BE N N E T T, C OL E M A N & C O. LT D. | E S TA BLI S H E D 183 8 | T IM E S OF IN DI A .

C OM | N E W DE L HI

Thankyou
teacher Happy
Teacherasy
D

STUDENT EDITION
➤ Celebrating the ➤ SCHOOL IS COOL: ➤ Our panel of experts share
bravehearts – our Students celebrate handy tips and tricks for
TODAY’S teachers. PLUS: Stories their teachers with acing e-classes
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021
Newspaper in
Education

EDITION that will inspire you heartfelt wishes

THE TIMES NIE
PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 TEACHERS WELLNESS
SURVEY 2021
SAMPLE SIZE: 600 TEACHERS
ACROSS 17 CITIES, ACROSS PRIMARY,
CLICK HERE: PAGE 1 AND 2 SECONDARY AND SENIOR
SECONDARY CLASSES

Pics: Istock

SUM OF THE YEARS ONLINE TROUBLE

As a teacher, the last two years were… Biggest stressors for classes were…
Interestingly, while 54.8%
classified the last two years as More than shifting learning to a
challenging, nearly 41% used new medium, most teachers got
it as a learning curve. It was bogged down by technical
CHALLENGING TECHNICAL glitches, like network snarls,
heartening that only a paltry
4.2% found it stressful 54.8% GLITCHES slideshows not working, etc.
34.5% struggled to make their
 LEARNING CURVE: 41%
 STRESSFUL: 4.2%
43% classes interesting
 DAILY ACTIVITIES: 34.5%
TEACHER SPEAK  DISINTERESTED STUDENTS: 17.7%
 POORLY-BEHAVED STUDENTS: 4.8%
“Self-motivation is key”
DEVIKA AWATAR, vice principal, KV 3 BRD, Chandigarh TEACHER SPEAK
“As a teacher, it was a real challenge to involve all students in

Let’s celebrate
the transition to the virtual mode. It was “Change your strategies and adapt”
also during this time that I learnt how NEHA KAKKAR, teacher, Mondrian House, Dehradun
important self-motivation is. Every “Biggest challenge as a math teacher is to coordinate
challenge taken up with with students. To find out how much they are actually
positive spirit gives you practising, given work with pen and paper was difficult.

our teachers
fruitful results. The But we devised new ways and strategies that worked. We
pandemic showed us the were a little strict about deadlines, giving priority to
utility and success of online discipline and class attendance, and also grading
‘Blended Learning’ for on the basis of class
future education.” performances; and using
online tools like Jamboard,
t has been an ‘interesting’ two years. And while we have all settled in the “new normal”, this Quizziz app, Geometry

THE BUGBEARS
I
Geogebra etc.
Teachers’ Day, we ask our teachers: “How are you feeling?” Because while reams have been
dedicated to managing children’s stress, not much is talked about the challenges of our “Slow and steady”
The biggest challenge was… SIDDHARTHA SHANKER
A closely-fought space where adapting to
teachers. Many became overnight tech wizards, while others kept their chin up to motivate MISRA, teacher, class XI-XII, City
Montessori School, Gomti Nagar
online teaching at 26.5% was the
biggest challenge – a little ahead of
their students – to ensure that the course of learning never stops. It’s this spirit of survival, the Extn, Lucknow
“This phase completely
ADAPTING
TO ONLINE
students not completing their work tenacity of our teachers that we celebrate today through Times NIE Teacher Wellness Survey 2021. changed the way of
TEACHING (21.2%). Maintaining work-life learning. Being a
26.5% balance was another big challenge We got together an issue that is full of good counsel, has stories of hope, appreciation and tips to computer science teacher, it was easy for me to teach
that teachers faced in 2020-21
empower our teachers. Happy Teachers’ Day! We owe you one… effectively. Students who are self-motivated are doing
much better in this system. But this mode is incomplete
 NOT COMPLETING WORK: 21.2%
 LACK OF CONTACT: 19.2% without parent’s participation.”
 MAINTAINING WORK-LIFE: 18.2%
 OTHER: 11.1%  LACK OF GUIDANCE: 3.8%

TEACHER SPEAK
EYE, EXPERT
SPEAK
HEALTH WATCH
EXPERT
SPEAK
DR BLOSSOM BUST THAT massage your wrists in circular
movements, pull each finger and

“Schools stepped up”

PALLAVI SHARMA,
A whopping EYE, DR NAVIN
SAKHUJA
Ophthalmologist Most niggling health issue...
KOCHHAR
Wellness expert

STRESS...
press at the tip of the finger, then
massage between the fingers.
Repeat once and in the end just

