Curriculum and Pedagogy:
Every child can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way.
As educators, we believe in the process of self- discovery and learning, thereby honing individuality and uniqueness in each child. The focus is laid on creating awareness in students, providing them with experiences that they could apply to real-life situations and make informed choices. The Early Primary Curriculum endorses the focus of National Education Policy (NEP) on foundational literacy of formative years and aims at enriching a joyous vibrant space for our children to enquire, explore and discover their surroundings through various experiential play-way activities. Our team of dynamic and highly committed teachers strive to foster innate curiosity in children through concrete hands-on experiences which occur in contexts that take the shape of 'Themes'.
Our visually appealing, thematic and integrated curriculum follows a step-by-step sequential progression, with real life applications and adequate challenges. These experiential units of subjects are integrated not only academically, diminishing the subject boundaries but also with the co-curricular activities which enables learning beyond the boundaries of isolated topics.
Learning is enriched with a number of activities such as drama, storytelling, poetry, dance, music, IT modules, discussions and a wide range of creative hands-on activities.
‘Discovering India’ Project: Early Explorers:
To familiarize our young students with our country’s rich culture and infuse the feelings of pride and patriotism in them, the students are taken on a journey, through a story, with James and Radhika as the main protagonists, across different states of India. From the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, from arid deserts to snowy mountains, the children undertake this journey with fun-filled activity-based learning. They enjoy well-designed informative PPTs with details about various states, and participate in enthralling hands-on activities.
Each month, the learners explore a different state and learn about its important places, people, food, art, music, dance, artifacts, and culture. The learning is further strengthened through the assembly, where the state of the month is being showcased. This will help them develop a better understanding of their country and learn to respect and value its rich cultural heritage.
Eureka-lab/STEM Activity: Ignited Minds:
The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark. - Thomas Paine
STEM activities develop the ability to visualize with the mind's eye and enhance the problem solving skills in children, thereby helping them to develop new ways of thinking by breaking up big problems into smaller steps. A fully equipped Spatial Intelligence and Coding Lab, aptly named Eureka provides the platform to enhance critical thinking skills and build the STEM capabilities of our children. Several ‘learning with fun’ activities are being conducted which help in cognitive, sensory and emotional development of our little Lotusians. Trudie 3D, Link and Lace, Knuperferli, Coding the Mouse etc. are the tools used, which foster designing, making, testing and discovering skills in the children through play-way method.
Art & Craft
Art is as natural as sunshine and as vital as nourishment. - Mary Ann F. Kohl
Children learn to think critically and develop a fine understanding of art and design. Our little artists are provided guidance, direction and opportunity to create their own masterpiece on various topics. They learn to make compositions by putting a variety of things together. They also learn to create colorful marvels of craftwork related to the festivals of our country. The emphasis is laid on equipping our children with basic skills to develop an appreciation of the arts and aesthetics.
Music and Dance
Everything in the universe has rhythm. Everything dances. - Maya Angelou
Performing Arts offers unparalleled opportunities for the development of the imagination, sensitivity and inventiveness in the children; which are all essential elements in a balanced curriculum.
To foster love and appreciation for music, dance and rhythm and to nurture the artistic qualities of our budding artists; music and dance classes are an integral part of the curriculum. Be it Indian or Western, our children enjoy their music and dance classes and learn the art of self-expression. These sessions provide a means for personal expression, inspire participation, develop social-skills through creative teamwork and broaden attitudes towards the arts. Moreover, children love having gala time with their friends while staying happy, focused and energetic.
ICT E-nnovators
Technology permeates all facets of student life at our school. At the primary level, technology education is integrated with the curriculum to make it a seamless learning experience. A well-equipped computer lab offers one-on-one computer access to our children, where they explore the use of technology through multimedia. Children not only learn about Tux Typing, WordPad, but also enjoy Educational Games and drawing on Tux Paint.
Physical Education: Practice Like A Champion
“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.”
