The world is changing so much faster than ever before.
We see rapid & continuous evolution & changes in technology – such as by Automation & Robotics , AI, Geo political shifts & so many other disruptive changes – there is emergence of entirely new industries & sectors powered by hyper automation, new technologies like DRONES, AI applications and thus newer job families & Competencies + newer business categories too.
There is thus constant shift & evolution of the body of knowledge & information too. As parents of young children, the pace can feel overwhelming. We spend our days trying to keep up, all the while preparing our kids for a future that’s impossible to predict.
In this whirlwind of change, many of us naturally cling to what we know: the familiar checklist of academic achievements. We push for good grades, memorize facts, and focus on test scores, believing we are giving our children the best possible start.
But what if the most important lesson we can teach isn’t a specific fact or skill, but the joy of learning itself?
As our children will have to unlearn, up learn & continuously upgrade themselves in the future ahead.
The problem with the “race to the top”
We’ve all seen the pressure. Children as young as toddlers are enrolled in structured, high-intensity learning programs. The message is clear: start early, get ahead, and don’t fall behind. But this approach often comes at a hidden cost.
When learning is framed as a chore or a competition, motivated by external rewards like good grades or praise, we risk extinguishing our children’s innate curiosity. Studies show that children motivated by internal drives, personal satisfaction tend to be more committed, creative, and persistent.
In contrast, a focus on external rewards can cause motivation to decline, leading to a generation of bright, high-achieving children who secretly resent the learning process.
In a world where knowledge is constantly being updated, what matters most is not what a child knows, but their desire and ability to learn new things.
Cultivating curiosity: A parent’s superpower
SO, HOW DO WE SHIFT THE FOCUS FROM PERFORMANCE TO PASSION?
Firstly lets recognize that all young children are naturally curious. They ask “why” constantly.
So our job as parents & at school is not to force learning, but to provide a supportive environment that nurtures and protects that curiosity.
Here are a few examples to do this & perhaps get started:
- Make learning an adventure, not a task: Turn everyday moments into opportunities for discovery.
Consider these examples …..
- Teach fractions with cooking: “If we double the recipe, how many eggs will we need?”. In short – gently ask – don’t preach/teach.
- Explore science in the garden: “I wonder what makes leaves change color?”
- Transform a trip to the supermarket into a lesson on budgeting or food sources.
2. Focus on effort, not outcome: Celebrate the curiosity, hard work, persistence to find the answers and resilience your child shows, not just the A on a test. Praise them for trying a new approach to a tricky puzzle, or for the persistence they showed when a tower of blocks kept tumbling down. This nurtures a growth & development mindset, teaching them that their abilities can be developed through perseverance & dedication.
3. Embrace the “I don’t know”: Don’t feel pressure to have all the answers. When your child asks a difficult question, turn it into a shared exploration. Respond with, “That’s a great question! Let’s find out together.”. Use books, a trip to the library, or a trusted website and now some directions from AI to figure out & model what lifelong learning looks like.
4. Protect unstructured time: In our impulse to fill every moment with enriching activities, we can overlook the power of boredom. Unstructured playtime is crucial for sparking creativity and problem-solving. It’s when children learn to invent, imagine, and explore on their own terms. So pls don’t fill up all their free time – with continuous one after another activities/tutions.
5. Connect learning to the real world: Help your child see that what they learn in books and school has a purpose outside the classroom. Whether it’s understanding how a car engine works, how different cultures use different spices in their food, or the ethical considerations of new technology, make the connections tangible. Travel & open ended conversations during such family times or during meal times together are examples of leveraging such opportunities for exchanging thoughts/views with your children.
The future is unwritten—and that’s a good thing
We can’t fully predict the jobs of tomorrow or the technologies that will shape the future. What we can do is give our children the tools they need to navigate a world of constant change. By prioritizing the joy of learning, we empower them to adapt, to innovate, and to approach the unknown with excitement rather than fear.
In the end, our goal isn’t to create mini-experts in today’s knowledge. It’s to raise resilient, resourceful, and curious human beings who are excited to learn for a lifetime.
But let’s pause and consider all this
CHOOSE A GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOL – SO YOUR CHILD HAS TIME FOR DEVELOPING FOR THE FUTURE.
These are the schools in your community, the ones you can see from your balcony, the ones that are just a short walk or a quick/short ride away.
Choosing a neighbourhood school isn’t about compromising on quality. Many of these schools are equipped with excellent teachers, modern facilities, and a curriculum that rivals their ‘fancier’ counterparts. What they offer, because they may be even smaller campuses – that the others can’t, is the gift of time – and usually greater focus on each child – as there are fewer children on campus.
By choosing a school close to home, you’re not just saving your child from the stress and fatigue of a long daily commute. You’re giving them the gift of a childhood filled with play, exploration, and connection.
By making the right choices – you’re giving them the chance to be children, not just passengers.
Let’s choose a neighbourhood school, and let’s give our children the gift of time to explore & imbibe the joy of learning .”
