Strides Newsletter Archives
- Counseling & Assessments
- Early Intervention
- Kaleidoscope Learning Center
- V-Excel Educational Trust
- Occupational Therapy
- V-Excel Remedial Center
- Satellite Centers
- Vocational Training / Youth Empowerment Services
Counseling & Assessments
From Parimal Pandit's Desk
From the heart- Some success stories
A boy, who couldn't stop using bad language, dark colours particularly black and splattering and pouring paint began to paint scenes of peace without tearing or pouring paint, much more relaxed after three sessions of art therapy. He also stopped using bad language.
A young trainee from YES... Or a young man with Autism who came with issues of spitting and reluctance to participate was absolutely relaxed, participative, spoke, sang and even requested the therapist for particular songs and began to work at his centre after just two sessions of music therapy.
Tasty Bakes - Our young trainee Vishal who is into baking, during his therapy session expressed a desire to create his own healthy gourmet cake and doing something from his heart. This resulted in him typing out a recipe of a ragi cake with lemon-carrot curd and when tried was delicious! (Photo attached)
Outreach
We conducted 15 consultations and assessments for Nalandaway for the Velachery Corporation School. The remedial work with the children will start once the sponsors have been finalised. It's one of the community projects that V-Excel is increasingly getting involved in.
The Counselling Desk
With growing needs of personal strife and difficulties, counselling is becoming the need of the hour. From this month onwards, we added another company to the list of our Counselling desk. It has been very satisfying to see that we are able to reach people across sections of society. Our regular desk with the company continued.
Consultations and Regular Counselling
During this month we had 12 consultations so far. We have play therapies and art therapies for 10 outside children. We had our share of adult counselling this month, with a few emergency cases to be seen from corporates.
Regular V-Excel Work
KLC - Counselling department met 8 parents so far from KLC. All were referred as children had some issues. The parents who are teachers were also met regarding their children and how to handle them. We have been meeting the teachers on turn regularly and co-ordinators as well. Sarmistha conducted inservice for the teachers on 1st sat about TA and it was extremely well received and post that teachers who used to hesitate to come for meeting counsellors have been asking for appointments. Our counsellor for curriculum guide had her weekly meeting with teachers.
Puja, our music, art and play therapist was part of and main organiser for both blue blue sky choir which performed in Swatantrata program and 15th August program. This year children scaled new heights and we saw a very touching performance of them on 15th August.
Puja also was part of planning the celebration of how the decor could be for the Krishnajayanthi celebration. Guiding teachers on theme for each class along with Neha and guiding on how to bring in the different forms in which Spirit of Krishna could manifest. It was great to see the beautifully decorated classrooms so lovingly done by teachers for all the krishna of V-Excel. Krishna jayanthi always brings a great inner transformations for all the adults and mostly the children guide this:)))
VRC - This year we are doing quite a lot of work with VRC, children and parents. Our counsellor has met a few of the parents this month and there are few children who are seen for play therapy this year by other counsellors as well. Two of our visiting counsellors have been active in Neev project, meeting parents of one child for two sessions and play therapy for children from both the schools.
YES - Two of the Psychologists have been conducting group and individual sessions with the YES trainees. Both the groups really enjoy and look forward to the sessions. The themes differ but the pattern is to start with movement, have art and singing and play or discussion on a theme. In Puja's group if anyone wants to express through writing they do. They had been asking for art and drawing in both the groups. Individual sessions with trainees have been going on but the time falls short and many may need the support to be seen for at least 3/4 sessions. Parents of this group have been met regularly also and a group was conducted for them this month by two of our counsellors.
VTU - This year one of the counsellor has been going consistently and meeting all the existing parents for once and she has been seeing many of the trainees individually. She also has been meeting with staff and teachers of VTU. Will start the parent support group soon. A group for trainees has been started and its settling down.
Teachers day surprise in advance - We all attended the surprise lunch which Disha had organized and it was very heart warming to see the parents coming together.
