With certain top brands dominating the market, it is difficult for a single preschool provider to establish a presence everywhere. Consequently, franchising under the same brand has become popular, significantly increasing the number of preschools and sparking industry growth.

But what exactly is franchising? Let’s find out.

What is Franchising?

Franchising involves granting the rights to a trademark or brand name, along with the business system, trade secrets, and operational uniformity, in exchange for a royalty fee. The individual or business offering the franchise is known as the franchisor, while the one opting for it is the franchisee. Franchising allows you to invest in a business model that’s already established, well-tested, and trusted by the market.

In the preschool sector, where demand is on the rise, many parents prefer enrolling their children in pan-India brands that offer the best early childhood experiences.

If you’re someone who always wants to enter the preschool segment of the education industry, franchising is a promising option. However, it’s essential to evaluate a few key factors before choosing a preschool franchise.

Top Factors to Consider When Buying a Franchise

Brand reputation and recognition

When choosing a preschool franchise, it’s essential to select a brand that has a strong reputation and market recognition. This helps build trust with parents and increases the chances of long-term success. Look for well-known playgroup franchise brands in India that have established a strong presence.

One of India’s leading preschools is Little Millennium, a standout in the industry with 750 branches spread across 150 cities, making it one of the best preschool chains with a safe and secure learning environment.

Curriculum and teaching methodology

The curriculum and teaching methodology of a preschool franchise are essential elements that shape the quality of education delivered to children. These factors influence not only the effectiveness of learning but also the overall development and preparedness of the children for future academic and social success.

When evaluating franchise details of preschool options, pay close attention to the educational approach and preschool curriculum they use.  Our award-winning Seven-Petal curriculum is designed to nurture every child’s growth by focusing on their developmental milestones sequentially and holistically.

Location and infrastructure

Location is another important factor in the success of a preschool business. Before investing in a preschool franchise in India, it’s essential to dedicate time to finding the right location and ensuring there is ample space to establish the preschool. The chosen site should be in a child-friendly area, with sufficient space to accommodate the necessary infrastructure and preschool materials like play equipment and learning aids.

Financial Considerations

When considering a preschool franchise, it’s important to thoroughly evaluate the financial aspects of the venture. This includes not only the initial preschool franchise cost but also the ongoing fees such as royalties, marketing contributions, and operational expenses. It’s crucial to understand the financial commitments and how they impact the overall profitability of the franchise.

With an investment as low as Rs. 12-15 lakhs*, starting a Little Millennium franchise is not only affordable but also offers end-to-end support and an assured 40% ROI. If you’re exploring the cost of a preschool franchise in India, Little Millennium stands out as a promising opportunity that combines quality education with profitable returns.

Quality of Education

The success of a preschool franchise business in India is largely dependent on the quality of education it delivers. It is vital to ensure that the franchise adheres to internationally recognized standards and implements a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

Staff Management

In India, teachers are often seen as the backbone of schools and are also regarded as second parents to the students. Therefore, they play a crucial role in the success of any educational institution. It is essential for every institution in the education sector to carefully consider the aspects of training and recruitment before finalizing a franchise agreement.

If the teachers are well-trained chances of delivering quality education will be high.  This applies not only to preschool franchises but also to kindergarten franchises and daycare center franchise options.

Quality Assurance

To get the best outcomes, it is important to conduct thorough research about the franchisor. Start by analysing their website to understand the programs they offer. You can also check social media platforms to understand the school’s reputation and gather insights from various sources.

By following these pointers, you can effectively shortlist the top preschool brands for investment that offer the best value and cost at your convenience. Our award-winning “Seven Petal” preschool curriculum, crafted by childcare experts, ensures that you’re offering the best early childhood education. Starting a Little Millennium Preschool franchise is truly a big step towards success!

Whether you’re interested in a preschool franchise, a franchise playgroup, or exploring preschool franchise costs in India, these considerations will help guide your decision-making process.

Why Preschool Matters?

