PARENTS SPEAK at the end of a Unit of Inquiry (Grade 2)

“Society has changed and continues to change over time”.

First of all the choice of UOI topic was very good. I think Aayush and me both enjoyed it thoroughly. Although in the beginning I did most of the ground work for him, towards the end I started involving him more especially in the research work and will make a conscious effort in the future too. He loved learning about how things were during his grandparent’s time, especially the transport system which is his favourite topic anyways. Also the modes of communication like the pigeon mail and sending smoke signals seemed to intrigue him a bit as he wondered about the practicality of the system. He realized that people lived in poverty in olden days and how he was lucky to have the lights and fan at his disposal. His dad even switched off all the lights and fan one day for 5 minutes and let him experience how difficult it was to do things in dark. He was also thankful that he did not have to wait till Diwali or birthday time to get new clothes. He liked the field trip to Shilparamam. He also talked about the presentation of the learning from the trip by both groups. He also loved going to the post office and mailing the postcard for you (just curious if you did receive it?). It was a very good learning experience for him and I think as a class teacher you did a GREAT job in keeping the students motivated. Thank You. Sudha PS: In the news yesterday he watched how people from Somalia are facing the brunt of famine. He saw hungry kids crying and waiting for days to get some food. I hope it will be an eye opener for him and that he will always think twice before wasting any food. Please reiterate this point in class too.   I’m very glad that topics like "changing society, now n before discussed with children at level 2.such topics help children to point out d differences between d modern n d olden times. We as parents keep telling our children that ......my mom used to do this, my granny used to give us such n such a homemade potion in this disease and so on. The topic was covered by u teachers so excellently dat each n every aspect like electricity-now n then, transport-now n then, costumes-now n then, toys-now n then etc.im proud of having my child in Oakridge. Thank You. Varsha

This topic “Society has changed and continues to change over time” really made Rishaan understand how thing have changed and will continue to change. As the topic started at school, the first assignment he had was to interview his grandparents about list of things that were available in their childhood. He was curious to know and started to compare with his childhood and so on. The last topic at school was “Will the society continue to change from his generation to his children's”. Rishaan and I had a very good discussion and both of us exchange ideas and came up with good examples. I'm so very happy with Rishaan, the way he told me the changes. Thank you. Rajani.

Meghdeep inquired a lot about the past from his grandmother. He was surprised to learn about big families of the past. He developed an interest in the games of the past like kho-kho, spoon race and played at home. Regards Mukta

My ward has explained something what they did in class. Thank you very much for teaching him. Thanks & Best Regards G Vidyullatha M/o  Vishnu Babu Guturu Amodini put mehendi on her hands this Thursday which was made from the fresh leaves instead of the mehendi cones which we get in the shop and she instantly asked me is this the mehendi that people used to put in olden times and also she mentioned how good it was to use the natural product than the ones we get in the shop. She was supposed to share this in the class on Friday but as you know she was shy to speak about it. Thanks Kavita

We love this UOI as much as the previous ones. However, we find it extremely useful as it gives a chance for the whole family to discuss in depth with our kid about who we are and how we used to live in the past. Our curious daughter asked/interviewed us endless questions. It was fun and educational as always. The best part was when her dad explained to her about Kabaddi and we tried to play at home. Regards, Pajaree (Nila's mom)

He was very excited when the unit has started. He use to discuss all topics with his grand mother and father . He use to ask his dad which type of games u have played and how u use to go to ur school in what type of transport etcccc .he use to ask me mom in ur school u were having the computer or not, which type of subjects was there for u .he use to ask me mummy do u know anything about computer how to use it ,how to send the mail ,etch .this unit has brought a change in my kid. Thank u mam. Shilpa Garg

I discussed with my son about this topic and showed interest and was excited to learn more about it. Sravanthi

Yes. Samara used to enquire so much about the difference regarding to transportation, clothes, games etc between her time and her grandparent (in village) time. She says her times is very good . According to her they suffered. Lackness of a mobile, better transport etc. Laly Satya

