FIRST ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATIONS- 2007-2008
25.12.08-Today by 7 A.M, our chief guest family has arrived to Sendurai. They have been dropped in taxi by Mr.Ravichanderan. We thank him for his interest in this school. Balaji was appreciating the natural setup of the village. His children were so happy and free moving in Mani’s home. Mani’s family also welcomed them warmly and made them to feel very comfortable.
After the regular morning formalities we had good breakfast and left to our HOC. By sharp 9, our staff and few of our parents gave warm welcome to the chief guest family.
We took them around the HOC and our staffs were asked to care them.
*** By 9.30 A.M, Dr.Pradheepkumar and his family called from USA and parents –staff listened to their message. Chief Guest also spoke to them. Pranav has made the excellent greeting card which carries the various aspects of our HOC in the pictorial depiction. Priya and Pradheep have also send greetings and messages to staff and parents. The greetings and message got explained before all.
Balaji said, ‘’ it is very much inspiring to see the Montessori HOC in a village. I can feel the real depth in the Montessori philosophy inside this school. The efforts made by staff and foundations are very much realized by me’’
Mrs.Kavitha said, ‘’ I can see the real difference between the Montessori setup between the city and village. I feel the HOC has implemented all most every aspect of Dr.Montessori’s views about the children and education’’.
THE GREAT INDIAN FLAG:
Then Mani’s father hoisted the great Indian flag and we all sang the state song and saluted the national flag. Children observed the ground rules and followed perfect behavior. Then we all went inside the main hall and settled for the meeting.
Mrs.Priyakannan who took her assignments for the day to her home beyond her son’s illness gave a perfect welcome address.
Then I gave the thanking greetings for all who are behind this great scheme and asked the chief guests to honor Dr.Montessori and Gandhiji with flowers. Then we all chanted the school prayers.
Then I introduced them to the parents. Slowly many parents started arriving.
THE SACRED LAMPS OF WISDOM: Two traditional clay lamps of wisdom were lighted by the chief guests and placed before Dr.Montessori and Gandhiji. Two lamps denote the completion of one year and beginning of second year.
Mrs. Kavitha’s speech delivered the following aspects:
1. Her experiences about Montessori system.
2. How she got into this system?
3. Her husband’s role in uplifting her as a Montessori staff.
4. Her children’s evolution in a Montessori HOC.
5. How to control our anxiety and anger before the children and society?
6. How to observe a child within the school?
Mr.Arulbalaji‘s speech delivered the following messages:
1. The real chief guest in a school is the parents who have made their presence and recognized their children.
2. What made him to become a Montessori parent?
3. Why he made his wife to take Montessori training?
4. What he wanted from the young parents?
5. He asked them to do 3 things:
· Shed your anger and comparison.
· Believe the school and surrender the children to the staff.
· Spread Montessori movement.
He too spoke about the fees structure and asked the parents to pay it regularly.
· I am not writing many things about his talk because he has praised us a lot.
THE WAY WE HONORED:
When I was studying in B.B.B school I have seen my craft teacher Mrs.Revathy decorating pure cotton towels as garlands and she said that the school follows Gandhi’s few simple principles. We buy kaadhi cotton clothing to honor him and also to help the weavers. So I wished that to be done in our Sakthy School also. So we made few garlands and honored our VIP people. I too explained about how my teachers have inspired me all many such things.
· Mr.Ayyanna garlanded Mr.Arulbalagi.
· Miss. Selvi garlanded Mrs. Kavitha.
· Mrs.Kavitha and Mr.Arulbalaji inturn honored Mani’s parents.
· HOC children gave bouquets to chief guest family.
· Teachers gave the brass bowl full of flowers to the chief guest.
· Children gave the box full of clay vegetables and fruits made by our children to chief guest’s children.
· Then we also honored Mr – Mrs.Ganeshkumar from Pongalloor who are taking steps for a new HOC in their village. He has paid Rs.101 for his daughter in 2006 when we started the school plan.
R EPORTS
We gave away the narrative reports, Certificate which say top 10 skills of a child, Guide book about Montessori system to parents and a greeting with Maria’s quotation. This book was received and honored by Mrs.Kavitha.
Each child was invited by Miss.Mallika , Mrs.Shanthi and Bodhini with an introduction to them. The parents were so proud of them and saw their children receiving the report.
Children, who were ill, received the reports through their father or mother. There were few parents who have never turned up and we too commented about that.
Then we have asked Rajashrees’s father to address about the child’s vocabulary skill and parenting. Meanwhile we too decently highlighted the bad way of handling emergency situations by them without openly pointing out their names.
Few children sang few Montessori songs. Miss. Sasikala gave introduction to Montessori songs. Then we all joined and sang few songs.
Balamithran narrated the story of Pandurangan.
Rajashree exposed her vocabulary skill before every body.
HONORING SESSION:
We have greeted and honored Mrs.Kalaivani who was our first staff. I spoke about her talents and her parents were honored in her absence with grand gifts.
Then we have received Mrs.Bodhini and her husband. Children and parents gave warm applause for them and gave flowers. He was honored with towel and she was honored with kaadhi mat letter hanger.
We also honored Mrs.Jothy akka and Mrs.Shanthi. Then we gave the sacred brass lamps of wisdom to all other staff and parents who were attending the previous day festival. Lamps were given to all by Chief Guest’s children Rakshitha and Harshavardhini.
Then we also honored Late.Mr.Palaniswamy for his service and Mr.Dharma who have taken free service in transferring all materials from Madras.
Then we read out the annual budget and greeted all the staff members who are behind this great success.
· We asked our parents about the idol of GOD Murugan to get placed in the village. But every body opposed that because they all said that their children are growing with true spiritual qualities and discipline because of this idol.
We too explained the International Montessori Congress – 2009.
We ended the festival by 2 A.M and admired our children and parents for their presence for a long time.
We all stood and sang the national anthem and concluded the festival and asked all to view the album room and take sweets. Usha amma has prepared sweet porridge and sundal. She was totally involved in cooking for the guests and staff. We thank her and her daughter for their service. She too got honored.
Then staffs were talking to the guests and we walked to our school land and prayed that there must be the school building by next annual day. Then we all took grand lunch served in Mani’s home. The chief guests left to Erode city by 3.30 P.M.
THE GREAT DONATION BY MY CLASS MATES:
The chief guests collected money from few of my school friends who are serving the nation from their own profession. He has donated Rs.17, 000 for purchasing Montessori materials. We thank them. So we thank God for making this great day of effort as a grand and depth day which is the real honor to Dr.Montessori and Mahathma Gandhiji.
Thankyou all!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Namma Veedu Montessori HOC-Annual Festival 2007-8,day2 and 3
FIRST ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF NAMMA VEEDU MONTESSORI HOC- 2007-2008, DAYS 2 and 3.
22.12.08- Today we have started the day with regular chanting and we waited for the parents to arrive for the story telling session. But we have received only 3 parents. Saravanan’s mother came and said a story for one minute and Mishal’s father narrated the legend of Christ using the crib. Our previous helper Mrs.Ponnammal who is around 65 years old arrived and narrated a long story about equality.
So it is clear that even villagers are not familiar with story telling in these modern days because of the television. We felt sorry for this situation. So I have made it is a compulsory rule that every day after chanting one teacher must narrate a traditional Indian story.
· After that we left for the annual report plans.
· We thank our helper Jothy akka’s daughter Sangeetha who has brought basket full of marigold flowers for garland making. Teachers sat till 7 P.M and made wonderful bouquet.
· On this day Miss.Selvi left to Dindukal town and purchased few lamps for gift and many cotton kaadhi towels for garland making and gift.
