RIDGE VALLEY SCHOOL The Ridgeian March 2017 Emissaries of Change in Tech Times Inside this issue: Ridge Valley School, a pioneer in innovative education, has always been involved in using cutting edge technology to teach strategies and enhance students learning. The school uses ICT to enrich and support learning of each child as knowledge cannot be confined to textbooks. We are part of a world where education goes beyond school books and so we must leave no stone unturned to educate our students in all areas. Ridge Valley is one of the few schools in the world which became the Microsoft showcase school in the year 2016-17. Technology being an integral part of learning- teaching process, it helps facilitators and students here, to use multiple ways in acquiring knowledge. On the 21 st of March, The Vice President, Public Sector at Microsoft Asia, Mr. Stefan Sjoestroem visited Ridge Valley to understand how facilitators and students here, are using various MS tools innovatively to enhance and enrich their schooling. Students greeted the MS Team by showcasing their learning of office 365 and other technology tools. Adventure Trips 2 Tiny Tots Corner 8 Literacy Corner 11 Numeracy Corner 15 UOW Corner 18 Grade 6 presented their Sway Presentation skills for an integrated project, while Grade 4 participated in a Kahoot Quiz on Social Science. In the process of learning students discovered various unique features of KAHOOT such as forming a class of students, generation of students responses in the form of graphs and more. Grade 7, on the other hand, used Office Forms to fill in their student council nominations. This was followed by a session where the SEN students demonstrated their learning of One Note Online Tools. Changing times keep the tides fresh and rich. Another feather in the cap for students of Ridge Valley.
P A G E 2 RVS Events Tales from Himalayan Adventures As part of their educational trip, Grade 5 and 6 embarked upon a journey on the 16 th of March to the Himalayan Adventure Camp. After a long but exciting train journey, children were greeted at the venue with thrilling stories of the camp director who holds the record crossing the 5000Km Himalayan range and rafting through Brahmaputra river. Around evening, kids were grouped in two teams ( Anonymous and Adventurers ) and participated in various team building activities. The mountain ranges found Ridge Valley students enthusiastically participate in various activities to score for their teams. With lessons in scouts practices and numerous knots, the day ended with a round of Musical Chair followed by dinner and finally lights out. Second day in the journey allowed children a lesson in Hydel Power at grass root level for sustainable development. Another trip to the Water Wheel explained the process of grinding flour. With breakfast kicking in, children geared up for the adventure and went for another trek to river crossing and rappelling. This day witnessed children motivating each other while rappelling to help overcome their inhibitions and fear while helping others the same. Another few adventures on the row were artificial wall climbing and Rope Course followed by exciting Star gazing and observation of the constellations. On the following day, Ridge Valley Students travelled onwards to Happy Valley after donating an English Story Book to resident students. Children experienced a lush green surroundings and fresh mountain breeze while on the way to the highest point over the valley. On the cliff was situated the Shedup Choephelling: the 1st Tibetan shrine to be built in India with a breathtaking view and consecrated by The Dalai Lama himself. Evening at camp was filled with laughter with RVS Talent Show ongoing. After an entertaining performance by all, children gathered around the camp fire post dinner to enjoy music with dance, fun and popcorns with lollypops and marshmallows. On last day of the camp, after having an early breakfast, everyone gathered for team building activities such as Boat Race and Knot Making Competition. This was followed by demonstration of a mock rescue operation by trainers allowing students to practically perform the same on their peers. A group photograph, in the end, summed up the element of challenge and fun children encountered every step of the way, on this trip and will relish it for years to come.
P A G E 3 RVS Events To The Land of The Beast, Amidst The Cold Winds, Beneath The Starry Sky On the 25 th of March at wee hours, a batch of thirty odd students from Grade 7,8 and 9 along with a band of three teachers made way to the lands of Royal Stripes on the majestic engines fueled by Indian Railways. Once settled in these bubbling bundles of energy couldn t help but let the entire boggy come alive with youthful spirits. With train travel ending at Kathgodam, Ridge Valley climbed onto a bus that trailed its way through the majestic mountain roads, taking in the welcoming winds to reach a beautifully regal resort at the heart of a hill, Wild Crest Resort. Post lunch and a quick shower, the gang was ready for evening games and many team building activities which helped them understand their strengths and weaknesses along with the mental state that is required to function as part of a team. By night fall children decided to join the pool party and cannon balls were seen flying off into the air splashing water as high as they could. In addition to be fun, children learned many values like helping and trusting mates in a changing environment. Before dawn next day, young Ridgeans were in their Jeeps ready to traverse through the trails only used by the most fearsome creature known to the wild lands of Jim Corbet. Out of the many things that children noticed, the most peculiar was how the entire jungle makes desperate calls to each other once they have sighted the predator on prowl. This unique experience made everyone feel how far and deep they are in the territory of a creature that clearly dominates anything in the large vicinity of its mighty foot prints. While some saw the beast right across just feet away from their vehicle others scanned the footprints and many heard that formidable roar. With the thrill and fear still coursing through their veins our band of young champions returned to the resort and after a quick meal, went ahead to interact with nearby villagers to understand the beauty of a simple life. With lessons learnt and Good byes signed off, children were now set for the next phase of their journey to the hilltop at Himalayan Ojaswi Resort. Stay at the resort was breathtakingly majestic not just because of the comfort and luxury but simply because at no point could you, with even conscious effort, ignore the presence of the mighty white peaks of the HIMALAYAS standing proud breaking past the ceiling of clouds with the unmistakable Royalty it commands by its mere presence from even miles away. Same day after lunch, it was time to gear up and trek over to the ranges and conquer the underlying fear beating deep within your heart with numerous adventure sports like Rock climbing, Flying Fox, Rappelling and archery. The night back at resort was fun filled with music and dance around a bonfire on the high grounds amidst cold winds. With songs sung, stories told and retold, it was time to say good bye to the beautiful mountain nights and brave mornings that kept us company on an adventure that taught us another side of life worth living for all its worth.
