‘What my child is learning at Nursery, I may have learnt it in grade 1 or 2 as a student’

As an only child, Seerat Kaur often missed having her peers around. While most children near her house are either too young or too old for her, she was very excited to join a school, start her classes and make new friends. Unfortunately, the pandemic put her aspirations to a halt as she could not physically attend her classes. Nonetheless, since Seerat enrolled in Apeejay School, Saket, her father, Mr. Gilles Singh, Founder, SpeedMonks, a bike products and services company, says, “she is very happy interacting with her teachers and friends.” In an interview, Mr. Singh discusses the important developments in his daughter and how the school supported her to become more vocal and confident. Edited excerpts:

How did Apeejay become your top choice for your daughter’s education?

Honestly, we applied to about 20 schools during Delhi Nursery admissions in 2021. Out of these schools, we got shortlisted in 5-6 and then we chose Apeejay. We really liked the school curriculum because even at Nursery, Apeejay is doing so much with the students. They go beyond drawing, colouring, rhymes and dance and since her association with the school, my daughter has acquired good reading skills, she can write fluently as well. She has started to speak and make full sentences, and overall I have observed good development in her.

Did the enrollment process happen smoothly for you?

Yes, very. The school is very close to our residence in Saket. The necessary forms and hard copies which had to be submitted to the school were very well organised. It all happened in a timely manner.

Any interesting anecdotes from Seerat’s classes that you would like to share?

Well, my wife and I are working, and we usually sit with Seerat during her online classes on our off days. Rest of the time, she learns under her grandfather’s guidance. I would like to say that her teacher, Lakshmi Ma’am has been very supportive and patient. She keeps my daughter’s attention on-screen at all times during the classes. She has introduced ‘circle time’ for children, and in this activity, about 5-6 students each day are asked to stay back after class and interact with each other. Their mics would be unmuted and they would just talk to each other. This is one day, Seerat really looks forward to. She enjoys talking to other children; telling them about her day, her favourite cartoons, etc.

Would you be keen to send Seerat back to school as it re-opens?

Yes, very! I feel that it is important for her to have social interaction. She is at a developmental phase and she needs to be around her peers. This, of course, we as grown-ups cannot provide to her.

Any word of advice for fellow parents who are looking to enrol their wards in nursery this year?

sThey should enrol their child with Apeejay! The school at an early stage works towards the foundation of a student. What Seerat is learning right now in Nursery class, is something I may have learnt in grade 1 or 2 as a student. The teaching techniques, visual cues used in online classes keep the child’s focus. It is a great and innovative way to learn.