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Both history and popular culture bear witness to the power of journals, whether it’s classic books such as The Diary of Anne Frank or fictional accounts like the immensely popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid, there is something uniquely engaging and inspiring about personal journals. In it’s simplest form, journaling involves keeping a written daily record of your observations and experiences. Even though your day to day life may not seem particularly significant to write about, keeping a diary can have many benefits. Here are five of the best ones: 

Achieve Your Goals 

Writing down your dreams and ambitions is the first step toward realising them. The process of reflecting upon your goals and breaking them down into smaller targets on paper, serves to encourage the brain to take relevant action whenever possible. Journaling also helps you keep track of your progress and can act like a psychological blueprint, increasing your chances of achieving the goals you think and write about. 

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Improve Memory and Comprehension 

Keeping a journal is an excellent way to help you improve your ability to recall events and data. What you record in your journal is entirely personal, but you may find it helpful to focus on writing down anything that you would like to be able to recall several years from now. This may include your impressions of places you visit, special experiences that only come around once in a lifetime, your thoughts about world events, etc. The relationship between the brain and the hand is such that the physical act of writing out letters and words sparks connections in the brain and spurs cognitive recall, hence strengthening memory and comprehension. 

Boost Your IQ

According to a report by the University of Victoria, vocabulary is one of the best single measures of overall intelligence as measured by intelligence tests. As journaling is an exploration of language, it inspires the natural urge to search for new words and increase your vocabulary. Over a long period of time, a regular writing practice can therefore boost intelligence. “Writing as part of language learning has a positive correlation with intelligence,” the report further states. 

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Increase Emotional Intelligence 

Just as important as IQ, Emotional Intelligence is the ability to perceive and manage your emotions, and that of others. Since journaling is an outlet for processing our feelings and experiences, it works to substantially increase self-awareness. Writing about our life helps us notice any limiting beliefs and negative patterns we unconsciously engage in. This can help us break through emotional and psychological blocks to become more balanced and happy individuals. Moreover, increasing familiarity with ourselves helps us better intuit and understand what others are experiencing. The ability to empathise with someone is a mark of emotional intelligence, and allows us to form deeper, more meaningful relationships. 

Cultivate Mindfulness 

Mindfulness or being in the present moment helps combat stress and frustration. Research has shown a strong connection between happiness and mindfulness as focussing on the present moment helps us notice the little things that are often taken for granted. Journaling is a mindful activity  Journaling brings you into a state of mindfulness as writing calls a wandering mind to attention. It involves actively engaging with your thoughts which makes past frustrations and future anxieties lose their edge in the present moment.  A particularly effective way of mindful journaling is writing about the things, situations or people that you are grateful for in your life. Taking the time to really notice the positive things that surround us is the simplest and most effective way of cultivating a sense of  joy and peace t in life.

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Effective organisational skills are a key ingredient for success in school and in life. Some people are naturally more organised than others but everyone can adopt routines and systems that can facilitate success. Here are five ways in which families can support and encourage children of all ages to be organised, which can help them grow into better functioning adults. 

Establish household routines 

Children learn best through observing and emulating parents, so make it a priority to be organised yourself. The best way to do this is by implementing simple household routines by setting specific days and times for tasks such as laundry, paying bills, and cleaning different areas of the house. 

Involve your children by having them create their own schedule for studying, chores and activities and try following it for a week. Then sit down together and review their results, being sure to discuss whether they over- or under-estimated how much time they needed for tasks (they need awareness of their time estimation abilities).

Adjust the schedule according to what they report, and try the new schedule for a week, with a check-in at the end. Do this each week until they have a schedule that works, then have them stick to it. If time management is a weakness for you, make your own schedule and, at those weekly sit-downs, let the kids help you evaluate how well you did.

Manage space and time 

education-908512_1920In addition to having routines, it’s important to manage both space and time effectively. Cultivate a habit of tidying or cleaning as you go, putting things away immediately after use. Get rid of clutter and have.a dedicated space for everything so that it is easy to maintain a tidy home environment without too much effort. 

To encourage good study habits, ensure that your child has a dedicated nook to do school work. It should ideally be a quiet place with all relevant supplies and materials nearby. 

Along with this, set a designated study time. Ideally,  this  should not be right after school as children benefit from some time to unwind after the day. Include your child in making this decision. Even if s/he doesn’t have homework, the reserved time should be used to review the day’s lessons, read for pleasure, or work on an upcoming project.