P A G E 4 RVS Events Sasriska and Beyond The excitement on children s face from Grade 3 and 4 was palpable even before the actual day of departure. The 17 th saw the students reaching the school well in time despite the early hours. We started off on a positive note at 6:20AM with an excited bunch of children chattering like the morning magpies. After the breakfast halt at Bikanervala, the journey ahead commenced with children singing songs and happily chattering with their friends. Upon reaching Sariska, the students were assigned tents which were clean, roomy and air conditioned. Settling down was followed by lunch. After which, children played some team building games with the organizing team. This was followed by a visit to organic farms and a trek up a hill. Students were told names and uses of common plants and bird species visible all over. It took 2 hours to complete the trek and come back to base. Children were tired and refreshed themselves with evening snacks. Dusk had set in by then and the stargazing program was kick started with an orientation on the night sky and accustoming their eyes to the darkness. Telescopes were set up and the students looked at nebulae, pole star and many constellations. This was followed by a Rajasthani cultural program where the children thoroughly enjoyed dancing to the folk music. Later at night they were shown Jupiter and its satellites which became the high point of the night. The day started early next morning with a 5AM wake up call. Despite the fatigue and rush of past memories, children were up in a single call as excitement of the Jungle Safari overcame their lethargy. Children freshened up with milk and cookies and got ready for the safari to the Sariska National Park in an open truck. The crisp, cool morning was refreshing, welcomed us to the forest area, where we spotted a lot of Sambars, Spotted Deers and peacocks along with a clever little fox and many varieties of beautiful birds. The excitement was clearly evident when we thought we might spot a leopard, but Alas! it was not meant to be. The fun filled four hours of excursion ended with a grand feast. The organizers launched a symbolic rocket with water pressure. A team photo thereafter allowed us to thank the organizing team before leaving Sariska.
P A G E 5 RVS Events My Not So French Family French learners in march, learnt the concept of possessive adjectives and used them effectively through a pictorial description of their family and drew their family tree. It was a colourful mélange of learning, skill and fun filled enthusiasm. Memoirs from Grade 5 Primary School leaving behind an account of all they have learnt in the academic session 2016-17 in Grade 5.
P A G E 6 RVS Events Grade 5 Valedictory Ceremony We the students of 2016-17 batch of Grade 5 are a powerhouse of innovation and creativity. We push boundaries to make this world a better place, even in small ways. "Always remember where you came from and always remember where you are going", Ridge Valley wishing the best to the latest members of Middle School.
P A G E 7 RVS Events Amigos Finals 2016-17 In order to develop collaborative skills and critical thinking Grade 4 and 5 were subjected to interesting ways of learning through a competitive quizzing sport organized by the Discovery Club. The Amigos Finals on March 7 2017, had numerous categories including Inkling, Activated, Tangram Twisters and Word Champ testing children on their creativity, writing skills, analytical skills, theatrics along with vocabulary and spellings. Last of the Amigos from academic session 2016-17 left behind smiling memories twinkling with aspirations for the next.
P A G E 10 A Glimpse Into the world of our tiny tots Concept of Spring Arrival with Holi Celebration The tiny tots animatedly talked about how the leaves and flowers are all around us and it s getting warmer. They spoke about the fun festival that says Hello to Summer and Bye to Winter. All these activities helped them to understand the arrival of Spring as well as to know about the colourful Holi festival, playing with flowers and some water in their painted bottle pichkaris. They drew reflections which enhanced their communication skills, fine, gross motor skills, social skills and their imagination. Grandparents Day Celebration The children welcomed their grandparents with song and dance and a variety of activities in their classes. Playing bingo with letters and numbers, making fruit salads, art decoration, clicking pictures were some of the activities they all did together with love and laughter all around.
