JOIN USParents need to be aware that school is a place where students learn not just scholastic subjects like languages, mathematics and sciences, but a lot more than the books have got to offer.
A child spends nearly a third of the waking hours in the school and her personality is shaped by both the curricular and co-curricular experiences provided there. It is not enough for children to score well in tests and examinations, they should also be getting a rich and wide range of co-scholastic experiences for the wholesome development of the personality.
A child undergoes emotional and social development along with cognitive and physical development. School is the right place for the overall development of a child because a structured and well-planned programme can be put to practice. Parents can keep track of their child’s involvement and active participation in a host of programmes offered by schools. By being aware of the different programmes offered, parents can support their children for their wholesome development:
Morning assembly: This is one programme every child enjoys being a part of. Those endowed with musical talent become a part of the school choir group. Students present a variety of programmes such as administering pledge, news reading, thought for the day, quiz, amazing facts, recitation, declamation, role play and so on. Participating in these activities removes their stage fright.
Competitions: Under co-curricular activities, all schools conduct many competitions, solo as well as in groups. The dates and rules of these competitions are announced beforehand so that the students can prepare well.
Parents can be of great help to practise for these competitions at home. Prizes and certificates of merit are awarded for good performances. Singing, dancing, debate, drama are all showcased. However, it is important to note that participation is more important than winning prizes.
Celebrations: The school calendar is dotted with many celebrations throughout the year. All national festivals such as Independence Day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanthi are celebrated with enthusiasm. Communal Harmony Day, World Environment Day, National Science Day are other notable celebrations. Students get ample opportunities to take part in these programmes and gain valuable experience.
Exhibitions: A school year is incomplete without hosting the Science exhibition. Every year, themes are given and students prepare exhibits and projects based on sub themes. The Social Science exhibition provides opportunity for students to do an in-depth study of any one state of India and a country. Some schools organise an Open Day where the students present their works to parents.
Scouts & Guides: Scouts and Guides is a worldwide organisation that is respected all over. There are various activities that facilitate holistic development of students. The scouting movement inculcates a host of values along with a lot of outing and camping.
Hobby clubs: Club activities find place in the school calendar, and students opt for that one which matches their interest. Instrumental music, dance, robotics, speech and drama, abacus are some of the clubs in schools. Students can also pursue hobbies based on their school activities such as philately, birdwatching, sky watching etc.
Reading: Francis Bacon once said, “Reading maketh a full man.” It is true for all times. Sadly, our children are losing interest in this hobby with the advent of television. School libraries are a hub of activities. In addition to issuing books, they have a readers club where students share their experiences with each other through a book review or some other extended activity.
Schools hold book exhibitions, visit book fairs or invite authors for an interaction. The habit of reading developed in school days can have an everlasting influence on them by familiarising them with various cultures, nations and people.
Innovative ideas: Different schools have different programmes to boost the self-esteem of their students. One such venture is to award appreciation badges. Phrases highlighting special characteristics of students are printed on these badges and the students can wear them through the week. These badges are awarded in rotation to all children so that nobody is left out. This boosts their self-esteem and ensures improved academic performance. Though the idea suits well for lower classes, there are variations for higher classes where students can earn announcements for unique characteristics on a fixed day and an honour roll can be maintained.
The bottom line is the need for the parents to be aware of the wide range of co-scholastic activities that the school offers and how well their children are taking part in these activities. Concentrating merely on scholastic subjects and neglecting co-scholastic areas may prove disastrous in the long run. Students should be exposed to a variety of exposures and experiences so that they develop their emotional and social skills.
(The author is director, academics, KNC Innovative Global School, Mysuru)