23.12.08- I left to Erode city because my aunty passed away and came back to Sendurai by 10 P.M. It was a very tedious journey for 12 hours. Many parents have given their paintings to HOC on this day. The topic is ‘’NATURE’’. Saravanan’s father drew his picture on 21st itself because he has to go for the job. We respect such parents who have started taking interest in their children.
24.12.08- Our HOC was functioning fastly and children were given leave today. We have cleaned every thing and last hour checking has been done. I was very upset with the maintenance of the jewel set boxes and I was little bit harsh with my staff for that for the very first time. I have explained the efforts and money used for buying them.
We all decorated the HOC with mango leaves and coconut leaves and arranged all the required things in order. Teachers practiced the various formalities and we left soon for the day.
Thanking you!
22.12.08- Today we have started the day with regular chanting and we waited for the parents to arrive for the story telling session. But we have received only 3 parents. Saravanan’s mother came and said a story for one minute and Mishal’s father narrated the legend of Christ using the crib. Our previous helper Mrs.Ponnammal who is around 65 years old arrived and narrated a long story about equality.
So it is clear that even villagers are not familiar with story telling in these modern days because of the television. We felt sorry for this situation. So I have made it is a compulsory rule that every day after chanting one teacher must narrate a traditional Indian story.
· After that we left for the annual report plans.
· We thank our helper Jothy akka’s daughter Sangeetha who has brought basket full of marigold flowers for garland making. Teachers sat till 7 P.M and made wonderful bouquet.
· On this day Miss.Selvi left to Dindukal town and purchased few lamps for gift and many cotton kaadhi towels for garland making and gift.
23.12.08- I left to Erode city because my aunty passed away and came back to Sendurai by 10 P.M. It was a very tedious journey for 12 hours. Many parents have given their paintings to HOC on this day. The topic is ‘’NATURE’’. Saravanan’s father drew his picture on 21st itself because he has to go for the job. We respect such parents who have started taking interest in their children.
24.12.08- Our HOC was functioning fastly and children were given leave today. We have cleaned every thing and last hour checking has been done. I was very upset with the maintenance of the jewel set boxes and I was little bit harsh with my staff for that for the very first time. I have explained the efforts and money used for buying them.
We all decorated the HOC with mango leaves and coconut leaves and arranged all the required things in order. Teachers practiced the various formalities and we left soon for the day.
Thanking you!
Namma Veedu Montessori HOC-Main Events Of Dec,08
EVENTS OF DECEMBER -2008
This month is going to be very exciting for us because we are going to step into the second year of service. So slowly our HOC is getting ready for that. Mean while we got a new child Master.Andrews, 2 years old who has well settled within a day and waiting for admission.
We have given a small increment of Rs.250 to Miss.Mallika who is with us for 10 months and Miss. Sasikala for their work and development.
1.11.08-Mr.Jeyaraman has approached Mr.Mrs.Parthiban one of our parent for teaching faculty. Mrs.Kayalvizhi has trained for teaching faculty and got some experience in conventional school. She is very calm and deep analyzer. She is also a photographer along with her husband and taking part in all our HOC events. She made her 5 year old son to shift from a conventional school to the Montessori setup. So we believe that she will join with us for the next level growth. She has permanently settled in the village.
HOC has invited Dr.Kalaiselvi- Tamil professor – KVK arts college-Trichy as the chief guest on December 25th-2008. We will talk about her later.
THE CHALLENGING DANGER- Today Rajasree was badly hurted when Swetha ran towards her to show a hug and smile. Immediately the issue was announced to the parents. But Rajasree’s mother has spoken very ill about the HOC and all the staff. But according to the spiritual lessons they were quiet and explained the situation, but she ignored them. Our auto was used to take the child to the hospital. Medication was given. There were few stitches with dressing. Mani’s mother went and spoke to the parents. We have decided to ask excuse but we are going to tell in the open meeting about teachers’ abuse by parents. This child’s mother has repeated the verbal abuse 3rd time in this year. But we need to learn one important lesson.
‘’ It is common for such accidents in a school with many children, but it is not good in a small school like us. We need to be more aware about the happenings.’’
4.12.08- NATURE WALK. The school has gone out for the nature walk. Children have conversed many things and we are listing very unique observations as follows. They saw the village wells, grass lands, hens, bulls and cows. They saw an eagle gliding across a pond. They saw dragon flies, crows, cranes, palms, butterflies and many things.
1. Sudeesh was able to tell the following English terms. Crows, cocks, hens, chickens, butterflies, eagles, dragonflies and trees.
2. Saravanan saw a snake and alerted the staff to go away.
3. Ravikumar pointed out a hut with the term ‘’home’’ and put a worm with a stick.
4. After the walk every body involved in a long chat and discussed about the nature walk. Madhumitha and Swetha started narrating the walk as a story.
6.12.08- We have purchased the X- Mas Crib for HOC from Madras Bessant Nagar Church shop. We have also purchased few nice decorative items. So after the lamp festival we will be presenting the legend of Jesus Christ to our children. On 21st of this month we are having the Christmas celebrations with the carols from local church group. Mishal’s parents have agreed for the arrangement.
Mean while we are preparing for the Thirukaarthigai lamp festival. Teachers are presenting the myth behind the festival with respective dolls and craft work made by them. On 13.12.08 our Lord will be taken for procession inside the village. On that occasion few of our students will be appearing as mythological characters and talk about them.
5.12.08- We have designed and printed the very first certificates of appreciation of children in our HOC in Madras. We have also edited and printed the simple version of Dr. Montessori system which is getting followed in our HOC as simple book lets. This will issued along with the certificates on 25th December by our chief guest.
Our chief guest has expressed that she could not attend the festival on 25.12.08 because of a genuine reason. So we have hunted for an other chief guest. We got THEM.
They are Mr.ARULBAAJALI and Ms.KAVITHA. Their children Lakshitha and Harshavardhini are Montessori children.
Mr.Arulbaalaji is Dr.M.Madeswaran’s school mate. He was very naughty and only son in a rich business family in Erode. His jokes, class room behaviors were well known and made many to laugh and enjoy the friendship. He is very keen about the association of his class mates after schooling from 1991.
He got graduated in pharmacy and completed his MBA program and worked as lecturer in a pharmacy college in Madras. He is the author of a text book in pharmacy and today he is the Marketing Director of a good pharmacy group in Madras.
He stood as the best support for us when Mrs.Amudha wanted to begin her Montessori HOC in her village in 2006. He has listened to most of our lectures and always approaches us for any guidance in child care.
After facing many difficulties he has put his elder daughter in Viruksha Montessori HOC in Madras. After observing the various aspects within his child he has supported his wife also to undergo the Montessori training under SriUma Shankarji. Today she is working in Sprouts Montessori HOC –Madras.
The couple is very much interested in Montessori system and they are eligible for the Annual Day celebrations as chief guests.
11.12.08- HOC has celebrated the famous THIRUKAARTHIGAI lamp festival after 15 days celebrations of legend presentation through models. Usha amma has cooked sundala nd traditional poojas were performed.
12.12.08- Today is Thirukaarthigai festival. HOC is on leave and Usha amma has decorated the building with row of lamps.
13.12.08- Today before starting the Thirukaathigai festival we made the Lord to get bath by our 3 children. Saravanan, Balamithrana and Chandrakumar were performing the sacred bath and chanted all the prayer chantings. Today we are celebrating the Thirukaarthigai festival through our school. The school got decorated by our staff as usual in traditional way. By noon 3.3.P.M, the local elders who perform the chants and holy songs arrived and started their bajans.
