy about the staff attitude that they are not preparing the language well.
Even after 1 year one of our staff is unable to pronounce well with some the English words. I spoke to them and explained how it is important to prepare our self first before approaching the children. It is very important to feel the needs of parents and society from the HOC with prepared staff. I have given a week time for them to learn and practice. On next Friday we will be conducting a very serious oral exam for them with picture cards.
HARD WORK’S HARVEST.
Swetha’S mother came today for clearing her doubts about various spiritual lessons. Dr.PradheepKumar’s lessons about spirituality have served her purpose. She asked many questions and accepted to conduct the spiritual classes on all Saturdays.
Today we have handed over few spiritual books to her. She has spent lot of time with her 1.5 years old daughter with picture cards.
Mean while this gave us the opportunity to observe the child’s absorbent mind with sensitive periods.
SASIKALA’S DELICIOUS DOSAI:
Miss.Sasikala use to bring good dosai with delicious side dishes. So today she has served us with the dosai and chuttny- sambar combinations.
PINE APPLE LESSON
We showed the real pine apple and gave a crisp conversation presentation about the fruit. Saravanan, Ravikumar and Chandrakumar were there.
The school has condemned the staff for not taking the children out to show the cotton plantation, palm fruit shop and other happenings which can enrich their experiences. There is lack of commitment. But we believe that they will get back to the old interest of running the HOC.
18.5.09 – Today we have the presentations of Noun game, Verb cards, English naming game and Sand paper letters. As usual we have learned many things. By afternoon we have classified many picture cards and framed our plan for various language activities for 2 weeks.
19.5.09 – Today we have presented PAPAYA FRUIT to children and they observed a lot and learned more about the fruit. We also presented the picture cards based on our plan for the children.
We were able to see the child expressions of 1.5 years old children.
Again we have rearranged many rooms and shelves.
Many old worn-out materials were discarded.
Philip and Muthuraj have accepted to repaint the materials with respective paints by tomorrow.
Mallika and Priya practiced well with the picture cards and they are confident.
More name lessons were given and recorded by them in their observation books.
Children were seemed to work for ever even without having break with snacks.
From yesterday 1.5 years old children have started staying in HOC till 3.30 P.M. Today they had more movements and explorations.
We too had the presentation of book reading.
Because of local festival in the village Menaka took leave today.
20, 21.5.09 – We have rearranged the school. Children were directed to work alone and mingle when there is a need. Break time was altered as individual‘s wish to have the snack. But teachers have felt that this is upsetting their social skills and we have decided to give general break time.
Most of the preliminary materials were displaced inside stock corner. Sensorial and EPL activities were rearranged and placed well and the work for the staff became easier for them with the daily recording sheets.
Children were more aware about ground rules. They were observing the orderliness, soft talking and other ethics of Montessori environment.
ONE MORE SPECIAL CHILD
Tomorrow baby Yalini [special child] is expected to join in our HOC for 1 hour with her mother. HOC have addressed her parents regarding her physical challenges and advised to approach the SPASTIC SOCIETY OF INDIA in Madras.
We believe the Montessori education will assist this special child to enrich her experiences with the surrounding and social skills. We pray to GOD for her happy timings in our HOC.
Muthuraj will not come to HOC from Monday because his school is going to reopen. We have given this message to our children. They have enjoyed more with his presence.
GREATNESS OF PRIYA AND OTHERS
Today when we have asked the staff to get ready for half day work from Monday Mrs.Priya said that they all prefer to render their great service to the children for 8 hours. The reason was very important. So we have left this to their choice.
THIS YEAR WE HAVE ENJOYED THE SUMMER DAYS WITH GOOD BREEZE AND SHOWERS.
22.5.09 – Today again we had experienced a different working condition in our HOC. We were very clear about the choice of work and the place where the child has to sit. Then we had presented flowers, name cards, verb cards, carrot pealing and mango cutting.
We need to assist the children to eat the food without spilling the food.
We need to practice the various language activities with the new grouping method.
Ms.Priya expressed that she is feeling stressed with working time and also with the 1.5 year old son. We have asked her to inform us about her decision by Monday.
23.5.09 – Today we have conducted 3 hours seminar about PREGNANCY AND CHILCARE THROUGH MONTESSORI METHOD. Dr.Madeswaran and our staff have called for this rare workshop for our parents. We have received only 6 parents out of whole village. But we were so happy that they are aware about their children and made use of this work shop to first think about themselves.
Parents also gave many feed back about their children.
Mrs.Ganesh [ Swetha’s mother ] commenced the very first SPIRITUAL CLASS in our HOC. She narrated the legend of SreeKrishna and Kuchaela. After that she rendered a divine song on Lord Shiva and explained the meaning behind it. She also made us to think and discuss about ‘’ HOW TO OVER COME THE HURDLES OF OUR LIFE THROUGH SPIRITUALITY?’’
Then she took hints about MADURAI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE COMPLEX FOR NEXT CLASS. She has decided to present her thoughts on spirituality on every Saturday.
PAINTING WITH DEDICATION:
We need to thank Philip and Muthuraj for painting our Montessori materials. They have done an excellent work with great perfection. Muthuraj said that they thought the work will be tedious. But after doing for some time they have realized that they are enjoying the work and the small size materials are making them to think about their mathematical concepts in Geometry.
After painting they played English Spelling Game with us and left the school.
FREE EYE CAMP:
Tomorrow SriSakthi Foundation and Madurai Aravind Eye Hospital are going to conduct free eye checking and operation service to villagers for the third time. So the foundation members are working towards this.
· We thank Mr.Karthikayan for arranging, bringing, pasting all the required wall posters along with Mr.Panidy.
· We render our humble thanks to Mr.Balamurugan who has arrived today morning from Thiruvaaroor. He has travelled all along the villages in auto with Mr.Jagadesan and made proper communication to many uneducated people and gave the awareness about the eye care and eye camp.
· We also thank Mr.Mani’s family for accepting this tough service in the absence of Mr.Jeyaraman. He has been transferred to Salem which is very far away from this village. This must be the lesson to all of us that we must not arrange for any such program without perfect man power. So we are expecting more than 1000 people from the villages for this free eye camp. We also thank all our parents for allowing us to get into the public life for service.
24.5.09 – FREE EYE CAMP.
Today SriSakthi Foundation and Madurai Aravind Eye Hospital has joined and conducted the third free eye camp for the villagers. 10 nurses and 3 women doctors came from Madurai. Mani’s mother has arranged fro the morning breakfast and by sharp 9 the eye care unit started its calm work for the real service.
The local public school has offered large desks and chairs. We received 250 people from the age of 3 to 80. People from very far away villages have arrived and checked their eyes. Among them 47 people were advised for the surgery. They were taken to Madurai through city bus and some through the hospital van. All the charges will be shared by the hospital. The villagers were happy with the service. Doctors said that this camp was very stress less for them and every thing has been organized properly.
We all said good bye to the Hospital unit and rested. We must be aware only about the food in this village. We must serve good food to the unit who ever come for any service. Dr.Pradheepkumar has addressed the foundation members and thanked for their service.
Mr.Balamurugan left to Thiruvaaroor by night. Mr.Jeyaraman also left to Salem and Ms.Usha came nack after her long leave and joined in work.
25.5.09 – Miss.Mallika did not come because of her village festival. Today also we followed the new pattern of work and we all handled the children well. Many presentations tooks place without abusing the child’s memory.
Usha amma offered avil with jiggery to children as her snack from Coimbatore. Muthuraj recoated all the materials.
So the day has passed with more work.
Swetha’s mother saw her work with bead materials till 1000. Her 1.5 years old daughter also worked in the HOC. By after noon we discussed about Vaikaase Vishkam Festival. Swetha’s mother has accepted to conduct the festival.
27.5.09 – Nature walk.
Children and staff left out to buy palm fruits. Palm fruits are very good for health for summer season. Children walked in line and followed many rules while walking on the road. When they ate the fruits the science lessons were given by the staff. After that they them self took a plastic bag and put the remains and placed aside in that shop. People felt very happy and surprised with their smartness.
Today salary was given to our staff.
Jothy akka has been asked to come only for noon session from June 1.
Jothy akka and Usha amma are getting the same payment.
Mallika‘s increment is Rs.100
Priya’s increment is Rs.250
Menaka received her first salary.
We have interviewed a new +2 candidate. She is from a poor back ground. We spoke all the rules and regulations for the +2 passed candidates. Her mother said that she will make us to know the decision by tomorrow.
28.5.09 – Today we conducted the HOC as usual and many instructions were given to the teachers. Dr.Madeswaran left to Madras after 25 days. It is very clear that there is a need for a person to instruct the staff and observe their work. Though the teachers are good in implementing the Montessori system they need many more days of training and direction to implement the system perfectly.
