Hands on STEM Labs

The boy and his friends had a Hands on STEM Labs session - 3 to 4 hands on experiments that are part of their syllabus which will make them think creatively and relate to real world applications. 

Blossoms Visit

 

The books the boy bought during this week visit.

Ahmedabad and Dasada Trip - 4 days

The boy had an exciting and educational trip with a well-rounded itinerary, filled with diverse experiences and hands-on learning. Here's a summary of the trip:

DAY 1: Edutour Kick-Off

- Flight from Bangalore to Ahmedabad: The journey began with a flight to Ahmedabad, followed by a transfer to Dasada.

- Ice-breakers & Journaling: The trip started with an introduction and ice-breaker activities to help everyone get to know each other. The boy also spent time journaling his experiences.

- Afternoon Safari: The highlight of the day was an afternoon safari to the Little Rann of Kutch, where the boy explored salt pans and observed the unique ecosystem of the area.

DAY 2: Medieval Architecture & Traditional Arts

- Modhera Sun Temple: The group visited the Modhera Sun Temple, known for its stunning architecture, and participated in a sundial-making workshop.

- Cook-off Challenge: The students took part in a fun cook-off challenge, adding an interactive element to the day's activities.

- Traditional Arts Workshops: The boy learned about local crafts through hands-on experiences, including a beading workshop and a Lippan art workshop, where he engaged in the region’s traditional art forms.

DAY 3: Exploring Ahmedabad

- Sabarmati Ashram: The group visited the Sabarmati Ashram, where the boy learned about its historical significance and the role it played in India’s freedom struggle.

- Amul Plant: The trip continued with a visit to the Amul Plant, offering insights into India's White Revolution and the dairy industry.

- Cultural Immersion at Vishala: In the evening, the group experienced a vibrant cultural immersion at Vishala, likely a traditional village setting, where the boy could learn about local culture and cuisine.

DAY 4: Science City & Edutour Conclusion

- Team Games: The day began with engaging team games, allowing the students to bond and collaborate with one another.

- Science City: The boy visited Science City in Ahmedabad, exploring the robotics gallery and the space exploration exhibit, learning about cutting-edge scientific advancements.

- Gratitude & Reflection Session: The trip concluded with a gratitude and reflection session, allowing the boy to reflect on his experiences and lessons learned.

- Flight back to Bangalore: The group then flew back to Bangalore, marking the end of an enriching and educational trip.

Overall, the trip combined history, culture, science, art, and hands-on learning in a way that was both fun and educational. The boy not only enjoyed the experience but also gained a deeper understanding of the world around him.

Red Blue belt

And the boy got his Red Blue belt in Taekwondo. 

Detective workshop

The boy participated in Pika Nani's "Junior Detectives: Mystery Hunters" workshop at Atta Galatta, where he received a free copy of The Egghead Detective Agency Vol. 1 and seemed to really enjoy the experience.

Blue Belt

 The boy got his Taekwondo Blue Belt. Sparring is next.

Vietnam Trip

The boy had a good 12 day trip to Vietnam. Walked a lot tried out the Veg / Vegan Vietnamese cuisines and didn't complain. Broadly covered Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An and Hanoi.

That hurt

Last night, the wife was in the bedroom and called out to the boy who was sitting in the living room and reading. He ignored it and I asked him to go find out why he is being called. And he muttered under his breath - "Mind your business" That hurt! I told him I did not like the way he spoke to me. I presume there will be more instances of retorts like this.

School Football

The boy gave the school football team selections a miss this time. His point was that matches are few, there are many contenders and he hardly gets a chance to play in the matches. The school training requires the boy to be in school on Monday's and Wednesdays at 630 am and there is a whole lot of getting ready to do for the wife and him before that.

Festive ocassion

 And the boy came with me to meet my mother reluctantly. His last trip to see her was in November 2023. The wife did not accompany us.

The boy's priorities have changed. I don't know if this is a phase of his life where he does not want to miss out on things. TV time and playing with friend's are his priority now. He hardly spoke to my mother and after lunch he gently started nudging me suggesting that we leave. Since my mother had old school cable TV with only regional programs, the boy did not have anything interesting to watch either.

Times change.

Kung Fu Panda 4

And the boy had a good time. Laughed the loudest. He did go a bit overboard on the junk front. Asked for a Fanta/Coke and I didn't refuse it this time. I loved Tenacious D's "Baby One More Time" version when compared to the original.

Back from the trip

The boy had a fabulous time and he didn't miss home. Lack of sleep was evident as they used to stay up and chat. 6 Tigers, 4 Leopards etc. were his sights. The moment I heard 6 Tigers, I was super jealous. He has come back with a cough and cold.

School Trip

So yesterday we dropped the boy for his Pench school trip. 5 am flight to Nagpur and a bus from there. Some 40 children from his Grade. This is the first time he has been away from us (sleepover in neighbor's apartment does not count :)) It was a bit surreal and mixed emotions. Watching him walk away with a backpack and trolley suitcase to board his flight. The scene may happen again and who knows he may go away for higher studies once school is done. I think it was a good emotional drill :) He will be back on Saturday night. The house feels quiet. There is a some relief that I have a kind of routine back, but yeah I miss him.

New Series

 Started watching the episodes of Mr. Beast.

The Bureau of Magical Things

 New TV Series that the boy has started watching.

Roots ICL

The boy participated in the Roots Inter Center League (ICL) Football matches, and it has been a good learning experience. His team finished 6th out of 8 teams. He has been slowly easing off the Minecraft youtube videos. The audio is extremely annoying with the constant "tak tak" sound and the squealing voices.

New School shoes

The boy has finally graduated from velcro shoes to lace-up ones from Bata.

Cooking

 And the boy has learnt to make Maggi noodles on his own. We have to light the stove for him though.

Blossoms Visit

Books Out

Books In