Our very first fancy dress day:
Our parents have also arrived promptly arrived for make upping their children as Murugan and Kaarthigai women. The staff and others were involved in this activity. The school has supported them with jewels and makeup set.
It is very nice to see the parents’ cooperation and enthusiasm in making the children to involve in this festival. Most of them have recognized their child’s very first fancy dress occasion.
Teachers have also trained these children to act and talk their roles. Every child looked very cute and divine with the costumes and make ups. Few of them also tried their best and narrated their dialogues. Many were tensed and cried and we gave them the space to settle down and told the parents not to expect their children to act or perform immediately before the public because this is their very first occasion. We asked the staff and parents to observe and appreciate their children when they were doing their role at home or in the school. Only the smartness, boldness to bare the costumes and makeup and trail activity in talking the dialogue can be appreciated and encouraged.
All those who got decorated stood happily and took individual and group photos. Few spoke their dialogues also. The jewels we have bought for Murugan have made these little ones to become very divine. Afterwards they have joined with the procession also. They were courageous to come along with us in the costume and play and also to travel in the auto till the festival spot.
Children who participated in this occasion:
1. N. Saravanan.
2. SreeDiwakar. [ is a 2 year old boy. His mother is working in a different place. She visits him rarely. So she has taken very special efforts to make him enjoy the day. But he was very tensed that his mother may leave him]
3. S.NaveenKanna.
4. N.Ravikumar.
5. P.Balamithran.
6. R.Samidurai.[ a child from very poor , illiterate family got the courage to stand before all]
7. G.Swetha. [ Swetha’s father Mr.Ganesh took the photos on this occasion]
8. K.Madhumitha.
9. S.Divyadarshini.
10. M.Dharani.
The happy procession:
We started the procession by 4.30 P.M and the traditional village drum set from the near by town [ MANAPAARAI] was going on performing very well and made the village in festival mood. Though the artists were so poor, they were very staunch and dedicated to their performance and enjoyed the procession and praised the lord. After the festival , they were paid with Rs.1500 and garlands and prasadham set.
Mr.Balamurugan from Pondycheri, Jeyaraman, Mrs.Shanthi madam’s husband, Saravan’s father, Naveen’s father Mr.Saravanan and many others have joined with the lord. Mr.Ganeshkumar has joined with his wife and child from Pongaloor. Mr.Murugan, Master.Paani have also supported the festival. He only lifted the umbrella for Murugan. We went to the Vinayakar shrine and lighted the lamp first. Then we honored Kurathi amman with a lamp and proceeded to Mahalaxmi amman shrine. Poojas were performed to Devi and one lamp got lighted inside the shrine and 6 other lamps at the entrance.
We spoke about the importance of caring out father and mother. We told that Murugan himself is showing by respecting his parents. The silver pendant of Shivasakthi was exposed and people saw that also. Then we narrated the legend of ADI MUDI THAEDAL from Shivapuranam.
People enjoyed the show and many old people gathered very near to Lord and prayed. Later the bajan group members were honored with green towels and Mani’s father and Dr.Madeswaran were also honored by the shrine.
Then the lord started back to HOC. This time many devotees have gathered and gave warm welcome to their God. By 8 P.M, we reached the HOC. Individual respects were shown to devotees who supported the festival and they all left. Then we cleaned the HOC and did night poojas to Lord and made them to sleep. We all went and slept in Mani’s house after a long dinner.
We thank Mrs.Usha for preparing such a delicious food for noon and night. She too has prepeared the sundal prasadam for us. We have listed out the committee members names and made Mr.Balamurugana s the president.
We also appreciate Mr.Kaarthi for coming all over from Thirupur. He will be the local president. We are thanking every body who has made the festival as the most successful one.
We thank Mani’s parents, Mr.Gopi[local priest] and all elders.
Important observations:
1. Many devotees have responded this time.
2. Village elders have stretched their good support.
3. Many families have set up warm traditional welcome while the procession was going on.
4. But very few only gave oil.
5. Many children, old people, diseased people watched the procession.
6. People observed the rituals and listened the drama and story calmly.
7. A poor boy came all along the procession and finally we gave few sets of dress.
8. The poor drum set artist was offered with a new dothy.
9. Mr.Kumaran[ our important member] could not arrive because of his health.
14.12.08- Today village elders came to meet us by 10 A.M. They have requested for the Murugan idol to get placed in the center of the village where the previous temple got ruined. Mr.Jeyaraman and Dr.Madeswaran.M were talking in the important meeting.
Minutes of the meeting:
1. Murugan idol was asked for the common temple in the village.
2. Village will construct and care the shrine.
3. Sakthi foundation will perform all its needs from that shrine.
4. But what Sakthi foundation answered after talking to Dr.Pradheepkumar?
· We brought the idol just for the personal use within the school to teach the spirituality and culture for the children
· The foundation has explained the role of HOC in shaping out the 25 children and the elders have appreciated that.
· We said that our spiritual teacher SreeAmrithaanandhamaye amma have directed us to bring out the God for the village public through the festivals.
· We have planned for the school building along with temple which will be opened for the villagers without any discrimination.
· This was realized by the elders and they accepted for this plan and assured for their total cooperation for all occasions. We made them to realize for the poor maintenance of the old temple.
· They have requested to support them financially to paint the Mahalaxmi amman shrine and to install a stone idol of the goddess also.
· We have asked them to give a letter to Dr.Pradheepkumar along with the quotation for painting.
Later we conducted the HOC staff meeting. The minutes are as follows:
1. We read the book published by the HOC to guide the staff and parents about the system and school.
2. Certificate work got discussed.
3. Chief Guest was introduced to our staff and they asked many questions.
4. Saravan’s latest behavior patterns were discussed.
5. His mother was called and advised for better family conduct.
6. We too spoke to Rajashree’s mother for the accident.
7. We have planned the 2009 first term events and holidays.
8. We have planned Christmas festival plan also.
9. Christmas decoration set was given to the school.
10. Miss.Sasikala and Mrs.PriyaKannan can come at 9A.M alternatively.
11. The work before the annual day was planned for the staff and they have to carry over it.
12. Miss.Kalaivaani was met by Dr.Madeswaran in the morning. She has shared that the teacher training is very easy for her because she is well familiarized with Montessori system. She has accepted to attend the Annual Day celebrations.
13. Miss.Panju came to the HOC for teaching job. She has done a diploma in agriculture and we have asked Jeyaraman to follow her.
The HOC has celebrated the following children’s’ birth days.
1. J.Andrews Martin- 12.12.08
2. S.Naveenkanna- 20.12.08
3. P.Balamithran- 29.12.08
4. G.RenukaDevi- 14.12.08- She is Mr.Ganeskumar’s daughter who has visited us for the festival. On this day we offered a cake and asked her to give chocolates to all our children. The school gifted her with a crayon set from USA and also gave her a greeting with Montessori’s saying. She liked one of the stuff toy and we too gave it to her. Saravanan was there in this context and we made him to greet her and give away the gifts.
5. Danush- 24.12.08
From 21st to 25th we have celebrated the annual school festival and please read the next article for the details.
Thankyou!
This month is going to be very exciting for us because we are going to step into the second year of service. So slowly our HOC is getting ready for that. Mean while we got a new child Master.Andrews, 2 years old who has well settled within a day and waiting for admission.
We have given a small increment of Rs.250 to Miss.Mallika who is with us for 10 months and Miss. Sasikala for their work and development.
1.11.08-Mr.Jeyaraman has approached Mr.Mrs.Parthiban one of our parent for teaching faculty. Mrs.Kayalvizhi has trained for teaching faculty and got some experience in conventional school. She is very calm and deep analyzer. She is also a photographer along with her husband and taking part in all our HOC events. She made her 5 year old son to shift from a conventional school to the Montessori setup. So we believe that she will join with us for the next level growth. She has permanently settled in the village.