 Conduct a weekly clean up 

Once your child is more organised, the trick is to keep to that system. The best way to do so is by enforcing a quick once or twice a week clean-up policy. However, remember to be realistic and identify those hot spot areas that need continual upkeep.

To a child, asking them to “clean a room” is an overwhelming and confusing concept they often have trouble mastering. Asking them to put away their clean laundry away or to clear off a desktop are likely more manageable expectations and will eventually lead to better skill with keeping a cleaning routine.

Using a timer to tackle different cleaning tasks can turn a chore into a fun game and ensure that the task is completed sooner rather than later. As a long term bonus, this teaches kids to do housework quickly and efficiently. 

 Teach children to use a personal calendar and/or planner (paper / digital) 

office-620817_1920-1024x680Right from the early years of school, it’s a good idea to teach children how to plan and organise their life using a calendar or planner. Get your child a simple notebook or journal that they like and let them use it to create lists, assign dates and times for various tasks, jot down notes and reminders for themselves, etc. Make it fun by allowing them to use coloured pens and pencils, post it notes, stickers and any other creative tools they enjoy. A simple system to adopt is to set aside time at the end of each week to plan the following week’s activities. Get them into the habit of consulting their notebook everyday and using it as a personal assistant. 

if you do not use one already, adopt a digital or paper planning system for yourself too as this will further encourage your children to consistently plan and organise their time. 

Encourage independence 

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Children are more likely to embrace being organised for the long term when they see how it benefits them. So it’s important to assign them age-appropriate responsibilities and allow them to manage their time and space. For instance, foster a habit wherein they get up for school on their own instead of relying on you. Teach them to clean up after themselves no matter how ‘busy’ they may be and leave it to them to keep their books and toys organised in whatever way they like. 

Remember that if you really want your children to learn how to be better organised then you must stop being their personal assistant. Practice stepping back and making children responsible for any consequences of being disorganised such as missing a deadline, losing a library book, or misplacing a beloved possession. Such experiences will encourage them to better their organisation skills and grow into effectively functioning adults. 

Taking on responsibilities is especially important for children who are soon to enter college, By high school, kids should be making their own appointments, arranging transportation, completing forms at the doctor’s office, and so on, so that they are aware of the steps involved. They will be doing these things on their own at college, so make sure they are comfortable doing them before they leave.

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With the summer break drawing to a close, it’s time to prepare to get back into the school routine. Children of all ages can find it a bit of a challenge to once again adjust to a full schedule, but here are three ways in which you can ease the transition and kick start the new academic year: 

Re-Establish School Routines

apple-256261_1920-960x640Use the last few weeks of summer to get out of the holiday mood and back into a school-day rhythm. Have your child practice getting up and getting dressed at the same time every morning. Start eating breakfast, lunch, and snacks around the times your child will eat when school is in session.It is especially important to implement a healthy sleep routine so that your child is well-rested before the school year begins.  Limit the use of smart phones and tablets before bedtime to ensure better sleep for both your child and yourself. 

If possible, try to plan morning activities outside the house in the week or two before school as this will help children once get used to leaving the house in the morning rather than sleeping in or lazing around. Re-establishing a morning routine for your child and yourself will help cut the stress and chaos that starting or returning to school can often bring. 

Nurture Independence

2016Aug30AIS_1826Encourage your child to take up responsibilities that will make the school routine easier for both of you. Entrust them to make lists of things that need to be bought or tasks that need to be completed before school starts. Then support them in checking things off the list in a timely manner so as to ensure that they are all set for the first day of school. 

Even if your child is young, you can instil skills that will build confidence and independence at school. Have your young child practice writing her name and tying her own shoes. “The transition to school will be easier for everyone if your child can manage basic needs without relying on an adult. 

Get older children into the habit of preparing for each day the night before by asking them to lay out their clothes and keep their bags ready so as too ease the morning rush. 

Designate specific places in the house where school things like backpacks and lunch boxes always go to avoid last-minute scrambles in the morning. You might also have your child make a list of things to take to school and post it by the front door.

Communicate and Motivate 

2016Aug30AIS_3220-960x640Sometimes, children can be wary of returning to school due to issues which they have not been able to communicate with you. It is therefore paramount to  maintain open channels of communication and talk with your child about their feelings – both the excitement and the concerns – about starting or returning to school.