Ma’am!
68.7% said that shake your hands. This technique
principal, Mamta Modern School, Delhi their school held Nearly 48.5% respondents releases all the tension from your
“We have completed an entire year numerous claimed that their eye

A
lot of reimagining was body. Do it daily before bedtime.
in front of our laptops. With experi-
ence, we became more empowered
as far as technology was concerned.
workshops to help
teachers out
O
nline teaching has led to a remarkable
decrease in the much-needed rest for
the eyes.
health deteriorated
during the course of
the last two years, with
COMPROMISED
EYE HEALTH
done in the education
sector as Covid-19 hit
us all. This tremendous
FIT FACTS GO FOR ESSENTIAL OILS:
Essential oils have the power to
relax and calm you. Lavender and
One of the very special learning experi- 30.8% saying their
48.5% journey that teachers took is
My fitness routine… sandalwood oils are great
ences was the ‘teachers forum’ being organised in our Screen time affects vision power went up, and likely to have added additional de-stressors. Lavender
A healthy 47.2%
school so that they could share Excessive screen time leads to dry eyes 21.7% got spectacles stress in their lives. I would like will uplift your mood,
chose walking or
their innovative teaching because of reduction in the tear film and that to thank all the teachers for their calm your anxiety and
 WEIGHT GAIN: 21.3% running (even if
pedagogies and learning leads to tired, gritty, uncomfortable burning continuous efforts by sharing a few WALKING/ since it has a sedative
styles to engage the learn-  FATIGUE: 20.2% indoors) over
RUNNING
eyes, which increase by the end of the day  BAD POSTURE: 6.7% stress management ideas. any other effect, it will help you
ers. Our evenings became
quite fruitful, as every day
and is often accompanied by headaches. The  BAD EATING HABITS: 3.3%
A whopping
TRIED LION EXERCISE? exercise, but 47.2% to sleep better. Exam
American Academy of Ophthalmology reports When you are too stressed, yoga was a stress is another one
we had teachers presenting that near-sightedness has doubled 74.7% admitted try this. Now, how to do to add to the already
close second
their lesson plans innovative- since 1971 – and now stands at 42%. that their health that? Open your eyes wide, full kitty, so use basil
ly.” Some Asian figures are alarming – was impacted stick your tongue out and  YOGA: 31.3% essential oil to improve your
nearly 90% of teenagers and adults are negatively in make a loud noise.  OTHER: 17% concentration in those busy days.
near-sighted. According to studies, 2020-21 Yes, it works!  CYCLING: 3.7% MAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE: It is
POSITIVE THINKING there is evidence that shows that
increase in indoor activities have been
HAND
MASSAGE IS
 LIFTING WEIGHTS: 0.8%
Teachers used this time
important to follow a good skin
care routine, because if you look
My mental health has… a major contributing factor. HEALING: Take
any hand cream,
to work on their fitness fresh, you will feel fresh. So, follow
cleansing, toning and moisturising
goals. A thumping
A healthy 41.8% admitted that they IMPROVED,
Tips on how to handle this: rub it between 82.7% answered ‘yes’ to twice a day, morning and at night.
1. Lead by example – cut down your own good idea, as it flushes away the tears and your palms for making a “conscious Women teachers can use some
actually worked on their mental SINCE I
WORKED ON screen time and engage with your child. A ultimately, leads to a red irritable eye activating all the effort to stay fit”. uplifting fragrance and light make-
health. Though a 22.5% chose to tick family activity will reduce screen time. 4. Increased outdoor activity has been reflexes in up to feel cheerful and nice. Men
don’t know/can’t say MYSELF Exercise is one of the
2. Take frequent breaks. shown to reduce the progression of near- your body. can use subtle fragrance to feel
 DON’T KNOW/CAN’T SAY: 22.5%
41.8% 3. Washing the eyes frequently is NOT a sightedness. Then
most potent ways to
beat stress pepped up at work.
 DECLINED: 20.4%
 NOT CHANGED: 15.3%

TEACHER SPEAK
“Overcome your fears” JACQUELINE MITCHELL,
EXPERT
SPEAK
SURAKSHIT
THE POWER cure all your
stress and to
balance body EAT RIGHT THE BURDENS WE BEAR
middle school coordinator, Christ Church School, Byculla, Mumbai
“You will face many defeats in your life, but never let yourself
be defeated, said Maya Angelou. This pandemic has taught
GOSWAMI
Yogacharya
OF ROUTINE energy. But do
this very slowly
by making no
sound. Never T
EXPERT
SPEAK
AVNI KAUL
eachers play
an
important
me to overcome my fears. Adapting to new technology for

