Fit and Fine...that's our motto.
Eat right, exercise well and stay happy.
This issue of Udgam Matters focusses mainly on some simple yoga aasanas for everyday health, homeopathy for good health and the healthy food options available in our school. You will also find valuable tips to keep school bags light and comfortable, 11 top reasons why you should speak English and how to manage stammering in speech. Find out about the Proactivity Club activities and enrol today.
Read and enjoy Udgam Matters and send your feedback to matters@udgamschool.com
1. JUNE - JULY 2017
UDGAMMatters
Yogaaaaaaah
The
First Day
Page 4 Page 8
What’s new
in the
Canteen?
Page 10
2. 2 UDGAM MATTERSJune-July 2017
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Health is Wealth
- Mrs. Sagarika Sahana
Content Manager
A wise man had said “Health is the
real wealth” and how right he was!
Good health should be cherished
and nurtured and never taken for granted. But most
of us value health only when we are struck by illness.
Instead we should try to be so healthy that we are
almost immune to any kind of ailment. And its not
hard…
The major ingredients of good health are inexpensive
and easy to use. Just remember the three things that
are the keys to good health-
1. Daily exercise
2. Healthy food
3. A positive attitude
We need to take out at least 30 minutes in a day for
exercise. It can be brisk walking, running or jogging, any
outdoor sport, yoga or a visit to the gym.You should be
so used to any kind of physical activity that you will not
be able to end your day without it.
For eating healthy remember the daily five. You need
at least five servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily
basis. Raw fruits give you the daily dose of nutrients
that your body needs. Eat plenty of salads and greens
to keep your immunity levels high.
A positive attitude will keep your mind healthy which in
turn will boost your physical health. Being optimistic,
not brooding over the past, having an open mind and
helping others will go a long way in ensuring health and
happiness.
Read and enjoy another issue of Udgam Matters.
We have tried a few new things in this issue. You
will find articles on Yoga, Counselling, Homeopathy
and the Importance of English. Do participate in the
#spellingmistakes campaign (details on back cover).
Make sure that you have enrolled for the Proactivity
Club activities given on Page 19.
Please send your feedback to
matters@udgamschool.com
Editor : Mrs. Sagarika Sahana
Designer : Chintan Shastri (Creative Grapes)
The First Day of School Page 4-5
Bag weight Page 6
Yoga Page 7-9
DoYou Eat A Healthy Breakfast? Page 10-11
Counsellors atWork Page 12-13
Why Homeopathy Is Good For Children Page 14-15
ISN’TTHAT AMAZING? Page 16
I Speak English. DoYou? Page 17
MeetTheToppers Page 18
ASA and BSA Page 19
Spelling Mistakes Page 20
WHAT’S INSIDE
3. 3 UDGAM MATTERSJune-July 2017
FROM
THE DIRECTOR
Fitness and
Education
Monsoon is a time when the outdoor activities
get reduced and there are a lot of reasons to
fall ill. The months of July and August are very
crucial from health perspective. Children have
to take care about their health so that their
studies don’t get disturbed. Health is one major
reason why students can’t come to school
regularly. Since regular students score better it
is important to attend school everyday.
Few years ago I
had asked a few
parents randomly
about their
plans to improve
their child’s
performance in
studies.They came
out with varied
ideas ranging from
increasing the
child’s study time
to getting special
software to help their child. After which I would
ask about their plan to improve their child’s
health. Not many parents had thought about it.
It was surprising to know that parents usually
focus on academics, talents and hobby classes
and ignore health of their child.
For a child’s well-being nothing is more
important than maintaining health throughout
the school life.A simple way to reduce sick days
is to have regular intake of Vitamin C which
increases immunity. It can be taken naturally by
consuming nimbu-pani or having a citrus fruit.
The important point is that we need to have it
daily. Children get down with cough and cold
and a regular intake of Vitamin C has helped
reduce such incidents substantially.
In monsoon sunlight is also scare and most
adults and children already have Vitamin D
deficiency. It is a good idea to get it tested
and start supplements if needed. Many of the
new age diseases are linked to the long term
deficiency of Vitamin D.
Many children
are underweight
and some are
o v e r w e i g h t .
