“If a child cannot learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
-Ignacio Estrada

LEARNING BY DOING: EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION AT TSUS

At The Shri Ram Universal School (TSUS), we believe that true learning goes beyond memorisation and rote repetition. Our teaching-learning process emphasizes not just “what” students learn, but “how” they learn. We are committed to providing an experiential education that fosters deep understanding, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning.

Our innovative methodology incorporates a variety of well-acclaimed programs designed to engage students in active learning. Through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and real-world applications, students develop essential skills and knowledge in a dynamic and meaningful way. This approach fosters curiosity, creativity, and a sense of ownership over their learning journey. At TSUS, we empower students to become active and lifelong learners with critical thinking skills, who are well equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world. Our best practices at school include specially designed and well-acclaimed programmes such as the following:

CHOICE TIME: A WORLD OF EXPLORATION AND PLAY

Choice Time at TSUS is a vibrant and engaging period where children are empowered to direct their own learning through play. Our thoughtfully designed learning corners and interactive discovery spaces provide a rich environment for exploration and creativity.

During Choice Time, children can immerse themselves in captivating storybooks, unleash their imagination in the sandpit, build magnificent castles with blocks, and mold creative wonders with play dough. Role-playing allows them to step into different characters and explore social interactions. By providing children with the freedom to choose their activities, we encourage them to follow their own interests, develop essential skills, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning through play. Choice Time fosters curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional growth in a fun and engaging way.

CIRCLE TIME: BUILDING COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION

Circle Time at TSUS is a special time carved out each week to foster a sense of belonging and encourage open communication within the classroom. It’s a safe and supportive space where students and teachers connect on a deeper level, building strong relationships based on trust and respect.

During Circle Time, children learn valuable social skills such as active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution. They are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings, discuss classroom matters, and work together to create a positive learning environment. Through interactive activities and meaningful discussions, Circle Time reinforces the school’s core values, promoting kindness, respect, and responsibility. This dedicated time helps to create a strong sense of community, where every child feels valued and heard.

WONDER TIME: CURIOSITY AND DISCOVERY

Wonder Time at TSUS is a dedicated space where young minds are encouraged to explore, question, and discover. This engaging activity taps into a child’s innate curiosity and provides a platform for developing crucial observation skills.

Through hands-on exploration with a variety of materials, children learn to observe closely, analyze information, and draw their own conclusions. Wonder Time fosters a spirit of inquiry, encouraging children to ask “why” and “how.” This active learning approach stimulates their senses, sparks their imagination, and cultivates a lifelong love for learning. By providing opportunities for exploration and discovery, we nurture inquisitive minds and empower children to become active learners in all aspects of their lives.

SHOW ‘N’ TELL: BUILDING CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

Show ‘n’ Tell at TSUS is more than just a fun activity; it’s a powerful tool for developing confident communicators. This engaging practice provides young learners with a platform to share their passions, build confidence, and hone essential presentation skills.

Starting with structured sessions and gradually progressing to more open-ended formats, Show ‘n’ Tell allows children to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment. They learn to organize their thoughts, articulate their ideas, and engage their audience. This early exposure to public speaking helps children overcome shyness, build self-esteem, and develop the communication skills necessary for success in school and beyond. Show ‘n’ Tell lays the foundation for confident, articulate individuals who can effectively express themselves in any situation.

DEAR TIME: FOSTERING A LOVE FOR READING

At The Shri Ram Universal School (TSUS), we believe that fostering a love for reading is fundamental to a child’s development. Our “Drop Everything and Read” (DEAR) program is a testament to this belief. Every day, from Kindergarten to Grade 5, students enjoy 15 minutes of dedicated reading time.

This quiet period, distinct from library time, allows students to immerse themselves in the world of books, fostering a lifelong love for reading. DEAR time provides a sanctuary for exploration and imagination, encouraging students to discover new worlds, characters, and ideas. By cultivating a habit of reading, we empower our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives.

DEED: DEVELOPING CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

At TSUS, DEED (Debate, Extempore, Elocution, and Drama) is a cornerstone of our commitment to developing well-rounded communicators. Through dedicated periods each month for every grade level, students are empowered to find their voice and express themselves with confidence.

Guided by our Key Activity Coordinator, DEED provides a platform for students to hone essential skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration. Debate encourages persuasive argumentation and respectful discourse. Extempore challenges students to think on their feet and articulate ideas effectively. Elocution cultivates clear and expressive speech. Drama fosters creativity, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. Through these dynamic activities, students discover the power of communication and develop the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.

RESEARCH AND REFERRAL: IGNITING INQUIRY AND DISCOVERY

Research and Referral (R&R) at TSUS empowers students to become active learners and critical thinkers. This program provides opportunities for in-depth exploration of diverse topics, fostering essential research skills like observation, data collection, experimentation, and presentation.

By delving into a subject from multiple angles, children develop a comprehensive understanding and learn to draw their own conclusions. R&R encourages “out-of-the-box” thinking, inspiring students to ask insightful questions and explore creative solutions. Whether investigating scientific phenomena or analyzing literary genres, R&R fosters a 360° learning experience that cultivates intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love for learning.

“LIFE SKILL” EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS FOR LIFE

Our Life Education Programme, guides students in Grades V to X on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through dedicated sessions each week, life skill programme provides a unique curriculum that encourages reflection, develops essential life skills, and fosters a strong sense of self.

This program empowers students to define their values, set goals, and create a vision for their future. Life skill programme emphasizes the importance of responsibility, cultivates decision-making skills, and inspires students to become compassionate, proactive individuals who strive to make a positive impact on the world around them.

WRITER’S WORKSHOP: CULTIVATING A LOVE FOR WRITING

Writer’s Workshop at TSUS empowers students in Grades IV and V to become confident and passionate writers. This individualized program caters to diverse learning styles and fosters a love for writing through a dynamic process of creation and refinement.

Instead of relying on rigid worksheets, Writer’s Workshop encourages students to explore their own ideas and express themselves through original pieces. By guiding them through drafting and redrafting, students learn to refine their writing, develop their voice, and craft compelling narratives. This engaging approach nurtures creativity, strengthens writing skills, and instills a lifelong appreciation for the power of words.

THE SHRI READING PROGRAMME: NURTURING A LIFELONG LOVE OF LITERACY

The Shri Reading Programme at TSUS is a comprehensive and graded approach to literacy development, designed to nurture confident and capable readers from Nursery to Grade VIII. This program goes beyond simply teaching children to read; it fosters a deep love for reading and cultivates essential comprehension skills.

Through engaging activities and carefully selected texts, students develop phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and fluency. The program emphasizes “closure activities” which provide valuable insights into each child’s understanding and encourage critical thinking, creative expression, and meaningful connections with literature. The Shri Reading Programme equips students with essential literacy skills, fostering a lifelong love of reading and future academic success.

JIG SAW LEARNING: COLLABORATIVE EXPLORATION AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Jig Saw Learning at TSUS is a dynamic approach that fosters collaboration and empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey. This cooperative strategy allows children to learn at their own pace and in a style that suits their individual needs.

By dividing learning tasks into interconnected pieces, Jig Saw Learning encourages teamwork, communication, and peer teaching. Each student becomes an expert in their assigned area and then shares their knowledge with others, creating a rich and interactive learning experience. This collaborative approach not only enhances understanding but also prepares students for the challenges of a flipped classroom environment, where active participation and knowledge sharing are essential.