HOC has invited Dr.Kalaiselvi- Tamil professor – KVK arts college-Trichy as the chief guest on December 25th-2008. We will talk about her later.
THE CHALLENGING DANGER- Today Rajasree was badly hurted when Swetha ran towards her to show a hug and smile. Immediately the issue was announced to the parents. But Rajasree’s mother has spoken very ill about the HOC and all the staff. But according to the spiritual lessons they were quiet and explained the situation, but she ignored them. Our auto was used to take the child to the hospital. Medication was given. There were few stitches with dressing. Mani’s mother went and spoke to the parents. We have decided to ask excuse but we are going to tell in the open meeting about teachers’ abuse by parents. This child’s mother has repeated the verbal abuse 3rd time in this year. But we need to learn one important lesson.
‘’ It is common for such accidents in a school with many children, but it is not good in a small school like us. We need to be more aware about the happenings.’’
4.12.08- NATURE WALK. The school has gone out for the nature walk. Children have conversed many things and we are listing very unique observations as follows. They saw the village wells, grass lands, hens, bulls and cows. They saw an eagle gliding across a pond. They saw dragon flies, crows, cranes, palms, butterflies and many things.
1. Sudeesh was able to tell the following English terms. Crows, cocks, hens, chickens, butterflies, eagles, dragonflies and trees.
2. Saravanan saw a snake and alerted the staff to go away.
3. Ravikumar pointed out a hut with the term ‘’home’’ and put a worm with a stick.
4. After the walk every body involved in a long chat and discussed about the nature walk. Madhumitha and Swetha started narrating the walk as a story.
6.12.08- We have purchased the X- Mas Crib for HOC from Madras Bessant Nagar Church shop. We have also purchased few nice decorative items. So after the lamp festival we will be presenting the legend of Jesus Christ to our children. On 21st of this month we are having the Christmas celebrations with the carols from local church group. Mishal’s parents have agreed for the arrangement.
Mean while we are preparing for the Thirukaarthigai lamp festival. Teachers are presenting the myth behind the festival with respective dolls and craft work made by them. On 13.12.08 our Lord will be taken for procession inside the village. On that occasion few of our students will be appearing as mythological characters and talk about them.
5.12.08- We have designed and printed the very first certificates of appreciation of children in our HOC in Madras. We have also edited and printed the simple version of Dr. Montessori system which is getting followed in our HOC as simple book lets. This will issued along with the certificates on 25th December by our chief guest.
Our chief guest has expressed that she could not attend the festival on 25.12.08 because of a genuine reason. So we have hunted for an other chief guest. We got THEM.
They are Mr.ARULBAAJALI and Ms.KAVITHA. Their children Lakshitha and Harshavardhini are Montessori children.
Mr.Arulbaalaji is Dr.M.Madeswaran’s school mate. He was very naughty and only son in a rich business family in Erode. His jokes, class room behaviors were well known and made many to laugh and enjoy the friendship. He is very keen about the association of his class mates after schooling from 1991.
He got graduated in pharmacy and completed his MBA program and worked as lecturer in a pharmacy college in Madras. He is the author of a text book in pharmacy and today he is the Marketing Director of a good pharmacy group in Madras.
He stood as the best support for us when Mrs.Amudha wanted to begin her Montessori HOC in her village in 2006. He has listened to most of our lectures and always approaches us for any guidance in child care.
After facing many difficulties he has put his elder daughter in Viruksha Montessori HOC in Madras. After observing the various aspects within his child he has supported his wife also to undergo the Montessori training under SriUma Shankarji. Today she is working in Sprouts Montessori HOC –Madras.
The couple is very much interested in Montessori system and they are eligible for the Annual Day celebrations as chief guests.
11.12.08- HOC has celebrated the famous THIRUKAARTHIGAI lamp festival after 15 days celebrations of legend presentation through models. Usha amma has cooked sundala nd traditional poojas were performed.
12.12.08- Today is Thirukaarthigai festival. HOC is on leave and Usha amma has decorated the building with row of lamps.
13.12.08- Today before starting the Thirukaathigai festival we made the Lord to get bath by our 3 children. Saravanan, Balamithrana and Chandrakumar were performing the sacred bath and chanted all the prayer chantings. Today we are celebrating the Thirukaarthigai festival through our school. The school got decorated by our staff as usual in traditional way. By noon 3.3.P.M, the local elders who perform the chants and holy songs arrived and started their bajans.
Our very first fancy dress day:
Our parents have also arrived promptly arrived for make upping their children as Murugan and Kaarthigai women. The staff and others were involved in this activity. The school has supported them with jewels and makeup set.
It is very nice to see the parents’ cooperation and enthusiasm in making the children to involve in this festival. Most of them have recognized their child’s very first fancy dress occasion.
Teachers have also trained these children to act and talk their roles. Every child looked very cute and divine with the costumes and make ups. Few of them also tried their best and narrated their dialogues. Many were tensed and cried and we gave them the space to settle down and told the parents not to expect their children to act or perform immediately before the public because this is their very first occasion. We asked the staff and parents to observe and appreciate their children when they were doing their role at home or in the school. Only the smartness, boldness to bare the costumes and makeup and trail activity in talking the dialogue can be appreciated and encouraged.
All those who got decorated stood happily and took individual and group photos. Few spoke their dialogues also. The jewels we have bought for Murugan have made these little ones to become very divine. Afterwards they have joined with the procession also. They were courageous to come along with us in the costume and play and also to travel in the auto till the festival spot.
Children who participated in this occasion:
1. N. Saravanan.
2. SreeDiwakar. [ is a 2 year old boy. His mother is working in a different place. She visits him rarely. So she has taken very special efforts to make him enjoy the day. But he was very tensed that his mother may leave him]
3. S.NaveenKanna.
4. N.Ravikumar.
5. P.Balamithran.
6. R.Samidurai.[ a child from very poor , illiterate family got the courage to stand before all]
7. G.Swetha. [ Swetha’s father Mr.Ganesh took the photos on this occasion]
8. K.Madhumitha.
9. S.Divyadarshini.
10. M.Dharani.
The happy procession:
We started the procession by 4.30 P.M and the traditional village drum set from the near by town [ MANAPAARAI] was going on performing very well and made the village in festival mood. Though the artists were so poor, they were very staunch and dedicated to their performance and enjoyed the procession and praised the lord. After the festival , they were paid with Rs.1500 and garlands and prasadham set.
Mr.Balamurugan from Pondycheri, Jeyaraman, Mrs.Shanthi madam’s husband, Saravan’s father, Naveen’s father Mr.Saravanan and many others have joined with the lord. Mr.Ganeshkumar has joined with his wife and child from Pongaloor. Mr.Murugan, Master.Paani have also supported the festival. He only lifted the umbrella for Murugan. We went to the Vinayakar shrine and lighted the lamp first. Then we honored Kurathi amman with a lamp and proceeded to Mahalaxmi amman shrine. Poojas were performed to Devi and one lamp got lighted inside the shrine and 6 other lamps at the entrance.
We spoke about the importance of caring out father and mother. We told that Murugan himself is showing by respecting his parents. The silver pendant of Shivasakthi was exposed and people saw that also. Then we narrated the legend of ADI MUDI THAEDAL from Shivapuranam.
People enjoyed the show and many old people gathered very near to Lord and prayed. Later the bajan group members were honored with green towels and Mani’s father and Dr.Madeswaran were also honored by the shrine.