Did you know that the fastest-growing preschool franchises are revolutionising early education? They’re not just about ABCs and 123s anymore. Modern preschools focus on holistic development, helping your little one grow in all areas, from social skills to creativity. A unique seven-petal curriculum makes learning fun and engaging with the help of socio-emotional, language, fine motor, cognitive, personal awareness, and gross motor development. This approach not only nurtures your child but also helps in building strong transferable skills. The kindergarten concept is evolving, and there’s room for innovative approaches that cater to the diverse needs of modern families.

Step-by-Step Guide for a Kindergarten Franchise

The early childhood education sector is booming, offering entrepreneurs exciting opportunities to make a difference in children’s lives while building a successful business. If you’re considering entering this rewarding field, here are five innovative business ideas to help you get started in the preschool franchise industry.

1. Get the required training for preschool business:

Even though you’ll receive all the necessary set up and support from the franchisor, it is important to be well-versed in building a preschool kindergarten business and handling the management to its full potential to enhance your decision-making process. Enrol in preschool business training to understand the nuances of running a successful preschool education centre. Since you are ultimately responsible for the administration of the preschool, even rudimentary training will help you make wise judgments and ask the correct questions. You can get these courses by a lot of institutions as per your convenience. You may ultimately have your own preschool set up which will help you to work on your original business concept after you understand how a business should be conducted.

2. Conduct Thorough Research:

Even the finest company concept needs a well-planned and studied approach. Developing a comprehensive strategy involves meticulous research. In order to run a successful preschool business, explore various preschool activity ideas and study existing preschools to understand their operations. Observing successful preschool kindergarten setups can provide insights into effective management practices. Use this knowledge to tailor your approach to meet the specific requirements for kindergarten, ensuring that your preschool franchise business model aligns with best practices in the industry.

3. Focus on Location and Infrastructure:

The success of your preschool franchise hinges on an optimal setup and location. Qualities of good preschool depend upon choosing a site in a peaceful, family-friendly area, away from busy commercial zones. Ensure your preschool setup includes adequate space for children, quality infrastructure, and a stimulating environment with vibrant decor. Your preschool should be equipped with colourful and playful furniture and toys to create an excitement within the kids. This attention to detail supports the delivery of the best preschool curriculum and enhances the overall experience for young learners.

4. Build a Competent Team:

Recruiting skilled staff is vital for the success of any preschool franchise. Even after having the best preschool curriculum, the qualities of a good preschool are reflected by the calibre of its educators. Select a team that is not only experienced but also shares your commitment to providing excellent preschool education. Your workforce should include the education providers who are good at handling students and who provide fruitful tips for preschool parents which will help them inculcate good values and education in the kids, even at home. A well-trained workforce will help implement the preschool curriculum effectively and manage daily operations smoothly.

5. Implement Effective Promotion Strategies:

For an effective and impactful start, a preschool should have a strong promotional plan to attract families. Utilise creative marketing tools such as colourful pamphlets, a functional website, and social media campaigns. You can highlight the unique aspects of your preschool franchise opportunities and the benefits of enrolling in your program. Engaging with the community through events or workshops can also boost visibility and reinforce the reputation of your preschool.

Starting a preschool franchise is an appealing business model owing to its combination of an established brand and proven operational systems. In that sense, preschool franchise opportunities can be highly beneficial. Little Millennium offers a structured support system that includes training in various aspects of running a preschool, from classroom management to staff recruitment, ensuring a high standard of education from the outset.

Beyond the business benefits, Little Millennium preschool franchises have a substantial impact on their communities. They address the growing requirement for kindergarten schools for high-quality early childhood education by providing enriching learning experiences that prepare children for future academic success. Furthermore, successful franchises can expand to multiple locations, thus amplifying the positive impact and supporting local economies through job creation and community engagement.

However, these little steps towards self-sufficiency can go a long way in building their independence and setting them up for success in their early childhood education. Building independence early, particularly when your child is of age to start preschool, sets a strong foundation for lifelong self-sufficiency and resilience.

If you’re unsure where to start, here is a list of tips for preschool parents to help develop independence in your child from preschool age:

1. Promote Problem-Solving Skills

Instead of stepping in right away, let your child solve their problems on their own. Often, we unintentionally transfer our stress and frustration onto our children, even though they are simply eager to help and find solutions.