Early Intervention
Strategies to handle anxiety / meltdowns
- Don't punish meltdowns
- Many people mistakenly see the child as oppositional and purposely acting out
- For true meltdowns the child loses self control and is not being oppositional
- Punishment only works if the child has same degree of control over the behaviour
- When stress chemical reach boiling point, child has to act to reduce the chemicals
- Trying to counsel, scold or reason during melt down in usually ineffective, due to breakdown in reasoning skills
- Child is often remorseful after calming
- Grounding is an effective method to help overcome an anxiety attack
- First look around
- Find five things you can see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
Practicing this in different environment, over a period of time will help to overcome an anxiety attack.
Kaleidoscope Learning Center
From Gita Bhalla's Desk
KLC was a hub of activity everyday of the month as it was the final month for the first batch of children to learn their vocational skills. Amongst the eleven vocations chosen, the hospitality, cooking, paper making, car washing, external therapy, office skills, stitching made great strides and for the first step everyone achieved at least 70 percent independence in their newly acquired skills. The practical work in the junior classes comprising of farming and ironing also kept the children busy and most importantly, each child bears the stamp of his achievement in the way he is carrying himself and giving finishing touches to the folded napkin or arranging flowers when they lay the table.
The Independence Day was celebrated with the theme 'Expressions of Freedom' traversing through moments of Indian history where a different kind of freedom was explored and revealed to the world. These were presented by group movement, song and a puppet show. So while Lala Lajpat Rai heralded the Swadeshi movement and refused to cooperate with the Simon commission he made a choice to be free of the British control. In the court of Akbar we saw the freedom of choice where he embraced another religion and hindus and muslims were both respected and coexisted. Samyukta freely chose her own groom and eloped right under the nose of her daunting father , and Asoka the great made a choice to embrace Buddhism and spread peace rather than cause any more blood shed. There was the expression of freedom in the sufi song where the dance led the saints to unite with the higher beings. There were songs and the Indian flag was hoisted by our chief guests Mrs. Veena from Naturals and Mrs. Shantha Das, mother of Ms. Durga Das, the co-founder of the Wassup group.
Krishna Jayanti was celebrated on the 24and 25th of August. An aritistic and deeply reflective celebration where krishna comes into every dark corner and dispels the negativity, shackles, ill thoughts and raises them to lightness and celebration. Each class brought Krisna alive whether they chose the Govardhan mountain or the story of dancing on the head of the Shesh naag or simply bringing music and dance to the cows, cowherds or the gopikas. Its wonderful to see that after so many years , the children themselves are designing their own celebrations, scripting the themes and surely taking us to better heights with their deeply introspective natures. The other centres were invited and we had Dr. R. Natraj, an MLA who was the chief guest for the occasion.
Disha, the parent body of V-Excel brought and celebrated all the teaching and administrative and custodial staff in a unique first time ever program on the afternoon of 22 August in Shardha. There was food, games, speeches, sings and mist importantly a deep sincerity with which the parents came together. Our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents. You made us feel honoured and special.
Our Blue blue sky choir performed for the Svatantra celebrations in Adyar to herald the celebrations for the Independence day. The program was well appreciated and Abhishek Sanyal and Chinmayee and Rohit gave solo performances with their mentors from the Sukratam group, Bharat and Ashwath.
Grade 3 who began farming in their new block have started growing methi and other greens in a small garden in school.
The kindergarten that admitted six new children this year showed a distinct jump in their settling down and social skills after the Krishna block took hold of them. The children lost their inhibitions and played well with the classmates around the raging rivers represented by a bed sheet. The bedsheet play brought all the children together and they danced, sand and ate together with a lot more ease. The curriculum never ceases to amaze us because in that lies hidden all the possibilities and goals for our children . It is our constant endeavour to bring the curriculum to the child in a friendly, easy but deep manner.