Then the lord started back to HOC. This time many devotees have gathered and gave warm welcome to their God. By 8 P.M, we reached the HOC. Individual respects were shown to devotees who supported the festival and they all left. Then we cleaned the HOC and did night poojas to Lord and made them to sleep. We all went and slept in Mani’s house after a long dinner.
We thank Mrs.Usha for preparing such a delicious food for noon and night. She too has prepeared the sundal prasadam for us. We have listed out the committee members names and made Mr.Balamurugana s the president.
We also appreciate Mr.Kaarthi for coming all over from Thirupur. He will be the local president. We are thanking every body who has made the festival as the most successful one.
We thank Mani’s parents, Mr.Gopi[local priest] and all elders.
Important observations:
1. Many devotees have responded this time.
2. Village elders have stretched their good support.
3. Many families have set up warm traditional welcome while the procession was going on.
4. But very few only gave oil.
5. Many children, old people, diseased people watched the procession.
6. People observed the rituals and listened the drama and story calmly.
7. A poor boy came all along the procession and finally we gave few sets of dress.
8. The poor drum set artist was offered with a new dothy.
9. Mr.Kumaran[ our important member] could not arrive because of his health.
14.12.08- Today village elders came to meet us by 10 A.M. They have requested for the Murugan idol to get placed in the center of the village where the previous temple got ruined. Mr.Jeyaraman and Dr.Madeswaran.M were talking in the important meeting.
Minutes of the meeting:
1. Murugan idol was asked for the common temple in the village.
2. Village will construct and care the shrine.
3. Sakthi foundation will perform all its needs from that shrine.
4. But what Sakthi foundation answered after talking to Dr.Pradheepkumar?
· We brought the idol just for the personal use within the school to teach the spirituality and culture for the children
· The foundation has explained the role of HOC in shaping out the 25 children and the elders have appreciated that.
· We said that our spiritual teacher SreeAmrithaanandhamaye amma have directed us to bring out the God for the village public through the festivals.
· We have planned for the school building along with temple which will be opened for the villagers without any discrimination.
· This was realized by the elders and they accepted for this plan and assured for their total cooperation for all occasions. We made them to realize for the poor maintenance of the old temple.
· They have requested to support them financially to paint the Mahalaxmi amman shrine and to install a stone idol of the goddess also.
· We have asked them to give a letter to Dr.Pradheepkumar along with the quotation for painting.
Later we conducted the HOC staff meeting. The minutes are as follows:
1. We read the book published by the HOC to guide the staff and parents about the system and school.
2. Certificate work got discussed.
3. Chief Guest was introduced to our staff and they asked many questions.
4. Saravan’s latest behavior patterns were discussed.
5. His mother was called and advised for better family conduct.
6. We too spoke to Rajashree’s mother for the accident.
7. We have planned the 2009 first term events and holidays.
8. We have planned Christmas festival plan also.
9. Christmas decoration set was given to the school.
10. Miss.Sasikala and Mrs.PriyaKannan can come at 9A.M alternatively.
11. The work before the annual day was planned for the staff and they have to carry over it.
12. Miss.Kalaivaani was met by Dr.Madeswaran in the morning. She has shared that the teacher training is very easy for her because she is well familiarized with Montessori system. She has accepted to attend the Annual Day celebrations.
13. Miss.Panju came to the HOC for teaching job. She has done a diploma in agriculture and we have asked Jeyaraman to follow her.
The HOC has celebrated the following children’s’ birth days.
1. J.Andrews Martin- 12.12.08
2. S.Naveenkanna- 20.12.08
3. P.Balamithran- 29.12.08
4. G.RenukaDevi- 14.12.08- She is Mr.Ganeskumar’s daughter who has visited us for the festival. On this day we offered a cake and asked her to give chocolates to all our children. The school gifted her with a crayon set from USA and also gave her a greeting with Montessori’s saying. She liked one of the stuff toy and we too gave it to her. Saravanan was there in this context and we made him to greet her and give away the gifts.
5. Danush- 24.12.08
From 21st to 25th we have celebrated the annual school festival and please read the next article for the details.
Thankyou!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Namma Veedu teachers comments-Miss.Bodhini
WHERE AM I?
This article is the translated and edited part of the review given by Miss.Bodhini working in Namma Veedu Montessori House Of Children at the 100th day. She is a graduate with basic teacher training. We feel very proud of her excellent understanding about Montessori system and implementing in the village.
Miss.Bodhini says,
‘’ I have developed more patience and learned that we must not expect any result from the child immediately, we are just making them to experience the various concepts of various subjects.
But I am sure that these children will express their growth in knowledge and personality. I am learning more from the children that I teach them. At the age of 24 I have learned to shed my ego and trying my best to become a child.
Before I give any value first I am checking myself whether I have that character.
I have started and accepted that children have their own mind and life.
I am getting trained how to be a good mother in future.
Montessori system has changed me and the children in many levels. The system is giving more importance to a child’s psychic level. I want every child in this earth to be in a Montessori school. I am in a position to dedicate to uplift the child’s life through this education which is a gift for my nation.
Montessori materials are not just attractive things. I have experienced that the children are trained to coordinate their mind – body and thoughts.
The materials are initiating and shaping their interests and talents.
I have clearly understood that a school is not just a room to teach subjects. Books alone are not children’s need.
A teacher’s every action has its own influence upon the children.
Through love and firmness alone we can cultivate the inner discipline.
I have evolved to look beauty in every thing and great in carnations like Teressa and Gandhi within all.
I have realized that education has its own dimensions and it is not just making a child to read and write subjects.
Montessori system has made me realize the real meaning for discipline and education.’’
This article is the translated and edited part of the review given by Miss.Bodhini working in Namma Veedu Montessori House Of Children at the 100th day. She is a graduate with basic teacher training. We feel very proud of her excellent understanding about Montessori system and implementing in the village.
Miss.Bodhini says,
‘’ I have developed more patience and learned that we must not expect any result from the child immediately, we are just making them to experience the various concepts of various subjects.
But I am sure that these children will express their growth in knowledge and personality. I am learning more from the children that I teach them. At the age of 24 I have learned to shed my ego and trying my best to become a child.
Before I give any value first I am checking myself whether I have that character.
I have started and accepted that children have their own mind and life.
I am getting trained how to be a good mother in future.
Montessori system has changed me and the children in many levels. The system is giving more importance to a child’s psychic level. I want every child in this earth to be in a Montessori school. I am in a position to dedicate to uplift the child’s life through this education which is a gift for my nation.
Montessori materials are not just attractive things. I have experienced that the children are trained to coordinate their mind – body and thoughts.
The materials are initiating and shaping their interests and talents.
I have clearly understood that a school is not just a room to teach subjects. Books alone are not children’s need.
A teacher’s every action has its own influence upon the children.
Through love and firmness alone we can cultivate the inner discipline.
I have evolved to look beauty in every thing and great in carnations like Teressa and Gandhi within all.
I have realized that education has its own dimensions and it is not just making a child to read and write subjects.
Montessori system has made me realize the real meaning for discipline and education.’’
Namma Veedu teachers comments-Miss.Mallika
Where am I?
Miss. Mallika is sharing her review about her experiences on the 100th day in our school. She comes form a very under developed back ground of the village with basic schooling, but she has accepted the system and concentrates in certain areas of the curiculum and performs well.
‘’ It is beautiful home for very young children. Montessori materials are very attractive. They are placed in such a way any one can take and use them. The way these children sit on mats and work looks different.
We are just observing their work. EPL activities are very interesting and useful. The children are enjoying the freedom to touch the materials and choose the work. They can express their own feelings to me without any fear.
