"The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays
with the objects it loves."
Carl Gustav Jung
V-Excel News
As a part of our awareness building activities, our Founder Dr. Vasudha Prakash will feature in a ½ hour segment on Jaya Plus every
Wednesday from 12.30 p.m. - 01:00 pm, starting early this month. There will be a total of six episodes aired, focusing on various learning
related difficulties, academic and non-academic challenges, parent issues, and cooperation from society for inclusion of children with special needs.
Every third Friday of the month we have music slated for our children. This month we had two upcoming stars, Sruthi Sagar (flute) and
Keerthana (vocal) performing in our cultural program called 'SushrAvya' (meaning - something melodious to listen to). It was heart-warming
to see these youngsters sincerely give their best for children from V-Excel as well as children from two other invited special schools.
22nd October is Citi Global Community Service Day. On this day we had eight volunteers from Citibank who gave their time to help us
systematize coding of books and resource materials for our library. We thank the Indian NGOs, the nodal organization coordinating the event
between us and Citibank. The volunteering team was given an introduction talk by Ajita Panshikar, detailing the Center's philosophy and services.
The beginning of the festive season was marked by Dussera. Our children enjoyed the golu, a doll-festival a typical feature in South
India during Navratri. Materials were distributed by the school and the parents were taught to make dolls which were used for the Golu
function and in the school for the children. We had invited children's siblings who brought in cheer by joining in the celebrations
with music and dance. We noted much curiosity and special looks exchanged between sisters and brothers that seemed to bind them all. Members
of the staff and children enthusiastically presented songs. The added attraction was the tasty yummy 'sundal', a special preparation for
the occasion.
We wish a very happy Diwali to everyone and hope that the months ahead bring health and happiness to one and all!
Kaleisdoscope Learning Centre
We had the first Parent Education Meeting (PEM) of this term on the 6th October 2010. The objective for this round was teaching mothers
to make dolls using some fabric and socks. About 40 mothers attended this program; it was wonderful to see a spirit of bonhomie as the mothers
kept themselves engaged and learnt to use their hands in an enjoyable and productive manner. John tied up the learning effectively, making the
program really meaningful for the parents.
School reopened on the 18th October after the Dusshera break and the auspicious day of Vijaydasmi where new beginnings in education are
made. The new term began with extensive meetings between the Gita Bhalla and the various heads of the sections. The curriculum for the coming
term for the Prevocational classes and for Grades 3 and 4 was finalized. After a break for a year, it was decided that computers would be
restarted for the children of these grades for communication and as a vocational skill of being able to type.
The children of Grade 3 graduated to Grade 4 in a small but significant ceremony. The children were introduced to their new class and their
new curriculum. Grades 1 and 2 and Kindergarten also started on their new blocks and are well into their new stories of their respective blocks.
A few parent meetings were held in the week of 18-23 October; we sincerely hope these meetings help the children, parents and teachers in
different ways. These were primarily meetings for doubt-clearing and clarifying academic and non academic issues.
Two Fridays in a row, John conducted meetings for the benefit of the teaching staff. One was a concluding session on 'twelve senses' and
the other was primarily for study and discussion of individual cases from every class.
Academy for Teacher Excellence
After a rejuvenating break, the trainees looked all set to continue with their assignments after the break. They continued with their
presentations on topics related to language and communication, critical for children in the Autism Spectrum Disorder. These included -
'Language Development', 'Components of Language', Brain & Language'.
With practice and professional inputs, a marked difference was seen in the class-presentations by the trainees with respect to content and
the level of confidence. This month trainees also visited the 'Chrysalis' school and observed the educational settings there. They were able to
gain an insight into the 'Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)', as a method of teaching communication to children with Autism, the
'Visual schedules' for developing routines, amongst other things.
A two-month part time course on Learning Disabilities has been initiated and has commenced from the 2nd October. The course which comprises
of both theory and practicals, aims to equip students with the fundamentals as well as practical intervention strategies. Theoretical topics
like definition and concept of Learning Disabilities and characteristics, identification and assessment are in progress. The first assignment
for students on 'Developmental milestones in early childhood' was completed through presentations and discussions. Students are now studying
case histories of children with LD and identifying areas of assessment.
Early Intervention Unit
This month marked the completion of first term. Review meetings were conducted with all the parents. This was followed by review of home program.
Home program training was given to all the parents. Parents had an observation of their children while in session. Under the Home Program, we
train parents on methods to promote functional independence like feeding and toileting as well as on activities to improve fine motor and writing
skills. The activities for home program are based on goals worked with the child.
This Vijaydasmi five of our children from the Early Intervention program got admission in regular primary schools. They are getting adjusted
to the new environment and are being supported by the Early Intervention program staff too.
Goals for the next term have been formulated and our facilitation will focus on these goals in the coming months. School readiness is going to be
emphasized on in the following term and children who are ready to go to regular school will be part of the program.
Bridges Learning Academy
Children have been active participants of a variety of programs such a sports day and other festive celebrations, adding to their overall
confidence level.
Quarterly examinations were held in the first week of October. The results were not very encouraging and it brought in a realization of a
lot of hard work needed on the part of the students and teachers, in partnership with their parents.
The impact of the exam outcomes has sobered the children and they have become more focused and responsible towards their work and studies.
While we are trying our best, we would welcome more resource support for this Unit that can help us with academic content, especially for
the older children.
