Scaffolding Slow Bloomers!

Teacher of Akal Academy, Kajri ‘s Article published in ‘The Progressive Teacher’ expressing concern for ‘SLOW BLOOMERS’ When a child is born, his parents have high expectations from the child that he will be able to hold his own in family, school and society. But not every child meets these expectations. This causes worry and […]

Teacher of Akal Academy, Kajri ‘s Article published in ‘The Progressive Teacher’ expressing concern for ‘SLOW BLOOMERS’

When a child is born, his parents have high expectations from the child that he will be able to hold his own in family, school and society. But not every child meets these expectations. This causes worry and frustration among parents, school administration, and disappoints the child as well along with her teachers.
Not only in our institution but in many other schools, principals, teachers as well as parents have to face the challenges of having children with low academic standing and performance.

Our school, this year as a special initiative has taken up the concerns of children with below average cognitive levels whom we call ‘Slow Bloomers’. The term ‘Slow Bloomers’ in pedagogical sense is used to label children having below average cognitive abilities but whom we cannot classify as disabled learners. Any child having compromised learning outcome in the general classroom setting for a prolonged time not only develops a low esteem towards his/her academics, but for his school system, with fellow learners which subsequently and progressively results in— getting into social and behavioral problems and ultimately forcing parents to hold back the child in the same class, change the school or drop out.

Definition and Prevalence

Nationwide slow learners occupy not more than approximately 10 to 14 percentage of children. Slow learners are the children who have specific learning levels and styles and therefore have special learning needs which arise out of their sensory, intellectual, and psychosomatic or socio cultural diversities and differences. Thus slow learners are not a disabled category but a diagnostic category of children.

Identification of ‘Slow Bloomers’

Identifying children having borderline intelligence must be done on the basis of child’s academic and non academic performance, his learning difficulties in vertical and horizontal levels using the child’s carefully recorded anecdotal evidence, parents’ feedback, and assessing problems in child’s individual learning styles. This helps the teachers at school and parents at home to find ways to support his /her learning at desired pace and strength. However, considering Bloom’s taxonomy of learning domains in the general classroom scenario, the following learning difficulties of the slow learners can be seen –

Difficulties at Cognitive Level

  • They have low mental abilities, cannot write their responses, fail to classify, compare, contrast, etc.
  • They lack problem solving skills, fail to decide, and lag behind others in academic performance.
  • They lack innovation and creativity, find it hard to think critically, are unable to form opinions, and cannot focus on problem areas.
  • They lack appropriateness and exactness, cannot exhibit and justify their opinions, fail to express logically.

Difficulties at Affective Level

  • They skip work, show unpreparedness to given tasks, delay tasks, assignments, do not bother to listen, and lag behind in developing values, hobbies, interests and attitude.
  • They face difficulty in answering questions, respond and communicate.
  • They fail to find value in learning experiences; have negative approach towards learning and schooling.
  • They fail to manage time and information; have low logical sense and opinion; do not easily understand the sequence or pattern of information or instruction provided.

Difficulties at Psychomotor Level

  • They find it difficult to perform curricular or co-curricular activities, lack hand and head coordination.
  • They have extremely poor kinesthetic or tactile skills, fail to communicate through actions and gestures, and cannot learn better with visual aids.
  • They fail to perform in sports, dramatics, recitation and other action related skills.
  • They have low esteem in art and craft, have poor handwriting, and can hurt themselves while using tools, etc.

Misconceptions About Slow Learners

In a traditional Indian school set up there is a common belief among some teachers, administrators as well as parents that children with struggling learning level have very low intelligence and are ‘problem learners’. In fact, the case is opposite. Various researchers, psychologists, and progressive schools working on slow learners have practically proved that through regular and changed teaching-learning tactics even slow learners have shown significant improvement in academics.

Strategies to Help Slow Bloomers

To meet the challenges of learning of the slow learners, in our school we have tagged on comprehensive and integrated teaching–learning plans to mitigate the learning gaps of this group of children. This year our school teachers as well as management have chalked out special interventional pilot programmes and case study projects and strategies to rescue the children from slow learner trap.