So next time if your child tries to tie their shoes, allow them to put them on wrong feet and wait until they ask for help. This simple yet effective preschool activity for your preschoolers will help them learn to deal with frustration, solve problems, and stick out challenging situations.

2. Build Routines

Another great activity for preschool students to make them independent is to build predictable routines. While it may sound surprising, building routines can actually help nurture independence in your child. Just like adults, when children know what they need to do today, they are more likely to take on responsibility. Also, make sure they know what is expected of them and give them praise and rewards when they meet expectations.

3. Let Them Choose

Giving your child choices is another excellent preschool learning idea to make them more independent. Making choices for themselves will help children build trust in themselves and others. You can involve them in deciding what to wear, what to play, or who to call. This does not mean they have free rein, you can give them a few options to choose from, such as:

Do you want to eat rice or noodles for dinner?
Do you want to go swimming or go play in the park?

These questions will help them make decisions for themselves, rather than being told what to do.

4. Give Them Chores

Letting your child do chores from preschool and kindergarten itself is a great way of building a sense of responsibility and self-reliance in them. For this, you don’t have to give them a long list of chores, but some light tasks will be sufficient. Some daily chore activities for pre-primary children include taking plates to the table, emptying the dishes, assisting you in hanging the laundry, etc.

5. Let Them Solve Their Own Arguments

A big part of becoming an independent person is the ability to handle your relationships and interactions with others. A major part of this starts early, from the preschool itself when children have arguments or disagreements while playing.

As a parent, you can let them resolve their conflict with their siblings and friends on their own. And when your child comes to you with a situation, ask them what they will do to fix or make things better. While it’s tempting to step in and scold the other child, it only makes your child more reliant on you for every issue.

6. Encourage Them For New Adventures

Children are naturally curious and eager to explore. However, encouraging them to try new things and step outside their comfort zone can also be a great pre-primary learning activity for making them independent.

You can do this by letting them try a new food, play a different game, or participate in a new activity. These experiences can help them develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of independence.

7. Let Them Plan Play Dates

One of the best activities for 3-year-old children to make them independent is to let them plan their play dates on their own. When you let your child plan their play dates, they learn valuable skills like communication, negotiation, and decision-making. Plus, it gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility. So, step back and let your child coordinate, cooperate, and have fun while taking on responsibilities.

By following these tips along with preschool activity ideas, such as involving them in daily chores and letting them choose, you can help your child develop a strong sense of independence. As your little ones transition through nursery education and beyond, the independence they cultivate now will serve them well throughout their lives. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, so be patient and celebrate their small victories.

If you are looking for a preschool that helps nurture your child’s independence, then consider Little Millennium, the fastest-growing preschool Chain. With our unique curriculum, play-based learning, and safe environment, we provide the perfect foundation for your child’s growth!

Too much screen time can affect physical health, and not all online content is beneficial. It can sometimes overwhelm young minds, leading to reduced attention spans or disrupted sleep. Moreover, children might miss out on vital face-to-face social interactions.

Thus, the key to a healthier relationship between our children and technology is balance. It’s about using these tools effectively for learning, without allowing them to overshadow critical offline activities. Understanding and achieving this equilibrium is one of the most crucial responsibilities we hold in this increasingly digital world. The best preschool in Coimbatore also uses technology to teach children wherever necessary. 

The Benefits of Technology in Early Childhood Development:

Firstly, let’s take a look at the positive impacts of technology.

Facilitating Learning

In the right environment, technology can be a powerful educational tool. Applications and platforms that offer interactive, engaging content can support cognitive development. Early childhood is a period of rapid learning, and technology can foster skills such as problem-solving, numeracy, literacy, and understanding of the world.

Enhancing Creativity

Creative applications and online platforms allow children to explore art, music, and storytelling in unique and innovative ways. These tools not only entertain but also empower children to express themselves creatively and develop skills associated with visual-spatial intelligence.

Social Interaction and Collaboration

Though nothing can replace face-to-face interaction, technology offers a platform for communication and collaboration that transcends geographical boundaries. Children can engage with peers, family, or teachers through various digital mediums, fostering their social development.