Last summer went with setting and beginning of more work. This summer left with experiencing more work and efforts which have to be reframed and teachers were guided more in depth. It is always the belief that we all are good humans and we serve the best for the children.
Children said good bye to Madeswaran and asked when he will come?
On 13.6.09.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Events Of April 2009
EVENTS OF APRIL 2009
On 3.4.09- HOC has celebrated SRERAMA NAVAMI. For past 10 days our staff are narrating the history and legends of SreeRama and also making the children to observe the various colorful rituals performed to the icon pieces of Lord Rama. Some times children too wanted to perform and they were allowed. On the festival day special songs were sang and rituals were done by all the children and staff. Sundal and butter milk was offered to God and tasted by all with good sharing moments.
5.4.09- Sunday. We conducted the staff meeting. We have read the narrative reports and academic reports our students. It is amazing to see the evolution of the twins who are just 1.5 years old. They are well settled and very smart in choosing their activity. They have improved their eating and toilet habits also. We thank all our staff members with helpers for the great care and service.
Mean while Saravanan was observed very carefully for few more strong autism symptoms. We tested him when he showed very rare but fearful symptoms. Later he was normal and we gave him the traditional Ayur Vedic Bathing. We feel much for this child. His brother is all most cured and he wanted to attend the school. But we have to prepare other children to handle this child without disturbing his wounds.
We read and discussed few important chapters from Montessori’s EDUCATION FOR A NEW WORLD. We have mainly discussed the physical and mental role of a mother and teacher and how it has helped Saravanan in coming out of his mental conditions. More care must be given to this boy.
Then we ate our lunch and dispersed. The school gets closed from Saturday to Tuesday for the local annual temple festival.
Mean while Sasikala and Priya have opened that they may leave the school after few months for valid reasons. Yes again we are in threat of good staff. Let us start the work.
10.4.09- OBSERVATION MINUTES BY Dr.Madeswaran.M
1. When the school auto reaches the HOC, children got inside with joy and left their slippers and settled them self for the prayer in the prayer room.
2. Surya Raj is 1.5 years old. He came to me and asked me to lift him and cuddle him. He was very open to every one and well settled with the HOC.
3. When we conducted the prayer session there was absolute silence and children were aware about the importance behind the prayer chanting.
4. Basheer silently moved from his place and reached me and sat on my laps. By seeing this Saravanan could not bear his emotions and he was just waiting for my call to come to me. But I took some time for Saravanan to settle.
5. After the chanting, MohanRaj came into the HOC with sweets. He celebrated his birth day in the HOC. We sang the song for him and talked about his good dress. This went into the detailed conversation about dresses, colors and other things. He gave sweets to every child and staff. Every one thanked him. We gave a set of crayon color pencils to him as a gift. Immediately he wanted to try with them on a paper. By seeing that Sudeesh said that he can draw well with colors and pencils in big note books at home. We have asked him to show his creative pieces to us.
6. Then children chose their work and settled down. But I have insisted the staff to practice them self with more EPL and sensorial activities.
7. 1.5 year child was going on distracting others for the material which they have. Slowly we need to change this attitude.
8. Mean while Kalaivani came to see us. Children were so happy to have her.
9. With the Montessori globe I gave the group presentation of land and water, how the Earth looks? , how the Earth rotates, names of Erath in Tamil language and various continents.
10. Mean while we have decided to take the children out of the HOC for a nature walk to explore more with the Earth.
11. Every one wore their slippers and started walking. Mishal walked for a quiet a long distance by holding the hands of our staff. We also made her to participate in the nature walk by making her to sit on a chair.
12. We explored trees, plants, huts, mountains, insects, cows, chickens, human beings , fishes, flowers, rocks, stones and our own homes are resting on this globe.
13. Children were explained how the Earth is holding the rocks and they also tried their best and enjoyed the activity of shaking a medium size rock piece.
14. They saw the cow and got the name lesson in Tamil. There are several other names with adjectives for cow in India. So we gave them and explained why we respect a cow.
The exciting raining clouds:
When we were enjoying the nature walk, slowly there came few dark rainy clouds. It is very rare to have rain in the state in this horrible summer. Immediately we asked them to observe the motion of the clouds and explained how clouds drink water and change their color and how the cool winds from trees make them to shower the rain.
We explained this by drinking water from water bottles. We said that clouds need lot of water and they go to ponds, rivers, lakes, seas to drink water.
Then they sang a song about the rainy day. Slowly we felt that it is drizzling and asked the children to feel the cool breeze and clouds changing into very dark.
Slowly we too got the pinching touch of the rain drops and ran towards the school. Then we sang and danced inside the compound about the rainy day.
The crying big boy:
There came Samydurai 5.5 years old. He is from a local tribal farmer family with many siblings. When he came to our school we have learned much from him in settling. When he has changed slowly and started learning he felt that there is no one in the school equal to his age. His brothers are going to the local Government school and also run away with them. But his father has understood the concept of Montessori education and wanted him to continue one more year. We have explained the boy about the next year plan and settled him. But every day after crying for few minutes he is settling with his own choice of work. His father is very happy with his changes, English learning and attitudes. Hats off to Dr.Montessori and my staff members!!!
Mrs.Kalaivani’s experience:
She was our very first teacher who has enjoyed the Montessori philosophy very much. Now she is doing B.Ed in Ability based teaching which has included most of the Montessori concepts. She said that she was able to do her training well with the experiences which she has gained from our HOC. She gave many examples of various observations and students. She too shared her experiences in handling special children.
The wildness inside the baby boy:
Saravanan is a special child. We are treating him and he has shown gradual good outputs and growing well. But teachers have observed again there are few symptoms within him last week. So this time we have tested him and when we made him to do the difficult body exercises he has turned very badly as a wild boy and shouted , ‘’ uncle! If you don’t leave me I will bite you!’’.
Every body were upset and shocked to see the inner anger and wild behavior of this baby boy of autism. I was very much upset and we then gave him the traditional medications with hot bath.
We are aware that the mother is just wasting her time not taking care of him. She is just behind the younger boy who is badly injured. She too has changed that boys character just by giving unlimited crazy attention and affection.
We came to know that Saravanan was not given bath for 3 days and also his father has hit his mother before him and we called them and spoke and explained his changes and how the father’s wild character the child has imbibed slowly. But the father is very cool and said he is a rowdy who can challenge the whole village. We said that then the children will be called as ‘’rowdy’s children’’.
The shock treatment:
To make Saravanan to realize the love, attention, care given by the staff we have asked his parents to send few days to the local school were children are not cared like us. But the child cried and said that the staff in his brother’s school will beat him and he will never go. When we explained the care given to him the father just said that he has given all comforts to him. What a great lie? Boasting lie? We just saw each other face and laughed among our self!
The child has promised us that he will never be such rude and wild any more. We need to help him to come out of this situation but his parents have to co operate. Let us give our side care and love!
11.4.09 – Today Lord Murugan took his procession in the morning and it was raining. Mr.Balamurugan and his new friend Mr.Chellappan from Pondychery hase visited. Mr.Sakthyvel offered sacred food to many people.
The light for the fresh teacher:
Today we met Philip. He is a fresh +2 candidate from a very poor back ground. His father is a tailor in the village who stitches for reasonable rate. He has done many stitches for our HOC in the early years. He likes to do Engineering graduation but he has no money.
But his poverty has made him frustrated. We spoke to him. He said that he likes to graduate with Mathematics and wanted to be a teacher later. So we said that he can join with us as teacher and do part time studies along with Montessori training. If time and condition permits he can do his regular Montessori training in Madras from July to March 2010.
He can also ask SriSakthi Foundation for financial support for his studies. But he needs to work with us for few years after completing his graduation. He too is interested in this work. He has requested for working conditions in our HOC from next week. His English is good and he can do reading activities and also observe the environment.
I have discussed about this to Mr.Ganesh Marapan and Mr.Jeyaraman and let us see.
Mean while Mr.Muthuraj a special student who has been helped by our foundation has approached us for doing story telling activity in HOC. He is also from a middle class family and he is going to do school finals exams next year. He wants a place also to settle and learn and he has found our school as the best place. So we have asked him to do story telling in the day time and do his personal studies without any distraction to children by noon in a room or in the garden.
We feel very happy that the Montessori House of Children in the village has given space and choice for many such people to perform some thing good in their life.
26.4.09- FOURTH TERM REPORT GIVING DAY
Mr.Balamurugan from Pondychery was the chief guest for today’s function. He belongs to a very ordinary farmer family who lost his father at the age of 10. He was brought up very well in studies and behavior by his mother who also cared 2 little girls after him.