P A G E 11 A Day at the Scholastic Book Exhibition The Children were excited to browse through the books displayed. They chose books which they would like their parents to buy for them and were thrilled to take the book list home. They also wrote their own stories and displayed them on a wall rack! Class Party on the Last Day The session ended with a class party as the little ones sat together and shared the snacks brought from their homes. They danced to the music and played party games like dancing statue, also shared their feelings as to what all they are going to miss in Nursery class. The day was fun as the teachers and peers all sat together for a sumptuous tuck in.
P A G E 12 As we grow, we learn to blend together The children were each given a blending sound (cl, fl, bl etc.) and they drew and coloured pictures of words from the blend. They were then encouraged to weave a short story around the words. Young Artists Grade I children mesmerized everyone by their creativity and imagination. They painted scenic landscapes showcasing their love for nature.
P A G E 11 Playing Our Roles Grade 2 children tried to do a role play on the situation- Your friend has bought a new bicycle. How do you feel? What will you do? Your reaction to your friend? Your attitude at home towards your parents? Will you request them or fight with them? (This was in relation to the chapter The Two Sculptors ) The objective of the act was to expose students to different viewpoints or ways of thinking about a situation, expand their ability to resolve situations and provide experience within a given context.. I Wish For... Grade 3 read a story about how some make-believe characters come to life when we really wish hard. They drew one such make-believe character of their own and spoke about why they would want that character to come to life. They also read a poem and recited it in class.
P A G E 12 म सम आए, म सम ज ए द सर कक ष क बच च म सम स ज ड़ ज क र द त ह ए रच त मक ल ख ककय म न पढ़ कह न - पढ़ ह ई कह न य स व न न प त र क अन य करत द सर कक ष क बच च
P A G E 13 ख ल ख ल म - च थ कक ष क व द य नथ य क क छ म ह र नचत र- स क त क स थ कदए गए व द य नथ य अप ब व -क शल क बल पर उ म ह र क सह र प नलख त सर कक ष क व द य नथ य स पय य च शब द क अभ य स कर य गय क ष क पत त म क छ नलख उ क नलए एक मज़ द र क म थ प च कक ष क बच च अप स ल र क खट ट -म ठ अ स झ ककए
P A G E 14 कक ष क बच च हरर श र य बच च क ज नलख
P A G E 15 Fraction Scenery Grade 2 children made sceneries using fractions. They depicted various scenes by cutting fractions of colourful origami sheets. Fraction Kites Grade 3 children made colourful fraction kites wherein they coloured the 5 by 5 grid using 5-6 different colours and noted down the fraction of each colour.
P A G E 16 Measurement is Fun Grade 4 children measured ribbons with a scale and then used those ribbons to depict sceneries on an A4 sheet. Sailing Our Boats Grade 3 children learned to make paper boats with the help of a rectangular as well as square piece of paper. They even made a smaller boat with the 1/4 th size of the square paper. The objective of the activity was: To identify things taller and shorter than any given object. To make comparisons and estimations.
P A G E 17 Measuring Tables Grade 3 children measured their tables with the help of a matchbox. The objective was to record their observations and develop data handling skills.
P A G E 18 Searching For Homes Grade 3 children looked for houses of animals/birds/insects in the school field. The objective was: To recognize and enlist different types of houses of birds/animals/insects. To identify and state different materials these birds/animals/insects used to make a house. Budding Scientists Grade-2 children learned about famous Scientists and their Inventions. They then performed their own experiments in class.
P A G E 19 Indus Valley Civilisation Students of Grade 3 learned about the Indus Valley Civilization. They saw videos and read books to understand the life, culture, town planning and other highlights of the Indus Valley Civilization. They got waste material from home like empty shoe boxes, cardboard, cans, ribbons etc to make models of Clay carts used as toys, a Well made of bricks etc. The children also explained about the significance of each model in those times. State-Wise Students of grade 4 did a project on different states of India. They worked in pairs to create charts and spectacular models of monuments and places of interest such as Maharashtra s Gateway of India using an old cardboard box or a creative model of the Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
P A G E 20 Food We Eat Students of Grade 4 learnt about Food and how it reaches our stomach. They did various experiments such as: Testing for the presence of starch in different food samples, using Iodine. Making models of esophagus and stomach (using a polybag and a banana) and observed the movement of food through them. For A Different Cause Students of grade 4 actively took part in the activities organized for the National Science day. They made a robotics model which would be helpful in leading a better life for differently abled people.
1.8/(3-(8/3)) 2. A stamp P A G E 21 Earth s Neighbors With the ongoing lesson on Earth s Neighbors, students of Grade 5: Made craters of moon, using sand and marbles. Made model of solar system, using balls of different sizes. Explained different planets, comets, and asteroids using power point. Conducted a role play to present how day and night occurs. Puzzler Guzzler 1. How can I get the answer 24 by only using the numbers 8,8,3,3. You can use add, subtract, multiply, and divide 2. What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?