A new parents orientation was held with many of the new parents joining in to meet and talk to the Principal. They were given an orientation on the diet and rhythm and what the goals of each group were.
We welcomed three new volunteers from Friends of Waldorf, Germany and are very happy to welcome Lena Braunisch to KLC in grade 6. Carolin Abel and Magdelena Pfeffer have joined Kaustubh. We wish them a very pleasant stay with us and we hope that we are able to learn a lot from each other.
V-Excel Educational Trust
Svantantara - Celebrating Creative Freedom
Our own Blue Blue Sky Choir performed at the "Svantantara - Celebrating Creative Freedom" (A National festival of Performing Arts) at the Youth Hostel in Indira Nagar, Chennai, on Friday August 12, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.
Anna Nagar Dreamers
The Anna Nagar Dreamers (AND) had a 5K and 10K run on Sunday, August 14th in which several of our children and staff participated. The Annanagar Dreamers (AND) believe that running is an integral and non-negotiable part of each of their lives. Hence their motto, "AND we run". They are based at Bougainvilla Park, Anna Nagar AND and train together under a professional coach on every Tuesday and Friday.
Independence Day Celebrations
Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and gusto at our centres in R.A. Puram and Adyar. Our special gratitude to our Chief Guests, Mrs. Shantha Das, mother of Ms, Durga Das, Co-founder and Director of Wassup OnDemand, (at our Adyar Centre),and Mrs. Veena K., Founder of Naturals Salon, (at our R.A. Puram Centre). Special thanks also to Mr. A. Ramesh, Senior Advocate who presided at the ceremony at our R.A. Puram Centre.
NIOS Courses in Bridges Learning Academy
V-Excel is proud to announce the launch of NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) program at Bridges Learning Academy which is open to all students. Adopting a progressive and integrated approach, Bridges Learning Academy offers a holistic program that will respect the pace of the children while helping them meet social norms.
Admissions are open throughout the year for Secondary equivalent to 10th board exam and Senior Secondary equivalent to 12th board exam. The students get to choose the subjects and have a period of 5 years to complete the program. Examinations are conducted by NIOS twice a year, once in October and in April.
Eligibility:
• All students above 14 years of age and completed 8th grade level academics
• All students who are unable to complete schooling due to difficulty with academic curriculum or health reasons
• Slow learners and children with disabilities who require time to learn and attend exams at their own pace
• There is no upper age limit.
Certificates issued by NIOS are accepted for higher education, Govt. jobs and all other purposes. Also, the certificate issued by NIOS are accepted by all the National/State Boards and all the Universities.
Bridges Learning Academy has incorporated life skills along with academics into the daily curriculum to help students gain confidence and apply their learning.
This month's concert in our Tarang series featured the Wind-Up Penguin Theatre Company. They are a group of musicians, singers, actors, and technicians from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, United Kingdom. They come together to create pieces of children's musical theatre and then take their shows to many countries, where they perform to children in schools, hospitals, orphanages and slums, or anywhere we're welcome!
Occupational Therapy
Happenings
Greetings from SI and NDT Department!
KLC group and individual sessions are conducted as per schedule. Some of the class teachers have discussed with the therapist, protocols to be followed for children who have more issues.
3 of the VRC parents attented observation sessions and got their home program. They gave their feedback openly and expressed their willingness to be a part of their child's program along with V-Excel therapy unit.
IPP updates of OT consultation has been started this month which is useful for future reference in framing therapy goals.
V-Excel Remedial Center
From Kejal Bakshi's Desk
Sricharan, who was with VRC to work with him on his readiness skills joined the vocational unit.
This month, we assessed 5 children. 2 children started with their remediation and the remaining are in the process. 5 children from Pudiyodor were assessed during this month. We had a meeting with teachers from Pudiyodor to discuss about each child and their remediation plan.
Group sessions are going on well and children are showing good improvement. They enjoy playing snakes and ladders in the group, where they had difficulty sitting in one place, and now they all wait for each other's turn.