LOOK FOR A GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOL WITH A GOOD CULTURE & TEACHERS – NOT JUST BIG FANCY GLITZY INFRASTRUCTURE.
The teachers are the most important – in any good school; as also the culture of the school – which can be assessed by a simple walk through and/or things like teacher attrition ,etc – as also the peer group of the child / parent groups.
Also stay away from a school – with significant mis match of culture – with your values/ideals.
Engage with teachers, other parents with children in that school and try to ask/look out for these aspects – during the walk through – when assessing a school.
And most of all do not get carried away by the fancy/glitzy infrastructure
YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS?
Do share your insights in the comments below!
We hope this helps you, dear parent!
Meanwhile enjoy developing your child at a good neighbourhood school, home and outdoors
There are some great parks/green spots/sports fields near at as well near our school campuses – consider locating a suitable one in your neighbourhood, for encouraging physical activity – the seeds of any sports – near say:
- SouthCity1
- Sector31
- Sector40
- SushantLok
- Sector72
- Sector70
- Sectot71
- Sector48
- Badshahpur corridor*
- Leisure Valley
(*) which is right next to the Sixth Element – Tata Primanti campus – and the trees there near our school’s north/east boundary – help filter our school campus air too.
why – the Sixth Element?
Very simply, the Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 20 years back, to illustrate igniting the joy of learning – so important for children’s development – as we nurture, and get them ready for the future.
How to Foster a Well-Rounded Child?
While there is lots of operating structure and detailed SOPs in school’s daily /weekly/monthly/annual – schedules – “how” the same is executed is unique – i.e., the Sixth element way of incorporating co-curricular & scientific & artistic activities, project work etc – leading to children enjoy learning & look forward to coming to school each day (and interestingly they do miss school on holidays 😊 ! )
Some examples of what’s done on instilling values & character building:
- Instill values: Understanding differences between right or wrong, is discussed in its many facets often. As also discussing environmental issues, volunteering for community activities, clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum, with its emphasis on global citizenship and community service, fosters values like respect, empathy, and responsibility
- Embrace sustainability: Reduce waste, conserve energy, and grow your own food together. Encouraging minimalism (BTW we are a uniform school), upcycling, gardening, and exploring green technologies like rain water harvesting, recycling, etc
- Building Confidence: The curriculum’s focus on individual & team achievement (over experiential projects in small groups) and overcoming difficulties – and making progress, encouraged by the teacher helps build self-esteem. By setting and achieving goals, students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience
- Life Skills for Real World: The curriculum’s focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving equips students with essential life skills. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges and opportunities- building confidence.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT’s commitment to sustainability?
At the Sixth Element, we believe that education should go beyond classrooms. Our green airy, spacious campuses are a living laboratory, where children learn experientially about sustainable practices. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting, recycling & near no plastics usage.
Our curriculum integrates sustainability into every subject, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, science, commerce & the arts – while instilling a desire to protect our planet.
By igniting the joy of learning, nurturing curiosity, confidence, values, and environmental consciousness – we empower children to become not only successful individuals, but equally responsible members of society and global citizens.
Does a unique International Curriculum School like the Sixth Element help?
A progressive wholistic school following Cambridge International Curriculum significantly contributes by lots of experiential learning and project-based work.
The Sixth Element School: Where Cambridge International meets India- in an exclusive, low density, impactful format
Reason why we chose Cambridge International curriculum is because the blend of teacher directed as well as learner self-driven learning & research seems to be relevant for aspirational kids from Indian families, keen on preparing their kids to be global citizens of the future – weather based in India or overseas.
Is the Sixth Element School duly registered with Cambridge International?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is duly registered as one of over 10,000 schools globally – as a Cambridge International school with a global registration number IA 892
Keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see for yourself why it could be the perfect launchpad for your child’s bright, global future!
We started the first sixth element school 21 years back in 2004 @ Gurgaon.
Our schools & afternoon extended school & afternoon ‘activities enriched’ daycare centers are unique, exclusive compact neighbourhood green campuses – where a lot of outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) takes place with children on most days.
Our unique Smaller campus – with only 2 sections per each class grade – and very limited children on campus, allow us to focus on each child’s growth & development properly.
We are proud of our high quality, committed teachers – the very backbone of any good learning environment.
We raise well-rounded future ready individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world with confidence and integrity – with the right methods and practices. As an example – our foundational fitness program delivered in partnership with xfit kids , our gym, our green playgrounds and great coaches – give a great foundational fitness and start to our school kids.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools is key to nurturing the future leaders of gurugram, our great nation and our planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYSING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING ” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULAM IS BENCHMARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY, WHILE DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES. THANKS TO ITS 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE AND ITS CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM PIAGET, VYGOSTKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL – FOR THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF THE UPGRADED NEW EDUCATION (NEP) UNDER ROLL OUT IN INDIA NOW.
So in line with some of India’s top and globally the very best : we are now a unique 100% Cambridge International School.
www.sixthelment.edu.in
the Sixth Element School
the school children love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
Limited enrollment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 now – in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
