Here's wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!
May the year 2010 shower your family with good health, luck and contentment. Thank you for being a part of all our events and milestones at Gulmohar Days. 2009 has been a special year indeed and we are truly grateful that you were part of it.
We hope to see you in the new year as well. Children - with their inherent joy and spark continue to remind us of the sprightly Gulmohar flowers that dazzle us with their bold and bright beauty. Join us as we celebrate the the simple joys of childhood, that special time we refer to as the gulmohar days of life!
Wishing you love, luck and happiness from the entire team at Gulmohar Days!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
The First Step: a short film by Neel Shah and Arjun Nair
This film was made by Arjun and Neel as a Children's day project. An excellent effort for 10 year olds and it was much appreciated! Well done boys!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Christmas Cheer at Gulmohar Days!
Cakes and candy, the nativity and carols: it was simple and sweet afternoon that we all will treasure at Gulmohar Days. The youth wing of the PFCC enacted the nativity scene and sang carols as the kids joyously joined in. Kudos to those kids who entertained us by playing carols on the piano! Well done! Enjoy the pictures!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
No! No! Christmas is not Santa's Birthday!
"So who was born on Christmas Day? " I cheerily asked a bunch of kids as we settled down to a cosy chat a few evenings ago.
"It's Santa's birthday!" came the chorus. I was at first amused and laughed and got down to the real story but soon realised the kids were mighty disappointed that Santa was not born on Christmas Day.
Can't blame them, can we? Because that's all most of us do on Christmas. Ask the kids to behave well so that Santa would bring them their gift, put out the Tree, keep gifts under it and sing Jingle Bells with all our hearts with the cheery vision of a portly old man dressed in red sliding down a chimney!
Gulmohar Days is pleased to invite you to "The Real Christmas": an afternoon of Christmas fun and cheer on The 19th of December 2009. Of course we have the Christmas tree and the lights and holly and singing, but this time we are giving Santa a miss!
Instead, we proudly present an enactment of the "Nativity" by the youth wing of the PFCC, a truly vibrant group of youngsters who readily agreed to play out the birth of Jesus Christ for the benefit of our kids. So join us for some fun games, some good old carol singing, watch the play and feast on some goodies as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!
Date: Saturday, 19th December, 2009
Time: 3.15 pm to 4.45 pm
Venue: Gulmohar Days Library
Entry:Library Members: Free
Non-Members: Rs. 70 per child
Dress Code: Red or Green
A small request to parents: If your child would like to be part of the celebrations please register his/her name with us as soon as possible and latest by the 16th of December. This applies to The Library members as well. Thanking you all for your continued support and encouragement!
"It's Santa's birthday!" came the chorus. I was at first amused and laughed and got down to the real story but soon realised the kids were mighty disappointed that Santa was not born on Christmas Day.
Can't blame them, can we? Because that's all most of us do on Christmas. Ask the kids to behave well so that Santa would bring them their gift, put out the Tree, keep gifts under it and sing Jingle Bells with all our hearts with the cheery vision of a portly old man dressed in red sliding down a chimney!
Gulmohar Days is pleased to invite you to "The Real Christmas": an afternoon of Christmas fun and cheer on The 19th of December 2009. Of course we have the Christmas tree and the lights and holly and singing, but this time we are giving Santa a miss!
Instead, we proudly present an enactment of the "Nativity" by the youth wing of the PFCC, a truly vibrant group of youngsters who readily agreed to play out the birth of Jesus Christ for the benefit of our kids. So join us for some fun games, some good old carol singing, watch the play and feast on some goodies as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!