Physical Education builds self-discipline, confidence and good habits. Children enjoy structured as well as free play in their PE periods. The activities are planned and designed to develop & enhance skills like speed, endurance, flexibility and control. Children are informed about their body parts and muscle development while doing free-hand exercises, playing dodge ball, basketball, football etc., along with the knowledge of the game. These activities play a vital role in inculcating self-discipline and teamwork at an early stage. The intensively and thoughtfully designed activities also teach our children to respect good health, physical strength and a sense of balance in day-to-day life.
Sports: Our young learners of Class II get an opportunity to choose and practice a specialized Sport of their choice, apart from the regular Physical Education classes. The school offers a wide range of Sports to choose from, including Aerobics/ Athletic, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Golf, Swimming, Gymnastics, Taekwondo, Tennis, Skating and Table Tennis.
Yoga: Relax, Replenish and Revive
Yoga promotes mindfulness in children by creating awareness of both the physical body and emotional self. It not only helps in boosting their memory but also improves the attention span, enhances flexibility and encourages self-love and self-care. With the aim to calm the mind, instil a feeling of gratitude and encourage physical fitness, children practice 'Yogasanas' every day to remain agile and fit. They learn Surya Namaskar for better concentration and focus, Laughter Yoga to boost immune system, asanas for good digestion, asanas related to plants like Tadasana and Vrikshasana to boost blood circulation etc. for rejuvenation of the mind and body.
Brain Gym:
A healthy mind lives in a healthy body.
Brain gym is a set of movements that target and stimulate the brain of a child to help reach her/his full intellectual potential. These physical movements are introduced to develop an integrated and coordinated approach to learning using not only cognition but also physical and sensory skills. Children are engaged in Brain Gym exercises each morning which helps in improving their concentration span and memory. Children not only like to do all the exercises but also take keen interest in knowing and understanding the benefits of various exercises.
Reading Program: Read, Lead and Succeed
Reading with fluency and comprehension helps children build the critical foundational skills they need to become lifelong learners. To cultivate enthusiasm for reading and enhance the reading skills of our children, various immersive, interactive and fun activities are planned to provide better understanding of the building blocks of the oral and written language.
- Class Library: In order to make our children happy readers, various activities are organized to develop and strengthen their reading skills. Children are also provided age-appropriate reading material as a part of class library.
- ‘Big-Book’ Program: Stories play a vital role in the growth and development of children. The books they read and the characters they get to know can become like friends. Considering the importance of story-telling and ‘read aloud’, our young learners enjoy listening to interesting stories throughout the year as a part of ‘Big Book Program’. It gives a spark to their imagination and stimulates their curiosity.
- Word of the Day: With the aim of building word smart kids, a new word is introduced to the children on a daily basis; its meaning is explained and is being used by the teacher many times throughout the day. The parents and children are encouraged to use the same at home too.
- Songs and poems that are fun to sing are a part of curriculum, to let the children enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the languages
- Concept development and vocabulary-building lessons through videos and slideshows help us in reaching out to our diverse learners
Tree Plantation Drive: Think Green, Live Green
Rightly said by Mahatma Gandhi-‘An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching’. Recognizing the key role that the future generations play in arching the way towards a ‘Green India’ and to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a ‘Tree Plantation Drive’ was conducted on 17th September, 2018. The students enthusiastically participated in planting 200 saplings of neem and pilkhan with their parents and teachers with an aim of creating a ‘Mini Forest’, just outside the school. The saplings have grown into young trees and we have a green stretch of land outside the school.
Fitkid: Commit To Be Fit
FitKid is the School’s nutrition and health program that creates awareness and empowers our children of Class I with the right judgment to 'eat right and stay bright'. Every Fitkid session is aligned to a particular theme which promotes the healthy eating habits amongst the children. Various fun-filled activities are being conducted in which the children are enlightened about the source of various food items and how they are grown. Children are introduced to the sequence of some exercises in the form of fun dance- Arn-O-Bix, to sensitize the children with eye, brain and body coordination.
