Frequently asked questions

CORE stands for Cognitive Rational Emotive Education. Today’s world is changing fast, it is unpredictable and the future is even more challenging. CORE is a wholesome program which is a perfect blend of preventive emotional education, personality development, cognitive development, behaviour modification, value education and life skills training. It is customised for the ages it is delivered to, and to the Indian population. The program is making waves in the world of education.

Frequently asked questions-

Q: My child is normal, he/she doesn’t need any emotional education. Why should I send them for the class?

Ans. While children grow up, they are not equipped with thinking skills like adults are (e.g. understanding fully the short term and long-term consequences of their action/inaction, logical thinking, abstract thinking etc.) Their image about self, world and others is not fully formed and is largely shaped by their experiences and what others say, or their learning from social media. They are also exposed to situations and life phases (e.g. Puberty, bullying, exams, relationships etc.) that are stressful. If the children are taught adaptability, resilience, self-responsibility, high effort tolerance, emotional management, self-acceptance, empathy, studying techniques, how to regulate mobile/screen usage etc. in their formative years, they are more likely to reach their true potential, and these skills buffer them from various problems, including Depression, Anxiety and anger. Children will learn the ways to reach their full potential through fun filled activities during the CORE period.

Q: My child doesn’t have the time, he/she is already burdened with lots of studies and extra classes.

Ans: That’s precisely why they would benefit from CORE. They will become more efficient, learn better and succeed academically by managing time, stress/lethargy, disinterest and become self-responsible.

Q: The school already has school counsellor. Why CORE again?
Ans: The school counsellor’s role is indispensable in the implementation of the CORE program, adding CORE to the counsellor’s services is like adding a high-power engine to an already well functioning vehicle.

Q: Who is going to train them? There are plenty of extracurricular activities already.

Ans: All extracurricular activities have some value. CORE encourages overall emotional and cognitive development. Currently no structured and formal training is offered in these skills. Trained psychologists shall deliver the program ensuring high quality.

Q: Has this program been implemented anywhere? What were the results?

Ans: Yes, the program has been implemented in RBK group of schools at Mumbai, Center Point Schools, Nagpur and has been received extremely well by school authorities, students and teachers alike. The schools reported a reduction in children’s problems like bullying, apathy towards studies, healthier interactions with teachers and parents and improved academic performance.

Q: How is it good value for money?
Ans: The cost of the program is comparable to the cost of one dinner for two people at a restaurant.

According to a study done by Antonio Puente’, the 2017 President of American Psychological Association, every dollar invested in prevention gives back 37 dollars that would be spent in fixing the problem. The costs of behavioural and emotional problems of children and adolescents are direct (fixing the problem-treatment, self-harm, loss of school days) and indirect (when they grow up- higher fee for colleges, reduced interest or total apathy towards work, reduced efficiency, ill health, addictions, avoidance, irresponsible expenditure or reduced earning). Sadly, by the time a child develops a problem, it’s pretty late. A child typically receives help after around 7 years of having a problem on an average.

Q: We can teach these lessons at home. Why CORE?
Ans: Of course, we encourage parents and guardians to teach these lessons at home. We shall assist you to do so through the worksheets. The program also includes parent sessions that address stresses experienced by parents and help them with the challenges. Our team is of trained psychologists who shall establish a working relationship with the child. This kind of alliance with a third party is always lacking with the parents.

Q: How is the program implemented?
Ans: There shall be a total of 12 one hour lessons during the Day boarding hours of the school. There shall be two parent address lectures too. The child will be evaluated by a standard psychological test once to know their strengths and blocks to their productivity, so we can assist them better.

Q: Does this mean my child will never have any problems after the program?
Ans: Certainly no. The program gives the child skills that they can use in their real life. The skills act like a shock-up or suspension of a bicycle on a bumpy road. At the same time, the more the child uses these skills, the more they benefit. If they still develop problems, they need more customised and intensive learning through individual coaching.

Q: Are there any marks on the CORE program?
Ans: Yes, there are 100 marks on the CORE program independent of the school’s grading system for other subjects. 60 of these marks are dependent on the child’s performance during activities and tests, and 40 on parental involvement (through worksheets and parental meets). The marks are independent of the psychological assessment and the answers given during the assessment. These 100 marks have no effect on the child’s academic scores at the school.

Q: If I have more questions who can I contact?
Ans: You can directly email the director and founder of the program,

Dr. Shishir Palsapure MD MSc (Psy) on shishir@coreforschools.com

We thank you for choosing CORE for your child/adolescent. You are helping us help your ward better. We can’t do it without your cooperation.

CORE Topics for all

1. Improving academic performance and grades

2. Reducing mobile, TV, laptop, internet and gaming

3. Helping children manage feelings like anger, low confidence

4. Improving focus, concentration and interest in studies

5. Managing depression, anxiety

6. Life skills eg. Empathy, respect, time management, gratitude

7. Self-responsibility, pro-activity and discipline

8. Reducing stress

9. Skills like Assertiveness, thinking of consequences

10.Managing procrastination (Postponing tasks)

11.Improving interpersonal relationships, learn public speaking, debates, interviews,

stage performances and public appearance

12.Persistence, decision making, problem solving, resilience, effort tolerance