Never embarrass, discount or demean your children’s feelings. Ask them how they would like to be helped or supported in their educational journeys. This is called the empathic process, and if you invest children in the discussion, they are more likely to have a happy and rewarding school year. Remember that you can always approach your child’s teachers to discuss or get help in resolving any issues they may be facing. 

Also join your child in reflecting on the previous school year to work out if they wish to do anything differently this year. It could be something as small as making at least one new friend or taking initiative to work on a special pet project or pursuing a new extracurricular interest. This way, students can start the new year with a clear goal of what they want to experience/achieve over the coming months. 

 

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Teacher reading a picture book to young students in a classroom

Last week’s blog post looked at some of the characteristics of a successful 21st century learner.  But what does it mean to be an educator in a world that is continuously changing and moving at tremendously fast speeds?  

Traditionally, teachers have delivered information to students much like a ‘sage on the stage’, but if children are to be truly future ready, the 21st century teacher needs to be more of a ‘guide on the side’, supporting learners in exploring and expressing their unique competencies in order to grow and flourish as individuals.  

Here are the top five characteristics that today’s teachers must embrace to make the education space mutually rewarding and enjoyable for their students, themselves and other teachers alike: 

Love for learning 

Successful 21st Century educators don’t just expect their students to be lifelong learners, but they too stay current and on top of what’s new in education as well as other fields that interest them. They enjoy acquiring new knowledge and are enthusiastic about new experiences. They endeavour to stay current and know how to change old lesson plans to be more suitable for today.

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When teachers love to learn, their enthusiasm will naturally inspire students too, contributing to a more stimulating classroom environment. Students will also feel free to share their knowledge and ideas with the teacher, which helps them build confidence and grow into independent thinkers. 

Empathic 

The 21st century teacher models empathy every day and gives students plenty of opportunities to demonstrate it. Why is empathy so important? Because it is a natural companion to tolerance and the ability to understand the diversity in our world makes it easier to see things from multiple perspectives. This in turn nurtures individuals who are conscious about using their knowledge and skills to help improve the human condition and make a positive contribution to the world. A good way to embrace empathy in the classroom is through integrating the use of games and websites into the lesson such as those mentioned here.  

Tech-savvy 

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Technology is changing at a rapid pace and that means that a 21st century teacher must enjoy riding the change. The latest gadgets, applications, software and websites enable incredible transformation in the way we learn, whether it’s personalisation of lessons or gamification of the learning process. The 21st century educator understands and capitalises upon this through not only keeping abreast of the latest trends, but also experimenting with new tools and techniques that can enhance both their own and their students’ learning.  However, this does not mean that technology is used just for the sake of it, even in instances where other teaching methods would be more appropriate. Effective 21st century teachers are able to integrate technology in the classroom to truly inspire and advance student learning. 

Collaborative 

Well-known educational author, Harry K. Wong, states that the trademark of effective schools is a culture where all teachers take responsibility for the learning of all students. The 21st century educator understands this and recognises that a student shouldn’t be the responsibility of only one teacher, but of all teachers.

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Sharing expertise and experience, and communicating and learning from others is an important part of the learning and teaching process. Therefore, teachers today must value working with others and be comfortable contributing their unique ideas and perspective within a team. 

Increased effective collaboration exposes teachers to improved practices, which leads to stronger pedagogy. And of course, the more effective a teacher is, the more the students will benefit and thrive.

Creative 

in a world where technology can answer any question we Google, students need more opportunities to learn how to brainstorm and think creatively in order to succeed. Creativity is definitely different for different people. For some, it may be about inventing new ways to do the same things, while for others, it may involve the process of discovering new things. No matter what the concept, the 21st century educator makes it a priority to motivate children to be inventive, resourceful and expressive. 

They do this through creating a classroom where the flow of invention is not disrupted by the regular class routines, textbooks and assignments. A creativity-driven classroom is characterised by enthusiastic question-answer sessions, assessment of performance and feedback, cooperation with others when it comes to sharing ideas, as well as the independence to freely express oneself. 

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May 17 is World Information Society Day, formally known as World Telecommunications Day. According to the United Nations, the purpose of this observance is It to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.