Chunking the Curricula and Lessons into Discrete Elements

Working memory of slow learners is small and they cannot easily handle new information. Slightly large or extensive information swamp the sequential working order of their memory. Since they have deficit readiness and background knowledge therefore they need to be taught in small convenient short sessions along with practice on the same information and skills.

In our school, we have divided our programme of study into weekly modules and teachers decide class wise the content to be taught alongside assignments, activities, project work, assessments, etc to be conducted in horizontal and vertical curriculum arrangement.

Develop Core Hobbies

Gardening, drawing, writing poems and stories, dramatisation, sketching, paper folding art (Origami), model making, pottery and many more are engaging and participatory activities in school. A well identified and planned hobby development programme for slow learners as a co-curricular activity provides an effective experiential learning routine, within or outside the school itself.

A hobby can enhance the children’s well-being and can give more meaning to their lives.

Pairing the Learners with Peer Mentoring

In the current educational set up peer mentoring has been seen favourably by educators and pedagogical researchers. A well planned and laid out pairing of the slow learners into smaller groups and observing them with peer mentoring will increase their interest and curiosity. Pairing and peering will have other benefits, like removing peer pressure, instilling spirit of participation, leadership and responsibility, building confidence by doing and getting away from learning inhibitions.

Linking Academic learning to real-world experiences

The terms ‘Learning by doing’, ‘authentic learning’, ‘learning by hands on experience’ are synonymous terms used to describe learning in which learners are actively engaged. Authentic learning typically focuses on real-world problems and find their solutions using role-play, exercises, problem based activities, case studies and through actual participation. The learning environments are inherently multidisciplinary. For example, making a sparrow house, repairing an instrument or tool, making a working model, preparing a balanced diet menu, setting up books in the library, doing survey work in the school or neighborhood.

Use Alternative Testing Options

‘Everybody is a genius but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing it is stupid’, stated Albert Einstein highlighting the need for understanding individual differences. Testing by teachers working on slow bloomers in an alternate setting with fewer distractions and hurdles can ease the stress level of students and remove test anxiety. While testing the learning of slow bloomers the following strategies can do wonders:

  • Drawing and colouring pictures, matching words, figures, sums, etc.
  • Arranging the sequence of events, processes or points based on prompts provided.
  • Drawing or labeling a diagram, finding answers in a given grid, circling the odd or similar items, think and answer, etc.
  • Shortened tests or answer choices. To a student with attention problems, having three possible choices instead of four can make a world of difference.
  • Giving the test during several sessions, with just one page per session, can also lead to less overwhelmed students. l Allow the use of notes during tests or allowing opening books during test (OBT).

I would like all the members of the teaching fraternity to remember that children need their love, patience, compassion and care to blossom. They need your helping hand to grow and fill your school garden with beauty and fragrance. As the ongoing month is just the beginning of the New Year, it is the time to make resolutions, shape our profession and groom ourselves to come up to the expectations of our school, parents and children.

While preparing another set of learning material for our school’s slow bloomers I tried to knit together some words to make this acrostic poem on ‘Slow Bloomer’ –

Supple though stunted but sure to up and set to stand,
Leaning to learn, firm to raise their answering hands,
Offspring of generation next,
striving to do their best,
Willing, to be perfect champs of generation next.
Be their best friend, guide and caretaker,
Love and teach tenderly, be their path maker,
On to them put your best, ignite their minds,
Oblige them to make the song of their brand,
Mar their failures and raise their hopes,
Enlighten their quest to leap for progress,
Raise them up to reap their own success.

~ Ashok Singh Guleria

Ashok Singh Guleria teacher of 19 years standing, is a post- graduate in English Literature. He writes on pedagogical issues and children’s behavioural concerns. Currently, he is the Head of Department of English and Academic coordinator cum Teachers’ Trainer at the Akal Academy Group of Schools, Kajri U.P.

Tennis Coach of Baru Sahib, GaganDeep Singh Umpires for the Chennai Open 2016!

Having served as a line umpire in seven International Events, Gagandeep was recently chosen for his eighth International Tennis Competition – Chennai Open 2016. He has been working as Tennis coach in Baru Sahib since 2011. He has a coaching experience of 12yrs & an umpiring experience for 8yrs, He has been offering the best […]

Having served as a line umpire in seven International Events, Gagandeep was recently chosen for his eighth International Tennis Competition – Chennai Open 2016.