After doing his poly technique diploma he has joined in Pondychery Law College and did his degree in law after taking a part time job. After doing law he practiced for 3 months and now working in ICICI Bank in Thiruvaaroor. He is very responsible and care taking. He made his first sister married in a good position and now involved in SRISAKTHI FOUNDATION’S projects. Along with Mr.Jeyaraman he is involved in all the festivals of our foundation in this village. So we are honoring him as our young chief guest and made him to address the parents.
This time many children have arrived early to our HOC along with their parents. By 10.45 after short prayer we have started the report giving festival.
Dr.Madeswaran gave the welcome speech and introduced the chief guest followed by his calm, simple, realistic speech which made our parents to open their minds to give us the feed back about the schools and children.
Mr.Balamurugan addressed the parents as follows:
‘’ Believe your child. Give him the space to settle and fix his own task. Let you be behind the child. Let us give our best things to our children. Trust the school and Montessori system. We must be the role model for own children and we must perform what we expect from them. Encourage the child’s work.’’
Parents were very happy about the children’s personality and academics. There were good feed back. Andrews’s mother spoke well about her son.
Divyadarshini could not see her father and so she has started crying loudly. This was realized by all of us about the child psychology.
Children them self took the responsibility of serving coffee and biscuits. They volunteered for giving away the greetings card and gift to our chief guest. We have presented a simple but beautiful wooden flower vase to our guest.
Parents were informed about the auto timing and holidays. Teachers are taking 10 days as turn holidays. I feel very proud to say that Miss.Mallika said that she could not be at home in her turn holidays.
Mrs.Usha and her daughter have gone to Coimbatore for holidays and she is planning to check her health position.
We thank our staff for making such neat files for children’s work and narrative reports in our school letter pad sheets. All the reports were written by our staff after thorough edition work by Dr.Madeswaran. We also thank them for arranging a very calm and tensionless function. After the festival every one left and we sat for the lunch and theory work shop.
27.4.09- HOC conducted fresh term prayers and term planning.
From 28th to May 8th Dr.Madeswaran will be under going AMI assistance teacher training in Montessori teaching for the age group 0 to 6 in Madras.
On 3.4.09- HOC has celebrated SRERAMA NAVAMI. For past 10 days our staff are narrating the history and legends of SreeRama and also making the children to observe the various colorful rituals performed to the icon pieces of Lord Rama. Some times children too wanted to perform and they were allowed. On the festival day special songs were sang and rituals were done by all the children and staff. Sundal and butter milk was offered to God and tasted by all with good sharing moments.
5.4.09- Sunday. We conducted the staff meeting. We have read the narrative reports and academic reports our students. It is amazing to see the evolution of the twins who are just 1.5 years old. They are well settled and very smart in choosing their activity. They have improved their eating and toilet habits also. We thank all our staff members with helpers for the great care and service.
Mean while Saravanan was observed very carefully for few more strong autism symptoms. We tested him when he showed very rare but fearful symptoms. Later he was normal and we gave him the traditional Ayur Vedic Bathing. We feel much for this child. His brother is all most cured and he wanted to attend the school. But we have to prepare other children to handle this child without disturbing his wounds.
We read and discussed few important chapters from Montessori’s EDUCATION FOR A NEW WORLD. We have mainly discussed the physical and mental role of a mother and teacher and how it has helped Saravanan in coming out of his mental conditions. More care must be given to this boy.
Then we ate our lunch and dispersed. The school gets closed from Saturday to Tuesday for the local annual temple festival.
Mean while Sasikala and Priya have opened that they may leave the school after few months for valid reasons. Yes again we are in threat of good staff. Let us start the work.
10.4.09- OBSERVATION MINUTES BY Dr.Madeswaran.M
1. When the school auto reaches the HOC, children got inside with joy and left their slippers and settled them self for the prayer in the prayer room.
2. Surya Raj is 1.5 years old. He came to me and asked me to lift him and cuddle him. He was very open to every one and well settled with the HOC.
3. When we conducted the prayer session there was absolute silence and children were aware about the importance behind the prayer chanting.
4. Basheer silently moved from his place and reached me and sat on my laps. By seeing this Saravanan could not bear his emotions and he was just waiting for my call to come to me. But I took some time for Saravanan to settle.
5. After the chanting, MohanRaj came into the HOC with sweets. He celebrated his birth day in the HOC. We sang the song for him and talked about his good dress. This went into the detailed conversation about dresses, colors and other things. He gave sweets to every child and staff. Every one thanked him. We gave a set of crayon color pencils to him as a gift. Immediately he wanted to try with them on a paper. By seeing that Sudeesh said that he can draw well with colors and pencils in big note books at home. We have asked him to show his creative pieces to us.
6. Then children chose their work and settled down. But I have insisted the staff to practice them self with more EPL and sensorial activities.
7. 1.5 year child was going on distracting others for the material which they have. Slowly we need to change this attitude.
8. Mean while Kalaivani came to see us. Children were so happy to have her.
9. With the Montessori globe I gave the group presentation of land and water, how the Earth looks? , how the Earth rotates, names of Erath in Tamil language and various continents.
10. Mean while we have decided to take the children out of the HOC for a nature walk to explore more with the Earth.
11. Every one wore their slippers and started walking. Mishal walked for a quiet a long distance by holding the hands of our staff. We also made her to participate in the nature walk by making her to sit on a chair.
12. We explored trees, plants, huts, mountains, insects, cows, chickens, human beings , fishes, flowers, rocks, stones and our own homes are resting on this globe.
13. Children were explained how the Earth is holding the rocks and they also tried their best and enjoyed the activity of shaking a medium size rock piece.
14. They saw the cow and got the name lesson in Tamil. There are several other names with adjectives for cow in India. So we gave them and explained why we respect a cow.
The exciting raining clouds:
When we were enjoying the nature walk, slowly there came few dark rainy clouds. It is very rare to have rain in the state in this horrible summer. Immediately we asked them to observe the motion of the clouds and explained how clouds drink water and change their color and how the cool winds from trees make them to shower the rain.
We explained this by drinking water from water bottles. We said that clouds need lot of water and they go to ponds, rivers, lakes, seas to drink water.
Then they sang a song about the rainy day. Slowly we felt that it is drizzling and asked the children to feel the cool breeze and clouds changing into very dark.
Slowly we too got the pinching touch of the rain drops and ran towards the school. Then we sang and danced inside the compound about the rainy day.
The crying big boy:
There came Samydurai 5.5 years old. He is from a local tribal farmer family with many siblings. When he came to our school we have learned much from him in settling. When he has changed slowly and started learning he felt that there is no one in the school equal to his age. His brothers are going to the local Government school and also run away with them. But his father has understood the concept of Montessori education and wanted him to continue one more year. We have explained the boy about the next year plan and settled him. But every day after crying for few minutes he is settling with his own choice of work. His father is very happy with his changes, English learning and attitudes. Hats off to Dr.Montessori and my staff members!!!
Mrs.Kalaivani’s experience:
She was our very first teacher who has enjoyed the Montessori philosophy very much. Now she is doing B.Ed in Ability based teaching which has included most of the Montessori concepts. She said that she was able to do her training well with the experiences which she has gained from our HOC. She gave many examples of various observations and students. She too shared her experiences in handling special children.
The wildness inside the baby boy:
Saravanan is a special child. We are treating him and he has shown gradual good outputs and growing well. But teachers have observed again there are few symptoms within him last week. So this time we have tested him and when we made him to do the difficult body exercises he has turned very badly as a wild boy and shouted , ‘’ uncle! If you don’t leave me I will bite you!’’.
Every body were upset and shocked to see the inner anger and wild behavior of this baby boy of autism. I was very much upset and we then gave him the traditional medications with hot bath.
We are aware that the mother is just wasting her time not taking care of him. She is just behind the younger boy who is badly injured. She too has changed that boys character just by giving unlimited crazy attention and affection.
We came to know that Saravanan was not given bath for 3 days and also his father has hit his mother before him and we called them and spoke and explained his changes and how the father’s wild character the child has imbibed slowly. But the father is very cool and said he is a rowdy who can challenge the whole village. We said that then the children will be called as ‘’rowdy’s children’’.
The shock treatment:
To make Saravanan to realize the love, attention, care given by the staff we have asked his parents to send few days to the local school were children are not cared like us. But the child cried and said that the staff in his brother’s school will beat him and he will never go. When we explained the care given to him the father just said that he has given all comforts to him. What a great lie? Boasting lie? We just saw each other face and laughed among our self!
The child has promised us that he will never be such rude and wild any more. We need to help him to come out of this situation but his parents have to co operate. Let us give our side care and love!
11.4.09 – Today Lord Murugan took his procession in the morning and it was raining. Mr.Balamurugan and his new friend Mr.Chellappan from Pondychery hase visited. Mr.Sakthyvel offered sacred food to many people.