An information society is one wherein the creation, distribution, and manipulation of information is the most significant economic and cultural activity, as opposed to societies in which the economic underpinning is primarily industrial or agrarian. With the ongoing transformations that information and communication technologies enable, it is reasonable to say that the world as a whole is evolving into an information society, with each country of course working at its own pace.

In a paper titled Education in the Information Society Dr. Octavia-Luciana Porumbeanu of the University of Bucharest, points out: “Access to information and knowledge is not the only aspect that counts in the information society, also key is the generation of new knowledge and its transfer. It is important how every country succeeds in educating and training its citizens. So there are more and more changes in education which are no longer centred on information transfer, but that becomes a process in which individuals learn how to learn, how to access, analyse and exploit information and transform it into new knowledge.” 

Traditionally, the term education evokes a school system, where the emphasis is on teaching rather than learning. Very little importance has been given to learning with progress being measured by mere quantitative indicators such as grades.  Learning is confused with assimilation and repetition of information and results are valued over processes, which greatly limits the vision and field of education, separating it from the economic, social, and cultural within a broader context.

To eliminate this separation and equip our children for truly successful futures it is critical for learning and education to inculcate the specific skills and traits that empower young people to deal with uncertainty and excel in a dynamic information society. Herein lies the value of educational programmes such as those provided by the International Baccalaureate 

At the heart of an IB education is the learner profile, a set of ten learning outcomes for the 21st century. Here’s how each of these characteristics contributes to a young person’s success: 

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As inquirers, IB students embrace their innate curiosity and learn to ask the right questions in any problem-solving situation. An inquiring mind pays attention to the world around and is naturally inclined to ask more pertinent questions and persevere in the process of seeking answers. 

 

 

 

 

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Thorough knowledge of fundamental concepts across a range of disciplines forms the base upon which young people can build new knowledge and become lifelong learners. Knowledgeable young people are able to form connections between everything that they learn and apply prior knowledge to new situations. 

 

 

 

 

thinker-2-768x644Critical thinking is a key 21st century skill because self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking enables young people to communicate, solve problems and effectively handle life situations that call for reflection, analysis and planning. In an uncertain future, it is impossible to predict the kind of problems that will need to be solved, which makes it crucial to nurture young people into independent critical thinkers. 

 

 

 

communicator-2-768x644Being an effective communicator is essential for success because it facilitates working with others, understanding different points of view, and expressing oneself in more than one language to form a connection with others. Clear communication builds confidence and also fosters empathy, which enables young people to understand and collaborate with their peers. 

 

 

 

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Integrity plays an invaluable role in building a more ethical and peaceful world. Young people who are principled and can respect other people’s opinions while confidently standing by their own are empowered to be better leaders and team players. 

 

 

 

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Open-minded individuals are better able to discuss their ideas with people from diverse walks of life and to work collaboratively in solving problems and achieving goals. This is critical in an increasingly globalised world with multicultural workplace environments. 

 

 

 

 

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Caring individuals are conscious of how their actions affect others and the environment. With escalating tensions in many parts of the world and a callous disregard toward the environment, it is crucial now more than ever to raise young people who can demonstrate sensitivity towards each other and the world as a whole. This enables them to make conscious, informed choices that contribute toward building a better society. 

 

 

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Any kind of progress is impossible without people who have the courage to try new things and give life to innovative ideas. Risk-takers are not afraid of failure and bravely pursue their ideas and goals so as to make a contribution to the world. 

 

 

 

Reflective individuals are able to asreflectivesess their own strengths and limitations and evaluate their progress so as to take the best route forward. This is a key skill for success in the  21st century as it fosters self-awareness and moulds young people into instinctive leaders. 

 

 

 

 

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A well-balanced individual is able to function effectively in a demanding environment. They have the physical, mental and emotional capacities to thrive, no matter what the challenges that an uncertain future may throw at them. A strong mind requires a healthy body and balanced young people are able to commit to both work and play so as to lead truly fulfilling lives. 

 

 

 

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In the consumerist world we inhabit, it is easy for children to acquire an attitude of entitlement, believing that they ‘deserve’ to have whatever possessions they desire. This is harmful because it detracts from the basic concept of working to achieve something and taking the time to value and appreciate  the things, people and privileges  we already have. 

Entitled kids can get obsessed with comparing themselves to others and wanting more and more in order to feel ‘happier’ or simply to ‘fit in’. And while every parent of course loves their kids and wants to give them the world, it is paramount to  learn to say ‘no’ to them, even when it appears like “every other child” gets “everything they want”.