Date: Saturday, 19th December, 2009
Time: 3.15 pm to 4.45 pm
Venue: Gulmohar Days Library
Entry:Library Members: Free
Non-Members: Rs. 70 per child
Dress Code: Red or Green
A small request to parents: If your child would like to be part of the celebrations please register his/her name with us as soon as possible and latest by the 16th of December. This applies to The Library members as well. Thanking you all for your continued support and encouragement!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Special Holiday Workshops at Gulmohar Days
AGES 3 – 6 YEARS
Tell Me Why?? A 5 day workshop that attempts to make the child think, ask questions and find answers to the simplest facts in our daily life; Is the sun a star? Where does the food we eat go? How do plants grow? Are we born from seeds and eggs? What is earth? And a million other simple queries. DATES: 21st -26th December, 2009, TIME: 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm
Art Camp: A four-day Christmas theme art workshop.DATE: 21st - 24th Dec, 2009 TIME: 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm
Phonics refresher: A brief introduction to phonic sounds of the English alphabet. Fun games that focus on alphabet sound recognition and learning to associate/make words combining sounds. DATE: 4th January – 9th Jan 2010 TIME: 10.30 am to 11.30 am
AGES 7 YEARS ABOVE
Yoga: A 15 day workshop that will focus on breathing, concentration, posture, overall health and immunity. Dates: 21st December’ 09 to 9th Jan 2010, 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Glass Painting: A 6 day session. Dates: 21st to 28th Dec 2009, Time: 5.30 to 6.30 pm
Quizathon: A five day Gk & quiz workshop.Dates: 21st - 26th Dec 2009, Time: 11.45 am - 12.45 pm
Art Camp: A four-day Christmas theme art workshop.DATE: 21st- 24th December 2009, TIME: 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Tile Painting: A 6 day workshop that teaches kids various techniques in tile painting. Dates: 4th to 9th Jan 2010, Time: 5.30 to 6.30 pm
The Children’s Library: The Gulmohar Days Library (for ages 6 months to 15 yrs) will remain open from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm to 7.00 pm (Monday to Saturday) right through the vacations. We do hope you and your child will make the most of this facility and have a wonderful time reading together. Remember, you can now borrow books from the library. And yes, our young readers are offered a 5% discount on all workshops held during the vacations.
For more details pls email gulmohardays@gmail.com
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Mother &Toddler Programme
MOTHER & TODDLER PROGRAMME (FOR KIDS AGES 10 MONTHS TO 2.5 YEARS)
Gulmohar Days is pleased to announce the launch of a "Mother & Toddler" programme for children within the ages of 10 months to 2.5 years. This programme will commence from December, 2009.
The sessions are designed such that both parent and child may attend and participate together in each session. Apart from this being a great bonding experience, it also ensures that the child's first experience of 'school' is a pleasant one that is devoid of any anxiety. If the parent is unable to attend the sessions, the toddler is most welcome to attend with a grandparent/aunt or any other member of the family.
Sessions will consist of activities that assist in the growth of the child's motor skills, social development, language and conversation abilities along with an introduction to colours, art and music.
Session details:
Thrice a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Timings: 10.30am to 11.45am
Age eligibility: 10 months - 2.5 years
For further enquiries on the programme please email gulmohardays@gmail.com
Gulmohar Days is pleased to announce the launch of a "Mother & Toddler" programme for children within the ages of 10 months to 2.5 years. This programme will commence from December, 2009.
The sessions are designed such that both parent and child may attend and participate together in each session. Apart from this being a great bonding experience, it also ensures that the child's first experience of 'school' is a pleasant one that is devoid of any anxiety. If the parent is unable to attend the sessions, the toddler is most welcome to attend with a grandparent/aunt or any other member of the family.
Sessions will consist of activities that assist in the growth of the child's motor skills, social development, language and conversation abilities along with an introduction to colours, art and music.
Session details:
Thrice a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Timings: 10.30am to 11.45am
Age eligibility: 10 months - 2.5 years
For further enquiries on the programme please email gulmohardays@gmail.com
Thursday, November 26, 2009
"Coloured Views": 2 day Art Workshop for Adults
Greetings!
Feeling Blue? Seeing Red? Planning to Go Green?
Gulmohar Days is pleased to host "COLOURED VIEWS" : a 2-day art workshop for adults where participants can discover how colours help create evocative art, reveal character and enable a deeper understanding of personality.
Under the guidance of trained faculty, participants will use colours to depict themes and moods, portray emotions, and present feelings through their art. The workshop promises exciting experiments with different materials, painting and collage-making exercises – and a journey through the entire landscape of human emotions. Technique and self-expression combine to transform the way you view art – and yourself.
This workshop is open to all, irrespective of skill level or experience. Don’t be yellow!
DAY 1
Duration: 4 Hrs
Expressing Mood using colour
Exercise 01: Use colours to communicate emotions like anger, happiness, sorrow, confusion, irritation etc. An interactive session of associating words with colours.
Exercise 02: Create a portrait using a ‘monochromatic colour-scheme’
DAY 2
Duration: 4 1/2 Hrs
On Day 2 participants will continue their journey of exploring emotions through colour through an abstract composition.