The light for the fresh teacher:
Today we met Philip. He is a fresh +2 candidate from a very poor back ground. His father is a tailor in the village who stitches for reasonable rate. He has done many stitches for our HOC in the early years. He likes to do Engineering graduation but he has no money.
But his poverty has made him frustrated. We spoke to him. He said that he likes to graduate with Mathematics and wanted to be a teacher later. So we said that he can join with us as teacher and do part time studies along with Montessori training. If time and condition permits he can do his regular Montessori training in Madras from July to March 2010.
He can also ask SriSakthi Foundation for financial support for his studies. But he needs to work with us for few years after completing his graduation. He too is interested in this work. He has requested for working conditions in our HOC from next week. His English is good and he can do reading activities and also observe the environment.
I have discussed about this to Mr.Ganesh Marapan and Mr.Jeyaraman and let us see.
Mean while Mr.Muthuraj a special student who has been helped by our foundation has approached us for doing story telling activity in HOC. He is also from a middle class family and he is going to do school finals exams next year. He wants a place also to settle and learn and he has found our school as the best place. So we have asked him to do story telling in the day time and do his personal studies without any distraction to children by noon in a room or in the garden.
We feel very happy that the Montessori House of Children in the village has given space and choice for many such people to perform some thing good in their life.
26.4.09- FOURTH TERM REPORT GIVING DAY
Mr.Balamurugan from Pondychery was the chief guest for today’s function. He belongs to a very ordinary farmer family who lost his father at the age of 10. He was brought up very well in studies and behavior by his mother who also cared 2 little girls after him.
After doing his poly technique diploma he has joined in Pondychery Law College and did his degree in law after taking a part time job. After doing law he practiced for 3 months and now working in ICICI Bank in Thiruvaaroor. He is very responsible and care taking. He made his first sister married in a good position and now involved in SRISAKTHI FOUNDATION’S projects. Along with Mr.Jeyaraman he is involved in all the festivals of our foundation in this village. So we are honoring him as our young chief guest and made him to address the parents.
This time many children have arrived early to our HOC along with their parents. By 10.45 after short prayer we have started the report giving festival.
Dr.Madeswaran gave the welcome speech and introduced the chief guest followed by his calm, simple, realistic speech which made our parents to open their minds to give us the feed back about the schools and children.
Mr.Balamurugan addressed the parents as follows:
‘’ Believe your child. Give him the space to settle and fix his own task. Let you be behind the child. Let us give our best things to our children. Trust the school and Montessori system. We must be the role model for own children and we must perform what we expect from them. Encourage the child’s work.’’
Parents were very happy about the children’s personality and academics. There were good feed back. Andrews’s mother spoke well about her son.
Divyadarshini could not see her father and so she has started crying loudly. This was realized by all of us about the child psychology.
Children them self took the responsibility of serving coffee and biscuits. They volunteered for giving away the greetings card and gift to our chief guest. We have presented a simple but beautiful wooden flower vase to our guest.
Parents were informed about the auto timing and holidays. Teachers are taking 10 days as turn holidays. I feel very proud to say that Miss.Mallika said that she could not be at home in her turn holidays.
Mrs.Usha and her daughter have gone to Coimbatore for holidays and she is planning to check her health position.
We thank our staff for making such neat files for children’s work and narrative reports in our school letter pad sheets. All the reports were written by our staff after thorough edition work by Dr.Madeswaran. We also thank them for arranging a very calm and tensionless function. After the festival every one left and we sat for the lunch and theory work shop.
27.4.09- HOC conducted fresh term prayers and term planning.
From 28th to May 8th Dr.Madeswaran will be under going AMI assistance teacher training in Montessori teaching for the age group 0 to 6 in Madras.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Important activities of March 2009 in Namma Veedu
IMPORTANT EVENTS OF MARCH 2009
This year the summer has started soon. The village is experiencing very hot temperature in the day time and cool nights. So we have decided not to conduct nature walks till the climate gets into the natural moods.
Mr.Muthusundaram from USA could not visit our school because of his family’s health condition. But he has expressed his warm wishes to all of us through phone.
The school has spent Rs.20000 to master Ravikumar who was the victim of the fire accident and we are educating the parents to care him more. The child is very calm and quiet without realizing the inner pain. Is this is GOD?
Mean while Saravanan is getting into better progress. We thank all our staff for taking care of him. He is progressing in language program and also wanted to write directly on note books but his fingers are still getting the strength to hold the pencil. Still he has to exercise all the sensorial materials because he has become more aware after the treatment now only. Just we have celebrated his 4th birthday.
The poor hut with lovable cake:
Saravanan is our special child. He is under going multiple tasks emotionally, physically and socially because of his health and family. The child has requested us to celebrate his birth day with a cake and gift. He used the word ‘’parisu’’ in Tamil meaning gift. The school has arranged for the cake and small gift and celebrated on 12.3.09. The poor hut was filled with the real bliss of joy and the child thanked all the staff for supporting him. The father is just roaming to earn and mother is with the fire victim child. She has requested a job in HOC but we have decided not to give because Saravanan will turn back in his development in his mother’s presence.
Mrs.Jothy akka is our beloved helper. She is an example for a real service. But she has decided to depart from HOC because of her health. We have asked her to join with us at any time in future. She will be working till March end.
Mean while Mrs.Usha amma is rendering her good service and taking care of the children and also supporting the staff. She is maintaining the HOC well. We thank her daughter Sreedevi for assisting us in all work when ever we need.
14.3.09- We have conducted the important parents- staff meeting. The minutes will be following:
1. We have appreciated the parents who have considered the importance of the meeting.
2. We have spoken in detail about the various issues which we face with the age group of 3 – 6 years old.
3. We have insisted the importance of model role living in family situations.
4. We have cleared the idea behind 7 days working cycle and May holidays. Like last year we will function even during May month. Those who wish to take off can do it with prior letter to the school.
5. We spoke about the tuition fees structure and transport fees structure which may alone get changed after looking into future fuel cost.
6. Few requested to keep the school even on week ends because they have realized that their children are learning some thing good from us than in playing out with the children. But we have explained the need of normal socialization also.
7. There was a very important question about the religion and culture of the school.
‘’ IS THIS SCHOOL IS TEACHING HINDUISM RELIGION? WHY THE SCHOOL IS NOT ASKING THE CHILDREN TO COME IN FANCY DRESS MODELS LIKE NATIONAL LEADERS BUT ONLY AS GODS AND GODDESSES?’’
Dr.Madeswaran answered as follows,
‘’ Thanks for asking such an important question. It is a very important question. We are expecting this question from the first day of the school. The school appreciates true Indian culture and ethics. The school is appreciating the values of all religions. We celebrate all festivals in the HOC equally. But no body has come far ward to appreciate the festivals and to put the national festivals in grand way. The response of the parents is very poor.
The school appreciates all culture and religions because tomorrow in this village our school children as adults must not lift the weapon to have a conflict for the religions. The school also asks the parents to appreciate the family culture and social unity without polluting the minds of young citizens.
There is an age in which the parents of all religions can guide their children to follow the personal culture but without hating other culture. This is the most unique and important aspect of Montessori school. [ Mr.Floris’s report about this unity education was highlighted]
The parent was happy to hear this answer and accepted to buildup the concept of unity and faith in all cultures in her son.
Then we gave the open idea of taking the children out for structural kinder garden schools and grade one in June. Balamithran, Rajasree and Swetha are leaving us by May to other school.
We have requested the parents to see to the narrative and academic reports before they receive on April 25th. We are also incorporating the special skills of the children observed by their parents in our reports.
We have opened up the idea of appointing a Trans gender person as part of the SriSakthi Foundation’s service to the man kind. Parents have thanked us for asking them and promised to support in that project. Our teachers are also welcoming that.
We have shared the various experiences with the children.
Saravanan has asked all his relative boys in a festival to stand in line and then to sit. Then he chanted the prayers and asked them repeat to have the food. He is willing to write now in his notes. But we are yet to complete few more important exercises with sensorial materials to strengthen his fingers.
Mishal is walking few steps by holding her teacher’s hands. She also wants to assist her mother in all house hold activities.
The twin brothers of 1.5 years have well settled. Their mother requested us to have them till 3.30 P.M. But we have explained the physical strain of our staff and said that they will be included after 2 months.
We have spoken very firmly to Saravanan’s parents regarding the medical care given to Ravikumar for fire accident. We have told them that the financial help is given just based on humanitarian care and they can’t miss use it and talk ill about the school in the village. The amount saved for Saravanan’s future education has been spent. Their parents have promised that they will follow a good family setup and child care.
Then we have celebrated MAASI MAKAM FESTIVAL. Lord was taken out for procession. No auto with battery was taken. Parents were strictly advised to care the children.
15.3.09 – We have edited the narrative reports of few children. Their parents also came to the HOC and saw the report as they are leaving the school by June.