According to research by the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California,  Berkeley, “people who practice gratitude feel considerably happier (25%) than those in a control group; they are more joyful, enthusiastic, interested, and determined.”  

So here are five simple ways that you can embrace gratitude in order to raise young people who are selfless, generous, and appreciative, qualities that make them  better equipped to lead fulfilling lives. 

Be a consciously grateful parent

thanks-1804597_1920-768x514In our busy lives, we often allow our frustrations, little and large, to get the better of us. This results in a lot of
unconscious complaining and fretting, whether it’s about work, traffic, other people, the government, anything at all. If we are constantly focussed on what is lacking in our lives or the world at large, our children internalise this negativity and find things of their own to complain about. That is why it’s crucial to consciously embrace gratitude in your day-to-day life. For instance, the next time you’re stuck in traffic, talk about how thankful you are to be going wherever it is you’re headed, or discuss the positive things that happened that day or week. Find things around you to appreciate, whether it’s a beautiful tree or an interesting billboard. Shifting attention from the negative to the positive works wonders in creating a sense of appreciation about things that are otherwise taken for granted or ignored. Whenever possible, be vocal about the experiences, people and feelings that you are grateful for, and encourage your children to do the same. And of course, remember to say ‘Thank You’, to other people, whether it’s for information, assistance or service. Children are keen observers and will model your behaviour, so set a good example by being a consciously grateful parent every single day.

Limit the material ‘stuff’ in your lives

In our capitalist society, there is no end to the things that money can buy. But excessive spending on material possessions creates the need for more and more.  Before going shopping, set limits and expectations for your child to follow. Discuss the usefulness or necessity of objects before purchasing, and be firm whenever you say ‘no’ to them. If your home is already cluttered with lots of possessions, why not clear out or give away whatever is no longer useful, required or cherished? This will also teach your children the art of decluttering and maintaining a functional space. Moreover, research has proven that it is experiences which frequently bring more joy than possessions, so why not spend your time, energy and money seeking out unique experiences that you can share with your children. This has the invaluable added benefit of strengthening the bond you share and giving you memories for a lifetime. 

Remember to enjoy the simple little pleasures 

When it comes to experiences, it has been rightly said that some offamily-1839662_1920-1024x509 the best things in life are free. It’s just that we tend to forget what exactly these things are in the humdrum of the hectic lives we lead. Set aside time each week to enjoy some simple pleasures like playing, cuddling, spending time in the nearest park, rereading favourite stories, making art with whatever supplies are on hand, or anything else that is easily available and pleasurable for your child and you. Talk with your children about what they really love doing and create time and space in your lives for those activities or experiences. Whatever you choose, do remember to express gratitude for the joy it brings.

Keep a gratitude journal or scrapbook 

Writing down or collecting pictures of things that you are grateful for can be both fun and inherently rewarding. Together with your child, click pictures of things that you are grateful for or cut out similar images from magazines and use them to make collage or other kinds of art work. Keep a special gratitude book where you can write or doodle about everything you are thankful for, and make it a habit to work on this book every day or at least every other day.  Get creative with the ways in which you express thanks and it will work  wonders in fostering a positive attitude of appreciation in your children. 

Encourage giving / volunteering 

Giving does not need to be of the material kind. Encourage your child to volunteer their time or skills without expectations of a material reward. Spending time volunteering for any kind of event or organisation can help them recognise the internal fulfilmenhand-1549224_1920t that comes from helping out for a cause they care about. For instance, if your child loves pets, why not arrange for them to volunteer time at an animal rescue centre? Encourage them to make simple gifts rather than always purchasing things from the store. Making a card or writing a letter for someone are great ways to teach children that gifts need not always be material and are in fact more meaningful when effort is put into creating them. Above all, remember to appreciate your child’s efforts and value the things, experiences, and memories they give you.  We all feel bogged down by life from time to time, but things get so much easier when we remember to literally and vocally count our blessings every single day. 

If you would like to read more about the benefits of gratitude and how to imbibe this virtue in your children, we recommend the book Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch 

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The summer vacation is here and if you’re looking for interesting ways to spend time with your children, here is a list of some of the best places in Ahmedabad that can inform, inspire and excite young minds: 

 

Gujarat Science City

With several intriguing attractions such as an an energy park, a hall of science, a life sciences park, and of course Ahmedabad’s only IMAX 3D theatre, Science City makes for an excellent day trip. Established by the state government to encourage greater interest in science education, this sophisticated learning centre showcases unique exhibits that allow for a practical understanding of science and technology. For complete information about the various shows, attractions and entrance ticket rates, click here. 

