The current lock-down has a positive side too. Its time to take stock of things that one has always wanted to do. Though this blog-post has been written for children, there are practical takeaways for all age groups. Most of the tips are applicable well beyond the lock down period.

 I would like to acknowledge the valuable tips given by Major General Sharabh Pachory (Retired) who was our Instructor at the Indian Military Academy, way back in 1992.

Col AD

LANGUAGE COURSES

My friend’s son, a student of 9^th standard speaks 5 languages. All learnt through Youtube. He is nothing less than a celebrity in his circle. His parents are proud of him as he has been able to make online friends from so many countries.

• In India three languages are necessary for survival.  One requires mother tongue at home and within the community, Hindi, as the national language, through the country and English for professional life.

• This time can be well utilised for picking the basics of other languages, like regional ones. No harm in learning the basic salutations and common sentences in as many languages as possible.

• It is very easy to pick up a new language when you are young. Past the learning curve, the effort required is much more.

• Lessons are available online in video as well as written formats. One can also take help of friends and language can be learnt by exchanging voice notes on messenger applications.
• Those looking for Overseas study and work options can take online IELTS/ TOEFL, GRE and SAT Lessons

• Google Translate has many features and one can learn the script as well as pronunciation.

• Language experts are in high demand when one is looking for an overseas job. There are a number of websites (livelingua.com, fluentu.com etc) that offer free and paid online language courses.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Merely speaking fluently is not communication. It is an art of putting across one’s ideas in such a manner that the receiver understands clearly. It is an art which can be learnt and can be improved with practice.

• Communication skill is a mix of academic knowledge, personal experiences, articulation and confidence.

• This time can be used to polish this fine art. Again, adequate material is available. All one needs is the focus. Children can also utilize this time to practice their communication skills with their parents and elders at home.

• Written and non verbal communication is as important as spoken. Body language, thus, forms an important part.

• Ask the children to write a paragraph in two languages every day. This will improve their written communication.

• You can have small discussions at home on any topic and encourage them to speak. The children can also be given extempore topics to speak for at least two minutes.

• This looks difficult in the beginning, but as soon as you start, the results will start showing.

• Fun activities and games like Dumb Charades, Crossword Puzzles, Vocabulary, Scrabble etc, will make learning interesting.

• This is also a golden opportunity to improve handwriting and vocabulary. 5 words per day is not a difficult target to achieve.

COOKING

• It is one of the essential, however, often overlooked skill. The lock-down has led to a complete shut down of eating joints of all kinds. Those who have good cooking skills are not missing much. The household help is also not available.

• Cooking is a ‘life skill’. In the early stages of their careers, boys and girls may be required to rig up simple meals for themselves, not only to save costs, but to avoid eating outside food everyday. What is learnt as a hobby now, could be a survival tool sometime in life.

• Those who do not have it can always learn now….never too late . The internet is full of all kinds of videos and text that one can learn from.

• Parents should encourage the kids to assist them in kitchen. One can start with basic activity of making tea and then graduate to simple meals like making sandwich etc. Depending on the interest level, the activity can be pursued further.

• Associated activities like washing and chopping the vegetables, preparing the dough, cleaning the utensils, cleaning the refrigerator also can be learnt in no time.

• Children can be introduced to Non Fire Cooking….such as making shakes, salads etc.

• A secondary fallout of pursuit of such a hobby is to prepare or benefit those who later wish to make a career in the hospitality/ hotel industry.

GARDENING

• A small garden can be prepared if you have space, else, one can start with small flower pots. Old bowls etc can be used if pots are not available. A kitchen garden can start with planting basic vegetables like chili, tomatoes, coriander, mint etc.

• As a science experiment, small children can be encouraged to prepare soil, put it in an old shoe or mithai box and plant a few kidney beans (rajma), black gram (chana) etc, water them every day and take joy in the saplings which will come out in three days. Such activities are likely to enthuse and encourage children.

• It’s a good and recommended exercise for the mind.

• Having indoor plants soothes the nerves.

• Saplings/ seeds can be procured from neighbours or a nearby nursery.

FIRST AID TECHNIQUES

One of our soldiers suffered a gun shot wound in his  right leg in an operation during our deployment in Imphal. A First Aid trained soldier was part of the team and due to timely dressing of the wound and administration of pain killer, his leg and life could be saved. 

• They say that in case of accidents, 50% of life saving depends on how the injury has been handled in the first 30 minutes. Thus, first aid is a life saving art.

• Basic medicines, washing and dressing of minor wounds, knowledge of first aid for various type of injuries can prove to be a life saver.

• A number of well illustrated manuals and videos exist. Download the basic and advanced versions and watch them as a family.

• Even online First Aid Courses with certification are available for those interested.

What else…. the list of activities that can be included under this head is infinite. Some other recommended activities are :-

• Strengthening the family bonds and social fabric. Children and young adults can spend quality time with the elders in the house, who are often neglected in the fast pace of modern life and develop the missing bond with them.

• A basic awareness of traffic rules, civic sense, etiquette, fundamental rights, constitution of India etc can be inculcated among the children so that they become better and more aware citizens of the country when they grow.

• Children can be encouraged to make a ‘Corona Scrap Book’ in which they note down all relevant aspects of the times that they are going through and keep it for posterity.

• Some more fundamental skills such as stitching basics, sewing a button, mending tears in clothes etc can be picked up by children.

• Most children do not know how to put a cover (brown paper) on their books and notebooks. invariably their mothers do it. This is a good time to learn and practice.

• On their part, children can also be teachers. They can teach the elders, mostly grandparents, the basics of computers, mobile use, social media etc. This will give a sense of importance to the children.

24 hours can be turned into a great learning experience. The catch lies in starting early, making a plan and sticking to it. It takes 21 days to form a habit and most of the self up-gradation tips come with a lifetime applicability. Option is entirely yours.

Stay indoors, stay safe and stay motivated.

Copyright © 2020 by Colonel Amardeep Singh, SM (Retired)

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