The Challenges of Technology in Early Childhood Development

While technology offers unique opportunities, its influence is not universally beneficial. Here are some potential negative impacts:

Screen Time and Physical Health

Excessive screen time can lead to sedentary behaviors that impact children’s physical health. Early childhood is a critical time for the development of motor skills, which may be compromised if children spend too much time with technology and not enough time in active play.

Cognitive and Emotional Impact

While some apps and games can enhance cognitive development, others may overstimulate the child’s mind, leading to decreased attention span, difficulty focusing, and disrupted sleep patterns. Moreover, early exposure to inappropriate content or cyberbullying can negatively impact a child’s emotional well-being.

Social Skills Development

While digital platforms can facilitate communication, they are not a substitute for real-world interactions. If children’s exposure to technology overshadows their face-to-face social interactions, they may miss out on crucial social cues and emotional intelligence skills.

Balancing Technology in Early Childhood:

The key to leveraging the benefits and mitigating the challenges of technology in early childhood development lies in balance and supervision.

Moderation

Limiting screen time and ensuring a healthy mix of offline activities is crucial. Parents and caregivers can follow guidelines provided by organizations like the Indian Academy of Pediatrics regarding screen time for different age groups.

Age-Appropriate Content

Choosing age-appropriate content is another crucial aspect. It’s important to ensure that the apps, games, or websites that children use are suitable for their developmental stage and do not expose them to inappropriate content.

Active Engagement

Finally, parents and caregivers can maximize the benefits of technology by engaging with children during their screen time. This active involvement allows adults to guide the digital experience, promote learning, and create opportunities for discussion.

Wrapping it Up:

In conclusion, technology’s impact on early childhood development is a double-edged sword. It offers new avenues for learning, creativity, and communication but also poses potential risks to physical health, cognitive development, etc. As we continue to navigate this digital landscape, it is essential that parents, educators, and policymakers strive for a balanced approach. This allows children to reap the benefits of technology while safeguarding their development.

‘Little Millennium’, the best preschool in Coimbatore, offers quality and advanced learning to children with technology. They are the leading early education providers in India India. Their child- centered curriculum emphasizes holistic development, focusing on cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth, and prepares children for lifelong learning.

Furthermore, as parents, it is your responsibility to foster this curiosity and provide them with the necessary tools for success. One significant place to boost your child’s development and future is preschool. Enrolling your child in preschool could be the best decision ever in your child’s early education journey. Moreover, research also shows that preschool can be an invaluable experience for children. 

Now, we will discuss some compelling reasons to choose a preschool for your child’s better future. We hope that after knowing the benefits, the process of searching for the best preschool in Pune for your child will become easy. 

Why Preschool is Good for Your Child

1. Development of Social and Emotional Skills: 

One of the primary benefits of preschool is the opportunity it provides for children to develop their social and emotional skills. Preschool provides a structured setting where children learn to share, cooperate, and interact with other children and adults. They learn to build relationships, understand and manage their feelings, and respect others’ feelings. Emotional self-control, empathy, and good communication skills developed at this stage can greatly impact their emotional well-being in the future.

2. Building a Foundation for Learning: 

Preschool is not just about ABCs and 123s. It’s about sparking a love for learning that will continue throughout a child’s life. Children are naturally curious, and preschool teachers guide this curiosity into active learning experiences. Through stories, songs, play, and creative activities, children learn about numbers, language, science, and social studies. This early exposure to education helps to develop an enthusiastic attitude towards learning and school, which can help children succeed academically in the future.

3. Boosting Pre-Math and Pre-Literacy Skills: 

Preschool education focuses on developing pre-math and pre-literacy skills, which are critical for future academic success. Preschoolers learn these skills through fun, engaging activities that help them understand concepts better. For instance, through games and projects, they learn about numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurements. They also start to recognize letters, understand phonics, and begin to read simple words and sentences, preparing them for formal education.