In the mobile
app “Udgam
Connection” there
is an option to
calculate the BMI
and see whether
the child is falling
in either of the
categories. Even
you can compare with same aged children and
take necessary steps.
Health is a very important part of upbringing
of children and doing regular exercises like
yoga and running can help you and your child
improve their fitness level. Udgam School
is committed to improve the health of its
teachers and children and we take a lot of steps
in this direction. As India is developing it is not
only important that we earn more but we have
a better life too. After all – health is the real
wealth.
Mr. MananChoksi, Executive Director
4. 4 UDGAM MATTERSJune-July 2017
The first day need not be one filled with dread if you and your child are a bit prepared.
Here are a few tried and tested ways to get past the first day of school blues.
First day of school. The older kids are jostling
in and their parents are waving nonchalantly,
seeming to have not a care. And
then there are the new parents.
Worry is written all over their faces although they
are putting up a brave front.
Will my child cry? Will my child make friends? Will
she be able to make it to the toilet on time? Will
the older kids bully him?Will she eat the snack that
I have packed for her? And the biggest question -
Will she be happy in this school? For the newbies
learning is not the main priority. They just want
their child to come out after school with a smile
and be happy to go back the next day.
Be positive
Often, unknowingly, we as parents pass on our
anxieties to our children. Our positive attitude
towards school can work wonders in getting
them through the transition. Being on a hyper
mode is not recommended at all. Be very calm but
enthusiastic about the first day but don’t
overprepare the child in advance. Even
if the first day doesn’t fulfil your
expectations, find things to be
positive about and talk to your
child about them.There are
bound to be a few days
when your child utters
the dreaded words
“Idon’twanttogo
to school today.”
Find motivators
and be ready.
Talk to your child
Do not mention the
school too often but
do bring up the topic
once in a while.
Maybe while
passing
by, say a
few things
about the
school,
before and
after it begins,
to find out
your child’s
concerns.
Listen to her
seriously and
pay heed to the
concerns.You could
have a run through
of situations like
‘what will you do if you cannot locate your
classroom?’ or What will you do if you need to
use the washroom?’ and so on. Role play a few
realistic situations.
Make him independent
Before he starts school, make him as
independent as is possible at his age. Teach
him self care skills like putting on shoes,
visiting the washroom and so on to build
his confidence. Give him more responsibility
at home too. Simple tasks go a long way in
building confidence in young ones. A ‘can
5. 5 UDGAM MATTERSJune-July 2017
do’ attitude will help in settling down in the
new school.
Help her make friends
It is possible that you will know others who are
sending their kids to the same school. Get your
child to bond with them in the intervening period
between admission and actual classes. It may be
a good idea to go to school together on the first
day. Your child will feel more comfortable when
he or she has at least one acquaintance.
The possible downs
A few children cry on the first day of school and
for a few days afterwards too. While this may be
due to a number of reasons, the main cause is
separation anxiety. Most children do not like to
leave their parents, especially the mother as they
have spent most time with the mother since birth
in his or her two year span in this world. Talk to
him when he is calm and explain what fun school
is going to be! Give rewards for not crying and not
clinging. Be firm without being stern as this may
make him cry more. Before school begins it is a
good idea to let the child spend time without the
parent present. The ideal way is getting together
with friends with kids and arranging a set up
wherein all kids spend time in one friend’s house
on a particular day and the system continues.This
will help to deal with separation anxiety and help
him or her t adjust without the parent when he or
she begins school.
It would serve to remember that all children are
not the same. Some settle in quickly while some
others take more time. Do not compare your
child with other kids. If required talk to the child’s
teacher about your concerns. It is likely that your
kid will cling to you in the mornings and you will
have to cold-heartedly wrench yourself from him
and spend a miserable morning fretting over him.
Be assured that the moment you leave the room
he will forget. He might throw up a tantrum again
the next day but these don’t last long. There are
children who do not cry during the first few days
but begin once they realise that school is not
temporary. So be prepared and talk to your child
instead of ignoring issues.
Enjoy school along with your child. Enjoy these
years before your child grows up...
6. 6 June-July 2017 UDGAM MATTERS
Choose a backpack with two wide padded straps and a
padded back for increased comfort. Narrow straps can dig into
shoulder. Single Straps put too much weight on one side of the
body and can cause neck and shoulder strain.