Montessori materials are giving the chance to touch and feel. The materials are making the children to concentrate more. Body care and hygiene are very important in this school. The best punishment is to make the child without any work.
Children are feeling for their mistakes and they are now exposed to English language and getting used to them slowly.
Love and care is the tool to tame and cultivate the discipline in a child.
Children are choosing their work according to their age and needs.
Each material is connected with language and math skill.
Children are taught to do exercise and trained to care their body and mind.
Children are sharing things and creating natural healthy peer group.
Children have learned to talk politely with respect to all people.
They feel empathy for others.
They are becoming more adjustable and caretaking each other.
I have learned how to bring up a baby from 1.5 years as a mother.
I have learned to shed my ego before children and making love as the instrument to train them.’’
Miss. Mallika is sharing her review about her experiences on the 100th day in our school. She comes form a very under developed back ground of the village with basic schooling, but she has accepted the system and concentrates in certain areas of the curiculum and performs well.
‘’ It is beautiful home for very young children. Montessori materials are very attractive. They are placed in such a way any one can take and use them. The way these children sit on mats and work looks different.
We are just observing their work. EPL activities are very interesting and useful. The children are enjoying the freedom to touch the materials and choose the work. They can express their own feelings to me without any fear.
Montessori materials are giving the chance to touch and feel. The materials are making the children to concentrate more. Body care and hygiene are very important in this school. The best punishment is to make the child without any work.
Children are feeling for their mistakes and they are now exposed to English language and getting used to them slowly.
Love and care is the tool to tame and cultivate the discipline in a child.
Children are choosing their work according to their age and needs.
Each material is connected with language and math skill.
Children are taught to do exercise and trained to care their body and mind.
Children are sharing things and creating natural healthy peer group.
Children have learned to talk politely with respect to all people.
They feel empathy for others.
They are becoming more adjustable and caretaking each other.
I have learned how to bring up a baby from 1.5 years as a mother.
I have learned to shed my ego before children and making love as the instrument to train them.’’
Namma Veedu teachers comments-Miss.Kalaivani
Miss.Kalaivani is our very first teacher. She says,
‘’ I have started respected children not for their physical size but for their intellect. I have understood the needs of a 2.5 year old human. I have realized that there is a need and interest within each child.
Mind is always in concerned with body. Montessori materials are helping these 2 aspects to coordinate to develop a child.
A child must be brought up based on the natural surrounding in which he is living.My friends are saying that I have changed a lot. I am trying to touch the soul of each child through Montessori system.''
‘’ I have started respected children not for their physical size but for their intellect. I have understood the needs of a 2.5 year old human. I have realized that there is a need and interest within each child.
Mind is always in concerned with body. Montessori materials are helping these 2 aspects to coordinate to develop a child.
A child must be brought up based on the natural surrounding in which he is living.My friends are saying that I have changed a lot. I am trying to touch the soul of each child through Montessori system.''
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Events Of October -2008
IMPORTANT EVENTS OF NAMMA VEEDU MONTESSORI HOC – OCTOBER 2008
3O.9.08- HOC has spent 5 solid hours to set up the Navarathry Golu to celebrate the 10 days grand festival. This is the festival in India to celebrate the end of all evils as great demons who were killed by the eternal power ‘’THE DIVINE MOTHER’’.
What is golu?
Golu is the arrangement of various clay dolls on steps based on Indian mythology which clearly explains the concept of life and various concepts of spirituality. This festival lasts for 10 days during which children and adults gets the chance to express their talents and appreciate the aesthetic sense in all actions.
We have arranged dolls in 5 steps and teachers are welcoming the villagers as guests.
We are also planning for parent’s competitions, mother worship and teachers worship. Usually in India many new schools admit the beginners on the 10th day of the festival.
Today teachers performed the morning rituals to the DIVINE MOTHER and enjoyed the ‘’doll marriage’’ festival. Mean while we have also went for canvassing for new admissions. This article will be further sharing about various exciting events and incidents which is going to happen on these 10 days. Let us wait for the fun……..
2.10.08- Today we came to know that Miss.Kalaivani who has joined with us also is going to continue her higher education and she is leaving us. We are in need of good facilitators in HOC like Miss.Kalaivani and Miss.Bodhini. We are hunting for a very good person who can first show the real motherliness and care then the Montessori Method. Let us wait. I need to study really the situation of other 3 staff members. They are also good in conducting the HOC. But they need to imbibe the system soon and more. Yes! It is not easy to have a Montessori HOC in a village like this.
4.9.08- PARENTS TEACHERS MEETING. We started the meeting sharply at 9.30 A.M. There were only 8 parents representing the group. The agenda was as follows with the minutes of the meeting.
· All the teachers were there.
· Dr.Madeswaran and Mrs.Dhanam was the chair person.
· We gave a warm welcome.
· We explained why it is important to attend any meeting or occasion in a school for a parent.
· ‘’a child will neglect a mother who could not recognize the child’s work and timing’’. This was the message to all the parents.
· We were planning to have a parents committee to represent and work for the various needs of the HOC.
· ‘’The school is not an institution, but it is a social well fare unit in the tiny village for the up liftment of the people from the child hood. This has to be realized through our freedom given in HOC.’’
· The annual budget was explained especially about the source of income to SAKTHI FOUNDATION through Dr.Pradheepkumar.
· The fees income was also put before the parents.
· The need for the expense, need to realize the fees structure though it is based on charity were explained.
· Transportation facility and its cost were discussed.
· Observation for the parents was announced.
· Need for child observation was explained.
· The HOC requested the parents to approach the adults to know about the activities of their children and not to talk ill about the school outside without understanding the concept behind the system.
· HOC has welcomed parents for a next meeting to plan the annual day celebrations.
· A simple explanation was given about English teaching and home work pattern was also explained.
· The history of writing within a child was explained.
· Miss.Kalaivani and Miss.Bodhini were facilitated by all of us for their beloved and commitment.
THE SACREDMOST MOMENTS – MATHRU POOJA
After a short break we did the ‘’mathru pooja’’. We explained the need and meaning behind worshipping our parents and elders and why we are touching the feet of a person for blessing.
Children were taught how to perform the ritual to their mother. They were so excited and every child did the pooja perfectly with total concentration and love.
Many parents were in tears out of love and blessed their children with hugs and kisses. Few fathers attended the pooja and accepted the respectful moments from their children.
Then Navarathry pooja was performed by the teachers. Mrs.Shanthi chanted the 108 sacred names of Goddess Mahalaxmi and Maniamma offered the flowers. There was pin drop silence in the school. Later we relished the ‘’puliyodarai’’ dish prepared by Usha amma.
Few children left their parents but others just went to work. When the PTA meeting was happening, children went to an other room and worked for 1.5 hrs without any break.
This is the 5th day of Navarathry festival. Our HOC GOLU is so sweet to see with compact arrangement.
6.10.08- Mrs.Priya living in Sendurai village has joined for observation to become a teacher in our HOC. She is the classmate of Mr.Jeyaraman. Her husband is working as a catering technologist in Tamil Nadu hotels in Madurai. Her 1.75 year old boy is a immature child with many health problems. She has joined with us to show a good path of stress less education to her boy from this time and she is also very calm and peaceful in mind which is very essential for us.
9.10.08- first vijayadasami day in HOC: HOC has celebrated the final day of Navarathry festival with grand and spiritual sense.
· 3 new children got admitted in our HOC.
· Naveen- 1.75 years.
· Diwakar- 1.75 years.
· Darshini- 2 .75 years.[ she needs some special care to walk well]
· SPECIAL EVENTS OF THE DAY:
1. Children and trust have honored all the staff with special gifts.
2. Teachers have made children to write all the Tamil scripts and initiated the writing exercise. This is the traditional way of initiating a child on his very first day in a school on this day.