4. Enhancing Physical Development: 

Regular physical activity is an integral part of preschool education. Outdoor play and activities help in the development of gross motor skills like running, jumping, and climbing. Fine motor skills are enhanced through activities like cutting with scissors, holding a pencil, and working with play dough. Physical education also contributes to the improvement of hand-eye coordination and overall health, laying the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

5. Promoting Independence: 

Preschool is often the first environment children have outside of their homes where they make decisions without their parents. Simple choices like what to play with or who to play with, using the bathroom, or managing personal belongings, encourage independence and personal responsibility. This early autonomy helps boost their self-confidence and self-esteem, vital characteristics that will enable them to face future challenges.

6. Preparation for School: 

preschool serves as a gentle introduction to the structure of a school day. Children get accustomed to a routine, learn how to participate in group activities, and follow simple instructions. They also learn basic academic skills, adapt to a classroom setting, and understand what is expected of them in a school environment. This prepares them well for kindergarten, making the transition smoother and less intimidating.

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, preschool offers your child a multifaceted environment that supports their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. It’s not just about preparing your child for kindergarten; it’s about giving them the skills they need for life. Preschool can be a magical time for your child, filled with fun, learning, and growth. It’s an investment in your child’s future that will undoubtedly yield high returns.

Remember, the objective is to provide a strong foundation for their lifelong learning journey. Every child deserves the chance to benefit from the powerful experience that preschool provides. 

if you want to enroll your child in preschool, Little Millennium must be your first choice. If you are living in Pune, you can google them by searching ‘preschool near me in Pune’ and you will find every detail about us. 

If you want to enroll your child in preschool, Little Millennium must be your first choice. Here, they follow seven petal curriculum which focuses on Socio-economic development, language development, Fine-motor development, cognitive development, and many more. This curriculum nurtures individual potential. Teachers here are well-versed in their field and bonds well with children also. 

If you live in Pune, you can google them by searching ‘preschool near me in Pune’ and you will find the every detail there about them.

The Montessori Approach: An Overview

The Montessori Method is an educational approach that has gained significant recognition and popularity worldwide. It is characterized by its emphasis on fostering independent learning, hands-on activities, and individualized instruction. This method is based on the belief that children are naturally curious and capable of self-directed learning. Also, children possess an innate desire to explore and discover the world around them. The best preschool in Hyderabad follows the Montessori method of teaching. 

Furthermore, the Montessori Method places great emphasis on social and emotional development. It fosters self-discipline, self-regulation, and the development of important social skills such as empathy, respect, and collaboration. Children in Montessori environments often exhibit a strong sense of community and belonging. This is because they learn to work harmoniously with their peers and develop positive relationships. 

Lastly, the Montessori Method encourages creativity and imagination. Offering freedom within structured learning experiences, allows children to explore their artistic expression, engage in imaginative play, and develop problem-solving abilities through pretend play. This cultivation of creativity nurtures a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.

Montessori Method Impacting Children’s Growth:

Understanding the effects of implementing the Montessori Method on children’s growth is of paramount importance. This educational approach goes beyond traditional teaching methods and impacts various aspects of a child’s development, including cognitive, social, emotional, etc. Let’s take a closer look at them. 

1. Cognitive Development:-

Cognitive development refers to the growth and refinement of a child’s thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and intellectual capabilities. Here are key aspects of how the Montessori Method impacts cognitive development:

Promoting independent learning and problem-solving skills-

• Montessori classrooms encourage children to take charge of their learning process, making choices and decisions independently.
• The freedom to explore and discover at their own pace fosters problem-solving skills as children encounter challenges and find solutions on their own. 

Fostering a love for learning and curiosity-

• The Montessori environment creates a love for learning by tapping into children’s natural curiosity and innate desire to explore.
• Children are encouraged to follow their interests, delve into subjects deeply, and pursue learning beyond surface-level understanding. 

Improving thinking abilities and decision-making skills-

• Montessori classrooms emphasize the development of critical thinking skills, allowing children to analyze, evaluate, and make informed decisions.
• The use of self-correcting materials encourages children to learn from their mistakes and think critically about their actions.

2. Social and Emotional Growth:-

The Montessori Method places great emphasis on nurturing children’s social and emotional development. Here are some points about  how it supports and fosters social and emotional growth:

Encouraging self-discipline and self-regulation-

• Through daily routines and expectations, children develop a sense of responsibility and learn to manage their actions and impulses.
• The freedom-within-limits approach allows children to understand and respect boundaries, fostering a strong sense of self-discipline.