Exercise 01: Create an abstract pictorial composition to depict any one emotion using a variety of lines and paint the composition in warm colours - as the background and other mixed-media such as newspapers etc.
Exercise 02: Attempting to script a story interpreting the abstract artwork created in the previous exercise and sharing your story with the group.
The workshop primarily focuses on art as therapy, integrating colour, composition and writing to give expression to a range of emotions through the pictorial and written medium.
WORKSHOP DATES AND TIMINGS;
DAY 1: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25TH ( 2.00 PM TO 6.00 PM) Friday is a holiday for most on account of christmas.
DAY 2: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27TH (2.00 PM TO 6.00 PM)
Workshops fee: Rs. 850/ ( both days and material inclusive)
Please feel free to email ( gulmohardays@gmail.com) for further queries on the workshop. In case you are interested but are unable to attend due to time or date reasons, please do let us know so that we may keep you informed on such workshops in the future.
Feeling Blue? Seeing Red? Planning to Go Green?
Gulmohar Days is pleased to host "COLOURED VIEWS" : a 2-day art workshop for adults where participants can discover how colours help create evocative art, reveal character and enable a deeper understanding of personality.
Under the guidance of trained faculty, participants will use colours to depict themes and moods, portray emotions, and present feelings through their art. The workshop promises exciting experiments with different materials, painting and collage-making exercises – and a journey through the entire landscape of human emotions. Technique and self-expression combine to transform the way you view art – and yourself.
This workshop is open to all, irrespective of skill level or experience. Don’t be yellow!
DAY 1
Duration: 4 Hrs
Expressing Mood using colour
Exercise 01: Use colours to communicate emotions like anger, happiness, sorrow, confusion, irritation etc. An interactive session of associating words with colours.
Exercise 02: Create a portrait using a ‘monochromatic colour-scheme’
DAY 2
Duration: 4 1/2 Hrs
On Day 2 participants will continue their journey of exploring emotions through colour through an abstract composition.
Exercise 01: Create an abstract pictorial composition to depict any one emotion using a variety of lines and paint the composition in warm colours - as the background and other mixed-media such as newspapers etc.
Exercise 02: Attempting to script a story interpreting the abstract artwork created in the previous exercise and sharing your story with the group.
The workshop primarily focuses on art as therapy, integrating colour, composition and writing to give expression to a range of emotions through the pictorial and written medium.
WORKSHOP DATES AND TIMINGS;
DAY 1: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25TH ( 2.00 PM TO 6.00 PM) Friday is a holiday for most on account of christmas.
DAY 2: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27TH (2.00 PM TO 6.00 PM)
Workshops fee: Rs. 850/ ( both days and material inclusive)
Please feel free to email ( gulmohardays@gmail.com) for further queries on the workshop. In case you are interested but are unable to attend due to time or date reasons, please do let us know so that we may keep you informed on such workshops in the future.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Children's Day !
We had a busy and colourful weekend at Gulmohar Days.
Special congratulations to all the kids who put up their projects and made their wonderful presentations. From the exquisite collection of coins and currencies, the beauty of Sri Lanka, volcanoes that spewed lava, an explanation on earth and seasons, experiments on sound waves and photosynthesis, windmills and a challenging on-the-spot quiz, not to forget the wonderful short film on the environment theme....the Gulmohar Days library kids put up a grand show indeed! It was equally heart warming to see moms and dads come out in full force to enjoy the day's event.
As organisers, what we cherished most was how each child put in his best and performed with enthusiasm in spite of the fact that there was no prize or reward promised to the kids. We hope the experience has helped each child view himself/herself with greater confidence. Do enjoy the pictures !
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Book Club is back!
The book club is back! The library is almost incomplete without a book club for those who love a good read!
Calling all kids (ages 10-15 yrs) who would love to spend an hour reading, talking, imagining and may be do even a little writing. The club is intended for those kids who already have a healthy reading habit and would love to read new authors and meet new styles of writing.
So spread the word amongst your friends and get a group together.
Book Club meets every Thursday, 5.30 to 6.30pm. In case the day and time does not suit you and you would still like to join, pls do email.