CHANCE FOR A GOOD TEACHER: From Vijayadasami day Mrs.Priya from the same village is coming for observation. She is also having a small child who is ready for the Montessori HOC.
She is observing all the activities of the HOC and also practicing all EPL activities from other staff members. The staff members are able to run the HOC with confidence in the absence of 2 experienced people. In the mean time one of the parents has talked ill about the staff for writing about the fees payment in the note book. The parent is also not happy with the system and spoke ill in the village. We are not emotional and we are asking them to come to us for any doubts, but they have never turned up even for a single meeting. The child’s father is a teacher in the government school.
We are having the PTA on Saturday and we are asking the parents to be ready for the observation week and orientation. Beyond that if they are unhappy, they will be asked to take away the child. The parent’s attitude towards the school and staff are making strong impact on the child and she is also expressing that in the school. Teachers feel very difficult to handle this particular child.
18.10.08- Toady we conducted PARENTS TEACHERS MEETING. Only 6 parents were there but they were very conscious about the PTA. The following topics were discussed as follows,
1. Parent must recognize their child actions and appreciate.
2. We have discussed about the events of Annual festival.
3. Kolam, Drawing, Story telling and Speech will be conducted.
4. Parents were asked to perform the various acts before their children so that their children will appreciate their parents’ skills.
5. Again annual budget was discussed and we have spoken of the transport expense. One of the parents was suggesting with a cheap auto. We need to wait and discuss about it.
6. Again we spoke about the CODE OF CONDUCT BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND PARENTS.
7. We have requested the parents to come to the HOC for any clarification.
STAFF MEETING:
1. We spoke about the child observation and report making.
2. We have seen the discussed about the individual plans of every child.
3. Staff- parents communication.
4. Reema who has left the HOC need to collect the report.
5. Deepawali celebration and Skandha sasti celebration.
6. Grounding and independence.
7. Child’s attitude towards various issues of HOC.
8. Mrs.Priya was given the appointment letter. We are happy with her attitude towards the Montessori education. She says,
‘’ I thought that this place will be baby care centre, but now I have understood that It is the place where we care and shape a child with real love and intelligence.’’
9. Her 1.25 year old son is also very active and he too got admitted in the school. He is very much involved with the Montessori materials.
10.Mrs.Priya have the following characters which are good for HOC: She is very calm and quiet. She is also very keen in observing any thing and she clears her doubts immediately. She is also able to maintain the link between her son and other children in the HOC.
19.10.08- Today the children were on leave. We started the sessions at 9 A.M. First we spoke with Saravanan’s mother.
1. The character of the child is getting changed and he has to be guided.
2. The parents must be aware about his attitude and also about the help given by the foundation.
3. They cannot talk about the help outside of the HOC.
4. He will be helped only based on their cooperation.
5. New dress for Deepawali was given to the child with Rs.100 by my mother for Deepawali.
24.10.08- DEEPAWALI FESTIVAL.
Today we have celebrated Deepawali festival in HOC with divinity and simplicity. We are promoting the idea of traditions and culture but not the luxury. So we have made it as a point that we never spend too much of money in luxurious celebrations.
This year we are observing the RAMAYANA TRADITION. So teachers have presented the legend of SreeRama. We have shown the Ramayana cartoon movie few months back.
As usual the HOC building was decorated with flowers and mango leaves. Children and staff decorated the MARAPAACHI WOODEN DOLLS as SreeRama and Sitha Devi.
They imagined that they are welcoming back to Ayodhya and chanted the sacred name of Rama and made a small procession inside the HOC compound.
The idols were brought inside the prayer hall. They were placed on the altar and the legend was repeated. Then special rituals were done by staff and children to them.
Then the brass idol of Devi Annapoorani[ Goddess of food] was brought from the prayer altar and placed on a plate. Special sacred bath was given to idol with ghee, milk, honey, sandal paste, and saffron and turmeric water.
Then the importance of food, wastage of food was explained to the children. Big lamps were lighted and children recited the chants.
On 23rd staff and children cooked a traditional sweet and that was also offered to the Goddess. Lemon rice was cooked by Mrs.Usha and got offered to the goddess.
Later every body gathered and tasted the festival feast and greeted each other. HOC announced holidays for 5 days. But we are offering food to 3 poor children for 2 times on all days.
Now the HOC has to begin its preparation for SKANDHA SASTI FESTIVAL. This is one of the most important festivals of the state. It is to celebrate the success over the evils by Lord Murugan[native God].
Mean while the village has received heavy rains and even we announced a day holiday on 22.10.08. But I feel very proud to say that out staff conducted the HOC with children who are near to the school.
25.10.08- Mr.Ganesh’s father merged with the God today morning.HOC is praying for his soul’s peace.
29.10.08- HOC has opened after 5 days of Deepawali holidays. Children were excited to come back and they got settled soon. From today we have started preparing the HOC to celebrate the grand SKANDHA SASTI POOJA.
Every day Mrs.Shanthi is performing the poojas to Lord Murugan in our school house and dramatizing the mythology of Muruga.
Today they have gone out for a nature walk to observe the village pond filled with pure fresh water after heavy rainfall.
HOC prayed for the health and wealth of Dr.PradheepKumar, for his birthday.
Thankyou!
3O.9.08- HOC has spent 5 solid hours to set up the Navarathry Golu to celebrate the 10 days grand festival. This is the festival in India to celebrate the end of all evils as great demons who were killed by the eternal power ‘’THE DIVINE MOTHER’’.
What is golu?
Golu is the arrangement of various clay dolls on steps based on Indian mythology which clearly explains the concept of life and various concepts of spirituality. This festival lasts for 10 days during which children and adults gets the chance to express their talents and appreciate the aesthetic sense in all actions.
We have arranged dolls in 5 steps and teachers are welcoming the villagers as guests.
We are also planning for parent’s competitions, mother worship and teachers worship. Usually in India many new schools admit the beginners on the 10th day of the festival.
Today teachers performed the morning rituals to the DIVINE MOTHER and enjoyed the ‘’doll marriage’’ festival. Mean while we have also went for canvassing for new admissions. This article will be further sharing about various exciting events and incidents which is going to happen on these 10 days. Let us wait for the fun……..
2.10.08- Today we came to know that Miss.Kalaivani who has joined with us also is going to continue her higher education and she is leaving us. We are in need of good facilitators in HOC like Miss.Kalaivani and Miss.Bodhini. We are hunting for a very good person who can first show the real motherliness and care then the Montessori Method. Let us wait. I need to study really the situation of other 3 staff members. They are also good in conducting the HOC. But they need to imbibe the system soon and more. Yes! It is not easy to have a Montessori HOC in a village like this.
4.9.08- PARENTS TEACHERS MEETING. We started the meeting sharply at 9.30 A.M. There were only 8 parents representing the group. The agenda was as follows with the minutes of the meeting.
· All the teachers were there.
· Dr.Madeswaran and Mrs.Dhanam was the chair person.
· We gave a warm welcome.
· We explained why it is important to attend any meeting or occasion in a school for a parent.
· ‘’a child will neglect a mother who could not recognize the child’s work and timing’’. This was the message to all the parents.
· We were planning to have a parents committee to represent and work for the various needs of the HOC.
· ‘’The school is not an institution, but it is a social well fare unit in the tiny village for the up liftment of the people from the child hood. This has to be realized through our freedom given in HOC.’’
· The annual budget was explained especially about the source of income to SAKTHI FOUNDATION through Dr.Pradheepkumar.
· The fees income was also put before the parents.
· The need for the expense, need to realize the fees structure though it is based on charity were explained.