V-Excel Remedial Centre
July - September 2010 was the first term for VRC. The program that was implemented during that term was reviewed and documented. This was
also discussed in the parent meetings. Parents had a number of queries on children's diet and bio-rhythm. John answered these and also stated
the importance of following a specific diet and rhythm. He also explained the importance of socialization and self play. Parents were happy with
the remedial program and expressed their concern areas. We will address these in the next term plan.
To augment our knowledge in the Anthroposophy philosophy, regular in service programs are conducted. This month the staff was given a lecture
on the Twelve Senses. Awareness of twelve senses helps the teacher understand how an activity done in the class relates to the lower senses of
the child, indirectly affecting development of the child's higher senses.
. The students were taken to Kejal's home, one of the teachers of VRC, by metro rail. The intent of this field trip was to provide them a good
social experience in the train with their friends. One of the students was so excited that, throughout the journey, stood near the window and narrated
all that he was seeing! Students sang songs and had fun in the train. Students had their next halt in Kejal's home. They took a tour of her home and
relished the snack time there. One of the students suggested that the next outing can be to his home.
Rural Outreach Program
A Train-the-Trainer Workshop was conducted in Chennai for 40 special educators. This program was coordinated by V-Excel. Dr. Vasudha,
John, Janaki and Sowmya were four resource persons from our end who conducted this extensive training primarily in the regional language
(Tamil). The program is essentially meant as an awareness and education workshop for parents of children with special needs. The key
components include - basic orientation of the condition, myths and superstitions, various government schemes, understanding the emotional
aspects of the child, dealing with social pressures, and working effectively with the child.
The parent program is now being implemented by these 40 special educators to other educators and parents across different districts, ensuring
a wide reach to the relevant audience in geometric progression.
The government organized for School Uniforms for rural school children. There had been specifications about the material, stitching etc.
which has been followed and uniforms distributed to the identified children.
Vocational Training Unit
Shikha Kaushik, who has been working with us earlier, now takes on as a Coordinator.
A visit was made to CLRI to explore feasibility of training & placement of our students in leather industry. CLRI-Deputy Director,
Tannery Division, explained various avenues and offered all technical support including training to few staff to work as trainers.
In continuation of V-Excel policy to support needy families, we have provided a hearing aid to one of the student of VTU, with monetary
help from a well-wisher.
Golu celebration was held in a festive and joyous atmosphere. Trainees wore traditional dresses and we assigned a specific task/duty to
each of them. Singing, dancing, and talks on Dashavartaram were enjoyable events that took place. Participants were from a cross-spectrum
including parents, siblings, volunteers, old VTU students and V-Excel staff across units. We also had 'Ayudh Pooja' on 16th October.
Second term goal setting for trainees was discussed and finalized with teachers in line with the trainee's family priorities. Individualized
training program was also designed according to these goals.
A meeting with senior leadership was held to discuss strategic and future plans, as well as immediate action plans, to align with our
vision. Specific and time bound actions were decided and will be now implemented over the next few months.
An outing was undertaken for trainees and staff at the newly opened EA mall with an aim to give them exposure to social interaction
and entertainment. Trainees spent about six hours there, watched a movie and had lunch. We are extremely thankful to the management of
EA mall, Escape Cinema and Sangeetha Restaurant who provided us with excellent support and assistance.
Counseling and Assessment Unit
Children came back from the holidays and settled for the next term in school. Play Therapy which was usually carried out in Play Therapy
room and their own classroom now is being conducted also in OT room. As it is a group play therapy session, we have seen a lot of movement
in children in our special schools - KLC as well as BLA. KLC children have started bringing in lot of their experiences in the play. The
main lessons come alive in an impromptu drama and whole Ramayan unfolds without any prompt from adults! The session culminates in a story by
the therapist at the end of the session, weaving together experiences shared out of their play. Stories and drama dealing with festivals
are also explored and children love it.
With BLA, the children' s play in the sessions has become more cohesive, where they are coming together and expressing themselves through
shared play and drama. In painting activity there is more connection with colour and what each colour means to them. They have explored their
likes and dislikes and how they can tackle and work very creatively and productively with their dislikes through art. After Sports Day,
the younger children of BLA have shown great improvement in their Form Drawing!
Individual Play Therapy continues for some BLA children and one KLC child. Counseling children and adults have taken many forms, from
traditional counseling, play to charcoal painting, clay work; we are exploring all the mediums and it is working beautifully.
In VTU, children are preparing drama which is facilitated by our consultant based on Story of Ramayana. Children have started expressing
a lot through their group work there too.
Our corporate counseling is going on well and many referrals are coming for counseling at our Center through this system.
Contact Information
V-Excel Educational Trust
#1 Norton 2nd Street
Mandaveli Chennai 600 028
Tel: 91 - 44 - 24620243
91 - 44 - 24956373 E-mail us or visit us at www.v-excel.org
V-Excel Center for Research and Rehabilitation
(In assocation with S.V. Sarada Foundation)
50 Sreyes, M.G. Road
Shastri Nagar, Chennai 600 041
Tel: 91 - 44 - 24522061
91 - 44 - 24521986 E-mail us
Academic Concepts, Inc.
1403 Merrywood Drive
Edison New Jersey 08817
Tel: (732) 572-3748
Tax ID: 22-3632715 E-mail us