Padded Shraps
Padded back
Make sure
a loaded
backpack
is no more
than 10-15% of your
child’s body weight.
Use a bathroom
scale to double
check.
Distribute the weight
evenly. A waist belt on
the backpack will help
distribute the weight
across the body. Use multiple
compartments to spreads
the load out evenly. put the
heaviest items closest to the
center of the back.
Ensure a
proper fit.
Make sure
your child
uses both straps
and they are
tight enough that
the backpack fits
close to the body.
The backpack
should rest evenly
in the middle of the
back and not sag
below the buttocks
or pull the child
backward.
Make sure your child participates in
active play every day and maintains
a healthy weight. which will help
reduce the risk of muscle strain.
Help your child get
organised. If your
child is carrying an
excessive load, help
her get organised so she
only brings home the books
she needs and isn’t carrying
unnecessary items. Encourage
your child to
use the desk
throughout
the day.
instead of
carrying
everything
with him.
Avoid packs on
wheels. While
this may seem
like a good
idea your child won’t
have to carry it. They are
difficults to use on
stairs and in the
monsoon.
8. 8 UDGAM MATTERSJune-July 2017
yogaAhelpfultool
forapositiveimpact
onchildren
Children deal with many
distractions, temptations,
overstimulation and peer
pressure. Schools are challenged
to do more with less and be
creative in how they reach even
the most isolated child.
Yoga is a helpful tool that
can have a positive impact on
children. Udgam School has been
propagatingYogathroughregular
classes for students since last two
decades. This was much before
Yoga was accepted worldwide as
one of the best forms of exercise
for the mind and the body.
Yoga helps kids to:
• Develop body awareness
• Learn how to use their
bodies in a healthy way
• Manage stress through
breathing, awareness,
meditation and healthy
movement
• Build concentration
• Increase their confidence and
positive self-image
• Feel part of a healthy, non-
competitive group
• Have an alternative to
tuning out from constant
attachment to electronic
devices
Here’s what children can expect
to learn from doing yoga:
1. Awareness of the breath
Breathing exercises can energize
kids or encourage relaxation,
depending on what you teach.
Different games and techniques
help kids connect to how their
bodies feel as a result of deep
breathing. Focus increases, as
does their breathing and lung
capacity. Stress is naturally
reduced and healthy hormones
are released.
2. Strengthening and energizing
Kids think that yoga is great for
stretching, but doesn’t build
strength. It’s important for a
teacher to include conversations,
as well as exercises around
how helpful yoga is for building
strength. Talking about the
different muscles used in poses
and incorporating games and
sequences will help build strength
as well as body awareness
and coordination. Bodies that
are strong digest food better,
maintain a healthy weight and
can support the stress of carrying
heavy loads, like a backpack.
Bodies will also breathe better,
work more efficiently and protect
the more fragile joints.
3. Balancing
Balancing poses teach children
that with increased focus, you
can increase attention naturally,
even in kids who struggle with
different attention challenges.
Poses and games focused on
balancing skills, develop an
intrinsic strength, evoke a
meditative feeling, and promote
stillness and quieting of the mind.
This can help kids deal with the
stress of living in a chaotic world
where constant stimulation is a
regular part of life.
4. Stretching and lengthening
It’s great for kids to be strong,
but a body that’s only based on
strength has no way to yield
under pressure. Strong muscles
without accompanying flexibility
can’t move quickly, pulling on
bones and joints. Yoga poses
stretch muscles and through
integrating breathing and
movement, muscles become
warm and become more flexible.
They can yield when they need
to, and support tender joints in a
more functional way.
5. Awareness and focus
Yoga helps create awareness in
the body through deep breathing
and movement. It gives kids
9. UDGAM MATTERS9 June-July 2017
a way to express themselves, build a strong
connection between what they hear and what they
do. Children that have healthy body awareness are
more confident and strong, have better posture,
breathe better and have a sense of quiet strength.
6. Flowing, connecting and integrating
When we string poses together, we give kids a taste
of what it means to move with ease. It also helps
them build the awareness that all our movements
are a series of coordinated efforts between
muscles, bones, joints and nerves. Older kids are
more able to isolate different muscle groups and
get more sophisticated about movements; things
like keeping the arms lifted inWarrior 1, while at the
same time, dropping the shoulders to relax them.