T
he last two years, all of us had the rush through a pranayama, as the effec- Nutritionist role when one talks
my classes, I faced many challenges. I used Google and You same problems: stress, anxiety, and tiveness goes away. about nation-building.
Tube like never before to increase my knowledge and bring worry. We were literally in the same  DEEP BREATHING. 5 MINUTES And let us acknowledge that teaching is
out my creative side. This made me feel powerful within.” boat. But whether the stress stresses you This is mindful breathing where you breathe certainly not an easy task, as it takes plenty
out is in your hands. The one thing that will in and out slowly. Keep a hand on your of mental and physical energy. So, what

MIND YOUR MANNERS help is ACCEPTANCE rather than waiting for

it to finish or setting deadlines like “how to
enjoy life once all this is over”. Here’s what I
stomach and feel your stomach fill up as
your breathe in, and contract as you breathe
out. The hand on the stomach helps you to
should they do to look after their nutrition
and wellness? Here are some tips...
HYDRATION
What bothered me was... INCREASE
IN WORKLOAD
In a classroom, it was toughest to… A
have learnt in the last few years: keep your attention on the breath.  Besides drinking water, snack on fruits and  OTHER REASONS: 24.2% 34.5%
 POOR WORK-LIFE : 18.8%
Most said they found it difficult to get children to
participate in class. But only a
big majority
— 78% of our
1 We have never been trained to
live life. There’s training for work,
earning money, meeting deadlines.
 BRAHMARI PRANAYAMA. 10-12 TIMES
Usually, we do this pranayama only 2-3
times, like eating just 2 bites. Par agar aap
vegetables like celery or melons.
 Use a straw to drink water. You will find
yourself sipping precisely.
 CONCERNS OF MY OWN: 12.1%
 STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH: 10.4%
paltry 5.2% were bogged down respondents — felt
by complaints of
But nothing on how we should live Haridwar jaeeyenge, toh dubki toh lagani  Refrain from dehydrating foods like
that students
in the moment. These two years hogi. Brahmari is a powerful pranayama anything sugary or salty. A whopping 88.3% – felt appreciated
cyberbullying – a practice lacked in online
ENSURE have made us appreciate this aspect. that releases your happy hormones.  Keep a reusable water bottle or cup beside and seen by the students, parents and school
that was on the rise in the etiquette
PARTICIPATION
54.3%
online world in 2020-21
2 To beat stress, work on creating a
happy environment. Just like you
 AUM JAAP
Break down the three syllables. First
you in the classroom. If it’s in front of you, you
won’t forget to drink it periodically. TEACHER SPEAK
 ENSURE DISCIPLINE: 28% light a lamp to brighten the room, if you jaap with ‘a’ uchharan, followed DIET “Parents acknowledged our efforts”
 HELP FROM PARENTS: 12.5% lighten up within, it’ll help to spread light- with ‘u’ and ‘m’ – all three times  Stick with your meal plans. If you VEENA SUSHIL GANJU, teacher, classes X-XII, P R Khatiwala
 CONTROL CYBERBULLYING: 5.2% ness around you. each. Finally, do the ‘aum’ three have spent some time planning Vidyasankul, Surat, Gujarat

TEACHER SPEAK
3 The bottomline is you have to do your
karma: either by being stressed or
choosing to be happy. The choice is
times. This will increase your
positive vibrations.
 DHYAN
out dinners for the week or have
freezer meals, stick to your plan.
Changes of meal plans mostly
“I was overwhelmed when a parent told me: “Ganju ma’am,
our family looks forward to see your smiling face and hear
your ‘Good morning, children!”. It fills our day with good
“Look for the silver lining” ESHA, teacher, yours. End with Dhyan. There’s leads to impulse ordering. energy too.’ Children appreciate the extra efforts
classes IX-X, Doon Heritage, Dehradun
“Online teaching has its perils – the most relatable one was 4 The basic idea is that you have
to maintain positivity inside your
body. Here’s a five-step routine that
no set time. Start
slow and increase
your time.
 Always keep healthy snacks
with you. Prepare prior to
your time of cravings.
teachers make.”
DEEPA RADHAKRISHNAN, teacher, classes X-XI,
managing students virtually. Still, the EuroSchool North Campus, Bengaluru
pandemic made all of us familiar with anyone can follow (in the For teachers, it’s  Make certain your
“There was a lot of positive response from
online tools and how much easier morning, preferably out- important to remain positive meals have a balance of
students and parents. All the technical challenges
they have made our lives. doors): to spread positivity among fruit, vegetables,
were taken care of eventually and I enjoyed
Teachers’ productivity increased.  ANULOM VILOM. their students. Only if you carbohydrate,
learning many new things in technology,
We also had a chance to grow as 8-10 MINUTES are feeling positive from protein,
implemented many of the firsts successfully with
individuals and had enrolled Consider this within, will you vitamins
the team. The willingness to learn has
in various courses.” pranayama a be able to and some
been my motivating force.”
treatment to do so. fats.
 TO GURUS, A teacher imparts knowledge, provides us with positive
WITH LOVE insights and acts as a guiding light. They are a student’s
best companion and mentor. To conclude, a very happy
teacher’s day to all my teachers from the past and present.
SAI KRISHNA PRIYA, class X, GTA VM, Chennai
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

