‘Teachers here minimise parents’ burden’

Early formative days are extremely crucial for a child at school. It then becomes vitally important for the youngster to secure a strong base for overall growth and progress in later years. Meet Mrinalini Srivastava, mother of Divyan Srivastava, a class III student at Apeejay International School, Greater Noida who feels her son is encouraged to learn by using practical life anecdotes.

Excerpts from the interview

Why did you choose Apeejay?

I was looking for a school that would focus on my child’s overall development. I always wanted my child to learn core ethics and values in addition to studies. I was told that Apeejay had a combination of both. I am seeing a lot of growth in my child since the time he has started going to school. He has won many medals in the Olympiads which the school organised; he has participated in various extracurricular activities as well. After watching this positive impact on my child, I feel quite satisfied.

 What are the teaching techniques here?

The best method that the teachers follow in the school is centred on how to make the child understand the basics of the academic concept. They don’t want my child to rote learning. Instead they wholeheartedly push the child towards how to connect the academic theories with the current practical examples and practices for better learning. The teachers minimise the parents’ burden.

What is the best part about the school environment?

My son is always enthusiastic and energetic to go to school. The sole credit goes to the great planning done by teachers. They introduce interesting activities and that helps my child to enjoy the school environment. Another thing that I would like to highlight is constant encouragement meted out to my son. My son was facing difficulty in reading Hindi. I had a thorough discussion with his Hindi teacher and based on the regular feedback and motivation by the teacher my son started enjoying Hindi reading. He was awarded appreciation daily and that really helped my child walk an extra step to learn the subject.

How are you looking forward to your child’s growth in senior classes?

I am sure the same methodologies that he is learning at present, will be followed in his senior classes too. I am observing the practices that have helped my child excel in the junior section and basis this I am sure the same pedagogy will be followed at the senior classes too. I feel if my son’s base is strong and concepts are clear then he will surely succeed well by moving ahead in future.

Do you feel school is the second home for a child?

I am quite assured of my son’s well-being when he is at school. I receive regular feedback from the teachers about his wholesome growth. For example, if my son is not feeling well at school, the teachers immediately call me to inform me and accordingly I take a call. The teachers never pressurise the child to study or come to school if he is not feeling well. They give my son the same home environment at school.

What are the extracurricular activities your son enjoys at school?

There are lots of sports and dance activities that are organised at school which my son participates in happily. Apart from that there are lot of inter school competitions that encourages my son to be a part of.

How often do you interact with your son about studies?

I keep a tab on my son’s progress in all subjects by asking questions related to how the teachers interacted with him. Like, where did he receive appreciation and where all he received scolding from teachers. This helps me identify his strengths and weaknesses.