All these things together increase a child’s sense
feeling integrated.
7. Meditation and relaxation
Yoga is meditative by nature. So whether a child is
holding a balancing posture, sitting in meditation
or moving through a series of poses, there’s going
to be a calming, soothing quality. Giving younger
kids something to do as they rest on their mats will
help with their attention, such as suggesting they
think of a favorite color or toy. Older kids will find it
easier to rest longer with less structure.
There are lots of tools you can use to teach
yoga to children.The young ones like games,
doing poses from yoga books for children
and singing songs with big, expressive
movements. Older children love to create
their own poses, be challenged by balancing
and learn about the muscles and other
aspects of anatomy.
10. 10 UDGAM MATTERSJune-July 2017
DO YOU EAT A
HEALTHY BREAKFAST?
WHY YOU SHOULD EAT BREAKFAST?
Many children wake up just in time to take a shower, get dressed and rush to school. In the process
they avoid a very important part of the day, the daily breakfast!
Breakfast, as the name suggests, breaks the fast that the body adopts after dinner for about 10-12
hours. Like fuel in your car, breakfast provides the fuel you need to take on the challenges of your
day. Breakfast powers up your body and your brain and reduces the risk of weight gain.
BREAKFAST is often described as the most important meal of the day and is believed to aid student’s
performance while helping them to concentrate better in class. A healthy breakfast also helps in
weight management and reduces possibility of obesity in children.
Improved concentration:
Research has proved that eating a healthy breakfast improves attention and overall academic
performance in students.Those who ate breakfast every day had better concentration, attention,
memory and academic achievement than those who skipped breakfast.
11. June-July 2017
Weight Control:
Breakfast helps you maintain a healthy weight by reducing hunger later in the day. Skipping meals
has been shown to lead to overeating at snack time or lunchtime as hunger gets the best of you.
Additionally, the prolonged fast that occurs when you skip your morning meal increases the risk of
obesity.
Overall Health:
Starting your day with a nutritious, healthy meal lays the foundation for healthy habits. Eating a
nutritious breakfast also gives you more energy. Skipping breakfast is associated with decreased
physical activity and feelings of tiredness. When you have the energy to be active, you’re more likely
to be fit and healthy.
Whattameal:
Parents can now order Nutritious Meal “Online”, which
will be delivered directly to the school during Break time.
Parents can also check the daily Menu on theWebsite.
Subscribe for Meals on - Daily, Weekly, 30 days basis on
www.whattameal.com or by calling. Parents can also check the
Daily Menu: www.whattameal.com/menu
School Cafeteria:
Udgam School has a proper cafeteria that serves hot and fresh food at reduced rates.
There is an array of dishes to choose from that have been prepared keeping the age group
of the students in mind.The menu has a good variety with items that children like to eat.
Students can pay and eat at the open and spacious canteen area.
12. 12 UDGAM MATTERSJune-July 2017
A nervous mother visited me
in the month of December,
almost in tears as her
4-year-old son had started
stuttering and was very
irritable and cranky. His
teachers were also worried
about his aggression in
class.
I strongly believe in reaching
therootcauseoftheproblem
to solve it. On history taking
she revealed she conceived
after 11 years of marriage,
had a stressful pregnancy
physically and mentally. She
underwent hormonal treatment
and was advised bedrest. She
was irritable and depressed
throughout pregnancy. Family
life was disturbed.
At school his teachers revealed
that he was very aggressive
with peer, and did not follow
instructions. Speech was
unclear, and hence he was
unable to communicate.
Parentwerecalledforcounseling
session, appointment was
givenaspertheirconvenient
time. After the session,
it was very clear the
couple had differences
of opinion, fisticuffs
on a daily basis,
resulting in fear and
insecurity in their son.
It was essential to bring
them out of this rocky
situation to see results
in their son. The couple
was called on a monthly
basis for further counseling.
Parent were asked to respect
each other. To speak clearly and
slowly when talking to their son.
Give him time to speak for
himself to finish his thoughts
and sentences.
Maintain natural eye contact
with him.
Whenever he stammers
encourage in activities that does
not require lot of talking.