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© Ameyawiki | WikiCommons

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum

Located on the campus of the L.D Institute of Indology, this museum features a sizeable collection of Indian sculptures, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, woodwork, beadwork and coins. Some notable pieces include a Buddha head dating to the fifth century, the earliest cult image of Lord Rama dating to the sixth century and innumerable rare manuscripts, diagrams and miniature paintings from diverse parts of the country. This museum is a great place to spend a couple of hours delving into history, particularly with children who are inclined toward the fine arts. Open Tuesday through Sunday between 10.30a.m. and 5.30p.m. 

Sabarnati Ashram 

Nestled on the banks of the Sabarmati River, this iconic national monument is is a must visit, not only for the rich history lesson it provides but also for enjoying the beautiful architecture and serene environment. The prime attractions are the Hridaya Kunj, Gandhi’s personal cottage, and the main museum building which houses an extensive collection of paintings, relics, books, articles and photographs. there is a also a small bookstore cum souvenir shop selling literature, memorabilia and handmade paper and cloth products made by local artisans. The Ashram is open everyday from 8.30a.m. to 6.30p.m. 

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© Hardik Jadeja | WikiCommons

 

Shreyas Folk Museum 

Home to a private collection of folk artefacts and textiles, this museum is also called the Lokayatan Folk Museum and celebrates the contribution of women to Gujarat’s handicraft industry. Children will enjoy looking at and learning about the art forms of different tribes of Gujarat consisting of vivid embroidery, wood carvings and diverse bead, leather and metal works. This museum is open from 3-4.30p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.. It is also open on Sunday mornings from 10.30a.m. to 1.30p.m. 

Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition 

Through working models, live panels, static displays, a 3D theatre and interactive multimedia presentations, this exhibition chronicles India’s space program, detailing its history, achievements and aspirations. Children have the opportunity to see actual spaceships and interact with scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation. Closed on Mondays and public holidays, the exhibition is free to attend on all other days, between 9.30am and 5 pm. 

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© Drishti Shah | WikiCommons

 

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial 

This museum and exhibition centre houses memorials to Sardar Patel, Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. The main palace – Moti Shah Mahal – was constructed by Mughal emperor Shahjahan between 1618 and 1622. The building today also features an exhibit detailing the Sardar Sarovar Dam Project. Open between 9.30a.m. and 5.30p.m, this museum like most others is closed on Mondays. 

Sanskar Kendra

This city museum houses various collections of art and photography related to Indian history, the independence struggle, various religious communities of Ahmedabad, etc. It is also home to the Kite Museum, which showcases some of the rarest kites of the world. One of the highlights of the exhibit is a kite that has been crafted using 400 pieces of paper. 

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© Nizil Shah | WikiCommons

Calico Museum of Textiles 

The premier textile museum of the country, this one is ideal for kids aged 15 and above (younger children are not permitted entry). It houses a fascinating collection of Indian fabrics, representative of the country’s renowned textile industry.  Entry to the guided tour is by prior appointment only which can be booked online or by calling 79-22868172 / 22865995. The galleries are open free of charge on all days of the week, except Wednesdays and public holidays. However, the entry gate closes at 10.30 AM and visitors who are late are not permitted to join the tour.

 
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As children transition into being fully independent readers, chapter books provide the perfect avenue for them to experience stories that are slightly more nuanced and complex but just as much fun and captivating. Often written in series format, chapter books are a great way of building and encouraging a love for reading among children aged seven to eleven years. Here are some of our favourite new releases that are sure to add an element of adventure to the long summer ahead: 

Flying Lessons and Other Stories by various authors 

24561496Featuring stories by the likes of Sherman Alexie, Jacqueline Woodson, Kwame Alexander, Walter Dean Myers and Meg Medina, this anthology is a celebration in diversity, both in terms of characters and themes. The ten distinct stories cover a range of scenarios, from dealing with family fiascos to chasing basketball dreams. Each story is both enjoyable and meaningful in its own right. Edited by Ellen Oh, the collection works to open up the reader to a world of possibility, at the same time inspiring hope, joy and empathy in young minds. 