The
TEACHERS WHO WENT THAT pandemic-tested
EXTRA MILE TO SERVE teachers across the
THEIR COMMUNITIES globe had to adapt
overnight even as they bat-
tled Covid-19, lockdown stress

F orty-four teachers have been selected

from across India for the National
Teachers Award 2021. Some of the
recipients of this prestigious award share details
of their inspirational journey with us. Know their
and new technical and profes-
sional challenges. But they did
come out stronger than ever.
This Teachers’ Day, Times NIE
stories – from their bruises to eventual victory brings to you some heart-
and recognition of their efforts. They reveal all... felt stories of our lead-
ers in crisis time
“I LEARNT A LOCAL DIALECT TO TEACH IN
THE HAMLETS OF GADCHIROILI”
n When Covid struck, I realised that students in
the hamlets of Gadchiroili (no electricity) will
suffer a huge learning loss. I learnt the local
dialect and started teaching a small cluster of
students in the jungle. I moved from one cluster to
another to cover all students.
KHURSHID SHEIKH, teacher who taught students of Gadchiroli as
‘jungle batches’, Maharashtra

“MY STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH WAS MY

RESPONSIBILITY TOO”
n A teacher’s job is also to look after the stu-
dents’ well-being. I didn’t have internet, so I
travelled to a local shop to get a phone net-
work. I broke my class into smaller, manageable
batches and connected with them online; we would
chat and I encouraged them to take up an exercise. Soon,
we had hundreds of students. TO TEACHERS,
JAISINGH, physical training teacher, Rajasthan WITH LOVE...
The purpose of giving National Awards Dear teachers and mentors,
(by President Ram Nath Kovind to thanks for being the guiding light
the chosen teachers) on September 5 is in our lives. When online classes
became difficult at times, you
to celebrate the unique contribution of remained patient and encouraged us to
some of the finest teachers in do better. You have believed in us when
the country I AM AN EDUCATOR, we have lost confidence.
HEART-WRENCH- NO PANDEMIC CAN URMILA JITHESH,
class XII, Bhavan’s
“ARRANGING SPONSORS FOR DROPOUT ING TO SEE CHILD- TAKE THAT AWAY Vidya Mandir,
STUDENTS WAS MY PRIORITY” HOOD RESTRAINED I have nurtured a loving bond with my Elamakkara,
n My main concern was school dropouts. I
These pandemic years will students for the past so many years. Ernakulam
have been connecting students of my school never be forgotten; everyone Each student is special and dear.
with alumni, who are willing to sponsor
dropouts’ education. This way, 50 students
since 2001 are getting educated.
adapted their teaching/learning pat-
terns overnight. Covid-19 opened up
a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of emotions. We
Together Now, for the first time, as I sit, not in the
classroom but in front of the screen,
I miss those hugs and kisses
My teacher in second grade
had created a unique system by

WE
ASHOK SATPATHY, science teacher, Zilla Government School, were excited to explore the ‘New A situation unforseen. dividing the class into three groups;
Bhadrak, Odisha Normal’, but it was heart-wrenching Gripped with near panic and fear, each group got points on dancing,
to witness childhood restrained. The I puzzle and mull over how to teach virtually, behaviour, class work. At the end of the
“SETTING UP MORE CLASSROOMS AND irony was asking students to use Mind-boggling, it is a complete mystery. semester, the group with the most points
BASIC AMENITIES WERE MY GOALS” mobile phones/laptops, something I rise to the occasion with full gusto, won but everyone got books!
n When I joined a government school at we have otherwise discouraged. It Motivated by my little ones, who love me so. NANDINI SINGLA,
Kanamana, the place lacked basic amenities and has been a tough journey, but if I am an educator, a mentor, class V,
had only two classrooms. Villagers were not mentors stay happy and motivated, No pandemic can take that away Sri Venkateshwar
keen to send their kids to school. I tried to our kids will follow suit. I am proud to be a teacher as I learn and International School,
improve things by setting up three more classrooms, VASUDHA GUPTA, primary teacher, OVERCAME evolve each day. Dwarka, Delhi
getting electricity, clean drinking water. The work continues. Lotus Valley International School, SARGAM HANS, primary teacher, Lotus
AJITH KUMAR SETHY, headmaster, Kanamana school, Odisha Noida ALL ODDS Valley International School, Noida
My wonderful teachers, I will
forever be thankful to you all for
all the new concepts you have
COPING REGAINING NORMALCY ONE BOOK AT A TIME: I
recently lost my husband to cancer. After lying low for a
while, I have resumed online (book reading)
Special needs children sailed through taught, for all the skills you have
helped me nurture, for the endless possi-
bilities you have opened my eyes to, and
AND classes; it is helping me ‘resume’ living. My
book club for kids also includes fun, creative
writing classes, so, we are doing that too.
WE FOUGHT UNCERTAINTY
If there is one thing children with special
KIDS WITH LEARNING DIS-
ABILITIES SUFFERED A LOT
for the ocean of opportunities you have
given me.

