‘’Education is a gift that keeps on giving for a lifetime.”
The changing
dynamics of society and exposure have created great divide between busy parents
and even busier children . Life for the youngsters are mapped out between studies
, sports , social networking sites , virtual games and the like ..
GEMSAkademia International School , has stepped in to bridge the gap in parental
interaction . At GEMS we believe that parents are the first teachers of the
child and a healthy interaction between the two result in creating a better
quality of youngsters – academically and socially .
Konnect –
Family Fun @ GAIS is one such initiative by GEMS Akademia International School
.Over the weekends – students ( classwise chosen ) and their parents are
invited to a day of exciting family games and parenting tips . The daytime
events were planned for a funtime involving both parents and the child . No
efforts were spared by the school to ensure that both the parents and children
have a good time and also take away some useful learning on parenting . Specific
games on Parental Interaction – Family Drawing competition, Cook O Mania ,
Beads race and many more exciting games were played by the tiny tot akademians
along with their parents . The turnout was good and the indoor sports stadium
at GAIS as the venue of the event was
booming with excitement and fervent voices of both the parents and children .
There were attractive prizes and gifts galores for not only the winning
children but all children present.
After the
games the children were cooled down by the teachers over video shows and music
while the Director/Principal , Ms Dipika Rao , gave a small talk to the parents
on positive parenting . She ran a quiz amongst parents to test how well the
fathers and mothers individually knew their children – here the mothers won
hands down .She explained how the three pillars of a child’s success were- the
school , teachers and parents . While acknowledging the challenging nature of
modern day parenting she stressed on the importance of two way communication
between the parents and child as the antidote. Tipping the parents on how to
maintain a healthy balance between being friendly to ones child and yet
maintain a firm hand to discipline while always being a strong support to them-
Ms Rao empowered the group of parents present with heightened ways of dealing
with their children. Mr Lawrence Hartnett, representing the GEMS education
philosophies and culture also spoke on the policies and beliefs followed by
GEMS post detailed research. Mr Hartnett explained the GEMS belief that the
parent is the first teacher of the child and a child that has constant positive
interaction with his parents helps develop into a more well adjusted ,
confident and all rounder human beings .Referring to Professor John Hattie’s 15
year meta analysis Mr Hartnett explained how positive parental interaction adds
the equivalent of 2-3 years of formal education,results in higher grades and
test scores and improves confidence, attitude, attendance, life choices, social
skills, behaviour, effort.
GEMS
Akademia International School plans to have these interactional events every
Sunday each time for different class . The events are being specially planned
keeping the age and interests of the invitees. The parents and children having
thoroughly enjoyed the events go back with positive energy and vibes. It is
being well appreciated as per the feedback received and the remarks made on the
social network sites.
GAIS plans on extending this property – parental engagement
and interaction through various events and acts – the Akademians are not guided
on academics but also provided a holistic approach towards extracurricular and
psychological activities to help nurture confident and successful young people.