Cultivating empathy, respect, and collaboration-

• Multi-age classrooms allow children to interact and collaborate with peers of different ages, fostering empathy and understanding.
• Cooperative learning activities and group projects encourage teamwork, communication, and the development of social skills.

Strengthening a sense of belonging and community-

• Children actively participate in the care of their environment, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging.
• Daily group activities, such as circle time and community discussions, strengthen the sense of community and encourage open communication. 

3. Speaking and Writing Abilities:-

Language and communication skills are fundamental to a child’s development and form the basis for effective expression and understanding of the world around them. Montessori promotes language and communication skills in the following ways: 

Nurturing vocabulary acquisition and language fluency-

• Teachers encourage children to express themselves verbally, expanding their vocabulary and enhancing their language fluency.
• Montessori materials, such as language cards and phonetic exercises, aid in word recognition, phonics, and reading readiness. 

Encouraging effective communication and active listening-

• Children engage in activities that encourage turn-taking, sharing ideas, and active participation in group discussions.
• Teachers model and encourage active listening skills, creating an environment that values effective communication.

Developing early literacy skills and a love for reading-

• Children are introduced to letters, sounds, and phonics through hands-on activities, enabling them to develop early literacy skills.
• Teachers read aloud to children regularly, instilling a love for reading and a deep appreciation for literature.

4. Creativity and Imagination:

Creativity and imagination are integral to a child’s holistic development, enabling them to explore their unique perspectives and express themselves in creative ways. The Montessori Method places a strong emphasis on fostering creativity and imagination through the following strategies: 

Supporting artistic expression and creativity-

• Children are encouraged to explore different art forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and collage, to express their ideas and emotions.
• Teachers promote the value of individual expression and creativity, celebrating each child’s unique artistic endeavours.

Promoting imaginative play and problem-solving through pretend play-

• Pretend play encourages children to think creatively, solve problems, and develop their narrative and storytelling skills.
• Through role-playing and imaginative scenarios, children develop empathy, perspective-taking, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Cultivating a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world-

• Hands-on experiences, field trips, and nature exploration provide opportunities for children to observe, question, and explore their environment.
• Teachers encourage children to ask questions, seek answers, and develop a lifelong love for learning and discovery. 

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, the implementation of the Montessori Method has far-reaching effects on the growth and development of children. This approach empowers children to become confident, self-directed learners who possess a deep love for learning, and strong social skills.

If you are also looking for the best preschool in Hyderabad that uses the Montessori style of instruction, Little Millennium is the one. Little Millennium is a preschool that focuses on the key developmental areas of a child and nurtures individual potential.

So if your child ends up asking you a question about Ukraine or the war between Russia and Ukraine, the best strategy is to answer as honestly as possible.

Ignoring such questions or brushing them under the carpet does more harm.

Responding to their queries with reverts like, “You are just a child / you are too young to talk about war / We will talk about it when you are grown-up”, does more harm than good.

HOW TO TALK ABOUT WAR TO YOUR PRESCHOOLER?

• If your child asks you a question about war, to begin with, try to probe the child about what he/ she knows about it already.
• You may explain war as – a situation where two countries are fighting for their land.
• Instead of focusing on geopolitics, try to bring the focus on how children in Ukraine are suffering and we need to develop empathy.
• Do not terrorise your child about war. Instead, talk briefly about the situation on the ground. Talk about the consequences of war, instead. How some people will go hungry, thirsty, and without a school in case of a war. Avoid gory details about the war. Age-appropriate talk is crucial.
• You may use an actual map or a globe to explain the crisis to the child.
• Avoid watching disturbing visuals of war on television and WhatsApp, in front of your child.
• Assure them that they are safe though children in Ukraine are in pain.
• Talk about how people around the world are trying to help the Ukrainian children caught in the war. Some are sending food and medicines and some are teaching them Online.
• Your child may feel anxious and stressed. They may have heard about Indian students stranded in Ukraine. Talk about how the government is trying its best to bring them home safely.
• Make your child feel heard and understood. Validation is very important for Preschoolers.
• You may have an opinion on the war, but do not impose your views on the child. You don’t want your child to build stereotypes, do you?
• Should we encourage children to pray for those affected? Yes, we definitely should.
• War is the outcome of situations that we are not able to solve amicably. You may round up your talk with your child by probing them on situations where they sort out differences through dialogue. It could be at school or the playground. Who gets to take the swing first? Who gets to take a ride first?
• Use it as an opportunity to talk about kindness and co-operation building, within family and friends.
• Your child may sum up the talk with a tricky statement like – “So the adults failed to find a solution to the problem ?”
• In such a case, it is ok to admit that we all make mistakes, at times. Sad, but true.