He has been working as Tennis coach in Baru Sahib since 2011. He has a coaching experience of 12yrs & an umpiring experience for 8yrs, He has been offering the best of his training services & skills to the students of Baru Sahib.

His Personal Training has helped the students to lead in many state level competitions and made them won many trophies & national awards. He works hard along with the students so that they can explore the best out of their potential. Akal Academy Baru Sahib has always had a strong sporting tradition and students enjoy excellent sporting facilities. Students are guided by a team of professional members.

Share & Spread to be a part of this proud moment!

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 12th Jan ’16

Akal Academy Baru Sahib Admission Opens!

Date Location Contact Person Contact Number 16, 17, January, 2016 Hotel Beckon, 42 D Chandigarh Ms. Gurmeet KaurMs Malwinder KaurMr. Gurjinder SinghMr. Ranbir ThakurMs. Varsha 081469-93113082880-82709082880-82706 17thJanuary, 2016 C.S.I School, Kunjwani, Jammu Mr. Rashpal SinghMr. & Mrs. Loveleen Singh 097973-89797099062-48876 17th January, 2016 Dehradun Mr. PankajMs Savita 09805389615 17th January 2016 & 15th feb F-3, […]

Date Location Contact Person Contact Number
16, 17, January, 2016 Hotel Beckon, 42 D Chandigarh Ms. Gurmeet Kaur
Ms Malwinder Kaur
Mr. Gurjinder Singh
Mr. Ranbir Thakur
Ms. Varsha
081469-93113
082880-82709
082880-82706
17thJanuary, 2016 C.S.I School, Kunjwani, Jammu Mr. Rashpal Singh
Mr. & Mrs. Loveleen Singh
097973-89797
099062-48876
17th January, 2016 Dehradun Mr. Pankaj
Ms Savita
09805389615
17th January 2016 & 15th feb F-3, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi Ms. Nirmal Bhenji
Ms. Simran Kaur
Ms. Kawaljeet Kaur
Ms. Rupinder Kaur (N)
099104-32432
011-42434239
March,2016 Samagam Days Mumbai Mr. Palli Veer ji
Ms. Rupinder Kaur (N)
Ms. Alka Mattoo
09323725832

Little Budding Artists of Akal Academy, Bhadaur!

Aka Academy Bhadaur organized Inter House free hand drawing & painting competition (grade V to grade VIII) on 2.1.2016. It was organized by the Arts & craft department. In the era focused on grades, such competitions were conducted to bring out the artistic talents among students. These activities bring out their brilliant ideas and innovations […]

Aka Academy Bhadaur organized Inter House free hand drawing & painting competition (grade V to grade VIII) on 2.1.2016. It was organized by the Arts & craft department. In the era focused on grades, such competitions were conducted to bring out the artistic talents among students. These activities bring out their brilliant ideas and innovations which can enrich society.

The following categories were allotted to the students as per their age & level

V-VI- Save Environment
VII-Pollution
VIII- Sachha Achha Bharat

The budding rural artists performed with a lot of enthusiasm & showcased their talents.

The result is as follows: Overall Winner:- Abhay House, Ist Runner up:- Atul & Ajay House. 2nd Runner up:- Amul House.

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 5th Jan ’16

Tribute to Chhote Sahibzaade by Students of Akal Academy, Bilga

Shaheedi of Sahibzadas is a saga of great inspiration for the young children. This event is celebrated in Akal Academy Bilga. After recitation of Mala path, Shabad and poems were recited by students. Self-composed poem was recited by students of XI Science Jugraj Singh arousing emotional sentiments for the supreme sacrifices by the Sahibzaade. A […]

Shaheedi of Sahibzadas is a saga of great inspiration for the young children. This event is celebrated in Akal Academy Bilga. After recitation of Mala path, Shabad and poems were recited by students.

Self-composed poem was recited by students of XI Science Jugraj Singh arousing emotional sentiments for the supreme sacrifices by the Sahibzaade.

