Hindi Reading Challenge – Kahaniyon Ka Kaarvaan
In December, Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad organised a three-week Hindi reading initiative titled Kahaniyon Ka Kaarvaan for students of Grades 3 to 5. The initiative aimed to nurture a love for reading, strengthen language skills, and introduce students to the richness of Hindi literature in an engaging and joyful manner.
Students were divided into three groups—Surajmukhi, Palaash, and Gulmohar. Each child read four carefully selected books, encouraging consistency, curiosity, and a healthy spirit of participation. The challenge created a positive reading culture across classrooms, where students enthusiastically shared stories, reflected on characters, and discovered the joy of books beyond textbooks.
As a special highlight of the Kahaniyon Ka Kaarvaan celebrations, students of Grades 4 and 5 participated in an immersive storytelling session led by Ms. Simi Srivastava, Founder of Kathashala. Kathashala is a unique institute that promotes storytelling through theatre, music, movement, puppetry, and traditional folk arts. With over two decades of experience, Ms. Simi brought stories alive with her expressive narration and warm, engaging presence.
Grade 4 students thoroughly enjoyed the humorous and imaginative tale Gop Gapangam Das, listening with rapt attention and laughter at every twist. Grade 5 students connected deeply with the touching story Farmer Falgu, which beautifully conveyed lessons of patience, positivity, and finding happiness in simple moments of life.
Adding to the richness of the session, our own Sanjeev Sir accompanied the storytelling on the tabla, lending rhythm and depth to the experience and making it truly captivating.
The initiative and the storytelling session together created a memorable learning journey for students—one that celebrated imagination, language, and the timeless power of stories. Kahaniyon Ka Kaarvaan stood as a meaningful reflection of the school’s commitment to holistic learning and nurturing young readers with curiosity and confidence.
Grade 1 & 2 Moolgyan Visit: Learning from the Earth at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad
Learners of Grades 1 and 2 at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad visited Moolgyan on the 1st and 2nd of December for an enriching experiential learning opportunity rooted in nature. The visit offered students a first-hand understanding of where food comes from and how it grows, bringing their classroom learning to life.
During the visit, learners enthusiastically harvested winter vegetables and observed how different vegetables grow and are harvested in unique ways. They explored and collected produce such as radish, turnip, brinjal, and coriander, engaging all their senses in the learning process.
This hands-on experience strengthened their understanding of seasonal produce and helped them make meaningful connections between their EVS lessons and real-life observations. The learners also interacted with the gardener at Moolgyan, asking insightful questions about plant care, growth cycles, and the role of soil and sunlight in nurturing healthy crops.
For many students, this was their first experience of harvesting vegetables, making the visit particularly special. Their curiosity, excitement, and active participation turned the Moolgyan visit into a joyful and memorable learning experience—one that fostered appreciation for nature, sustainability, and mindful living.
Grade 2 Books & Breakfast: Celebrating Young Readers at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad
This term, Grade 2 at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad has truly blossomed into a vibrant and enthusiastic community of readers. Across all five sections, students have been exploring a wide range of books, engaging thoughtfully in Book Talks, and participating with great excitement in the ongoing Battle of the Books. Their growing love for stories inspired the launch of a new initiative—Books & Breakfast—designed to deepen students’ connection with reading while giving them an authentic platform for self-expression.
Piloted during the Early Years Sports Day on 4th and 5th December, Books & Breakfast offered students a unique opportunity to share their reading journeys with their parents in a warm, informal morning setting. The event beautifully highlighted student agency, as children confidently chose their favourite books, prepared key talking points, and even created imaginative props to express their understanding. Through this experience, students strengthened their communication skills, practised public speaking, and presented their ideas to a real audience—an important step in nurturing confident and expressive learners.
Parents were equally enthusiastic participants. Many shared how nostalgic it felt to revisit cherished childhood classics through their children’s perspectives. Several parents read alongside their young readers, transforming the space into a joyful, collaborative celebration of stories. Parents expressed heartfelt appreciation for the meaningful opportunities the school provides to support children in becoming thoughtful, articulate readers.
The range of books discussed was both exciting and diverse, including The Ramayana, Charlie and the Glass Elevator, The Witches, George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl, The Giant of Jum, Roshan’s Road to Music by Mamta Maini, and Mukesh Starts a Zoo by Ruskin Bond. Student presentations reflected not only strong comprehension but also the imagination and delight sparked by each story.