Trainees from Learning Disability course came and took few remedial sessions. Children enjoyed with them, as it was like a treat to have a new teacher and learn a new concept. Trainees with their innovative methods did a good job.
Few of the children did take part in Krishna Jayanthi celebrations in school and enjoyed breaking the pots.
From Olcott school, under Neev project –
Nethra, 3rd standard student was reluctant and had an aversion towards the NEEV Resource room. After a few sessions with our counselor, she is now opened up and has interest in learning things. She now happily comes to the resource room. We briefed her mother too about the remedial sessions and talking to an emotional mother was a touching moment for us.
Akash, a 5th standard student is extremely hard to crack. However he shows interest in learning and opened up thanks to our way of teaching.
Gokul is a child with Learning Disability. We started using lots of movements for his sessions. This had helped him to grasp things better. Besides our regular remedial activities, we also wanted to address the entire class 1 students. We made an inflatable ball (Alphabet ball) and magic wands. The students are split into multiple groups with each group taking turns to play their chance. The sessions are kicked of with movements and vowel songs. The children thoroughly enjoyed the exercise.
From Malathi school, under Neev Project:
In Malathi matriculation school, Classroom intervention and working with all the children on movements and oral language is indeed a joyful experience for our teachers.
We welcome our new special educator and counselor Ms Niraja.
Satellite Centers
From Jayanthi Vishwanath's Desk
The Monsoon month of August ushers in joy and festivity as the festival season for the year gets underway.
Three important festivals were celebrated in school this year.
On 15th August, our country’s 70th Independence Day was celebrated with flag hoisting ceremony and cultural programs. It was joyful to see little children dressed in various traditional dresses representing the different states and culture of India while depicting the importance of “Unity in Diversity”(Photo enclosed).
On this important day, an exhibition of jewelry and art and craft products made by the Vocational Unit trainees was displayed.
On 17th August Raksha Bandhan was celebrated in the school. The word ”Raksha Bandhan” simply means "a bond of protection" and is celebrated in North India to mark the affection and duty between brother and sister. All the girls in the school tied Rakhi on the right wrist of the boys. The boys in turn presented their buddy sisters with gifts and sweets.(photo enclosed)
The eco-friendly rakhis were made by the students of the Vocational training center.
On 26th August, Gopal Kala and Dahi Handi were celebrated with utmost pomp and gaiety. Little boys dressed as Krishnas and little girls as Gopikas, spread joy and cheer in the school.The trainees in the vocational center decorated the earthen pots with chamkis and mirrors for the Dahi Handi celebration.(photo enclosed)
Vocational Training / Youth Empowerment Services
From Usha Rajagopal's Desk
This month of August has been very different for us at Sreyes. Never has a month had so many opportunities for experiential learning.
Laundry training is going on at a smooth pace. Both Nirmala and Shanthi are happy with the ironing done by the trainees.Hand wash is also more thorough now and most trainees are now actively participating in the work.
For the paper mâché activity,the boys grind the soaked paper and fenugreek on the hand mortar first ,then it is ground into paste in the mixie. This activity has helped in motor coordination as well as addressing excessive energy issues.
Kartik, trainee from Sreyes, has started going to Kaustubh Monday to Thursday, from the first week of this month. He comes on Friday and Saturday to Sreyes to work at the Cafe Samarth. He is very happy with the office solutions training. He says that he is equally happy to be here during the two days of. Cafe Samarth. The rest of the group missed him during the week.
Ms. Padmavathy has joined us as the full time trainer for trainees on the sewing machines. The unit is busy preparing themselves for potential orders for Dussehra and also executing some orders got from the Svatantra display of our products.
This month we had the Guru Pooja... Chanting. All the staff and trainees attended it. Ms. Lalitha and her Staff from E I joined the group assembled in the VTU work area. All the trainees eagerly participated in the Pooja.