21.3.09 – We met and analyzed the narrative reports. Our house owner Mr.-Mrs.Murugesan has visited our school. They were very happy about the maintenance of the home and school.
22.3.09- Dr.Madeswaran met Dr.Chellakumaraswamy regarding a new Montessori school which can be planned and projected in a very remote village called Eengoor Thulukapalayam in Erode district. They visited the village and studied for any possibility. The village is surrounded by many packets of residential areas and an industrial colony also. There are also few granite mines. There is only one Government school for the whole 10 KMs. So we may plan for a new environment.
Today Dr.Madeswaran has attended the condolence of Mrs. Mounaswamy-83 years old. She has played a very major role in praying for the beginning of the school and also has come front to give her own house in her village. Let her soul rest in peace.
24.3.09- HOC went out for a nature walk to the near by poultry. Children and staff have enjoyed a lot with fun and learning.
27– 29.3.09- HOC is on leave for the week end along with Telugu New Year Day celebrations.
29.3.09- Dr.Madeswaran has attended the open day exhibition in SPROUTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL in Madras. Many things were shared among the staff and him to incorporate in our school. The correspondent Ms.Smitha has agreed to visit with her staff to our HOC soon for a week end.
30.3.09- Ms.Jothy has accepted to continue her service in our school after a simple friction of thoughts between her attitudes in leave taking. Miss.Sasikala will be celebrating her wedding engagement on 9.4.09. She is getting married to the local village officer. We wish her all the success in her married life. Hoc will be closing from coming Saturday till next Tuesday because of local temple festival.
This year the summer has started soon. The village is experiencing very hot temperature in the day time and cool nights. So we have decided not to conduct nature walks till the climate gets into the natural moods.
Mr.Muthusundaram from USA could not visit our school because of his family’s health condition. But he has expressed his warm wishes to all of us through phone.
The school has spent Rs.20000 to master Ravikumar who was the victim of the fire accident and we are educating the parents to care him more. The child is very calm and quiet without realizing the inner pain. Is this is GOD?
Mean while Saravanan is getting into better progress. We thank all our staff for taking care of him. He is progressing in language program and also wanted to write directly on note books but his fingers are still getting the strength to hold the pencil. Still he has to exercise all the sensorial materials because he has become more aware after the treatment now only. Just we have celebrated his 4th birthday.
The poor hut with lovable cake:
Saravanan is our special child. He is under going multiple tasks emotionally, physically and socially because of his health and family. The child has requested us to celebrate his birth day with a cake and gift. He used the word ‘’parisu’’ in Tamil meaning gift. The school has arranged for the cake and small gift and celebrated on 12.3.09. The poor hut was filled with the real bliss of joy and the child thanked all the staff for supporting him. The father is just roaming to earn and mother is with the fire victim child. She has requested a job in HOC but we have decided not to give because Saravanan will turn back in his development in his mother’s presence.
Mrs.Jothy akka is our beloved helper. She is an example for a real service. But she has decided to depart from HOC because of her health. We have asked her to join with us at any time in future. She will be working till March end.
Mean while Mrs.Usha amma is rendering her good service and taking care of the children and also supporting the staff. She is maintaining the HOC well. We thank her daughter Sreedevi for assisting us in all work when ever we need.
14.3.09- We have conducted the important parents- staff meeting. The minutes will be following:
1. We have appreciated the parents who have considered the importance of the meeting.
2. We have spoken in detail about the various issues which we face with the age group of 3 – 6 years old.
3. We have insisted the importance of model role living in family situations.
4. We have cleared the idea behind 7 days working cycle and May holidays. Like last year we will function even during May month. Those who wish to take off can do it with prior letter to the school.
5. We spoke about the tuition fees structure and transport fees structure which may alone get changed after looking into future fuel cost.
6. Few requested to keep the school even on week ends because they have realized that their children are learning some thing good from us than in playing out with the children. But we have explained the need of normal socialization also.
7. There was a very important question about the religion and culture of the school.
‘’ IS THIS SCHOOL IS TEACHING HINDUISM RELIGION? WHY THE SCHOOL IS NOT ASKING THE CHILDREN TO COME IN FANCY DRESS MODELS LIKE NATIONAL LEADERS BUT ONLY AS GODS AND GODDESSES?’’
Dr.Madeswaran answered as follows,
‘’ Thanks for asking such an important question. It is a very important question. We are expecting this question from the first day of the school. The school appreciates true Indian culture and ethics. The school is appreciating the values of all religions. We celebrate all festivals in the HOC equally. But no body has come far ward to appreciate the festivals and to put the national festivals in grand way. The response of the parents is very poor.
The school appreciates all culture and religions because tomorrow in this village our school children as adults must not lift the weapon to have a conflict for the religions. The school also asks the parents to appreciate the family culture and social unity without polluting the minds of young citizens.
There is an age in which the parents of all religions can guide their children to follow the personal culture but without hating other culture. This is the most unique and important aspect of Montessori school. [ Mr.Floris’s report about this unity education was highlighted]
The parent was happy to hear this answer and accepted to buildup the concept of unity and faith in all cultures in her son.
Then we gave the open idea of taking the children out for structural kinder garden schools and grade one in June. Balamithran, Rajasree and Swetha are leaving us by May to other school.
We have requested the parents to see to the narrative and academic reports before they receive on April 25th. We are also incorporating the special skills of the children observed by their parents in our reports.
We have opened up the idea of appointing a Trans gender person as part of the SriSakthi Foundation’s service to the man kind. Parents have thanked us for asking them and promised to support in that project. Our teachers are also welcoming that.
We have shared the various experiences with the children.
Saravanan has asked all his relative boys in a festival to stand in line and then to sit. Then he chanted the prayers and asked them repeat to have the food. He is willing to write now in his notes. But we are yet to complete few more important exercises with sensorial materials to strengthen his fingers.
Mishal is walking few steps by holding her teacher’s hands. She also wants to assist her mother in all house hold activities.
The twin brothers of 1.5 years have well settled. Their mother requested us to have them till 3.30 P.M. But we have explained the physical strain of our staff and said that they will be included after 2 months.
We have spoken very firmly to Saravanan’s parents regarding the medical care given to Ravikumar for fire accident. We have told them that the financial help is given just based on humanitarian care and they can’t miss use it and talk ill about the school in the village. The amount saved for Saravanan’s future education has been spent. Their parents have promised that they will follow a good family setup and child care.
Then we have celebrated MAASI MAKAM FESTIVAL. Lord was taken out for procession. No auto with battery was taken. Parents were strictly advised to care the children.
15.3.09 – We have edited the narrative reports of few children. Their parents also came to the HOC and saw the report as they are leaving the school by June.
21.3.09 – We met and analyzed the narrative reports. Our house owner Mr.-Mrs.Murugesan has visited our school. They were very happy about the maintenance of the home and school.
22.3.09- Dr.Madeswaran met Dr.Chellakumaraswamy regarding a new Montessori school which can be planned and projected in a very remote village called Eengoor Thulukapalayam in Erode district. They visited the village and studied for any possibility. The village is surrounded by many packets of residential areas and an industrial colony also. There are also few granite mines. There is only one Government school for the whole 10 KMs. So we may plan for a new environment.
Today Dr.Madeswaran has attended the condolence of Mrs. Mounaswamy-83 years old. She has played a very major role in praying for the beginning of the school and also has come front to give her own house in her village. Let her soul rest in peace.
24.3.09- HOC went out for a nature walk to the near by poultry. Children and staff have enjoyed a lot with fun and learning.
27– 29.3.09- HOC is on leave for the week end along with Telugu New Year Day celebrations.
29.3.09- Dr.Madeswaran has attended the open day exhibition in SPROUTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL in Madras. Many things were shared among the staff and him to incorporate in our school. The correspondent Ms.Smitha has agreed to visit with her staff to our HOC soon for a week end.
30.3.09- Ms.Jothy has accepted to continue her service in our school after a simple friction of thoughts between her attitudes in leave taking. Miss.Sasikala will be celebrating her wedding engagement on 9.4.09. She is getting married to the local village officer. We wish her all the success in her married life. Hoc will be closing from coming Saturday till next Tuesday because of local temple festival.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
FESTIVAL OF SHEDDING THE SELF EGO
Festival of shedding our self ego.
Bharani festival of Kodungallur is one of the important festivals of Kerala. The town is situated near the Arabian Sea between the two major cities Thrisoor and Kochi. Kodungalloor has a very long history. It was the ancient capital City of Chera Empire. Today it has its own historical and cultural identity. The town has studded with many historical monuments like one of the oldest Shiva temple, Very first Mosque of India, India first Church where St.Thomas landed and palace spot of the Chera kings. Kodungallur was earlier known by the name “Musuri” with a natural harbor connecting ancient India to rest of the oldest civilizations.It was called as ‘’Vanji’’ in ancient days.
