When we think about education, the first images that flash on mind are books, whiteboards, homework and rote learning. But the secret to raising happy, healthy and smart students doesn't start with math drills or even phonics. The yeoman's service in helping early learners thrive is to provide them with emotional care. Yes, emotions - the complicated human stuff we often overlook - are the foundation of a child's success in the classroom and beyond.

Once, a friend's son, a student of class three at an English medium school, asked me what was a gadha. I started at a seemingly simple question and replied that it was a donkey. He asked whether it was a bad animal. I explained: "Not at all. It's called a beast of burden, my son. For its ability to lift and transport heavy burdens, it has been chosen as the political symbol of the Democratic Party of the USA."

He spoke in angst amalgamated with a little surprise: "Then why do my Qari saheb (the Arabic teacher) call me gadha whenever I forget my lesson?" I was stunned and lost for words. I........

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