This month, we got trained by Shuttles and loom in weaving.We have all been quite engaged with the loom which was brought from Kaustubh for learning and practice. Shanthi practiced the warping to perfection. Thereafter , Manivanan, Shanthi and self took turns to weave. We were asked to experiment with 3 colours, but since there was very little contrast in that we did it with four and we're happy with the checks pattern that was produced.Later,many of the trainees , were by turn taught and asked to weave 5-8 lines on the loom. The staff, Nirmala, Jayanthi and Shoba also tried their hand. It was a very nice experience and the trainees and staff alike were excited with the new project.
We were complimented for the execution of the homework and Mr. Naresh was very happy to see the length of fabric woven by the trainee group. He gave us further ideas and tips on weft designing and has asked us to work with the trainees for the next month . He has promised to visit us in this time. We look forward to beginning on our loom which will come soon.
Ms. Muthulakshmi of CCG, and Ramesh, have oriented Ms. Shoba, the new volunteer on IPP updation and entries. With this , we hope to make our records old and new up to date.
After a detailed meeting with Parimal and Radhika about the on going counselling program at Sreyes , plans for parent support group was made. We plan to have a group therapy once a week.
Radha comes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to carry on with her functional academics class for the group. Trainee Vijay Sravan comes regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He seems happy.
The Independence Day celebrations at Sreyes was EI, Vocational Unit from Sreyes and YES with parents of both places. The presence of Ms. Shantha Das and Mr. Bala lent a special significance since their association with our institution is giving our group Freedom from the run of the mill choices that we usually come across in selection of vocation . The presence of our founder Vasudha, Our Managing trustee Dr. Prakash, our other trustees Mr. Radhakrishnan, Mr. Rajagopal and Mr. Anand our advisor, added color to the gathering. It was great that Gita also joined us.
The program of short speeches and music by the trainees , brought out the growth in them . Altogether it was a very nice function. Students from SIET came over to begin their 2 .5 hour with our trainees. While two of them work with trainees to make a handicraft product, the other two interact with another set of trainees to prepare them for a small skit . Looking forward to the end result.
The entire group went to Kabali movie with the teachers. They enjoyed it very much and even before they could exchange their views about it, they had another feast...the Tarang performance by the visiting Penguin Theatre. A Teacher's Day celebration that came as a surprise on20th August,was interesting and welcomed by all .Thanks to the parents of the DIsha group.
The trainees went to Kalakshetra for the Svanubhava program on the 23 rd. While some liked the dance, some of them related more to the Nama sankeertan. 25 th again,was a total day out. The day started with the festivities at sharada ...the Krishna Jayanthi celebrations with the children and staff of KLC. They thoroughly were in sync during the singing and dancing. The uri adi was the special event they loved. Thanks to all who made it happen. The group then went to Vinyasa art gallery, for an experience in art appreciation.
Of course, in the midst of all this, jute mat weaving, bead work , paper mâché work was done. An order for thambulam bags was executed after a long gap of time. During the month, jute mats were woven on the square loom. Four trainees are being trained to weave on the loom. More about us and the loom in the following months!
Stay tuned.... while we thank you for following us and being a constant source of support and encouragement.
Visit of volunteers from Hexaware Solutions: Every 1st,3rd and 5th Saturdays 15 employees of Hexaware solutions are visiting YES. They take the trainees out for a walk or play outdoor games. Two volunteers are teaching Zumba dance to our trainees. Many trainees open out well and started conversing with the volunteers.
Visit by SIET college students: Four post graduate students from SIET College, under the outreach program, visited YES. Their visit created a cheerful atmosphere and they helped us in Yoga, gardening and in filing the records of the trainees.
Srisha's improvement: Srisha aged 20 was given admission in YES with behavioral issues. After meeting Dr. Vasudha Prakash, Mrs. Parimal Pandit and Mrs. Lalitha Sridhar, a program was charted out for reducing his behavioral issues. By following this program, a considerable improvement has been achieved .Now he is doing box folding and hand washes clothes in the laundry.