Kodungallur may have lost its olden glory, but still is fresh with its famous legendary Kannagi’s history. It still is a very important pilgrimage centre attracting thousands of people especially during the Bharani Festival influencing the spiritual evolution of many devotees.
The temple celebrates the 2 days annual festival in the summer. It is called ‘’ BHARANI UTSAVAM’’. This festival is one of the very old festival forms of southern India which reflects many Dravidian cultural aspects.
Bharani Utsavam:
Bharani is one of the 27 stars in Indian Astrological constellation. Usually war commence on this day because kings considered it as the star of victory. The star is dedicated to Goddess Badrakali. She is considered to be the ultimate primordial energy and Goddess of success. We can feel this energy in the devotees who shake swords in their fist with jingling bells in their waist to participate in the Bharani Festival.
The celebrating literature:
If a king kills 1000 elephants with soldiers in a war, he was celebrated with the special type of poetry by the great poets which is called as ‘’BHARANI’’. Kings were also titled as ‘’ BARANI KONDAAN’’. This means ‘’one who has achieved success on Bharani star day’’.
The temple also celebrates the same star to worship Devi Mahakali. What is the connection of King’s war and Goddesses and who is killed here on the festival?
To seek answers, Let us travel across Kodungallor town on the Revathy star day which is 2 days before Bharani day.
The temple of a noble woman:
Kodungalloor temple has been dedicated to a great noble and revolutionary woman Kannagi who lived before 2000 years.[give link to Kannagi]. The temple was erected by the Chera king Chenguttuvan and his queen Venmol. His younger brother Elango adikal wrote the historical epic of Kannagi as Chilappathykaaram.
The temple is shining with red oxide copper sheets. The roofs are tied with garlands and colorful long flags of many designs which are fluttering in the summer winds. The shrine is packed with 1000s and 1000s of devotes from all over the state and neighboring state Tamil nadu.
During kodungallur Bharani , the whole town is vibrant with activities surrounding the temple premises where one can encounter shops flooded with 1000’s of merchandize, vendors selling delicious food items , loud speakers singing praise of the Goddess, street wallah’s selling DVD’s of Bharani dances and music about the temple. The local transport has been directed in different directions. Schools, colleges and offices enjoy local holidays.
There is a uniqueness of Kodungalloor Bharani Festival, where one notices that the devotees transcend deep into their Spiritual evolution by participating in the festival.
How Kodungalloor Bharani Festival differs from all other festival?
Other temple festivals in India focus on the temple and the primary deity of the temple. Where as in this festival the whole focus will be on the devotes but not much on the temple shrine and idol. The devotees transcend to a world of their “Aham”, the inner Self through the unique rituals of the festival. The one who has gone deep in their Spiritual and can reveal to others the inner light are called as Velichappadu or Komaram (literally, revealer of light): The oracle is usually dressed in red and carries a sword and shield. Possessed by the spirit of the deity the oracle dances in frenzy at the festivals in this Bhagavathy temple.
Here in the festival, the Komarams wear a red saffron sari dressed in a different pattern. The devotee also wears brass bells, cymbals around the waist. They adorn their feet with beautiful bronze anklets and hold the long sword which looks like a curved sickle. Their hair will be falling to the shoulders; men also wear the same costume including extra ornaments to look like the Goddess.
All the spiritual rituals are oriented to shed our own body identity and identify with the True Self, Brahman. According to the Vedic creation theory, the un-manifest Spirit is represented as Male and the manifesting matter as female. The primordial energy manifesting the whole creation represented as mother Goddesses is the stepping stone to the ultimate realm of the un-manifest Brahman. Therefore to get to these primordial Goddess state, devotees especially men sheds their gender identity just by wearing the female costume symbolizing the Mother Goddess. They shed their body ego (maleness) by growing long hair, shaved face, and darkened eyes with kajal, reddish lips with lipstick.
Mean while women needs to shed their own self identity by transforming their position as daughters, mothers and grand mothers to Goddess who has to listen to many obscene songs without any sexual emotions which will be sang by any body in any number just before them. They give up their ego by wearing this costume which may even expose their breasts. Whether it is man or woman as a KOMARAM , they walk, run, dance, roll all along the temple and town in front of 1000s and 1000s of people shedding all their social identity . This is a big step in spiritual transformation. This is one of the highlight of the festival.
Four great events of the festival:
The spiritual formula given by the sanadhana dharma based on the Vedic lessons clearly shows the transformation of a sadhaka from the body to mind, then from mind to intellect and through awareness reaches the atman.
If we observe any ritual or festival in India the above said transformation will be always highlighted in various ways. But it is in Kondungalloor Bharani festival, the spiritual transformation has been very clearly exposed to us through 4 important rituals on Revathy and Aswathy days.
On Revathy day the Komarams will start gathering in gangs and reach the shrine. Slowly each group starts their rituals of singing and dancing in tune with the beats made by bamboo sticks. This “Thaanoro” unique rhythm is followed by all the groups attending the festival. This unique rhythm brings a meditative mood to the devotees who swing their body in a rhythmic dance step allowing them to keep their mind swaying to normal cud-chewing activity.
Usually the main Komaram will be a mother or aunt of a family with their husband and all other family members participate along with them singing these lyrics with sexual denotations. Here again the importance of women as the center of the family is indicated.
In Indian culture, it is very common to express feelings through songs. Whether it is romace, or death or birth all feelings are expressed through music. The rthymic musical patterns relieve so much of psychological tension we build up in our minds. Bharani festival uses the same music to release the sexual passion deep residing in the minds of devotees along with breaking the false social face we put up.
Men challenge their Ego by worshipping the female figures of their family as Goddess in this festival. Equally giving an opportunity to women to self realizes their identity to Goddess through this ritual.
When the dancing ritual starts slowly the Komarams merge into the primordial universal energy and gets transcended. They transcend the barrier of limiting body, mind identifying to the infinite source of cosmic energy by dancing and shaking the sword. They feel the cosmic energy in themselves reaching the higher state of trance. When they reach the higher state of Trance, they circambulate the temple complex by which they connect themselves to the whole vibration of the earth and slowly reach the shrine of a small Goddess to whom paddy bran will be offered. This symbolizes the need of good food to our body to live a spiritual life.
Slowly the Komarams will be taken to a shrine which is dedicated to the Goddess curing viral infections. Pure turmeric powder and pepper will be offered to this Goddess. This indicates the need for a sadhaka to take care of the body without any disease.
Here the antimicrobial turmeric powder and pepper symbolizes the need for our mind immune from the infection of unwanted thoughts. Then the Komarams are directed towards the main entrance of the temple. Tall brass multi layered lamps adorn the entrance of the temple. There the gangs offer the ghee or oil and light a wick. This symbolizes the inner light of the spirit.
Then they move around the altar where the red color cloth symbolizing the Spiritual energy outburst after the death of the Ego.
After this ritual the Komarams will reach the main entrance of the temple where they dance, scream, cry, shouts, talk, and jump in ecstasy. Through this innocence of losing their social identity they merge with the higher Self.
Mean while the devotees who sings the obscene songs especially men shouts and sings before the main deity. They even talk to the idol in all filthy words. This ritual is an other important ritual of the festival. This ritual makes us the devotees feel free to express personal sexual emotions. By publically announcing one’s hidden sexual imprints, they cleanse their mind to progress spiritually. This is the importance of the obscene singing in Bharani festival.
The greatness of this ritual is the freedom of cleansing the deep hidden sexual imprints of the mind is very well limited only to musical singing. No indecent sexual body gestures or actions are done during this festival, reflecting that if the thoughts are purged actions become automatically pure.
It is interesting that the Komarams do not sings the obscene songs. They stand as witness to the family members singing the songs. They use the rhythmic musical beat untouched by the lyrical content, transcend towards the higher state. They identify themselves to Kaali , the evil annihilating energy.
The dancing transcended devotees will reach a state by which they hit their front skull with their sword in hand bleeding themselves and losing conscious of their body. They are encouraged to do it if they fail to bleed in the first time. Without bleeding they are not allowed to come out of the Trans state. Many items to hit the forehead with sword are allowed till one bleeds. Immediately when the head starts bleeding they shout and scream releasing their whole inner energy and run around the shrine and reach the other entrance of the Shiva shrine. Shiva is the ultimate Bhramam where as Goddess is the eternal energy. This link clearly shows the duel state of the bhramam and its expressed energy. It is the most important ritual for the Komaram to reach the Shiva shrine and offer again the Trans gestures. This symbolizes the transferring state of our self from the intellect to Bhramam level.