A student Simranjit Kaur of XII narrated the saga of valor & sacrifice and how they remained firm on their principles.

After this teacher Gurpreet Kaur delivered speech motivating the students to follow the path shown by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Mata Gujri Ji and Sahibzade. Every Child was inspired by the greatness, the virtues and the indomitable and unconquerable spirit of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

In the end Parshad was also distributed among students.

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 1st Jan ’16

21 Students with their parents took ‘Amrit Paan’ as a Tribute to Chhote Sahibzaade!

The Ambrosial Nectar of the Naam, the Name of our Lord and Master, has been placed upon it as well; it is the Support of all. Gurmat Samagam was conducted to commemorate the Martyrdom of the youngest Sahibzaade of Guru Gobind Singh ji at Gurdwara Theh Kalandhar Sahib. Villagers residing in the surrounded area attended […]

The Ambrosial Nectar of the Naam, the Name of our Lord and Master, has been placed upon it as well; it is the Support of all.

Gurmat Samagam was conducted to commemorate the Martyrdom of the youngest Sahibzaade of Guru Gobind Singh ji at Gurdwara Theh Kalandhar Sahib. Villagers residing in the surrounded area attended it with religious fervour.

21 students of Akal Academy, Theh Kalandhar along with their parents took ‘Khande Baate da Amrit’ as a tribute to the Chhote Sahibzaade. While on one hand, the youth is being caught by the wilderness of the Drug world, these kids pledged to commit themselves to Sikhi.

The entire hall reverberates with the sacred feelings followed by Jaikaras by the young baptized students who pledged to commit themselves to Guru Sahib.

The students were honoured with saropas at the Academy and were appreciated by the Principal and staff members. They were also given Kakaars, Nitnem Banis, Diaries to further encourage them in such spiritual commitments.

These blessed souls will serve as a exemplary for the future Sikh generations to come

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 29th Dec ’15

Akal Academy Boparai Kalan commemorate Shaheedi Diwas of Chote Sahibzaade

Shaheedi Diwas of the youngest martyrs in the history of the world was commemorated at Akal Academy, Boparai Kalai. Dedicated to this day, a Gurmat program was organized. The students performed Shabad Kirtan, Kavisihtri glorifying the great sacrifice made by them for the Khalsa Panth. The students pay an emotional tribute to the SIKH heroes […]

Shaheedi Diwas of the youngest martyrs in the history of the world was commemorated at Akal Academy, Boparai Kalai. Dedicated to this day, a Gurmat program was organized.

The students performed Shabad Kirtan, Kavisihtri glorifying the great sacrifice made by them for the Khalsa Panth.

The students pay an emotional tribute to the SIKH heroes who fought with unflinching courage and bravely to protect the sanctity of our religion.

The principal appreciated the efforts of the students for their heartfelt tribute. She remarked during her concluding speech, “ The heroic deeds of the youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh will inspire the generations to fight for justice and keep the roots of Sikhi Intact.”

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 29th Dec ’15

Akal Academy Kajri organises a Mock Market for students!

The use of role-playing in teaching –learning can help students relate a situation to their own lives. Students learn best when they can connect learning to real life situations. The students of Std. VI organized “Mock Market” in the school lawn on 26 December, 2015. The children happily slipped into the roles of salesmen, hawkers, […]

The use of role-playing in teaching –learning can help students relate a situation to their own lives. Students learn best when they can connect learning to real life situations.

The students of Std. VI organized “Mock Market” in the school lawn on 26 December, 2015. The children happily slipped into the roles of salesmen, hawkers, shopkeepers and vegetable vendors.

Akal Academy Kajri organises a Mock Market for students!

Initiated by Atul House the children first of all decorated their shops with sign boards. Price list of the items were also displayed. Accompanied by class teachers (Mrs. Ranjit Kaur Mr. Vattan Preet Singh, Mrs. Savita), the children set to the scene with rustic ambience.

Mr. Ashok Singh Guleria (Head Coordinator/Activity In charge) interacted with the children and spoke on the basic market terms such as market and their types, Bargaining, Minimum Retail Price (MRP), Warranty and Guarantee differences, cash memo etc.