Books & Breakfast has further enriched our reading culture by bringing students, teachers, and parents together through a shared love for stories. We look forward to continuing this initiative and creating many more opportunities for our young readers to shine.
Igniting Young Readers: Battle of the Books for Grades 1 and 2 at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad
The Battle of the Books reading challenge for Grades 1 and 2 at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, concluded successfully, marking an exciting journey into the world of stories for our young learners. Conducted over three weeks, this initiative aimed to foster a love for reading while strengthening early literacy skills such as fluency, comprehension, and engagement.
Learners enthusiastically took part in team-based reading with individual targets, exploring a thoughtfully curated collection of books. Classrooms at Shiv Nadar School buzzed with lively discussions about stories and characters, reflecting the growing curiosity and confidence of our budding readers.
The challenge concluded with a recognition assembly where learners’ efforts were celebrated. Certificates of Merit were awarded to those who completed the reading challenge, while Certificates of Participation recognized all active participants. We deeply appreciate the support of parents in encouraging reading at home and engaging their children in meaningful conversations around books.
The excitement surrounding the Battle of the Books highlights the joy of reading and reinforces Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad’s commitment to nurturing lifelong readers from an early age.
Promoting Road Safety and Transport Awareness: Nursery Gir Assembly & Tyre Gallery
On 26th November 2025, Nursery Gir students at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, held an engaging assembly on ‘Road Safety’ to help their peers understand essential traffic rules and safe travel practices. The assembly featured a lively enactment demonstrating safe driving habits, followed by an introduction to various traffic signs. The event was brightened by an enthusiastic dance performance to the song ‘Traffic Safety,’ bringing energy and joy to the gathering.
The children participated with confidence and enthusiasm, clearly demonstrating their understanding of road safety and traffic signals through their expressions and stage presence.
As part of the ongoing theme ‘I Love Transport,’ a ‘Tyre Gallery’ was set up at the school for the Nursery learners. This hands-on exhibit allowed the children to explore and compare wheels from different vehicles, including a scooty, bus, bicycle, tricycle, tractor, and car. They observed differences in size, texture, and patterns, engaging in meaningful discussions about how wheels enable movement. This interactive experience was enjoyed by all, sparking curiosity and deepening their understanding of transport.
Shiv Nadar School Faridabad: Early Years & Primary Sports Day 2025–26 – Celebrating Joy, Fitness, and Community Spirit
The Early Years Sports Day for the academic year 2025–26 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and vibrant energy at the South Block Sports Field on 4th and 5th December. Our young learners from Foundation Year through Grade 2 came together for two days of joyful participation, skill-building, and spirited teamwork.
The event opened with warm welcomes from Principal Ms. Deblina Chakraborty, Early Years Head Ms. Preeti Gautam, and Sports Heads Ms. Raspreet Sidhu and Mr. Jagdev Singh, setting a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
Foundation Year students charmed the audience as colourful mini-beasts, engaging enthusiastically in agility tasks such as hurdles, balancing, crawling, and zig-zag races. Their vibrant drill performance showcased rhythm and coordination, while a captivating gymnastics display by Grade 2 students highlighted discipline and agility.
Nursery and Kindergarten learners added to the excitement with a lively march past, joyful Zumba drills, and themed races inspired by transport and winter. The colourful parachute drill brought rhythm and movement to the field, complemented by an impressive martial arts performance by Grade 1 and 2 students, demonstrating focus and strength.
Grades 1 and 2 embraced the creative theme “Tales on Track,” turning favourite storybooks into imaginative races that blended athleticism with storytelling. Martial arts drills, gymnastics, and yoga demonstrations further showcased their growing strength, balance, and concentration. Parent participation in the races brought warmth and a strong sense of community to the event.
All learners were awarded medals and certificates in recognition of their enthusiasm, participation, and sportsmanship. Each day concluded with heartfelt thanks and the National Anthem, marking the close of two memorable days filled with joy and celebration.
This Sports Day beautifully reflected the dedication and collective spirit of our young learners, teachers, and parents at Shiv Nadar School Faridabad, reinforcing the values of fitness, teamwork, and community.
Bringing Stories to Life: Storytelling Session with Mr. Kapil Pandey
On 10th December 2025, Shiv Nadar School Faridabad hosted two engaging storytelling sessions that brought learning beyond the classroom for our young learners.