Finally the Komarams will be guided to the spiritual tutor – GURU. He just embraces the Komaram to his laps. Just by touch of his hands, Komarams come out of the Trans and hugs him. They also shouts and screams by which they express their joy of realizing the inner spirit. Then the spiritual Guru applies the turmeric paste ointment to the bleeding skull. There has been no case of infection or damage been reported.
The importance of the guru in the spiritual journey is very important. Guru alone can guide and makes our scattered energy for constructive purposes. In no other festival the physical presence of the Guru is obviously exposed.
In the Trans state the Komarams blesses the people and fore tell incidents of the future. Even after becoming normal, we can see the divinity, love and care for others by these great Komarams. We can see the motherly approach of Komarams with their gang. This shows the ultimate end of spirituality is to serve the world with true love as a divine mother.
Some devotees drink toddy to uplift their mind to the divine state. The difference between a drunker and devotee is very important. Drunker drinks to intoxify the mind and forget his vacuum in his mind. But a devotee drinks as means to be unconscious of the body and transcend to the higher Spirit.
On Aswathy day….,
The day before Bharani falls the Aswathy star. On this day the crowd will be increasing slowly and people gather and wait near the main entrance and all around the shrine with the eagerness to observe the final important ritual of the festival.
This ritual is called ‘’ KAAAVU THEENDAL’’. ‘Kaavu ‘means temple complex. ‘Theendal ‘means physical touch.
This festival connects the life of Kannagi and spirituality. Kannagi’s husband was punished because of the selfish royal gold smith. After his death only the calm Kanagi became aware and proved the justice in the royal court of Pandiya king in Madurai. After that she burnt the whole city.
Here every aspect is symbolized. Kannagi as a sadhaka. Her husband represents the Soul imprisoned by the mind. Mind is the Pandiya king who rules the matrix city of Madurai. He listens blindly to the royal gold smith – our self ego. When the sadhaka’s Kannagi become aware, by using the intellect she breaks the anklet to prove the inner existence of the parama purusha. Anklet is the symbol of body which is filled with the diamonds gem symbolizing the Paramathman. With out the gems an anklet is of no value. There is nothing without the Paramathman.
This is linked very clearly with the Kaavu theendal ritual. A representative of the royal gold smith community will be expected by the devotees to initiate the ritual. Before that few Krishnapakshies- Eagles will fly just at the top of the secret chamber. This is the symbol of the inner secret mind becoming aware at right time.
Immediately the gold smith will appear before the crowd and starts ringing a bell. This indicates the beginning of the inner battle between the soul and ego. Immediately few communities of the state who wear only white dress especially men holds a small stick and start running madly chasing the gold smith. They represent the enormous power hidden inside us to face the self ego. While they chase him, the devotees bang the whole shrine especially near the secret chamber with their sticks and also throw them. This is the sign of becoming total aware about the ego and awakening the dormant inner spiritual energy in the inner depth of our consciousness.
The Komarams as Devi Mahakaali and other devotees in white dress just chases the gold smith for 3 times and completes the rituals. It says that Devi has removed the self ego and all her soldiers as devotees have also marched towards that spiritual battle.
So on the second day the sadhaka is uplifted further from mind level to intellect state and he or she enjoys the shedding of self ego and gets the bliss of self realization- Aham Bhramasmi.
After this ritual all the devotees worship the leader of Kodungalloor town and leave the place.
Other important aspect of the festival is throwing the offerings upon the temple roof. This denotes the shedding of materialistic attachments.
Kannagi’s life teaches us many such spiritual concepts. She lived a very luxurious life till her wedding. But later she did not enjoy any pleasure like a normal rich wife. She has not even applied thilak, turmeric which are considered to be very important for an Indian wife. But today her entire shrine is smeared with turmeric paste and powder to celebrate her.
She did not wear any ornaments. But today her idol is decked with varieties of ornaments. She just gave away all her money to her husband’s personal needs. Today her temple is filled with material abundance. She was isolated from her family. But today she has been surrounded and worshipped by plenty of her devotees.
When Kannagi and Kovalan entered into Madurai, the flags fluttered and asked them not to come into the city because if the horrible tragedy waiting for them. But today lot of Bharani flags is welcoming us to enter into the temple complex to enjoy the great bliss of spirituality.
Even now a revolutionary life of a woman continues to guide the spiritual life of thousands of devotees.
Bharani festival of Kodungallur is one of the important festivals of Kerala. The town is situated near the Arabian Sea between the two major cities Thrisoor and Kochi. Kodungalloor has a very long history. It was the ancient capital City of Chera Empire. Today it has its own historical and cultural identity. The town has studded with many historical monuments like one of the oldest Shiva temple, Very first Mosque of India, India first Church where St.Thomas landed and palace spot of the Chera kings. Kodungallur was earlier known by the name “Musuri” with a natural harbor connecting ancient India to rest of the oldest civilizations.It was called as ‘’Vanji’’ in ancient days.
Kodungallur may have lost its olden glory, but still is fresh with its famous legendary Kannagi’s history. It still is a very important pilgrimage centre attracting thousands of people especially during the Bharani Festival influencing the spiritual evolution of many devotees.
The temple celebrates the 2 days annual festival in the summer. It is called ‘’ BHARANI UTSAVAM’’. This festival is one of the very old festival forms of southern India which reflects many Dravidian cultural aspects.
Bharani Utsavam:
Bharani is one of the 27 stars in Indian Astrological constellation. Usually war commence on this day because kings considered it as the star of victory. The star is dedicated to Goddess Badrakali. She is considered to be the ultimate primordial energy and Goddess of success. We can feel this energy in the devotees who shake swords in their fist with jingling bells in their waist to participate in the Bharani Festival.
The celebrating literature:
If a king kills 1000 elephants with soldiers in a war, he was celebrated with the special type of poetry by the great poets which is called as ‘’BHARANI’’. Kings were also titled as ‘’ BARANI KONDAAN’’. This means ‘’one who has achieved success on Bharani star day’’.
The temple also celebrates the same star to worship Devi Mahakali. What is the connection of King’s war and Goddesses and who is killed here on the festival?
To seek answers, Let us travel across Kodungallor town on the Revathy star day which is 2 days before Bharani day.
The temple of a noble woman:
Kodungalloor temple has been dedicated to a great noble and revolutionary woman Kannagi who lived before 2000 years.[give link to Kannagi]. The temple was erected by the Chera king Chenguttuvan and his queen Venmol. His younger brother Elango adikal wrote the historical epic of Kannagi as Chilappathykaaram.
The temple is shining with red oxide copper sheets. The roofs are tied with garlands and colorful long flags of many designs which are fluttering in the summer winds. The shrine is packed with 1000s and 1000s of devotes from all over the state and neighboring state Tamil nadu.
During kodungallur Bharani , the whole town is vibrant with activities surrounding the temple premises where one can encounter shops flooded with 1000’s of merchandize, vendors selling delicious food items , loud speakers singing praise of the Goddess, street wallah’s selling DVD’s of Bharani dances and music about the temple. The local transport has been directed in different directions. Schools, colleges and offices enjoy local holidays.
There is a uniqueness of Kodungalloor Bharani Festival, where one notices that the devotees transcend deep into their Spiritual evolution by participating in the festival.
How Kodungalloor Bharani Festival differs from all other festival?
Other temple festivals in India focus on the temple and the primary deity of the temple. Where as in this festival the whole focus will be on the devotes but not much on the temple shrine and idol. The devotees transcend to a world of their “Aham”, the inner Self through the unique rituals of the festival. The one who has gone deep in their Spiritual and can reveal to others the inner light are called as Velichappadu or Komaram (literally, revealer of light): The oracle is usually dressed in red and carries a sword and shield. Possessed by the spirit of the deity the oracle dances in frenzy at the festivals in this Bhagavathy temple.
Here in the festival, the Komarams wear a red saffron sari dressed in a different pattern. The devotee also wears brass bells, cymbals around the waist. They adorn their feet with beautiful bronze anklets and hold the long sword which looks like a curved sickle. Their hair will be falling to the shoulders; men also wear the same costume including extra ornaments to look like the Goddess.
All the spiritual rituals are oriented to shed our own body identity and identify with the True Self, Brahman. According to the Vedic creation theory, the un-manifest Spirit is represented as Male and the manifesting matter as female. The primordial energy manifesting the whole creation represented as mother Goddesses is the stepping stone to the ultimate realm of the un-manifest Brahman. Therefore to get to these primordial Goddess state, devotees especially men sheds their gender identity just by wearing the female costume symbolizing the Mother Goddess. They shed their body ego (maleness) by growing long hair, shaved face, and darkened eyes with kajal, reddish lips with lipstick.
Mean while women needs to shed their own self identity by transforming their position as daughters, mothers and grand mothers to Goddess who has to listen to many obscene songs without any sexual emotions which will be sang by any body in any number just before them. They give up their ego by wearing this costume which may even expose their breasts. Whether it is man or woman as a KOMARAM , they walk, run, dance, roll all along the temple and town in front of 1000s and 1000s of people shedding all their social identity . This is a big step in spiritual transformation. This is one of the highlight of the festival.