HOPING... ARCHANA ATRI, founder, AA’s Book Nerds, Delhi

REGAINING CONTROL: I I FELT HELPLESS: I lost

needs (especially autis-
tic ones) are scared of,
it’s uncertainty. I salute
all the teachers of my
Teaching special needs
children has been chal-
lenging during the pan-
NIMISHA T,
class XI, Fiitjee
Narayanaguda,
experienced the loss of my my role-model teacher demic as they thrive on Hyderabad
near and dear ones, but husband Perminder school who brought individualised educa-
teaching had to be Dasani to Covid. It back structure and rou- tion programmes (IEP)
continued with a left me hopeless. tine in our kids’ lives and need exclusive
with online classes. We Teachers are truly the ones
smile. To regain But I have to attention, which wasn’t
also saw it as a chance who help us a lot. They deserve
BLURRING OF LINES WHERE control was continue the possible in virtual learning. The positive
WORK HAS ENCROACHED UPON tough. But I legacy of my hus- to teach adaptability and resilience to our to be appreciated because of all the
aspect though is e-counselling for children hard work they do in every situation. I
PERSONAL SPACE: The black- got there. band, so, I continue to children, which are great life skills. in remote areas.
board has been replaced RANJANA BHARADWAJ, teach. DR SONALI KATARIA, principal and founder of would like to thank my teachers for every-
AHIR ALI, special education teacher,
by virtual whiteboards, English teacher, Army Public HARSHITA DASANI, Sunrise Learning (school for special needs thing they have done for me. Only because
Lotus Veda International, Delhi
PPT, etc. I have found School, Chandimandir, principal, Chowringhee High children), Noida of them I am what I am today.
ways to keep students Chandigarh School, Kolkata RADHIKA CHOPRA,
engaged by using fun class X, Father Agnel
learning tools like Kahoot. COMMITMENT FOR WORK WAS THE DRIVING FORCE :
I lost my husband to renal failure that left me devastated.
CHILDREN TAUGHT ART SHY KIDS BLOOMED Multipurpose School,
But, the challenge was and is – TEACHERS TOO!
maintaining work-life balance as it But I realised I cannot live with it forever and even- Teaching kids online is a big FRAT IN WORKSHOPS Vashi, Mumbai
tually I let go of my misery for the sake of my When we went online, par-
is affected by blurring of work
timelines. ambitious students. My focus towards my work
challenge, I used to think. WELCOMED ents were a sceptical lot due
But no more. Kids are very
SUMITA GHOSE, HoD, English, Pawar as a teacher made me live again.
PRIYA RAJ, Science teacher, ELGI Matriculation
watchful people. They have ONLINE to kids’ overexposure to the
virtual medium. Gradually,
Public School, Hadapsar, Pune Happy Teachers Day to all the
Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore learnt the art of seeking out
from this distant virtual plat-
LEARNING children started enrolling for teachers who have guided us in
the classes: they prepared making important decisions in our
form. I, too, have learnt
HOPE PREVAILED: Three
WAITING TO TEACH IN-CAMPUS
A SMILE: I resumed
many lessons as a
dialogues, costumes at career. We are grateful for having such
teachers I knew succumbed to
AGAIN: I miss the hugs, interactions
work after recov-
teacher. Dance is a
home. The best part is to amazing teachers who invest so much in
Covid-19 in the second wave. ering from Covid- watch shy kids bloom and us to bring out the best in us. Thank you,
My whole family was also of real time school. I don’t enjoy 19. During a class, I beautiful way to
‘sharing my screen’ that obliterates become confident after teachers, for being our spark, inspiration,
covid-positive. But the show got the news of my engage and impart. We
the faces of students. Looking for- completing our theatre and a vital part of our lives.
had to go on and I continued husband and daughter just need some patience,
ward to in-campus teach- courses.
working. testing positive, but contin- and learning happens. MANUSHRI SINGH,
ing again. PRIYASHA
MICHELLE ANN ued with a smile. INDRAYANEE Class XI, La Martiniere
SONAL NARANG, BHARDWAJ, co-owner
GARDNER, vice K NAGA JYOTHI, Physical MUKHERJEE, classical Girls’ College,
vice-principal, Anand of Drama
principal, St Jude’s science teacher, Chitturi High dancer and teacher, Lucknow
Niketan, Ahmedabad Re-Engineered, Mumbai
School, Dehradun School, Vijayawada Mumbai
 CLICK HERE: FOR PAGE 3 AND 4
Thank you to all the teachers for the efforts and hard work TO GURUS,
you invested to bring out the best in us. I feel grateful for
having the best teachers in the whole world. Happy WITH LOVE
Teachers Day.
S UDHAYASREE, Class XI, Bethel Matriculation Hr. Sec School, Velachery
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TEACHER

