SUMMER OF 2024 || TALES OF SELF DISCOVERY || EXPRESSION 6

Summer Enrichment Programs: A Mosaic of Opportunities

Songs seem to sing themselves and birds chirp in the crisp, dry air as golden hues and a clear, azure sky meets the eye. Summer days are often synonymous with lazy mornings on a sun-kissed beach somewhere or just daydreaming on one’s bed – in short, a time to relax and rejuvenate.

However, life teaches us that every moment is precious and we cannot hit the snooze button on the rolling sands of progress. That is why Summer Enrichment Programs at CBSE Affiliated Schools are designed for students. Away from the daily academic rigour of myriad subjects, each student competing for supremacy within the walls of a classroom, these programs allow students to take charge of their own learning. They can meet goals they set for themselves, independently and at their own speed. Those students who take direct admission in senior grades – especially Grades XI and XII, may utilize this time to catch up with their peers and approach their mentors to scaffold their studies. Summer break could be designed to encourage self-paced learning at home because self-study, whether staunchly academic or through the kaleidoscopic pursuit of hobbies and interests, leads to more confidence, self-reliance and independence.

One of the reasons why Manav Rachna International School, Noida is considered the best school in the city, is because of its Summer Enrichment Programs. The balance of educational efforts with co-scholastic activities truly enriches the summer vacation for children. A plethora of options ranging from taekwondo, gymnastics, martial arts, creative writing, debate, visual art, dance, music, theatre, shooting and other sports to the super geek camp await your ward under the umbrella of enrichment programs. As we help learners develop their physical and mental prowess, creative pursuits allow them to express their innermost thoughts and make them more mindful of the world around them.

Through this mosaic of opportunities, MRIS empowers your child, enabling them to discover or pursue their passions, as well as polish their skills. The facilitators of the best CBSE schools aid this process by devoting their time and expertise and often, they become positive role models for the participants of the summer camp. An amalgamation of individual and group tasks is employed to ensure that your child learns how to work in a team and yet, has the ability and buoyancy for self-expression and leadership. Often, one observes children becoming lackadaisical or disconnected with positive practices in the summer warmth. With Summer Enrichment Programs, discipline remains a cornerstone even as the focus shifts to allowing the child to enjoy their time as they learn, unlearn and relearn. These edifying activities fill the child’s day with mirth, elation and delight. Who among us would not want to possess those treasures? Life is unpredictable and this generation has experienced quite a lot already ranging from modern relationship issues within their families to a world-wide pandemic.

If the pandemic taught us anything, it is the significance of quality time spent at school and the need to socialize, even for young learners. The practical mind cannot deny the fact that the prospect of having a child at home for all hours of the day, without productively engaging her or his mind, heart and soul, is indeed a daunting task. Summer learning programs thus prove to be a support system for the parents as well.

Furthermore, children from the top international schools get to spend more supervised time with their friends and their teachers doing what they enjoy the most or improving existing traits, without the pressure of homework and exams. Parents often observe emotional and mental health issues with their children. As a primary grade student, saying ‘hello’ or sharing lunch is the most it takes to make friends. However, as children grow up and develop preferences and personality traits, it becomes progressively difficult to make friends or confide in people around them. Most parents share that teenagers answer back or they may even withdraw from social gatherings choosing to spend time on their gadgets or alone in their rooms.

Summer break is a wonderful time to help such children emerge out of their shells and explore the numerous opportunities available to them. Their mental health can improve if we encourage meditation, diary writing and other therapeutic avenues that allow your ward to vent as well as share their thoughts. These tasks are relaxing and rejuvenating in a different way. The activity is essential and beneficial even if it does not match a popular or off-beat travel destination.

Along with productively engaging them in summer training, we also encourage parents to travel with their child. The world is meant for children to explore and discover new wonders. A few considerations can help parents to enjoy a happy and safe trip with their children.

• Travel Light: Heavy luggage can be troublesome especially when our young wards are in tow. Thus, it is recommended that you pack only what you absolutely need. Having said that, encourage your ward to pack and be responsible for their own luggage. This teaches them independence and accountability even as it makes them more confident. Do remember to appreciate them if they manage their baggage throughout the trip without many issues.
• Wrinkle Twinkle: Take sensible shoes and suitable clothing depending on the spot you have chosen to visit. Floaters and crocs are the rational choice for a beach holiday. Similarly. clothes made of non-wrinkle fabric such as denim, polyester, spandex and so on, are a boon for travelers. Not only will you be able to pack them fearlessly, you will not be forced to spend time ironing on your trip.
• Hungry Hippos: Light and nutritious ready-to-eat snacks and extra water are essential if you are planning to engage in outdoor activities or long drives.
• Sunscreen Magic: Sun damage can be stealthy and severe. Even before you know it, the skin may show signs of wear and tear. Always carry a moisturizer and sunscreen when you pack.
• Bits and Bites: If you are planning to take a flight, please use a transparent pouch for all cables to ensure a quick security clearance at the airport. A power bank and a mosquito repellent can be your best friends on outdoor summer trips. Other essential medicines such as an ointment for basic cuts and bruises, digestion helpers and band aids should make it in your emergency kits as well.
• Words Matter: Before travelling, teach your children basic phrases in the language of the state or country you choose to visit. These may help them during unprecedented conditions and enrich their vocabulary. Add to their repertoire, emergency numbers they can call for help. Furthermore, encourage your child to make a travel vlog or maintain a travel diary. The new discoveries they document could be a lifelong treasure.
• Apple of your eye: The safety of our children is any parent’s first priority. Please keep a close eye on your ward in crowded areas, beaches and markets. Let them continue to practice the safety measures Covid19 enforced into our lives – such as washing their hands thoroughly, using sanitizers, and drinking enough water to avoid dehydration.

Just as travel expands our perception of the world, Summer Enrichment Programs offered by the Best school of Noida broadens a learner’s horizon. Research has shown improved cognitive, social, creative and leadership skills among learners who attend summer camps. Moreover, their attendance at school improves due to new friends and renewed interest in academic as well as non-academic activities. Hidden talents and passions could emerge out of the experience. Healthy routines remain intact and students do not encounter ‘summer slide’ (a nonchalant laziness born out of boredom). A sense of accountability is ushered when the learner decides to learn without academic pressure through purposeful, collaborative and pleasant experiences.

What any parent wants most is for their child to be healthy and happy – what better way to do so than to combine family time or travel with summer enrichment programs! This summer, plant the roots your child can nurture to ensure a future filled with the four C’s – confidence, collaboration, culture, and continuous improvement. Dr. Seuss said, “Sometimes, you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Let us ensure that we give our wards, moments and memories that thrill, teach and eventually, transpose into a lifetime of true happiness and success.

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ADMISSIONS OPEN: SESSION 2024-25 ||  EARLY YEARS || GRADE I-IX & XI ||     MANAV RACHNA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Author: Geetanjali Mukherjee, P.G.T. English, Manav Rachna International School, Sector 51, NOIDA