To be honest, this attitude has been daunting me ever since I realized as a young adult that I wasn’t made up of the mettle that ‘Science teachers’ are made up of.

Nor was I fortunate enough to be mentored by a senior who could lead me to see the science inherent while teaching a language class.

So I concurred that as a result, the children I teach or have taught so far have probably also not imbibed a spirit of scientific enquiry through me.

What a colossal loss!

If the word ‘science’ were to be broken up into a layman’s term, it simply means a systematic and logical observation or study of certain phenomena, which is based on research and experimentation.

Not a tall order at all!

For long, we have demarcated academics into subjects, like stand-alone Geography, EVS, Maths, Language, Third Language and so on.

While a detailed and focused study of a subject with the aid of a subject matter expert (Subject teacher) is essential, we need to break down the strict boundaries that exist in the school curricula. There is science behind maths and language behind the science.

So what I learnt through my experiment years as a young teacher was that all we need to do is, to bring in this ‘science searching’ attitude into the child’s everyday learning.

Right into the rhymes, stories, history, maths, music and all subjects in fact.

We have been talking about a multi-disciplinary approach for long and the NEP 2020 has now penned it in black and white and that is a great step forward, no doubt.

But we don’t need to wait for the NCF (National Curriculum Framework), Staff meetings and Management meets to bring this attitude to life.

We need to begin right away, bringing out the science in a fun and interesting manner in every concept that we deal with.

Here are some simple strategies and conversations that we can initiate with our children during every Teaching – Learning opportunity:

⦁ When we sing the rhyme – It is Summer, It is summer, Oh so hot, the Educator can steer the conversation to, ‘Why are Summers hot and Winters cold?

Initiate a conversation saying -The Earth is like a ball that revolves around the Sun, so some parts of the Earth will always be facing the Sun and some will be away.
So the part facing the Sun gets a lot of heat energy.

And of course, the teacher can carry the conversation further as she deems fit!

Point in case – Why think that it is too early to talk about Science to young children?

⦁ While singing Wheels of the Bus go round and round, the Educator can steer the conversation to ‘Why are wheels of a Bus round in shape?’

Initiate a conversation saying -The wheels are round to make the bus go faster and roll smoothly. A tyre with edges will make the ride slower and bumpy.

And of course, the teacher can carry the conversation further as she deems fit.

Point in case – Scientific inquiry can also be initiated through rhymes.

⦁ While talking of Seasons, the educator can steer the conversation to, ‘Why do clothes dry faster on a windy Day?’

Begin a simple conversation as to how the wind helps the water vapour move along fast along with moving air, so they dry faster.  

And of course, the teacher can carry the conversation further as she deems fit.

Point in case – There is no fixed class or level at which we should begin a talk around condensation/evaporation.

⦁ While talking of Family setups, the educator can steer the conversation to, ‘Why does Grandma forget where she keeps her glasses?’

Begin a simple conversation as to how with age certain muscle functions slow down and the brain also needs exercise to keep fit. So children must play puzzle games, memory games etc with their grandparents to keep them healthy.

And of course, the teacher can carry the conversation further as she deems fit.

Point in case – Even the Socio-Emotional concepts can nurture scientific inquiry thereby leading to a better understanding of our value systems.

⦁ While talking about Food, the educator can steer the conversation around to, ‘Why does everyone love chocolate?’

Initiate a simple conversation as to how eating chocolates releases the feel-good hormones. But since it has high sugar content, we should eat other food and fruits that also release feel-good hormones like crispy apples, almonds & walnuts, cherry tomatoes or even a glass of milk!