h! She's late. Her maid did not ap- ters a big pile of books, waiting to
An ode to our TEACHERS ARE
EXTRAORDINARY BEING
AROUND THE GLOBE
O
beloved teachers
uring this pandemic period, teachers have bought

D
pear and she had to prepare the seek her tick marks. She starts cor-
breakfast, all alone. She start- recting them. Our handwriting an- a great impact on student’s life. Teachers were like
ed the scooter and it fancied an emp- noyed her much for it was more like the lantern in a dark forest of negativity, loss of
ty tank. She managed to catch the mandarin than math. She peeps out loved ones and being away from family. Technology is just
local train. There goes the first bell. of the window to treat her eyes with a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and
She hurries up to the assembly. She en- some greenery. Oops! it has started to motivating them, the teacher is the most important. A good
ters the class with a gorgeous grin drizzle. What about the clothes that teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way
though her scorching headache is she has left out. Her head bursts out. for others. The best teachers teach from the heart, not from
killing her inside. She wished us good After a very tiring day, she returns the book. May the profession of teachers are not the most
morning despite having a bad day. home just to start her monot- TEACHERS ARE PRECIOUS earning one but the most respect earning. Teachers are
She stood upright undeterred by her onous home chores and run be- the one who gives rise to other professions. If teachers
swollen knee. She decorated the hind the same groove. This GIFTS TO OUR WORLD were not there no profession would exist. You are the
blackboard with math. Our chit- is how a day is in a female spark, the inspiration, the guide, the candle to my
eachers gift good students and good students are

T
chats made her mood worse. Our teacher's life. Let's take time life. There is a famous quote by Dr APJ Abdul
screams displeased her. The paper to appreciate their constant ef- gifts to the world! Teachers help me find my mis- Kalam “If a country has to be corruption free I
planes landed right near her feet and forts for all the sacrifices they takes and correct them, they motivate me, they strongly feel that teachers that there are three so-
it didn't bother her. She handled it make and teach us from "ABC make my talents peep out and most importantly they cietal members who can make a difference they are
all with a sad smile. Here she goes " to "Autobiography"! are the mother of teaching. I salute every teacher who father, mother and teacher. “Even in the sacred books
to feel the coziness of her seat, for KATHERINE OLIVIA R, class XI, always puts their effort from the dawn to the dusk of like Gita Teacher are to be placed above all in the
the first time since dawn. There en- Bethel MHSS, Velachery the day to make us understand the concepts even dur- world even above god and parent. They may
ing this pandemic. All the effort and hard work you not be the ones to hold you the first in your
have invested to bring out the best in us cannot be re- world but they will hold your hand through
paid in words. We can only feel grateful to have a teacher life what not may be the situation. They
like you are. You inspired me to achieve my dreams and reach my not only teach about what is there in books
goals and the remarkable thing is that you inspired me to be like you. but even around the world and best attrib-
Thank you for supporting and enlightening me all the way through ute in life. I learn to aim for success and
my past, present and future. Thank you, teachers. Have a wonderful accept failure with courage. Thank you
Teachers Day.
K J DIVYADARSHINI, class VII, MVM, Irungattukottai PANKTI, class X, PSBB MIllenium School, GBKM

A good teacher

A
good teacher is like a candle, it con-
sumes itself to light the way for others.
The best teachers are the ones that
change their minds. Teaching is one of the
honorable jobs to ever exist. Our teachers are
very kind and helpful to us always. A teacher
is a great source of knowledge, prosperity and
enlightenment by which anybody can be ben-
efited. Teachers are the gift from God who
makes our career and guide us towards
success. Teachers contribution to a
child's life is enormous. Because
a child has to spend most of his time
in school.
A good teacher gives life to children.
A good teacher understands what qual-
ities are necessary for a child to suc-
ceed in life. I like all my teachers.
Thanks for continually inspir-
ing me to do my best. You are
helping me to strive for goals, I
found guidance, friendship, dis-
cipline and love, everything, in
one person and that person is
you. Happy Teacher's day.
P LAYNA RAHUL, class VII,
Billabong high international School,
Kancheepuram

