Tag: Bhumi

Holiday Note

Holiday Note

“Summer” the buzz word with all interpretations is here. The much awaited break for most of us; with the onset of April we start to spell out dreams; that I may do …. I may stop …. I may change… ‘Coz it’s may then…. Slowly we get back in tune for its June… 😛 then we let the dreams fly either into laments or into memories….
This is a tradition we have accustomed ourselves as a  way, of breaking a habitroutine. But there is an even more adorable touch to it; remember those old school days wherein we get out for summer and get in with our summer assignments…
So ripples also wishes this holiday season with a gentle assignment; if you would care to take it up. It’s a one word assignment; an assignment that is fun working and assessing… It’s an assignment that we prefer most volunteers take up… Its called “Share… “.
SHARE…
You may send in anything that falls in the realm of sharing (your articles; artworks; emotions 😉 etc…)… Under the subject “SHARE” to [email protected]
Well Ideas too are worth a share… So why not…
Yeah mainly enjoy your holidays. For those who haven’t got one; take it up from these assignments…. ‘Coz life is what we make it…

Tutoring @ BM

Tutoring @ BM

Tutoring @ BM

 “Do the best possible attempt to help students in studies with any effort required…”

Tutoring came as a spark in Bala Mandir (BM) from a few Lakshya volunteers (Prasanna, Rajan, Rajasekar, Marwa, Satheesh, Gnanambigai to name a few) during the 2011-12 academic year. Despite lot of concerns from the management in terms of productivity and the impact it can create to the students, we were successful in conducting the tutoring sessions. From then on it has come a long way. Continuing the momentum, 2012-13 has been a steep learning curve for tutoring in BM. “Tutoring has been really good this year. Compared to last year, it was more organized and quite challenging” says Satheesh, who has been a key tutor at BM. There had been suggestions to start tutoring from 9th class itself to make the basics clear for the students and help them excel.

So, how to go about a tutoring session? You need to plan a lot of things like small fun activities or a math trick (especially when it is a Maths session) to make the students feel comfortable. The main thing for the tutor is to choose the subject you love to teach from basics and be comfortable with. The plan should have a long term goal to be covered at an appropriate time along with small short term goals. The planning phase should also include a backup plan.

The primary factor in charting the plan is Time & Time-table i.e. how am I going to manage my time to co-ordinate with that of the student. Another major factor is the student’s interest level and ability along with tutors’ attempt to make the subject more interesting without boring the student. Not always there is an interest to study for the students, that too with someone who has already been mentoring every week. “Do the best possible attempt to help students in studies with any effort required & reach out to someone when you require assistance or not sure of any situation or resolution.” says Prasanna who pioneered the tutoring team last year.

Another key aspect to look for is the current situation of the student. Due considerations need to be given when it comes to pressure, family problems, friendships and their biological issues. Before we start studying together, it is better the tutor spends time to get rid of unwanted things and make the student pick up his books. It happened successfully for one of the tenth standard student in BM, who had issues with memorizing and low scores. It is equally important for the tutor to be little flexible in making the student study. Make a time table to his/her convenience to study.

The important thing in tutoring is to understand the student’s potential and to learn along with them. You are 90% successful then. Teaching is just a topping for the rest 10%. That brings confidence and instills greatness in thoughts to the student. It also helps the tutor to set goals. Thus, it not only helps the students but also the tutors to groom in a personal level.

Last but not the least; don’t give any false promise or appreciation.

Ripples team would like to congratulate all the tutors who have put forth their time, commitment, dedication, energy and efforts in enriching the students’ knowledge and enable them progress in their academics.

Volunteer Speaks

Volunteer Speaks

Every weekend, after spending valuable time with them, I won’t feel like leaving them

 Nivetha

T K Nivetha

Bhumi – Lakshya,

Maanavar Illam, Trichy

As an active member of BHUMI, I would like to share my views on “Lakshya”. Lakshya is a project which makes students to relieve their stress and improve their mental ability through various interactive games and group activities. I like the project for its cause and that made me choose it. I have always wanted to work for the society and this organisation makes my weekends special ones. I get to meet really talented students and the time spent with them always stays close to my heart. It gives me a satisfaction and explains me what life is all about when a responsibility is given. And about the students at Maanavar Illam, the time spent with them is so special and memorable. Every weekend, after spending valuable time with them, I won’t feel like leaving them. They need guidance and support in every moment of their life. I am there to help them. I consider this job valuable and heart touching. I will always work for the society and my contribution towards it will be never ending.
Feb 9th 2013 was a wonderful day at Ramakrishna Mission Students Home (RKM) as I witnessed the versatility of students performing at the sports day celebration and more importantly a fully themed drama that has gone for nearly one and half hour about the life story of Swami Vivekananda. Most of the characters including the lead role of Swami Vivekananda were played by the 9th std students who are part of Lakshya program. I didn’t even think that the drama will be such serious one. I was astonished by our students’ performance / make-up / choreography etc. we can keep on adding. The Vivekananda character (and some other characters also) shaved their head to match the role they are playing. The make-ups were in such a way that we will have to look very closely and strain our eyes to find who they are, The students were just into their character / role. I have not seen before any such drama performed by students that is well established, themed, spirited etc…and I am very happy to share my joy with all of my fellow Lakshyans !:-)  Sarathi

J Sarathi

Bhumi – Lakshya

RKM, Chennai