For Foundation Years to Kindergarten students at WCH, North Block, Mr. Kapil Pandey, a renowned children’s writer, poet, and drama-in-education expert, narrated the popular story Room on the Broom. Using expressive voice modulation, rhymes, songs, and props, he created a vivid and interactive experience that fully captured the children’s attention. After the session, learners completed reflection sheets to recall key story elements and express their thoughts.
Simultaneously, a storytelling session for Grades 1 and 2 was conducted, facilitated by Mr. Kapil Pandey as well. He captivated the young audience with the story of Tun Tuni, a little bird seeking help to remove a painful corn on her toe. Despite approaching the king, a mouse, and others, only a tiny mosquito comes to her aid, demonstrating how even the smallest can make a big difference. The dynamic narration, rhythmic music, and interactive performance kept learners engrossed throughout.
Both sessions nurtured listening, comprehension, communication, imagination, and emotional understanding, enriching teaching and learning through creative pedagogy and meaningful narrative experiences.
Shiv Nadar School Chennai is now an Authorized IB PYP World School
Shiv Nadar School, Chennai is now an authorized IB PYP World School and is officially part of the prestigious IB World School community.
This authorization reflects our focus on delivering a high-quality, inquiry-based educational experience. Learning at our school is designed to nurture students who are curious, knowledgeable, and caring, while encouraging them to take responsibility for their own learning.
As we enter this new chapter, we look ahead to deepening student agency, critical thinking, and responsible action, as part of our continued pursuit of educational excellence.
Unlocking the Mystery: Grade 8 Explores Fiction Writing with Mallika Ravikumar
On December 22nd, 2025, fifty students from Grade 8 (MYP 3) stepped into the shoes of professional authors during an immersive workshop titled "The Art of Writing Mystery Fiction." The session was facilitated by the renowned lawyer-turned-writer Ms. Mallika Ravikumar, whose celebrated works include The Vanishing Gods, The Case of Missing Turtles, and The Case of Mysterious Witches.
Decoding the Genre Ms. Ravikumar began the session by drawing on her own publishing journey with Penguin, Hachette, and Karadi Tales. She guided the students through the essential elements of the mystery genre, covering everything from imagining a gripping prompt to the rigorous research required for authentic world-building. The interactive discussion broke down the mechanics of fiction, focusing on how to craft detailed character sketches and construct tight, suspenseful plot lines.
From Concept to Prototype Moving from theory to practice, the workshop transitioned into a hands-on collaborative activity. Students worked in groups to apply their newfound knowledge, responding to writing prompts and developing their own narratives. By the end of the two-hour session, each group had successfully created a writing prototype—a solid foundation ready to be developed into a full-fledged mystery novel.
Reimagining Libraries: Innovation, Agency, and the 'Liferarian' Spirit
Our library team recently participated in a transformative Masterclass, joining a diverse group of stakeholders—including educators, researchers, technologists, and community leaders. The conference served as a vital platform to align these perspectives, exploring how libraries can be rethought to foster critical thinking and global competencies in an evolving educational context.
Conference Objectives The sessions were driven by a clear purpose: to examine the 21st-century evolution of libraries, exchange creative pedagogy models, and strengthen cooperation between institutions.
Navigating the Digital Landscape A major highlight was the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and new media literacy into the library curriculum. Facilitators shared valuable tools for digital storytelling, demonstrating how technology can be used responsibly. The key takeaway was a powerful reminder to "be as human as possible" in the digital world—using AI to amplify connection rather than replace it.
Academic Excellence: The Road to EE 2027 Addressing the need for rigorous academic support, the conference provided crucial updates regarding the Extended Essay (EE) for 2027. Librarians gained fresh insights into new criteria and purposeful curriculum design. these strategies will be instrumental in guiding high school students through their research, ensuring they are well-prepared for the changing demands of the IB curriculum.
Transforming Spaces & Student Agency The masterclass also focused on "Library Space Enhancement," exploring ways to turn libraries into inviting hubs that foster student agency. Participants discussed how flexible designs and engaging activities can deepen the connection between the learner and the environment, proving that there is "so much that can be done within the library and outside it."
From Librarians to 'Liferarians' Perhaps the most inspiring concept introduced was that of the "Liferarian"—a lifelong learner who contributes deeply to their community. Underscoring the importance of empathy and ethical thinking, the sessions celebrated the satisfaction of contributing to the school fraternity.
Armed with these new strategies and a stronger professional network, our team is excited to implement these best practices, turning our library into a space of "unbridled joy" and critical inquiry for all students.