Other programmes available at Gulmohar Days include:
Children's Library ( ages 6 month upwards)
Story Club ( 3-5 yrs)
Yoga (7 yrs above)
Scrabble ( 8 yrs above)
Craft Club ( 8 yrs above)
Art and Drawing ( ages 4-7 and 8-15 yrs)
Child Care services (kids may be dropped off for a short duration at the centre under our care if you have an errand to run)
Calling all kids (ages 10-15 yrs) who would love to spend an hour reading, talking, imagining and may be do even a little writing. The club is intended for those kids who already have a healthy reading habit and would love to read new authors and meet new styles of writing.
So spread the word amongst your friends and get a group together.
Book Club meets every Thursday, 5.30 to 6.30pm. In case the day and time does not suit you and you would still like to join, pls do email.
Other programmes available at Gulmohar Days include:
Children's Library ( ages 6 month upwards)
Story Club ( 3-5 yrs)
Yoga (7 yrs above)
Scrabble ( 8 yrs above)
Craft Club ( 8 yrs above)
Art and Drawing ( ages 4-7 and 8-15 yrs)
Child Care services (kids may be dropped off for a short duration at the centre under our care if you have an errand to run)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
November Fest at the Library!!
Gulmohar Days library members have a lot to cheer about this November! Here's why:
250 brand new Amar Chitra Katha comics: Its a reader's delight! From the stories on Birbal to the life of Kalpana Chawla to the history of Indian Independence, these ageless classics capture all that has delighted and tickled our imagination. Gulmohar Days unveils the entire collection this month at the Library.
Issue of Books: Yes, along with the sit-in facility, Library members can now issue out books of their choice from the 10th of November, 2009. Books will be issued against the unique ID number previously issued. Existing members who wish to use this facility will have to pay a refundable deposit before issuing books out.
The November fest: A unique event open only to library members where each child can make a short presentation on a project of their choice. Project review is on 8th November, so please get your facts together and get ready to have a great children's day at the library!
Looking forward to a month filled with fun and activity!
250 brand new Amar Chitra Katha comics: Its a reader's delight! From the stories on Birbal to the life of Kalpana Chawla to the history of Indian Independence, these ageless classics capture all that has delighted and tickled our imagination. Gulmohar Days unveils the entire collection this month at the Library.
Issue of Books: Yes, along with the sit-in facility, Library members can now issue out books of their choice from the 10th of November, 2009. Books will be issued against the unique ID number previously issued. Existing members who wish to use this facility will have to pay a refundable deposit before issuing books out.
The November fest: A unique event open only to library members where each child can make a short presentation on a project of their choice. Project review is on 8th November, so please get your facts together and get ready to have a great children's day at the library!
Looking forward to a month filled with fun and activity!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Colour and Glitter
There was much fun and laughter, not to mention colour and glitter, at the Diya Painting session last evening. Kids were given complete freedom to paint and decorate a diya of their choice! Here are some pictures of the event. Enjoy them!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Diya Painting Session for Kids
The festival of lights is around the corner!
Just to add some more colour to the festive spirit, Gulmohar Days is organising a "Paint your own Diya" session this friday evening. Children may walk in any time between 4.30pm and 6.30pm to paint and decorate a diya of their choice.
This event is open to all. So please do bring friends along if you would wish to.
Session charges are as follows:
Gulmohar Library Members: Rs.75/
Non members: Rs. 100/-
Please email gulmohardays@gmail.com to confirm your child's participation.
Just to add some more colour to the festive spirit, Gulmohar Days is organising a "Paint your own Diya" session this friday evening. Children may walk in any time between 4.30pm and 6.30pm to paint and decorate a diya of their choice.
This event is open to all. So please do bring friends along if you would wish to.
Session charges are as follows:
Gulmohar Library Members: Rs.75/
Non members: Rs. 100/-
Please email gulmohardays@gmail.com to confirm your child's participation.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Diwali workshop for kids ages 3-6 years
Potpourri: A fun 5 day workshop with a mixed bag of activities for kids in the age group of 3 to 6 years. Each day will hold something new, ranging from diya painting, craft, the legend of Lord Rama and even some cookery.
Workshop timings: 5.30 to 6.30
Dates: 12th of Oct to 16th of Oct, 2009
Please email gulmohardays@gmail.com for further details or to register your child's name for the workshop.