Annual Day Celebrations: Lights, Camera, Action.
With a spring in their step and enthusiasm abound, our young Lotusians of Classes I and II proudly showcased their multifaceted talent in the Annual Cultural Fiesta, 'Rang Tarang - Kyunki har rang kuch kehta hai,' on October 5th and 6th, 2023.
The event was graced by esteemed Chief Guests, Educationist Ms. Rita Sen, on the first day and Ms. Anupa Sidhu, Director, Lady Irwin College and our Vice Chairpersons, Ms. Sureena Uppal and Ms. Jaspreet Kaur on the second day. The festivities began with the traditional lighting of the lamp to seek divine blessings followed by a warm welcome by our enthusiastic little ones. The Welcome Song, 'Fusion Fiesta' infused positive energy into the atmosphere, setting the stage for a memorable event. Dr. Ruchi Seth, the Director Principal, extended a warm welcome to all present.
The ‘Glimpses’ of the activities and events conducted over the session were portrayed in the most innovative manner by none other than the children themselves. They eloquently displayed their own journey of learning at school .
This year's Annual Cultural Fiesta aimed to foster love and respect for India, a culturally diverse nation. It celebrated the unity in diversity that defines India, symbolised by seven colours forming one rainbow. The students portrayed the significance of each colour, weaving it with various aspects of Indian culture and traditions. The musical drama followed the journey of a 'Chitrakar' exploring the world of colours, blending poetic narratives, enactments, songs, and semi classical and folk dances to showcase Indian history, culture and values. Our nimble yogis displayed their agility in various formations. The extravaganza also highlighted the value of respecting relationships between family members and beyond. The grand finale featured elegant dancers adorned in colourful butterfly costumes, conveying the message of unity in diversity.
The chief guests applauded the participants and staff for their stupendous efforts and magnificent performances.
Enhanced by stunning visuals, costumes and props, the event showcased the remarkable talent and hard work of our young learners, making the Annual Cultural Fiesta a source of pride for the entire Lotus Valley community.
Assemblies: Tutelage Beyond the Classroom Walls
Assemblies are a place and time where students and teachers come together for a shared purpose, i.e., to develop community spirit and reinforce positive attitudes. Assemblies are held once a week, throughout the session, which provide a foundation for understanding the community, various social issues and to create a bigger picture of their learning in school. Sound moral and ethical values are inculcated in the students through story narration, dance and drama, interactive discussions, amazing facts, quiz, etc. It provides a platform to celebrate the vibrant and colourful festivals where every child participates with fervent zeal.
Bagless Day: Happy Classrooms
At Lotus Valley International School, we believe in facilitating the holistic development of our young learners. This entails nurturing prowess over academic concepts, as well as adequate exposure to extra-curricular activities. The NEP 2020 recommends that all children must experience a minimum of ten bagless days in a year. Keeping this in mind, a ‘Bagless Day' is scheduled every month. A multitude of fun activities that enhances the creative and critical thinking skills of our children are incorporated. They are shown some educational movies and involved in different co-curricular activities such as Doodling, Origami etc as well.
Festival of Multiple Intelligences
A child comes into life with wonder, awe, curiosity, spontaneity and many other characteristics of their joyous being. Keeping this in mind, the ‘Festival of Multiple Intelligences’ was organized for students of classes I and II.
With an array of colourful activity zones and the high-flying exuberance of the students, the children were taken on a rendezvous of various exploratory activities such as Xtrem Bots, Drip Irrigation, Pottery, Rock Climbing, Dance 60, Craft O Mania and many more. Each Activity had a bag of deliverance where the students not only carried the science behind it but also the understanding, confidence, team spirit, planning and execution skills.
Dance 60 Concept highlighted the fact that one must sing and dance every day to boost one’s vitality, vigor and happiness quotient. Students made tiny pots, creative book marks and cute pouches to store their goodies. They proudly carried their souvenirs back home with them.
As all good things come to an end, so did this bag less day but with a lovely bag of surprises and memories.