And of course, the teacher can carry the conversation further as she deems fit.

Point in case – If children see the science behind habit formation, they are likely to develop better habits during Formative years.

⦁ While talking about Maths & money, the educator can steer the conversation around, ‘Why are coins mostly round in shape?

Initiate a simple conversation by saying that round shape coins are easier to mint and when they change hands from vendor to customer, the chance of injury is lesser as the round coin has no sharp edges.

And of course, the teacher can carry the conversation further as she deems fit.

Point in case – Aha! Maths & Science are so closely intertwined!

So I concluded long ago, that cultivating a scientific inquiry mindset requires everyone – parents, teachers and guardians, to get down to such conversations.

It is not rocket science at all.

And it is not the job of the Science Teacher alone!

⦁ Ask the reader to simply focus on the word patterns for 5 minutes. The text, spellings, grammar, punctuation etc. And then ask them to begin reading.
⦁ Ask the students to focus on the text & highlight 5 rhyming words. And then begin the reading task
⦁ Ask the children to focus on the text and draw 2 related images by the side of the text. And then begin the reading task
⦁ Ask the students to feel the picture that appears alongside the text, with their hands and eyes. Dwell on the picture for 2 minutes. And then begin to read.
It’s worth sharpening the axe before initiating the reading task. The results are fruitful and engaging.

The task becomes even harder when you consider the fact that very few children are Reading these days, forget Re-Reading!

Well, that is another topic for another day. But the advantages of Re-Reading are humongous and have far-reaching positive Learning Outcomes.

Children love repetition or alliteration.

That is one reason why we have rhymes that go Twinkle Twinkle Little Star …Row Row Row your Boat ….Mary had a Little Lamb, Little Lamb…and many more.

Repetition offers a degree of safety to young learners.

They feel they are on safe and familiar grounds. Repetition gives them a familiarity and a sense of ownership and mastery over words.

They use these repeatedly getting familiar words to learn new vocabulary and thereby become better Readers.

Benefits of Re-Reading:

1. Re-Reading a text, rhyme or story makes it much clearer. The second time around Reading process gives the child a better focus and a sharper eye for detail.
2. Re-Reading leads to better pronunciation. Very often children tend to ‘eat’ the words they find difficult to pronounce. Re-reading the text containing those tricky words encourages them to decipher the new words and attempt to pronounce them better during the second read
3. Re-Reading gives a deeper understanding of the context of the text. When re-reading a story or a rhyme, children pay more attention to the characters, settings, costumes, vocabulary and the setting per se.
4. Re-Reading has a huge advantage for the teacher/ educator. The Teacher Educator is better able to assess the Desired Outcomes of a learning task. The child is more relaxed, deliberate and comfortable. The Teacher Educator can then provide Formative assessment Remarks in a more lucid manner
5. If the Rereading happens in a relaxed and stress-free environment, children can fall in love with Reading. Very often we see that children also have deadlines for their Reading tasks, in addition to facing peer scrutiny and teacher scrutiny while they read in class. Re-Reading at leisure can help in doing away with the ‘fear of reading’ syndrome.

Reading & Re-Reading can happen in a variety of settings:

1. The Teacher can read a poem, story or a text piece in class and have the children do chorus reading, which in simple words means to repeat the text after her. Chorus Reading is safe since it is group Reading. The fear of being pointed out is eliminated and the children can auto-correct themselves after hearing the others speak.
2. Paired Reading or Reading with a partner is also a great strategy to bring in reading fluency while nurturing collaborative skills. The Pairs or partners divide the text among themselves and read together as a team
3. Theatre Style Reading is a really fun strategy to make Reading more exciting and experiential. In this strategy, the text is divided among the Readers and they do away with the ‘He said’, ‘They said’, ‘Mr Rao said’ etc. The readers focus on the delivery of words, intonation, pause and effect.

So perhaps it would be wise, to sum up Re-Reading as a second encounter with characters, plot & settings.

Several interactions between the text and the Reader is always sure to lead to fluency, deeper understanding, play with word sand can very likely lead to a lifelong happy affair with letters, words and text!