Spotlight Sessions

Sometimes it's not a major event or a personal loss.
Sometimes it’s the tiniest remark the next person made.
The smallest sentence that could trigger a nightmare.



This World Mental Health Day, let’s talk a little about the ‘everyday’ triggers we unconsciously use in our conversations.

We truly believe that learning to speak well is not nearly as important as learning to speak with sensitivity and emotional intelligence, often left out of most communication skills trainings. Perfect English, great body language and the best tools mean very little without an awareness of how one’s words could affect another human being.

Sensitivity in conversations and interactions may be one of the biggest avenues to help us build a society that understands mental health challenges.💪

We can’t be perfect but we can do better:)

‘Oooh, look at you! You’re so cute!’
‘I love your dress, where’d you get it?’
‘Look how big you’ve gotten!’



Without realizing it, our first comments on meeting a child are often focused solely on physical appearance. We’re emphasizing time and again that their looks are the most important thing about them, a pattern that manifests itself in adult interactions too.

But kids are so much more! They think, they feel and can be great conversationalists when prompted!☺️

Here are 5 great conversation starters to use when interacting with children, that acknowledge the big, little thinkers they are.🙋

Pro-Tip: You can always start off with ‘It’s so nice to see you’ (that’s a sure shot winner!)🙌

It's NOT a measure of your worth.
It's NOT a standard of comparison.
It's NOT always a means to an end.


Children are thrust into a world where the pressue to be better, stronger, sharper begins right at the 'ABCDs'. Every test, every grade, every course is laced with the implicit goal of moving ahead, getting into that college, securing that job or earning 'that much' money.

We've lost out on the excitement of discovering something new, just for that, excitement and wonder.✨💫

When was the last time you learned something just for fun or kicks?

Do that course you've always wanted, pick up that instrument or head back to an old hobby.

This is a reminder to take the pressure off & put the pleasure on :)

It’s World Animal Day and we couldn’t get away without celebrating our favourite animal tales!🐼

Literature is peppered with classic animal characters who taught us a thing or two about living life the right way.🌞

Here are 5 inspiring quotes from our most-loved stories to bring a little cheer (and wisdom!) to your day.

Any other favourites? Share it with us in the comments below! 🐧🙌



Fun Fact – Today is also the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. It is believed he would speak and preach to animals, whom he loved dearly.

Congratulations to our very own star Kyler Dias on receiving a distinction in his first Trinity College of London Speech and Drama examination!

We began our journey with this curious, intelligent boy a little more than a year ago and couldn't be prouder of his hard work and determination.

First student, first milestone. And many more to go!

Too often, I hear care-givers and educators worry about a child’s ‘lack of expression’.

Shy.
Awkward.
Poor language skills.
Quiet.
Could there be a problem?

Speech is only one form of expression. Let’s not judge kids by a single metric.

Let them express themselves in ways as unique as they are.

Can literature be colonized too?
Unfortunately, yes.

Often, our literature, particularly that which is offered to our children is reflective of a few dominant cultures around the world.

Rarely, are they offered a chance to explore their own cultural roots or of communities that laid the foundations of their modern-day nations.

This International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2021, we bring you five beautiful literary works that find their voice in the struggles of indigenous communities around the world.

Take this chance to let your children discover a little more of the world and to cherish it too.
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All of the mentioned titles are available on Amazon for purchase.

Had a chance to meet two of our stars in person!🌟

Energetic, curious with expressions you can't beat!

Loving their poses here❤️

P.S - A great deal of giggling went into the making of this picture.

diaries

Check out this incredible template by Sesame Street in Communities for positive affirmations for kids (And yes, they need them too!)

If you're a child care-giver, go ahead and print these out! You can make it:
🖍️ A joint activity with your child
🖍️ A special 'Affirmations Bowl' they can dip into during a challenging time
🖍️ A memory you can hold on to and re-introduce to them as teenagers or adults!

Link here - https://bit.ly/3h3pom5

Spread the joy!

Check out some cool, new contemporary children's literature. It's a whole new world!

Children’s books roundup – the best new picture books and novels Mermen and pirate mums, things to do and see outside, black British history in songs, plus the best new YA novels

A full and happy life is so much more than grades, accolades or finding the perfect job. It's about those long conversations with your best friend, that cause you're so passionate about or the unique experiences or ideas you want to share with the world.

We believe that confident, assured self-expression is the one skill that transcends the different roles we play in our lives, making our relationships and careers far more fulfilling than we imagined them to be.

SPOTLIGHT works towards helping our students SPEAK UP so that they SHOW UP with more power in the classroom, workplace and the family.

Write to us for more details or to sign up, at
[email protected]