Workshop timings: 5.30 to 6.30
Dates: 12th of Oct to 16th of Oct, 2009
Please email gulmohardays@gmail.com for further details or to register your child's name for the workshop.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Calligraphy Workshop (ages 8 and above)
Basic Calligraphy Workshop for children above the age of 8 years:
When: 12th to 16 th october, 2009
timings: 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm
Please email gulmohardays@gmail.com for further details on the programme.
When: 12th to 16 th october, 2009
timings: 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm
Please email gulmohardays@gmail.com for further details on the programme.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Happy Birthday Gulmohar Days!
Gulmohar Days turns TWO today!! Thank you so much for being part of this fanatastic year!
As we begin Year 3 in new surroundings with an ambitious library project for children, I thank each one of you for the tremendous support you have extended through the past year. From friends who have shared words of encouragement, to friends who came into the library with a bag full of books to donate, to those who helped make T shirts and grocery bags and helped run an entire green camapign, to those who simply came in and sat at the library so that I could have some time off, to my students who were more enthusiastic than I was in any new project we attempted, to those who came in to become teachers and share their talent with children....I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Watch this space, for I promise, the next year will be even more exciting. Thank you, once again, for joining us as we celebrate the gulmohar days of life!
Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it. —Roald Dahl
As we begin Year 3 in new surroundings with an ambitious library project for children, I thank each one of you for the tremendous support you have extended through the past year. From friends who have shared words of encouragement, to friends who came into the library with a bag full of books to donate, to those who helped make T shirts and grocery bags and helped run an entire green camapign, to those who simply came in and sat at the library so that I could have some time off, to my students who were more enthusiastic than I was in any new project we attempted, to those who came in to become teachers and share their talent with children....I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Watch this space, for I promise, the next year will be even more exciting. Thank you, once again, for joining us as we celebrate the gulmohar days of life!
Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it. —Roald Dahl
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Allow me....
I have great pleasure in sharing a thought-provoking poem that was penned by a parent whose child is part of the Gulmohar Days craft club. The poem is a humble request by a child to be left alone and be allowed to learn and grow at a comfortable pace. Beautiful words, thanks for sharing this Sangeeta! I hope the muse visits you often!
Allow me to grow
at my own pace
Please dont hasten me
I have rainbows to trace
Allow me to linger
a little while longer
on clouds and sunshine
until my confidence is stronger
Allow me to learn
how to break free on my own
after-all even a butterfly
came out of a worm
---(by Sangeeta Apshankar)
Allow me to grow
at my own pace
Please dont hasten me
I have rainbows to trace
Allow me to linger
a little while longer
on clouds and sunshine
until my confidence is stronger
Allow me to learn
how to break free on my own
after-all even a butterfly
came out of a worm
---(by Sangeeta Apshankar)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Feel like chess?
Who said libraries are dull boring places where you have to keep quiet??
Not at Gulmohar Days for sure. There was much noise and good natured fighting over carrom and chess this weekend. And if you thought pictionary was a peaceful game, you havent seen anything yet!!
Scrabble, Hangman, pictionary, carroms, chess and other board games all available for library members only! And you thought libraries only stocked books???
Free Story Telling Session
Kids love nothing more than a good story!
As part of the "Reading is Fun" programme, I am glad to announce a free story telling/reading session for kids at the library from 5.30-6.30 pm on Saturday, the 19th of Sept., 2009. This is for kids in the age group of 3-5 years. Please e-mail gulmohardays@gmail.com to register your child's name at the earliest and participate in the story session.
See you there!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Art Class for Adults
Yes, its true! Gulmohar Days is deviating from the rule and doing a workshop for adults!! Happy to announce a class for those who have always wanted to hold a brush in their in their hands and colour something other than grey hair! Perfect for those who are uninitiated and also for those who have dabbled in art earlier and want to learn/experiment with a new medium.
Class timings: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm every Friday.
Please email for further details on the programme.
Class timings: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm every Friday.
Please email for further details on the programme.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Onam celebrations
The library wore a festive look yesterday. All library members were invited for the special Onam celebrations. The kids looked wonderful in ethnic wear and a big thank you to all parents and grandparents who helped out with the preparations. After listening to the Legend of Mahabali and snacking on some traditional Kerala goodies, the kids tried their hand at the flower rangoli or Pookolam. I have never seen boys enjoy rangoli this much!! Considering not one of them had done this earlier, I think they did wonderfully well. And by the end of the event, they all learned to say "Onam Ashamsakal"!! Enjoy the pictures.....
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