Arin has learnt a lot of things about how society has changed. Thanks to you for all the hard work you have put in. We appreciate it.He has been talking about the sports that people played in the past and now in the present.He drew so many t-charts about food habits, transportation and entertainment in the past and present.Arin actively participated in discussing about lifestyle changes also with us. I am glad that he had learned so much and so comfortable in the class. Thanks to you Sree Vandrapu. We are happy to see that our son is now clear about the concept between lifestyle which was in past , present & future... Pragati Chopda (arnav) I am replying for the email you have sent yesterday about what we think about the first unit about "how the society has changed and continues to change". I like the idea of how you involved kids to learn about what their parents and grandparents did when they were young. And the tasks given for the kids are also outstanding. My son has experienced it through books, internet, by talking to the grandparents and by doing the tasks. I had very good time with my son explaining the tasks. Not to be modest, but I have gained some knowledge in some areas, those small things in day today life that we take it for granted not knowing the history behind it. Over all I love the whole idea. Thanks Sangeetha.Anne Anish’s Mom

Raina has discussed with her grandmother about the modes of transportation, communication and lifestyle of her times and showed enthusiasm and interest in knowing the details. She took an old gramophone record from her grandmother’s collection and tried playing it and compared it with a cd. thanks and regards Sahar M/O RAINA KHAN

I feel that Viyaan has a complete idea on the unit "society has changed and continues to change over time". He tried to compare the changes by interviewing his grandfather& his great grandmother. He collected the pictures of different thing that were used in the past and present and made a chart presentation. He is very interested in knowing more about the changes and is inquiring the same with me. Hope the same enthusiasm remains even in the next coming up units. Thank you. Aruna. (Viyaan’s mom) Praneel has being asking about how both his parents grow up, what are the toys that we played with and also about old coins .he is trying to collect old coins to show in class. Thank you, Silpa. Parent of Praneel Thanks a lot for the wonderful effort of yours towards my child. I observed a change in his talking, Whenever we discuss about any game or anything that he can relate with the past and present change. Thanks a lot and hope the good work continues. thanks Aadya's Mom. It is a good learning experience for the kid. It helped them interact with grandparents and understand how their lifestyle was. Akiliesh more focused on evolution of transportation, boys love cars!!! And modes of communication changes. Thanks Manjula

Shreya was motivated to ask questions, read about the past and to put her research into a presentation. Uma

Society had changed in past generation schooling they don’t have any other activities like yoga, art & craft, sports etc but now they have all activities provided by school. Like this they have many changes in past &present generation. It was great experience with Tanisha, We felt happy mam. Thank q We were very much involved in completing Om's assignment - have to admit myself and my wife loved every moment of it. It was great pleasure and fun since it involved the whole family to complete it... and yes his grandfather is very proud of the fact that Om interviewed him and asked for his valuable inputs....It has been a good exercise for us and actually made us realise how much society has changed On the whole - an excellent unit which made us sit and chat together!!! Parents ( Om Dhotre)

Arnav discussed the changes with his grandmother and inquired about the time when she was a child. Arnav also summarized the pros and cons of current times. He said, Good - in current times we have machines/robots to do our work Bad - since we have TV, computer etc. We are sitting in one place and not having as much physical activity

As technology develops we will face scarcity of water and trees after few years. After learning this Shravan understood the need of tree plantation. He planted some mango seeds and waters those regularly without fail. Once he took me out to water his mango tree in the night 10.00 pm as he forgot to water the plant after coming back from school. He also makes sure that he closes the tap while brushing the teeth and tells us and our maids also not to leave taps open without any reason so that no water is wasted. He also switches off the light and fan before leaving the room. Thus he has become little responsible towards society. We felt the topic was a revelation of sorts to Rohan. Before this, he had never thought about the things he has around not being there! Time and again he felt bad for his grandfather for not having access to all the toys and gadgets that he does today :) I think he enjoyed the topic. Sravya has shown interest in the unit and understands and believes that change is necessary for society. Her ideas such as flying cars and 4-d phones and cameras, in the future, are interesting. I think the unit has given a boost to her confidence and imagination. With a little bit of guidance she has made an effort to think independently! Now Sudhish got an idea about how the life got changed from his grandmother's period to his period of life. Once he shared with me that mummy during the olden days people used to cook in clay and mud pots but now we cook in steel bowls. I think he got a clear idea that the society has changed and change overtime. Bisma has understood the unit well and reflects upon the activities done in the class. Once we were passing from the Muzaamjahi market she saw an old clock and quickly responded as "old clock of then". I was surprised! Thank you, Asiya Arshi. As technology develops we will face scarcity of water and trees after few years. After learning this Shreya understood the need of tree plantation. She planted some mango seeds and waters them regularly without fail. She also makes sure that she closes the tap while brushing the teeth and tells us and our maids also not to leave taps open without any reason so that no water is wasted. She also switches off the light and fan before leaving the room. Thus she has become little responsible towards society. Thank you. Regards, Sonali Karande