A hustling bustling scene made the school campus look like a real market. The programme was aimed to familiarize the children with the daily shopping needs, market awareness regarding types of markets, bargaining, customer rights, minimum retail price, quality of the product, expiry date etc. Besides it gave children the opportunity to learn social interaction skills, ability to influence others.

Akal Academy Kajri organises a Mock Market for students!

Mrs. Simran Kaur Thind, The Principal, later appreciated the House Master and teachers for their contribution, she interacted with the children and asked them to apply and use their learning while shopping in the real markets.

Ms. Anshul Bhardwaj (Atul House Master), Mrs. Kanchan Mishra, Mrs. Kanak Tripathi SST HOD, Mr. VijayPal Singh, HOD Science, Mr. Phillip Xavier, Media Coordinator too contributed to make this activity a new learning among children.

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 28th Dec ’15

Inter – House Computer Quiz at Akal Academy, Bilga

Inter house computer quiz was organised in Akal Academy Bilga. It was conducted by Computer Teachers. Amanveer Singh, Students from 6th to 8th participated in it. It consisted of three rounds; general round, G.K. round and multiple choice questions round. 3 students from each house and each class participated in it. Atul house bagged 1st […]

Inter house computer quiz was organised in Akal Academy Bilga. It was conducted by Computer Teachers. Amanveer Singh, Students from 6th to 8th participated in it. It consisted of three rounds; general round, G.K. round and multiple choice questions round. 3 students from each house and each class participated in it.

Atul house bagged 1st position, Amul house bagged 2nd position and 3rd position bagged by Ajay house.

Principal Harpreet Kaur Sahni congratulated the winners and motivated others to participate in such interactive sessions.

~ Tapasleen kaur
~ New Delhi, 26th Dec ’15

Students of Akal Academy, Gomti commemorate Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji

Guru Teg Bahadur ji, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs also known as “Hind di Chadar” came to this world when the religious bigotry & Tyranny was at its peak. Guruji listened them properly and decided to sacrifice his own life for the cause. Guruji’s sacrifice at Chandni Chowk in Delhi changed the very destiny […]

Guru Teg Bahadur ji, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs also known as “Hind di Chadar” came to this world when the religious bigotry & Tyranny was at its peak. Guruji listened them properly and decided to sacrifice his own life for the cause. Guruji’s sacrifice at Chandni Chowk in Delhi changed the very destiny of this nation. Guruji’s sacrifice at Chandni Chowk in Delhi changed the very destiny of this nation. Had Guruji not sacrificed his live for the cause of protecting the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits. the history of this nation would have shaped differently.

Akal Academy, Gomti commemorated this very pious and auspicious day with religious fervour & Gaiety. The remembrance began around in the morning after daily morning prayers children recited poems, delivering speeches and singing the Shabads.

Aurangzeb tried his best to astray Guruji from this path of religion; lest all in vain. Bhai Mati Das was cut into two with the a saw. Bhai Sati Dasji was burnt alive and Bhai Dyalaji was boiled to death. But all these atrocities could not change the determination of Guruji.

The programme started with the recitation of a poem by Sumanpreet Kaur and Harpreet Kaur of VI B. Navjot Kaur and Navpreet Kaur of VIIA recited a beautiful poem titled “Zina Peetay Jam Shadtan dey”. Class IIA student Gurunoor Singh sang a beautiful song and highlighted the sacrifice of Guru Teg Bahadurji.

It was Amardeep Singh of Class V-A who told in a very systematic way about the circumstances leading to the Martyrdom of Guruji. Palakpreet Kaur delivered a speech and highlighted the major incidents about Guruji’s life. Navreet Kaur, Shubpreet Kaur and Harpreet Kaur of XII-A sang a very emotional song “Diliye tu kyon Nahin Roi”.

Sehajpreet Singh & Lovepreet Singh sang a Kavishri and told about the sacrifice of Bhai Mati Dasji. At this juncture the Darbar Sahib was beautifully decorated. Everybody present in Darbar Sahib appreciated the efforts of the students.

Principal Madam Pawan Sahni also appreciated the Children for presenting their programmes in such a nice and beautiful way. Children were served Prasad at the end of the programme.

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 21st Dec ’15