· Transportation facility and its cost were discussed.
· Observation for the parents was announced.
· Need for child observation was explained.
· The HOC requested the parents to approach the adults to know about the activities of their children and not to talk ill about the school outside without understanding the concept behind the system.
· HOC has welcomed parents for a next meeting to plan the annual day celebrations.
· A simple explanation was given about English teaching and home work pattern was also explained.
· The history of writing within a child was explained.
· Miss.Kalaivani and Miss.Bodhini were facilitated by all of us for their beloved and commitment.
THE SACREDMOST MOMENTS – MATHRU POOJA
After a short break we did the ‘’mathru pooja’’. We explained the need and meaning behind worshipping our parents and elders and why we are touching the feet of a person for blessing.
Children were taught how to perform the ritual to their mother. They were so excited and every child did the pooja perfectly with total concentration and love.
Many parents were in tears out of love and blessed their children with hugs and kisses. Few fathers attended the pooja and accepted the respectful moments from their children.
Then Navarathry pooja was performed by the teachers. Mrs.Shanthi chanted the 108 sacred names of Goddess Mahalaxmi and Maniamma offered the flowers. There was pin drop silence in the school. Later we relished the ‘’puliyodarai’’ dish prepared by Usha amma.
Few children left their parents but others just went to work. When the PTA meeting was happening, children went to an other room and worked for 1.5 hrs without any break.
This is the 5th day of Navarathry festival. Our HOC GOLU is so sweet to see with compact arrangement.
6.10.08- Mrs.Priya living in Sendurai village has joined for observation to become a teacher in our HOC. She is the classmate of Mr.Jeyaraman. Her husband is working as a catering technologist in Tamil Nadu hotels in Madurai. Her 1.75 year old boy is a immature child with many health problems. She has joined with us to show a good path of stress less education to her boy from this time and she is also very calm and peaceful in mind which is very essential for us.
9.10.08- first vijayadasami day in HOC: HOC has celebrated the final day of Navarathry festival with grand and spiritual sense.
· 3 new children got admitted in our HOC.
· Naveen- 1.75 years.
· Diwakar- 1.75 years.
· Darshini- 2 .75 years.[ she needs some special care to walk well]
· SPECIAL EVENTS OF THE DAY:
1. Children and trust have honored all the staff with special gifts.
2. Teachers have made children to write all the Tamil scripts and initiated the writing exercise. This is the traditional way of initiating a child on his very first day in a school on this day.
CHANCE FOR A GOOD TEACHER: From Vijayadasami day Mrs.Priya from the same village is coming for observation. She is also having a small child who is ready for the Montessori HOC.
She is observing all the activities of the HOC and also practicing all EPL activities from other staff members. The staff members are able to run the HOC with confidence in the absence of 2 experienced people. In the mean time one of the parents has talked ill about the staff for writing about the fees payment in the note book. The parent is also not happy with the system and spoke ill in the village. We are not emotional and we are asking them to come to us for any doubts, but they have never turned up even for a single meeting. The child’s father is a teacher in the government school.
We are having the PTA on Saturday and we are asking the parents to be ready for the observation week and orientation. Beyond that if they are unhappy, they will be asked to take away the child. The parent’s attitude towards the school and staff are making strong impact on the child and she is also expressing that in the school. Teachers feel very difficult to handle this particular child.
18.10.08- Toady we conducted PARENTS TEACHERS MEETING. Only 6 parents were there but they were very conscious about the PTA. The following topics were discussed as follows,
1. Parent must recognize their child actions and appreciate.
2. We have discussed about the events of Annual festival.
3. Kolam, Drawing, Story telling and Speech will be conducted.
4. Parents were asked to perform the various acts before their children so that their children will appreciate their parents’ skills.
5. Again annual budget was discussed and we have spoken of the transport expense. One of the parents was suggesting with a cheap auto. We need to wait and discuss about it.
6. Again we spoke about the CODE OF CONDUCT BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND PARENTS.
7. We have requested the parents to come to the HOC for any clarification.
STAFF MEETING:
1. We spoke about the child observation and report making.
2. We have seen the discussed about the individual plans of every child.
3. Staff- parents communication.
4. Reema who has left the HOC need to collect the report.
5. Deepawali celebration and Skandha sasti celebration.
6. Grounding and independence.
7. Child’s attitude towards various issues of HOC.
8. Mrs.Priya was given the appointment letter. We are happy with her attitude towards the Montessori education. She says,
‘’ I thought that this place will be baby care centre, but now I have understood that It is the place where we care and shape a child with real love and intelligence.’’
9. Her 1.25 year old son is also very active and he too got admitted in the school. He is very much involved with the Montessori materials.
10.Mrs.Priya have the following characters which are good for HOC: She is very calm and quiet. She is also very keen in observing any thing and she clears her doubts immediately. She is also able to maintain the link between her son and other children in the HOC.
19.10.08- Today the children were on leave. We started the sessions at 9 A.M. First we spoke with Saravanan’s mother.
1. The character of the child is getting changed and he has to be guided.
2. The parents must be aware about his attitude and also about the help given by the foundation.
3. They cannot talk about the help outside of the HOC.
4. He will be helped only based on their cooperation.
5. New dress for Deepawali was given to the child with Rs.100 by my mother for Deepawali.
24.10.08- DEEPAWALI FESTIVAL.
Today we have celebrated Deepawali festival in HOC with divinity and simplicity. We are promoting the idea of traditions and culture but not the luxury. So we have made it as a point that we never spend too much of money in luxurious celebrations.
This year we are observing the RAMAYANA TRADITION. So teachers have presented the legend of SreeRama. We have shown the Ramayana cartoon movie few months back.
As usual the HOC building was decorated with flowers and mango leaves. Children and staff decorated the MARAPAACHI WOODEN DOLLS as SreeRama and Sitha Devi.
They imagined that they are welcoming back to Ayodhya and chanted the sacred name of Rama and made a small procession inside the HOC compound.
The idols were brought inside the prayer hall. They were placed on the altar and the legend was repeated. Then special rituals were done by staff and children to them.
Then the brass idol of Devi Annapoorani[ Goddess of food] was brought from the prayer altar and placed on a plate. Special sacred bath was given to idol with ghee, milk, honey, sandal paste, and saffron and turmeric water.
Then the importance of food, wastage of food was explained to the children. Big lamps were lighted and children recited the chants.
On 23rd staff and children cooked a traditional sweet and that was also offered to the Goddess. Lemon rice was cooked by Mrs.Usha and got offered to the goddess.
Later every body gathered and tasted the festival feast and greeted each other. HOC announced holidays for 5 days. But we are offering food to 3 poor children for 2 times on all days.
Now the HOC has to begin its preparation for SKANDHA SASTI FESTIVAL. This is one of the most important festivals of the state. It is to celebrate the success over the evils by Lord Murugan[native God].
Mean while the village has received heavy rains and even we announced a day holiday on 22.10.08. But I feel very proud to say that out staff conducted the HOC with children who are near to the school.
25.10.08- Mr.Ganesh’s father merged with the God today morning.HOC is praying for his soul’s peace.
29.10.08- HOC has opened after 5 days of Deepawali holidays. Children were excited to come back and they got settled soon. From today we have started preparing the HOC to celebrate the grand SKANDHA SASTI POOJA.
Every day Mrs.Shanthi is performing the poojas to Lord Murugan in our school house and dramatizing the mythology of Muruga.
Today they have gone out for a nature walk to observe the village pond filled with pure fresh water after heavy rainfall.
HOC prayed for the health and wealth of Dr.PradheepKumar, for his birthday.
Thankyou!
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