Teachers were also asked to
address him personally with eye
contact and clear and slow
speech.
Review in Jan
School: He did not stammer
at all. Aggression had
reduced.
Home: He would stammer
on few occasions only.
Review in Feb
School: He had become
confident. No stammering. He
participated in a fancy dress
competition and narrated a
few lines without hesitation on
stage. Signs of aggression had
disappeared.
Review in March
Parents visited this time only to
express their gratitude for the
support they got. Their child
was cheerful and confident.
Moreover, they had started
enjoying their life in a true
manner.
We need to respect each other
in all aspects of life. We
spend most of our
time trying to change
our partner, which is
most difficult. Easier
is to change ourselves
and everything around
us will be perfect.
Dr. ANJANA DONGRE
Counsellor- Pre-primary Section
Stammering in children may have deep-seated reasons
Counsellors at Work
13. 13 UDGAM MATTERSJune-July 2017
Experts agree that most children who stutter benefit from taking time to speak at a rate that promotes
fluency.These guidelines represent a number of ways that adults can help.
7 TIPS FOR TALKING
TO YOUR CHILD
1. Reduce the pace: Speak with your child
in an unhurried way, pausing frequently.
Wait a few seconds after your child finishes
before you begin to speak.Your own
relaxed speech will be far more effective
than any advice such as ‘slow down’ or ‘try
again slowly’.
2. Listen fully:Try to increase those times
that you give your child undivided
attention and are really listening.
However, this does not mean dropping
everything every time she speaks.
3. Ask questions: Asking questions is a normal
part of life- but try to resist asking too
many at a time.
4. Take turns: Help all members of the family
take turns talking and listening. Children
find it easier to talk when there are fewer
interruptions.
5. Build confidence: Use descriptive phrases to
build confidence. Say things like ‘I like the
way you picked up toys’ rather than ‘that’s
great’. Don’t focus on praising speaking
skills alone.
6. Spend time together: Set aside some
minute of your day when you can simply
spend some time with your child.
This can be a great confidence builder.
7. Follow normal rules: Do not treat the
child who stutters differently from
others.Treat him or her normally.
14. 14 UDGAM MATTERSJune-July 2017
WHY HOMEOPATHY IS GOOD FOR CHILDREN
Homeopathy is scientific, logical, safe,
quick and extremely effective method of
healing. It offers long lasting to permanent
cure, treating the disease from its roots.
Homeopathy is one of the most rational
sciences with respect to its concepts of
health, disease and cure. Homeopathy does
not treat superficially by just driving away the
symptoms but heals the patient from within.
It is recognized as one of the best cures for
children of all ages.
1
Homeopathy is
Safe:
A medicine that is administered
to children should be free from harmful
side effects. Homeopathy medicines
are prepared from herbs and minerals in
very minute doses so they are 100% non-
toxic and have no adverse effects. Unlike
antibiotics and other such medicine,
homeopathic pills do not hamper
digestion; does not lower resistance
power; does not produce allergy
and does not harm even if
taken for long-term.
Homeopathy is Effective and QuickTreatment:
Children are more responsive to homeopathy as they are more sensitive. Homeopathy
is extremely effective for practically all sorts of complaints occurring in children.There
is a general misbelief that this type of treatment is slow. Homeopathy is quick acting
and brings back the healthy state in the quickest possible manner; be it fever, cough-
cold, diarrhea, asthma, etc.
2
15. UDGAM MATTERS15 June-July 2017
Homeopathy builds Body Resistance:
Children often have recurring infection due to lowered resistance power. Homeopathic treatment
being based on thetreats the disease at the root level, hence enhancing the defense power of the child.
As a result, the child does not fall sick frequently.
4
5
Homeopathy builds Body Resistance:
Homeopathy pills being sweet in taste, is accepted with pleasure by children. They
are never bitter, cause no nauseating feeling and kids do not make fuss while taking
homeopathic medicines. It is so easy to take that children don’t mind taking them at all.
Udgam School has homeopathy clinics at both the campuses. Anubhuti
Homeopathy Clinic is run by the KJCTTrust and able doctors diagnose the
children and administer medicines. Even parents and family members can
avail of this facility in school at low costs.
