Teacher's
Corner
7 TIPS TO BECOME A TOPPER IN MATHEMATICS
• Mathematics is of central importance to modern society. Being good with numbers isn’t a
special talent, it’s something we can all learn. Here are some tips to follow and experience magic
in the world of numbers.
• 1. Practice, Practice & More Practice: MS. DEBORAH SAM
• It is impossible to study math properly by just reading and listening. To study Math you have to roll up your sleeves and actually
solve some problems. Each problem has its own characteristics and it’s important to have solved it in numerous ways before
tackling the exam. There is no escaping this reality, to do well in a Math exam you need to have solved a LOT of
mathematical problems beforehand.
• 2. Review Errors :
• When you’re practicing with these problems, it’s important to work through the process for each solution. If you have
committed any mistake, you should review them and understand where your problem-solving skills let you
down. Understanding how you approached the problem and where you went wrong is a great way of becoming stronger and
avoiding the same mistakes in the future.
• 3. Master the Key Concepts :
• Do not try to memorize the processes. This is counter-productive. It is much better and rewarding in the long-run to focus on
understanding the process and logic that is involved. This will help you understand how you should approach such problems in
the future.
• 4. Understand your Doubts :
• Sometimes you can get stuck trying to solve part of a math problem and find it difficult to move on to the next
stage. It’s common for many students to skip this question and continue on to the next. You should avoid
doing this and instead spend time trying to understand the process of solving the problem. Remember: Math
requires time and patience to master.
• 5. Create a Distraction Free Study Environment
• Mathematics is a subject that requires more concentration than any other. A proper study environment and
a distraction free area could be the determining factor when solving complex equations or problems in
geometry, algebra or trigonometry. Studying with music can help create a relaxing atmosphere and stimulate
the flow of information. Having suitable background music can foster an environment of maximum
concentration.
• 6. Create a Mathematical Dictionary
• Mathematics has specific terminology with a lot of vocabulary. We suggest you
create Notes or Flashcards with all the concepts, terminology, formulae and definitions you need to know. You
should include their meanings, some key points and even some sample answers so you can consult them at
any time and recap.
• 7.Apply Math to Real life Situations.
• As much as possible, connect your Mathematical learning to your real life experience. Math can be very
abstract sometimes so looking for a practical application can help change your perspective and assimilate
ideas differently.
- MS. DEBORAH SAM
• Department of Mathematics
Tomorrow Mrs. Jyothi Jimmy
• Although her mind was awakened by the noises from the kitchen, her
eyes felt heavy. “Is it morning already? They must have started cooking
early then” she thinks. She remembers what her mother had told her
the previous day, “Don’t be late for the bus, your father and I have to
be present at the hospital early for a few tests and check-ups”. She
rushes out of the bed upon hearing her mother vomit in bathroom,
throwing her blanket away. She gently strokes her mother’s back,
excitedly asking “If you complete the scan today, will we get the results
tomorrow? Can we see the baby then?”. “It’s not just a photo, there will
even be a video of the baby” her mother responds. She is filled with joy
and excitement.
• “Merin, stop daydreaming and focus on your work!” her teacher
exclaims. Merin suddenly realizes she is in a class and apologizes to the
teacher. Mia, the student next to her, turns her book towards Merin.
Merin’s mind had started to see the baby’s face in the book, but she
decided to focus on her work. The time seemed to move slower to
Merin. “Mom and dad might have reached home from the hospital by
now. They might have seen the baby in the scan” she ponders on her
way home from school.
• Her father opens the door. “Dad, did you see the baby? What was Mrs. Jyothi Jimmy
the baby doing? When will the baby be here?” She asks the questions
one after the other.” Your mother will answer. I am already late
for the office” her father says. Merin calls out to her mother. ‘Did you see
the baby, mom? When is the baby coming?” she asks again
impatiently while staring into her mother’s eyes. “It won’t be just the
photos, the baby will be coming tomorrow. I am having an operation
tomorrow” her mother answers in a gentle voice, holding back her pain.
Merin hugs and kisses her mother’s belly and leaves the room,
closing the door silently behind her.
• At the hospital, Merin notices her aunt praying while waiting. She looks
through a window to see a door. She waits impatiently knowing her
father will walk out of that door holding the baby any moment. Her aunt
receives a phone call, Merin notices a change in her aunt’s face.