 

A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold

Boycalledbat Cvr RgbNicknamed Bat, Bixby Alexander Tam finds life to be full of surprises, both pleasant and not-so-good. This endearing story about Bat’s desire to adopt a baby skunk as a pet will both enthral and amuse young middle grade readers. Written by acclaimed children’s author Elana Arnold and illustrated by Charles Sontoso, A Boy Called Bat will particularly appeal to children who love animals. it is the first in a heartfelt series featuring a protagonist who is on the autism spectrum. 

Dog Man by Dan Pilkey

28691896The first of a series of bestselling children’s graphic novels, Dog Man is all about a crime-biting canine superhero who is part-dog and part-man. the attractive comic-book format and hilarious story will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Dan Pilkey is the renowned creator of the hugely successful Captain Underpants series and Dog Man will be particularly appreciated by young readers who enjoy superhero and animal themed tales. 

 

Matylda, Bright And Tender by Holly M. McGhee

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Fourth graders Sussy and Guy are best friends who adopt a spotted lizard and name her Matylda. The beloved pet soon serves to help Matylda through the grief of losing Guy to a terrible accident. Dealing with darker themes than most stories in the genre, Matylda Bright and Tender is a courageous debut novel that will keep young readers engaged with its nuanced exploration of young friendship. 

The Thing with Fangs –  A Third Grade Disaster by J. G Kemp

34334200The first in a series of enthralling science fiction for children aged six to nine, this is the story of Brandon Black and his super powered quantum colouring book. Full of quirky characters and vivid descriptions, this book is the ideal combination of funny, fast paced and imaginative -sure to engage newly independent readers. The suspenseful ending will leave children eager for the next book in the series. 

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Middle school is a time of much change and growth for every child, a phase of the journey of growing up that can sometimes  be particularly challenging. Books can serve as reliable companions that can teach gentle lessons and remind children that they’re never alone. Here are five new releases that are sure to appeal to every middle schooler this summer: 

Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Short FinalThe latest offering from New York Times Bestselling author Holly Goldberg Sloan, Short is the endearing story of Julia, a preteen who is embarrassed about her lack of stature but slowly comes into her own while taking part in a local theatre production. A classic breezy summer read, this novel is the perfect mix of relatable, funny and moving. Julia is easy to connect with and her story is one that children of all ages and even adults can enjoy.

Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson

25183019It is Earth year 2213 but there is no Earth anymore and humans have fled to Mars, a temporary sojourn before they embark on a one-hundred-fifty-year-long journey to a distant star that is a potential new home. The protagonist is Liam Saunders-Chang, the son of two scientists who have been racing against time to create technology vital to humanity’s survival, Liam and his friend Phoebe are going to be on the very last starliner to depart before Mars, like Earth before it, is destroyed. This brilliant work of science fiction will transport the reader away from the  limbo of summer to a fascinating future that can very easily be imagined within the realm of possibility. 

 

Prisoner of Ice and Snow by Ruth Lauren

26836186Thirteen year old Valor is true to her name, conniving to help break her twin sister out of a prison that nobody has managed to escape in three hundred years.. Set in a unique and brilliantly crafted world, this fantasy adventure is a warm hearted tale of courage and sisterhood that will appeal to both preteens and young adults. Releasing April 2017, this debut novel book has garnered several five star early reviews on Goodreads. 

 

The Ethan I Was Before by Ali Standish 

25337548This beautiful debut novel starts off with the unanswerable question: what becomes of who you were before if you unwittingly do something tragic and irrevocable that divides your life forever into two parts? Ethan is a deep and multi-dimensional protagonist, as is Coralee, the new friend he makes upon moving from bustling Boston to a small town in Georgia. The plot immediately captivates the reader, embarking on a journey of healing from guilt and grief, growing up and coming of age. First-time author Standish has crafted a winning story that will have readers rooting for  Ethan the whole way through.

 

Hello Universe by by Erin Entrada Kelly 

30653713Told from four intertwining points of view, this is a novel about unexpected friendships and finding your inner hero. The suspenseful narrative is infused with humour and hope, while the diverse cast of protagonists are plucky and compelling. Acclaimed Filipino-American author Erin Entrada Kelly has crafted a deeply engaging story that tackles issues of bullying and self-acceptance in a witty, poised manner that young readers will easily connect with.