Four great events of the festival:
The spiritual formula given by the sanadhana dharma based on the Vedic lessons clearly shows the transformation of a sadhaka from the body to mind, then from mind to intellect and through awareness reaches the atman.
If we observe any ritual or festival in India the above said transformation will be always highlighted in various ways. But it is in Kondungalloor Bharani festival, the spiritual transformation has been very clearly exposed to us through 4 important rituals on Revathy and Aswathy days.
On Revathy day the Komarams will start gathering in gangs and reach the shrine. Slowly each group starts their rituals of singing and dancing in tune with the beats made by bamboo sticks. This “Thaanoro” unique rhythm is followed by all the groups attending the festival. This unique rhythm brings a meditative mood to the devotees who swing their body in a rhythmic dance step allowing them to keep their mind swaying to normal cud-chewing activity.
Usually the main Komaram will be a mother or aunt of a family with their husband and all other family members participate along with them singing these lyrics with sexual denotations. Here again the importance of women as the center of the family is indicated.
In Indian culture, it is very common to express feelings through songs. Whether it is romace, or death or birth all feelings are expressed through music. The rthymic musical patterns relieve so much of psychological tension we build up in our minds. Bharani festival uses the same music to release the sexual passion deep residing in the minds of devotees along with breaking the false social face we put up.
Men challenge their Ego by worshipping the female figures of their family as Goddess in this festival. Equally giving an opportunity to women to self realizes their identity to Goddess through this ritual.
When the dancing ritual starts slowly the Komarams merge into the primordial universal energy and gets transcended. They transcend the barrier of limiting body, mind identifying to the infinite source of cosmic energy by dancing and shaking the sword. They feel the cosmic energy in themselves reaching the higher state of trance. When they reach the higher state of Trance, they circambulate the temple complex by which they connect themselves to the whole vibration of the earth and slowly reach the shrine of a small Goddess to whom paddy bran will be offered. This symbolizes the need of good food to our body to live a spiritual life.
Slowly the Komarams will be taken to a shrine which is dedicated to the Goddess curing viral infections. Pure turmeric powder and pepper will be offered to this Goddess. This indicates the need for a sadhaka to take care of the body without any disease.
Here the antimicrobial turmeric powder and pepper symbolizes the need for our mind immune from the infection of unwanted thoughts. Then the Komarams are directed towards the main entrance of the temple. Tall brass multi layered lamps adorn the entrance of the temple. There the gangs offer the ghee or oil and light a wick. This symbolizes the inner light of the spirit.
Then they move around the altar where the red color cloth symbolizing the Spiritual energy outburst after the death of the Ego.
After this ritual the Komarams will reach the main entrance of the temple where they dance, scream, cry, shouts, talk, and jump in ecstasy. Through this innocence of losing their social identity they merge with the higher Self.
Mean while the devotees who sings the obscene songs especially men shouts and sings before the main deity. They even talk to the idol in all filthy words. This ritual is an other important ritual of the festival. This ritual makes us the devotees feel free to express personal sexual emotions. By publically announcing one’s hidden sexual imprints, they cleanse their mind to progress spiritually. This is the importance of the obscene singing in Bharani festival.
The greatness of this ritual is the freedom of cleansing the deep hidden sexual imprints of the mind is very well limited only to musical singing. No indecent sexual body gestures or actions are done during this festival, reflecting that if the thoughts are purged actions become automatically pure.
It is interesting that the Komarams do not sings the obscene songs. They stand as witness to the family members singing the songs. They use the rhythmic musical beat untouched by the lyrical content, transcend towards the higher state. They identify themselves to Kaali , the evil annihilating energy.
The dancing transcended devotees will reach a state by which they hit their front skull with their sword in hand bleeding themselves and losing conscious of their body. They are encouraged to do it if they fail to bleed in the first time. Without bleeding they are not allowed to come out of the Trans state. Many items to hit the forehead with sword are allowed till one bleeds. Immediately when the head starts bleeding they shout and scream releasing their whole inner energy and run around the shrine and reach the other entrance of the Shiva shrine. Shiva is the ultimate Bhramam where as Goddess is the eternal energy. This link clearly shows the duel state of the bhramam and its expressed energy. It is the most important ritual for the Komaram to reach the Shiva shrine and offer again the Trans gestures. This symbolizes the transferring state of our self from the intellect to Bhramam level.
Finally the Komarams will be guided to the spiritual tutor – GURU. He just embraces the Komaram to his laps. Just by touch of his hands, Komarams come out of the Trans and hugs him. They also shouts and screams by which they express their joy of realizing the inner spirit. Then the spiritual Guru applies the turmeric paste ointment to the bleeding skull. There has been no case of infection or damage been reported.
The importance of the guru in the spiritual journey is very important. Guru alone can guide and makes our scattered energy for constructive purposes. In no other festival the physical presence of the Guru is obviously exposed.
In the Trans state the Komarams blesses the people and fore tell incidents of the future. Even after becoming normal, we can see the divinity, love and care for others by these great Komarams. We can see the motherly approach of Komarams with their gang. This shows the ultimate end of spirituality is to serve the world with true love as a divine mother.
Some devotees drink toddy to uplift their mind to the divine state. The difference between a drunker and devotee is very important. Drunker drinks to intoxify the mind and forget his vacuum in his mind. But a devotee drinks as means to be unconscious of the body and transcend to the higher Spirit.
On Aswathy day….,
The day before Bharani falls the Aswathy star. On this day the crowd will be increasing slowly and people gather and wait near the main entrance and all around the shrine with the eagerness to observe the final important ritual of the festival.
This ritual is called ‘’ KAAAVU THEENDAL’’. ‘Kaavu ‘means temple complex. ‘Theendal ‘means physical touch.
This festival connects the life of Kannagi and spirituality. Kannagi’s husband was punished because of the selfish royal gold smith. After his death only the calm Kanagi became aware and proved the justice in the royal court of Pandiya king in Madurai. After that she burnt the whole city.
Here every aspect is symbolized. Kannagi as a sadhaka. Her husband represents the Soul imprisoned by the mind. Mind is the Pandiya king who rules the matrix city of Madurai. He listens blindly to the royal gold smith – our self ego. When the sadhaka’s Kannagi become aware, by using the intellect she breaks the anklet to prove the inner existence of the parama purusha. Anklet is the symbol of body which is filled with the diamonds gem symbolizing the Paramathman. With out the gems an anklet is of no value. There is nothing without the Paramathman.
This is linked very clearly with the Kaavu theendal ritual. A representative of the royal gold smith community will be expected by the devotees to initiate the ritual. Before that few Krishnapakshies- Eagles will fly just at the top of the secret chamber. This is the symbol of the inner secret mind becoming aware at right time.
Immediately the gold smith will appear before the crowd and starts ringing a bell. This indicates the beginning of the inner battle between the soul and ego. Immediately few communities of the state who wear only white dress especially men holds a small stick and start running madly chasing the gold smith. They represent the enormous power hidden inside us to face the self ego. While they chase him, the devotees bang the whole shrine especially near the secret chamber with their sticks and also throw them. This is the sign of becoming total aware about the ego and awakening the dormant inner spiritual energy in the inner depth of our consciousness.
The Komarams as Devi Mahakaali and other devotees in white dress just chases the gold smith for 3 times and completes the rituals. It says that Devi has removed the self ego and all her soldiers as devotees have also marched towards that spiritual battle.
So on the second day the sadhaka is uplifted further from mind level to intellect state and he or she enjoys the shedding of self ego and gets the bliss of self realization- Aham Bhramasmi.
After this ritual all the devotees worship the leader of Kodungalloor town and leave the place.
Other important aspect of the festival is throwing the offerings upon the temple roof. This denotes the shedding of materialistic attachments.
Kannagi’s life teaches us many such spiritual concepts. She lived a very luxurious life till her wedding. But later she did not enjoy any pleasure like a normal rich wife. She has not even applied thilak, turmeric which are considered to be very important for an Indian wife. But today her entire shrine is smeared with turmeric paste and powder to celebrate her.
She did not wear any ornaments. But today her idol is decked with varieties of ornaments. She just gave away all her money to her husband’s personal needs. Today her temple is filled with material abundance. She was isolated from her family. But today she has been surrounded and worshipped by plenty of her devotees.
When Kannagi and Kovalan entered into Madurai, the flags fluttered and asked them not to come into the city because if the horrible tragedy waiting for them. But today lot of Bharani flags is welcoming us to enter into the temple complex to enjoy the great bliss of spirituality.
Even now a revolutionary life of a woman continues to guide the spiritual life of thousands of devotees.
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