She notices her aunt making several calls to people. Merin doesn’t
understand what is going on and heads towards her aunt. Her aunt falls
to her chair, looks at Merin with tear-filled eyes and calls her beside. Her
aunt hugs Merin, “you need to be there for the baby now, Merin. You are
now her mother and her sister” she says. With tears rolling down her
face, her aunt looks at Merin. Merin looks back at her confused and
anxious.
-Jyothy Jimmy(Department of Social science)
ART(By Ms. Steffy Edmond)
Parent's
Corner
Maiden Venture of my son to School
My only son, who stepped into our lives after 14 long years
of matrimony, a toddler named Luke, was to start school in
April. The process is akin to the eagle pushing her young
ones out of the nest thereby motivating them to fly for the
first time. Though we have resolved not to pamper or spoil
him, the protection and the shielding and all the benefits of
undivided attention were being enjoyed by him all along.
Understandably, we as parents were very apprehensive as
to how Luke would react on his first day to school.
This was the first time he would venture out into the world
without his father or mother, the primary caregivers, not
accompanying him. He had never been to nursery nor day
care center contrary to popular norms, as we felt it would
be better for him to learn the basics from his homemaker
mother.
As a result even until now at 3 years 10 months, he was
protected and shielded and was always accompanied by one of
us when he stepped out of the house and we were worried for
him as this was a major step for him- let alone a major stepping
stone for the future. Life would never be the same for him
anymore. Even with all the preparations, pep talks and promise
of rewards on being a good boy, we expected him to be puzzled
and resistant and were even prepared for wails, screams &
howls. Also we had heard from relatives & friends a lot of tales
about kids crying away to glory for a week or so owing to
separation pangs, reluctant to leave the comfort zone of their
homes!!!
Since the school is a 40 minute drive from our home and it
starts at 07:45 am we were apprehensive as he had to start at
06:20 am, being the first pickup. Thus the D-day started early
with a 5:20 am wake up. Amazingly, the little guy got up
without any fuss, sans any tantrums and was very eager to get
ready and reach the bus-stop. His alacrity was palpable and too
good to be true. Hence we had to constantly remind him that
he would be going alone to the school without either his Dadda
or Mamma and would only be accompanied in the bus by aunty
(his bus nanny we had met the earlier day and found her to be
quietly efficient and pleasant too). To our utter surprise he took
it in his stride.
As the day was breaking out we could see that it was a gloomy & cloudy one. The mood was somber with dark
clouds looming all over. It could rain anytime, surprisingly at this time of the year as spring had set in 2 weeks
ago.
Only the mood of the boy was in sharp contrast to the weather. He seemed cheerful and excited, and I was
really happy for him. But his mother was still apprehensive and was fearing a last-minute crack up from the boy.
While we were walking to the bus-stop it started spotting. Though the drops were too tiny to bother us we were
annoyed and remarked about the timing of the rains. The school bus (Bus No.6) was dot on time and came to
the bus-stop exactly at 06:20. The driver and the nanny were the only ones in the bus as it was the first pick-up
point. The nanny opened the automatic door and initially took his school bag in. The moment was
approaching……
I peered at my better half and could see that she was already feeling blue and was down in the mouth. But I
signaled her to put on a cheerful face. However, the boy nonchalantly got into the bus, guided by the nanny of
course. As the automatic door was closing down, did I see a frown and resent on his face or was I imagining it.
Fortunately for us and him, there was no time to ponder as the bus started moving. We could see the nanny
helping Luke to his seat and then strapping him with the seat belt. We could just about wave hurried goodbyes
with our hands…..
He had put on a brave face and maybe would have been overwhelmed with the new experiences that he
overlooked the separation aspect and was concentrating on the excitements that awaited him. But was I glad to
note that he had a nonchalant attitude now itself. Three cheers for him. The transition was quite smooth and did
not require even a gentle push. May God bless him and his fellow classmates as they venture out, to continue
their education unabated for 2 decades or more…….
Epilogue:
On return he was still in his high spirits. It was evident that he had a great
time at school and had really enjoyed his maiden experience at the school.
The entire credit for this should go to the wonderful and efficient staff at
his school especially his proficient Class Teacher, Supervisor and support
staff including the ever-pleasant Bus Nanny.
The various activities judiciously planned daily by the school authorities
were keeping him really fascinated. This has prompted him to look forward
to the next day at school, as the answer to our question of whether he will
go to the school the next day was an emphatic ‘yes’. Thus all our initial
fears of separation pangs were allayed. In summary, life with an energetic
and livewire toddler boy is full of surprises and unpredictability. It’s going
to be a roller coaster ride and we are geared up for it. After all, what is life
without surprises, bumps, twists & turns!!!