BEST WISHES FOR

OUR FUTURE CREATORS
AND NATION BUILDERS

hat is more than

W having a person-
al guide every-
thing to us? Just being
with us most of the day,
motivating us. Think
about that. In my view, I
honestly cry “THE
TEACHERS”!!
It is my honour to
write about our dear
teachers on this wonder-
ful occasion of Teachers
Day. Teachers need to
catch 22 in these covid
times. These times, they
need to enlighten our
knowledge online, pre-
senting PPTs, adjusting
our mischief and adding
up all these numbers, they
also need to give more ef-
fort they put on us than to
their families. Our teach-
ers are trying their best to
engage us with activities,
competitions and tons of
responsibilities.
You are our
Dispeller
of Dark-
ness of Ig-
norance.
I feel re-
stored,
refreshed
a n d
recharged when I listen to
my teacher’s voice, see
their faces and interact
with them. They make me
feel that I am not isolated
or outcasted. I love my
teachers a lot that I gar-
land my sincere and heart-
felt wishes for their up-
coming years. I would like
to complete my write-up
with a quote and painting
dedicated to my teachers.
“Teachers have three
loves: love of learning, In Association with
love of learners, and the
love of bringing the first
two loves together”
Thank you
YAZHINI M, class VI,
PSBB Millennium School
 TO GURUS, I am blessed to have teachers who besides studies have
WITH LOVE also imparted many life lessons to me, for which I will be
forever grateful to them. On Teachers Day, I convey my
gratitude to the teachers for making me a better person.
V NIKHILASREE, class X, Atkinson Senior Secondary School, Vijayawada
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

Experts tell teachers what to uptick for e-classes

When is the right
A Teacher’s time to take

...and when is
the right time
to press

Form listening circles

How to ensure ➤ Maintaining a sense of collective
belonging is essential.
inclusivity ➤ Starting forums like “listen-

10
ing circles” or “chat with
someone when you are feel-
ing alone”, helplines to call
when quarantined or isolated,
are all helpful to prevent and al-

e-class
SUPPORT leviate the exhaustion.
We started “coffee ➤ It’s important to recognise that
this exhaustion is not just about
mornings” with work but due to the increased think-
single parents to ing and planning required to meet the needs
just chit-chat about of a household and keep the family equilibrium while managing
how they are coping
with this period. Our aim is
other tasks. If we can help each other, burnouts can be mitigated.
— DR KAVITA ARORA, psychiatrist, Children First
SMART HACKS
to make life easier for all.
SHRUTI, teacher, Shiv Nadar
School, Noida
YOU MUST KNOW
Focus on what you can control
■ Classroom learning experience
20-20-20 eagle eye rule ■ Your words, actions and relationship
with students ■ Boundaries: Till what
ith continuous on-
AFTERHOURS HELP
For students who are
W line classes, follow
the 20-20-20 rule.
Look 20 feet away for 20
DRY EYES?
● A warm compress
on the lids twice a
time you get emails, assessments.

lagging behind in seconds after every 20 End session with tete-a-tete

minutes of screen time. day will help
academics or have ■ Make teams and tell them to stay back
Teachers should encourage ● Blinking reduces
next to no help at children to do the ‘pen fo- Give them a language. Say Hindi, French,
irritability during
home (for reinforce- cus’ eye exercises – where- Spanish, and tell them to engage in a con-
prolonged screen
ment etc), extra class- in you hold a pen and ask the
versation about recent life experiences.
child to focus on the tip and time
es are being held.
bring the pen closer till the ● Blue light protec-
REKHA PURI, teacher, class 6, pupils converge and then
DPS, New Delhi tive glasses can
take the nib away.
also help reduce Flash cards during e-class
Time to play Connect 4 them disagree with you.
Encourage them to find — DR NAVIN SAKHUJA,
ophthalmologist
eye stress ■ Tell students to use red cards when
more than one route to they have not understood a concept; yel-
ere are some sist the urge to evaluate a solution, and more

