Teacher Training Program, Day 6

- Compiled by Jyoti Honkote

Day 6

Topics - a) Brain Development in children

b) Handling Challenged Children

Participants – 20

Maria Montessori said, “The most important period of life is not the age of university studies but the period from birth to the age of six.” 98% of the child’s brain development is during this time. The brain is shaped through its interaction with the environment. Educators need to be familiar with brain compatible practices and practices that are brain antagonistic.

Ms.Mulay asked the crucial question, “What are we doing to facilitate its development, to nurture it? Through a slide show madam covered the following points –

1. Thedifferent parts of the brain and what each lobe affects.

2. The chemicals needed for the brain to thrive, neurotransmitters and their effect on growth and development.

3. The source of these chemicals- correct diet, rest and emotions.

4. Emotions are contagious so positive ones will stimulate learning.

5. Effect of stress on learning. A little may be beneficial but acute stress will interfere with learning.Offering choices and being predictable reduce stress.

6. Learning should be relevant and meaningful.

7. Behaviour exhibited at the time of stress: 4 F’s – Fight, Flight, Flock, Freeze.

8. Being emotionally intelligent – Identifying feelings & moods, Controlling impulses, Feeling compassion & empathy. Use of emoticons to praise written work.

9. To achieve maximum learning we must divide the period into talk, teach and group discussion.

10. Signs displayed when focussing becomes difficult.

11. Effect of aroma or a pleasant atmosphere, appropriate sound and voice modulation, temperature on brain functions and learning.

12. Providing opportunity for laughter, movement and varied activities. A few dance steps, singing, clapping.

Who is a teacher? One who has eyesight, insight and foresight.

In order to deal effectively with differently abled children one has to be very observant and understanding. Under RTE every school is bound to give admission to hearing impaired, visually impaired, autistic and handicap children.Every class will definitely have children who are slow learners, dyslexic, hyperactive and attention seekers. The challenge before the teacher is huge. In order to achieve her goals a teacher will have to spot the problem early and correctly. She will need to use certain strategies and will have to be alert and intelligent enough to tap the available resources and ensure student friendly learning.Ms.Mulay spoke about NIOS, an alternative to SSC wherein the Std. X syllabus is covered in 3 years. This will assist differently abled students. Animal assisted therapy is also being used successfully in some places.

Ms.Mulay kept the session lively and engaged the teachers very effectively. Madam’s wide plethora of experience and real life examples, her ability to act out situations and her expressiveness are indeed praiseworthy.