• Article authored by: Sanjay Thomas (Senior QA/QC Engineer)
Father of Luke Sanjay Thomas (KG1-D, 2019-2020)
Once upon a This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.
time...
• Reading aloud, telling stories to
our children is a great habit all parents
should follow. Infact, children develop
their cognitive skills in faster pace while
listening to us. Moreover, fairy tales
contribute to develop emotional
intelligence, logical understanding and
relationship skills, as they will identify
themselves with the characters of stories.
• We live in a world where everything
has been replaced by technology and
such intimate moments with our children
will strengthen our relationship with them
and create unforgettable memories.
When reading aloud, always try to
use expressiveness, convey the dialogues
like you really are one of the characters,
act for your children: this will make the
whole story much more interesting.
• Bruno Bettelheim, a famous Austrian-born self-educated psychoanalyst, once
said: “Tales shall enrich their lives, helping them to clarify their emotions and balancing
their fears and anxieties.”
• Back in 1983, Howard Gardner, an American developmental psychologist, published
his most famous book, “Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences”. The
theory outlined in the book postulated that individuals possess eight relatively
autonomous intelligences, being specifically: musical-rhythmic, visual spatial, verbal-
linguistic, logical-Back in 1983, Howard Gardner, an American developmental
psychologist, published his most famous book, “Frames of Mind: The Theory
of Multiple Intelligences”. The theory outlined in the book postulated
that individuals possess eight relatively autonomous intelligences, being
specifically: musical-rhythmic, visual spatial, verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical,
bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic.
• Children imagine, develop and experience their sensory traits including Look,
Listen, Feel, Taste and Touch with the footsteps of these stories they listen. This will
make them to express ‘100 languages of the kids’ as stated by Mr Loris Malaguzzi,
pedagogue and father of the Reggio Emilia approach in 1963.
• ‘The few words we interact, make them think, express and feel excited. This defines
new avenues to the children who look this world as indefinite space of opportunities
and ambitions’.
• So… which story will you tell your child tonight before sleeping tonight? ☺
• The Reading Log concept which is present in Dunes International for KG kids is best
way to nourish cognitive skills and I specially thank management for bringing in such
initiatives.
• - Guru Gowrav
• - (Parent of Ehan Gowrav, KG-2 B)
Can You See the Big Picture?
• School is the first big step
• It is often said that childhood is the best part in our lives. Well, now that our childhood
has gone, it is time for our little ones to experience it. So, why don’t we give them the
best while they experience every bit of it?
• Wait a moment, how can we do that? The first thing that comes to my mind is to
provide them with the best education in the world. In my opinion, best education is
something that helps your children improve their communicational, organizational and
interpersonal skills along with academics from the early age. The first step is the
biggest step to start anything. If you can do it, you are already half way through
your success. So, why don’t we choose our child’s first big step carefully?
• Always try to look at the big picture of life
• Many a times, when dealing with different circumstances we are more particular about
the details and fail to look at the big picture of it. When I was in my graduation one of
our professors used to apply this strategy of looking at the big picture while teaching.
It was a kind of mind map where the central idea of the topic was always in focus. It
can also be looked at as a bird’s eye view. I was impressed with this technique and
started applying it to real life situations. And when it comes to our child’s education, it
is important to look at their overall progress of developing into an individual rather
than just concentrating on the academics.
Always keep in mind the ultimate goal of life. Be it a good job or quality of life or whatever. After all, life is a
marathon not a race. Do not push the kids so hard in the beginning of it as they may not have the energy to
proceed further in their marathon. Sit back, relax! Let them learn at their own pace. Our job is to provide
them with the best materials to build their careers.
My personal experience with Dunes International School
As our elders say, quality is not an act it is a habit. Most of us develop our habits when we are at the young
age. And I believe school is the most important place where children spend most of their time. Hence, it is
the best place to develop good habits and ultimately those habits transform as good qualities. Every child is
gifted with a unique expertise. And that skill comes out when the kids are introduced of an activity that
involves it. For instance, ‘The Young Entrepreneurs’ event which took place in Dunes International School
during Diwali is one among many others. I strongly believe that this event must have ignited the
entrepreneur skills in those younger ones who really have got them.