COUNSELLING H methods to han-

dle the agile
minds of this Covid gen-
the ideas your kids come
up with. Don’t point out
which ideas aren’t pos-
than one solution to a
problem.
➤ If a student is miss-
low if they have some confusion and
green if they have got it all right.
We have extended our coun- eration. sible, and don’t decide ing classes, do try to find
selling sessions by an ➤ Pick 4 students who
are passive during on-
which ideas are best.
The focus of creative ac-
the underlying reason.
A teacher’s concern is
The art of YOGA NIDRA Record at all the times
hour every week. ■ There are times when the Internet gets
line classes. Tell them tivities should be on imprinted in a positive
Our focus is on to hold sessions. process: generating (vs. way in the developing disconnected and students get worried
underprivileged ➤ Make your home a evaluating) new ideas. minds of kids. and ask you to repeat. It is wise to record
kids and those who petri dish for creativity. ➤ Give children the op- — DR SAMEER MALHOTRA,
Solicit a high volume of portunity to express “di-
or pre-record your sessions.
have been through psychiatrist, Max Hospital
different ideas, but re- vergent thought”. Let
irreparable suffering. oga Nidra, also known as ‘sleep medi-
RITU MAKHIJA, teacher, class 8,
Vishwa Bharti School, Noida Y tation’, has been very useful in keep-
ing the mind still and pushing it to-
wards sleeping well. “Yoga Nidra is a state
Use a document camera
■ One of the most helpful things is to use
a document camera to teach virtual stu-
of consciousness between waking up and
falling asleep. It relieves stress by helping dents. It is a device wherein you can proj-
an individual become increasingly aware of ect the text to students easily.
their inner self, and makes them focus on
FINANCIAL AID positive thoughts;
We know that the DID YOU KNOW? by following a set
lockdown has ren- A 20-minute session of of verbal instruc- Mute students (when needed!)
dered many jobless
ou are what you Keep it vegetable sandwich with
Yoga Nidra is equivalent tions,” says yoga
expert Manish
■ If you are co-teaching, make sure the
or with a substantial
cut in pay. We have
been distributing uniforms
Y eat. As teachers,
you need to build
your stamina to counter
healthy
prescribed to boost im-
boiled egg etc.
GO FOR GREEN TEA
Instead of opting for the
to 1 hour of deep sleep
Pole.
settings give you co-hosting (or muting)
capabilities. There are times when sessions
get unruly and muting all is a way out.
those 40 restless minds. munity. regular sugar-laden milk
and textbooks to students. Try these: DON’T SKIP MEALS tea, have a blend of
RAKESH SHARMA, teacher, class INFUSED WATER Keep it small, simple but green teas.
8, RK Academy Infused water is a com- regular bites are essen- VITAMIN C IS MUST Use inclusive language
bination of fruits, veg- tial. Some easy options A glass of lukewarm Internet is awesome, if secure... ■ We don’t know every student’s home
Public School, Raipur etables, and herbs im- are ragi biscuits, oats lemon water is a great life or background. The recommended
mersed in warm water. with milk, nuts and immunity booster with ddressing concerns of
In Ayurveda, this is fruits, hung curd salad, multiple benefits.
A 72% of parents who
have claimed in a sur-
phrase is: “tell your grown-ups” rather
than “tell your mom or dad”.

ZOOM BOMBED? THIS IS

vey that they are worried about
HIGH SPEED NET kids’ online safety, Google has

& LIGHTING ARE

launched an interactive safety
Clear communication to folks
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NEW CHALK &
guideline for kids. “We hope
that this project enables teachers to have open conver-
sations with kids about their online experiences,” says
■ If you notice a student is missing some
assignments and it’s starting to show a

1 One of the simplest ways to avoid such situations is

by using security settings that are available to
those who are hosts in a meeting. The settings
BOARD
Sapna Chadha, Sr Director, Marketing, Google India. pattern, shoot their caretaker(s) a quick
email. Treat parents as stakeholders.

include who has access to the meeting and

who can control the screen. 1required
Bandwidth: A bandwidth of
8Mbps (minimum) is
for a stable video
3 Keep your visible work area clutter
free. This is not just so that your
house looks neat but also to avoid dis-
Adjust your grading standards

2 Check to see if their ■ We cannot have the same grading pat-

video service allows for call per device. If video traction amid online teaching. tern that was followed in regular (in-per-
calls are a daily routine,
4
password protected meetings Raise the web cam: Place it at son) school. Focus more on the process
opt for a minimum of 50 of learning than the outcome.
so that others can’t join in if eye level so that children can see
Mbps for smooth, uninter-
they find or guess the meet- rupted streaming. you clearly.
ing ID number.

3 Ensure that the password

is changed frequently, and
2 Have a designated
space: It should be a 5 Avoid embarrassing glitches:
Test your class before you start
the class. Consider doing a run
It’s okay to share your space
■ Just because the medium has changed,
well-lit space. Invest in we as humans don’t have to become
the meeting IDs are fresh for new equipment such as through of the lessons before live
mechanised too. It is okay and a good
each virtual meet. camera, white board, streaming or recording them. Taking
practice to exchange your true feelings.
headsets for high quali- these steps can help minimise the
4 Educationists should always
use school account for
online classes.
ty synchronous instruc-
tions.
amount of troubleshooting during
the class.