Homeopathy is Scientific and Natural:
Homeopathy is based on Nature’s principle of cure, namely LikeCures Like (The Law of Similars).The
efficacy of homeopathy can be scientifically checked and positive results can be reproduced over and again.
It works on solid and scientific principles.
3
16. UDGAM MATTERS16 June-July 2017
ISN’T THAT AMAZING?!
13 FACTS ABOUT THE HUMAN BODY
The Human Body is a wonder made up of bones, flesh, nerves, organs, hair and so much more.
It is strange that there are so many amazing things about our own body that we are unaware of.
1.The number of bacteria in a person’s mouth is equal to
the number of people living
2. Over the course of just one day, our blood ’runs’ the distance
of 19,312 kilometers.
3.The total length of all the nerves in the
human body is 75 kilometers.
4. A human makes approximately 20,000 breaths per day.
5. Almost all people in the world have special mites on their
eyelashes called demodex.
6. A human eye can distinguish up to
10 million different colors.
But our brain can’t remember all of them.
7. Our ears keep on growing throughout
our lives with almost unbelievable speed —
a quarter of a millimeter per year!
8.The heart beats 35 million times a year.
Yes, 35 million. A year!
9. Every day, the human body loses about one million skin cells —
that amounts to 2 kilos every year.
10. A human spends about five years of their life blinking. Fortunately,
we can do many other things simultaneously!
11. 100,000 chemical reactions occur every second in our brain.
12.The speed of your sneeze is 160 km/h.
13. Smiling triggers 17 muscles of the face while crying
activates 43 So smile more!
Read and learn about some amazing
facts about the Human Body.
17. UDGAM MATTERS17 June-July 2017
11 TOP REASONS tO LEArN ENGlISH
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
I SPEAK ENGLISH. DOYOU?
English is the most commonly
spoken language in the world.
One out of five people can speak
or at least understand English!
English is the official language
of 53 countries.That is a lot of
people to meet and speak to.
English is also the language of
the Internet. Many websites
are written in English – you will
be able to understand them
and to take part in forums and
discussions.
English is spoken as a first
language by around 400 million
people around the world.
English is based on a simple
alphabet and it is fairly quick
and easy to learn compared
to other languages.
Since English is spoken in so many different
countries there are thousands of schools around
the world that offer programmes in English. If
you speak English, there’re lots of opportunities
for you to find an appropriate school and course
to suit your academic needs.
English is not only useful — it
gives you a lot of satisfaction.
Making progress feels great.You
will enjoy learning English, if
you remember that every hour
you spend gets you closer to
perfection.
Because it’s fun! By learning English, you will
also learn about other cultures. Few experiences
will make you grow as a person more than
learning the values, habits and way of life in a
culture that is different from yours.
English is the language
of science, of aviation,
computers, diplomacy, and
tourism.
Knowing English increases your
chances of getting a good job in
a multinational company within
your home country or of finding
work abroad.
English is the language of the
media industry. If you speak
English, you won’t need to rely on
translations and subtitles anymore
to enjoy your favorite books,
songs, films andTV shows.
18. MEET THE TOPPERS
SANYA A JAGNANI
96 %
MITALI M BANSAL
95.6 %
PRATIK N AGARWAL
95.4 %
KHWAHISH P SETHIA
95.4 %
BHAVNISH P CHHABDA
95.4 %
JAIDEV N SHAH
95.6 %
NIHAR T PATEL
96.2 %
RADHIKA A MATHURIA
95.8 %
RISHI P TEKRIWAL
95.2 %
NISARG D SHAH
95 %
CLASS 12 SCIENCE TOPPERS
CLASS 12 COMMERCE TOPPERS
CLASS 12 HUMANITIES TOPPERS
PUNYA V CHHAJER
89.8 %
HET D KAPADNEKAR
88.6 %
URMILA C KESWANI
94.4 %
NANDINI SUNIL KHEMANI
93.8 %
KAIZ PARVIZ BATADA
86.8 %
20. Join Udgam
Spotthe Spelling Mistakes
Campaign!
1. Click a picture of any error in English
2. Post it on your Facebook wall with the hashtag #spellingmistakes
and make the post ‘Public’ in your privacy settings
3. OR send the picture to matters@udgamschool.com with your name
4.Win exciting prizes