By
Anuradha Sanapala
A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
• It was a cold Sunday morning & Vani was getting ready to go to school
along with her elder brother Vishal. She was 6 years old, had short black
hair, beautiful black eyes & a smile on her face all the time.
• Her brother Vishal was 11yrs old, tall handsome boy with cute dimples
which showed when he smiled. But today Vani’s face was quite sad & her
mother Veena noticed this. Why are you so sad today Vani? her mother
asked.
• All the children are going to the Christmas carnival during the holidays
this week to see Santa, get presents & have loads of fun & I also wanted
to go & see Santa said Vani to her mother Veena
• We will take you some other time said her mother when Vani was eating
breakfast. Your father has a tight work schedule this week.
• Hearing this Vani became even more sad. Took her school bag said bye to
her father & mother & went to the bus stop with her brother Vishal.
• Cheer up Vani said her elder brother with a smile. If you cannot go to see
Santa .Santa will come to see you. That is the magic of Christmas. You just
got to believe in the magic of Christmas.
• Vani got on the bus & reached school. Vani was sad the whole day in
school. What's the matter Vani? Why are you so sad said her class teacher
Ms Mamta. I will not be able to go to the Christmas carnival this week to
see Santa as my father has a tight schedule at work this week and next
week when he will be able to take me Christmas & Santa will be gone.
• Cheer up said her class teacher Ms Mamta. At least you will be singing
beautiful Christmas songs for the choir tomorrow & you are also having a
class party. Vani brightened up she loved singing in the choir.
• That night before Vani went to bed she prayed & wished she could
see Santa just once.
• Next day Vaniwore the red dress which her teachers had worked hard to
create for the children for the Christmas program & sang all the Christmas
songs happily & loudly one by one.
• After the Christmas program was over all the children went back to their
classes. The supervisor asked the choir children to wait to get their
photographs taken.
• But Vani did not know of the surprise that awaited her. Right in front of
little Vani stood Santa with a big bag over his shoulder. He gave little Vani a
smile & said ho ho ho little Vani Merry Christmas! How are you?
• You sang very beautifully. I came to know that you couldn’t come to see me &
you were sad about it. So I came all the way to see you said Santa
• Little Vani was so happy & hugged Santa. She took photographs with Santa &
then Santa gave little Vani a box of chocolates from his bag
wrapped beautifully in purple wrapping paper her favourite color.
• Her elder brother was passing by as his class was going to the Library.
Vani waved at him & said Santa is here to see me & I am taking photos with
Santa & Santa gave me a box of chocolates.
• What you said was true said Vani with a smile to her brother. Enjoy Vani said
her brother with a happy smile. I am glad you are smiling finally. Got to go
now see you later at home bye.
• After the photo shoot Santa went to Vani's class for the party & gave all the
kids goodies. All the kids were so excited to see Santa. All were having lots of
fun.
• Soon it was time to go home. Santa looked at little Vani & said now its time for
me to go back Vani. I have so many little children I promised to visit for
Christmas just like you. Thank you said Vani giving a hug to Santa once again.
This is the best day ever. I wish my class teacher Ms. Mamta, Father & mother
could see how happy I am & how much fun I am having. Bye now Vani
said Santa smiling down at her & shaking her hands. Bye Santa said Vani with
a smile.
• After Santa left her class teacher Ms. Mamta appeared. Teacher you missed seeing Santa.
• Santa came & we had lots of fun and he gave us gifts. I am glad that you had a good time
with Santa little Vani said teacher smiling to herself.
• Vani said bye to her friends & got on the bus. After she reached home she waited for her
parents to come home. How was school today? asked her father Vinod. Did you enjoy the
Christmas party? Vani hugged her father and told him the whole story about Santa. This was
the best day ever & I got my wish to meet Santa.
• Vanis mother & father smiled at each other. They were thankful to vanis class teacher Ms
Mamta.
• Little did vani know that it was her kindhearted class teacher Ms Mamta who had dressed
up as Santa to make Vani happy. That is the magic of Christmas.
- Veena Vinod
ART by Parent(Suja S)
Activities @Dunes
DOCTOR’S DAY
DOCTOR’S DAY
DOCTOR’S DAY
INTERNATIONAL LAUGHTER DAY
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
NO SCREEN DAY
NO SCREEN DAY
NO SCREEN DAY
NO SCREEN DAY
WORLD
ENVIRONMENT
DAY
PLEDGE ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
UAE Commemoration Day
Republic Day 2021