‘The teachers of this school have played a huge role in my daughter’s learning’

Not all toddlers are outgoing and can easily mingle with kids their age. Several kids are extremely shy and introverted. So, the task of the parents becomes even tougher when it comes to choosing the right school for such children. One of the important things that parents are looking for is a place where their shy-natured child can adjust and start liking the idea of going to school. Meet Yatika Singh Meena and her daughter Sara Anand, who has recently gone to class I at Apeejay School, Saket.

“My daughter has only started going to school; she started last year, in the middle of the session. Sara is very shy and wants me to be around her all the time. The Saket branch is very close to where we live. Both Sara and I have a comfort level that if she needs me I can be there with her in no time,” Yatika said, who worked as a flying crew for 15 years before she quit to be with her daughter.

Excerpts from the interview.

Why did you choose Apeejay for your daughter?

There were a few things. Besides, being near where we live, the school allowed me to sit with her in the class for the first 10 days. My daughter wants me to be around her all the time. That was one of the reasons why she started going to school late. Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, she never went to a play school. It was tough to choose the right school for her.

How was the admission process?

It was very smooth. Heena ma’am was there and she made everything very easy for us. She not only made us comfortable, but she also ensured that Sara was at ease as well. We filled out the form online and once we got the call from the Apeejay, we completed the rest of the formalities. My daughter was interviewed separately and then we were called in.

What has been the learning curve for your daughter?

She has never even gone to a play school because of the Covid pandemic. Apeejay is her first school. Her learning is good. As parents, we have put in our efforts and so have her teachers. As a team, we ensured that Sara was up to the mark and able to keep up with the class. I am very happy as of now.

How did the teachers help Sara overcome her shyness?

To begin with, my daughter just refused to sit inside the class. The two of us would sit outside the class. The teacher would teach the kids inside and then come out and repeat the same thing for the benefit of my daughter. This happened for three-four days. The teachers were extremely supportive. I asked the teachers if they could hug Sara. They did their bit and I am grateful to them. Now, my daughter is happy and loves going to school.

Do you get feedback from the class teacher?

Yes, all the time. Her teacher, Heena Arora, was very good as is her present class teacher Nikita Rathi. The session has just started. So the teachers are doing routine things like drawing and art and craft just to make the toddlers comfortable once again.

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To begin with, my daughter just refused to sit inside the class. The two of us would sit outside the class. The teacher would teach the kids inside and then come out and repeat the same thing for the benefit of my daughter. The teachers were extremely supportive

–Yatika Singh Meena, Mother of a Student at Apeejay School, Saket

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Is there something that your daughter loves to do?

She loves to draw. I think it is in her blood. She spends the entire time drawing; it is not something that we have taught her.

What were some of the things you did that ensured that your daughter overcome her shyness?

We would encourage her to make friends. Each day she went to school, we asked how many friends she had made. Having good friends around you makes a world of difference. Having a circle of friends ensures that the child looks forward to going to school.