‘I am very happy with my daughter’s learning curve’

As a mother, Dr Pallavi Sapkale, Professor at Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology in Mumbai, the checklist while looking for a perfect school for her daughter, Vanshika Kamble who is in class I at Apeejay School, Nerul, was a long one.

“I wanted the best for my daughter. Hence, I was looking for a school that was not only strong academically but also inculcate human values in children. Anybody who lives in Nerul knows that Apeejay has brand value and offers plenty of opportunities for extracurricular activities. I also wanted a school where the child has the time to pursue a hobby or two. I found that Apeejay didn’t burden its students in primary classes and clichéd the deal for me,” Sapkale said.

In an interview, the professor who takes BTech classes talks about how her daughter loves to draw and participates in all activities that the school organises.

How did you choose Apeejay for your daughter?

When we were looking for a school when Vanshika was old enough to go into the nursery, I first made a list of all the schools that were in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. During my research, I came to know that Apeejay has amazing teachers and that they are student-centric – they take care of the children like they were their own. This was extremely important for me. My daughter is an introvert and I wanted a school where the staff would make her feel comfortable.

Does your daughter have any hobbies?

She loves to draw. It is not that she takes any drawing classes. But she has an eye for colours and whenever she draws, she uses the colours in the painting well; I think that they complement each other. I think she has a good hand. And while she doesn’t always draw when she does, it comes out well.

The teachers of this school are amazing. As a teacher I understand the effort it takes to keep everyone engaged in a classroom and these are toddlers who have never seen the inside of a class let alone sit in one place for over six hours

–Dr Pallavi Sapkale, Professor at Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology in Mumbai

How is she doing with offline classes?

There were a few small niggles. As I said my daughter is an introvert and initially, she had issues using the restroom. She would not tell anyone that she wanted to go to use the restroom. I was the one who told her teacher who then took over and ensured that Vanshika had no such problems in the future.

But from day one, she was excited to go to school since it was the first time she would sit in the class and meet kids her age. But now, she has settled down and is doing well in class.

How are the teachers?

They are amazing. As a teacher I understand the effort it takes to keep everyone engaged in a classroom and these are toddlers who have never seen the inside of a class let alone sit in one place for over six hours. I applaud the patience of these teachers, especially Yamini ma’am and Mrinalini ma’am. The teachers ensure that the classes are interactive; they use short films to teach them practically. This helps the child faster without feeling bored or making the entire exercise a chore.

The teachers are also ensuring that the kids take part in activities to help them learn.

Do you get regular feedback from the teachers?

I want to thank Mrinalini ma’am for ensuring that I get regular updates about my daughter. She is very observant and gives very specific feedback. She knows every child and understands the areas that need improvement or where he/she has scored well.

There have been times when the kids are being naughty and don’t want to write, but she is extremely patient and gives a hall pass to that student but informs the parent as well.

What has been your daughter’s learning curve?

I am satisfied with what she has learnt to date. She loves to read, she has over 100 books on various topics including our epics – The Ramayana and The Mahabharata. She also has storybooks on princesses. Most of these books she chooses on her own when we go to a bookstore.

She loves to learn new things and has participated in events like Spell Bee. She has become confident and independent as well. Recently, her class was taken to KidZania and she loved the trip. Back home, her head was full of ideas of what she wanted to do once she grew up.

Do you see a difference in the behaviour of your daughter and other kids?

Definitely. And I am not saying this because she is my daughter. But when I look at her and kids from other schools, Vanshika stands out academically and otherwise too. My daughter can read and write; most toddlers her age can’t do that.