
Interactive parent-infant programmes at schools help parents 038; toddlers bond over lessons
Once upon a time, storytelling happened at bedtime, when parents tucked toddlers in bed and introduced them to Goldilocks and her three bears or Cinderella in her pumpkin carriage. But with the changing pace of life, this ritual has now undergone a slight change. The bedroom has been replaced by a more sophisticated classroom and the time, from night to early morning. If you don8217;t find enough time on hand to spend with your kids, schools have absorbing and interactive parent-infant bonding programmes meant to rid you of your guilt and help you understand your toddler better.
At the Carmel Convent, the demonstration and evaluation programme for the upper and lower KG involves parents, teachers and children in various fun and learning activities and according to Punita Singh, introduces parents to the teaching methodology followed at the school, so that it can be followed at home too. 8220;The regular programme initiates interaction, bridges gaps, improves quality of teaching and learning,8217;8217; believes Punita. Sanjivni Preparatory School and Day Care Centre, Chandigarh, follows a similar pattern. 8220;We hold monthly meetings with the parents to keep them updated about their child. It is more than a parent-teacher interaction. Children participate to share what they are feel,8221; tells Parveen Sokhey, Principal of academia. The school also fun games and fests for parents and the children to help them bond better. 8220;It8217;s very important for a conscious bonding to begin even before children learn to speak. Many parents come to us sharing that their children don8217;t listen to them. So we help them what and what not to say,8221; Shalini Sharma, who runs a social skills programme, shares.
The Firstep Montessori School, Panchkula, tricity8217;s first Montessori school, conducts regular interactive workshops for the parents to acquaint them with Montessori8217;s scientific concepts and philosophy. 8220;It is very essential for the parents to understand the methods we use at our school so that they can provide similar environment to their children allowing them to conduct self-directed activities away from school as well,8221; tells Madhu Trehan, principal. Firstep Montessori also boasts of introducing methods that nurture self-directed minds. While St Johns regularly organizes counselling sessions for parents, explains Preeti, 8220;The classes are useful in guiding parents on how to understand and handle the child better.8221;