Poetry from Tasneem Hossain

Let’s Dance

One, two, buckle your shoes.

Three, four get on the floor.

Five, six, step on your feet.

Seven, eight, dance on the beat.

Nine, ten, move like the wren.

Eleven, twelve, roll like the fawn. 

Thirteen, fourteen sway like the swan

Fifteen, sixteen, swing on the tune.

Swirl with joy, transcend time. 

Dance, the form of cultured minds.

Feel the rhythm and dance divine.

Let’s dance!

Dance Across the World

Dance across the world, 

All leave their own trace.

Ballet, balanced, flawless grace, 

Eight body limbs poised in perfect space, 

From Italy to France it spread,

Angels with pointed toes waltzing pirouette overhead

Flying on clouds, ravishing danseuse, 

Each movement a dream, tender and loose.

Ballroom couples’ alluring smiles that gleam, 

Elegant posture, rolling shoulders in style, a flowing stream.

Europe to the USA curving patterns, swaying hips, 

Thrusts and lifts; locks and drops they flip.

A story of passion silently told in a gist.

From San Francisco, the Contemporary began,

Beginnings of Modern Dance, where freedom ran. 

Legwork strong and body controlled;

Contract, release, daring and bold.

Shifts of rhythm, sudden speed,

Floor work, fall and recovery freed. 

Flamenco flames from Spain arise, 

Posture proud are main, spirit flies. 

Fierce glances turn with daring, artful charm;

Swirling flounces of dress; upheld naked arms;

Flirtatious gestures, hasty, heated rhythms;

Clapping the castanets, spread darting flame’s prism.

Street dance, hip-hop, energy vast.

Borrowed, versatile style, the die is cast.

Tap, tango, jazz dances flow.

From European, African, the American modern shows. 

Emotions and moods to design their steps, 

Feet like drums, rapid footwork sets.

Dancer’s foot and shoe work, so intricate.

Salsa and Rumba, down in Cuba, 

Fusion of dance and music of Ganzá,

Mambo, Cumbia, Festejo roll. 

Break steps, spins, loud moves and drops. 

Trinidad and Tobago do the Calypso.

Everybody dances to the beat of the disco.

Buenos Aires hums with Tango’s heat,

Milonga, flamenco, rhythms meet.

Fast, sensual dance from Argentina; 

Influences from the Cuban habanera. 

Brazilian Samba, hypnotic, bright,

Guatemala’s Marimba dances the night.

Egyptian belles sway with might,  

Dynamic shaking solo with torso twists in moonlit light.

Middle Eastern rhythms ignite. 

Torso isolates, artistry shown with body parts;

Fascinating, beautiful body art.

From India’s heart, classical dance,

Bharatanatyam tells tales at a glance.

From Tamil Nadu, southern India 

Hand mudras tell a story that’s the idea. 

Kathakali: southwestern India’s religious dance. 

Inspiration from Ramayana and Shiva’s romance 

Ramayana’s lore,

Kathak:  northern India, 

A dance of love, ghungroos implore.

Manipuri from Manipur, northeastern India.

Folk traditions and rituals, from life of God Krishna. 

Smooth and graceful, oh what charisma! 

Andhra Pradesh: Kuchipudi, sensual dancing, 

Sprinkling holy water, a ritual with singing.

Odissi, from Orissa in eastern India 

Fifty mudras, lyrical, sensuous dance

Goddesses rise, deities loom.

Dazzling, daring goddesses, deities pursue.   

Indian dance lifts souls and leaves all in a trance.

Soulful hearts immerse in beautiful romance. 

Bhangra, vibrant martial movements, folk dance from Punjab

Jhumer dancers sway folk dance with roots in Punjab, Balochistan, 

Dhali, war- themed, martial arts dance with swords and shield

Baul, mystic tradition with expressive moves and spiritual themes,

soul is healed.

Manipuri, Santal tribal dances graceful and intricate moves revealed.

Festival dances from Bangladesh fascinate the audience; they beam.

Methodical, precise, yet free;

Dancing soft, swift feet to the beat in harmony.

Perfection with passionate emotions ignite; 

Eases mind and lifts high to divinity, excites. 

Glittering garments shine like tremulous waves

Sparkling trinkets sparkle with rhythmic display. 

Dancers’ eyes ravish with rapture,

Amazing aura, audience easy to capture

Dance from east to west, north and south

Continents with diverse traditions and muse.

Dance, dance! Dance with the steps 

Shake your body, the way you can best

Let it touch your heart and soul

Let music lift you and make you whole.

Let the onlooker applaud and smile;

Stress will fade, your spirit will sing,

Poetry births song, and dance takes wing.

Poetry gives birth to music, song and dance. 

Poetry gives life, meaningful contrasts. 

Brief Biography of Tasneem Hossain

Tasneem Hossain, a multi-lingual poet, author, educator, translator and columnist from Bangladesh has left an undeniable mark on the literary world. With a major in English language and Literature, she is a prolific writer who crafts poetry in English, Bengali and Urdu. Her works span from poetry, fiction, op-eds, translations and educational writings making her a versatile and influential literary figure.   

She has immersed herself in the timeless essence of literary creations. She believes, ‘poetry is music through words, an ever-flowing river reflecting all that surrounds us.’ Tasneem writes poetry only when her passion is aroused and this can be observed in the powerful flow of her ink.  

A strong literary presence, she is a multifaceted author, a talented and gifted soul, an experienced educator and a business leader. Her profound and emotive writings have captured the hearts and illuminated the lives of countless of readers worldwide. Tasneem’s works have transcended geographical boundaries, reaching readers from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Her impactful writings have been featured in more than 280 esteemed anthologies, journals, daily newspapers and international magazines worldwide. Some of her books are available in 40 countries.

Her op-eds and columns create awareness about social and human rights issues- including domestic abuse, war and peace. Her writings are a powerful call to humanity to stand against injustice and war. As an op-ed writer, she has written more than 175 articles. 

Several of her articles and poems are utilized as teaching material in universities and academies in Bangladesh and China; some have found their way in university research papers and some have been referenced in university research papers. She also conducts international workshops on haiku writing.

Adjudged the ‘100 most influential literary figures of 2025’, by Barcelona Adibia. She is the winner of The International Literary Association Creative Tribune, Walt Whitman 2025 Contest and first place holder in the English Language category of The International Literary Association CREATIVE TRIBUNA’s ” Friedrich Schiller International Literary competition 2025”. She has also won the prestigious Giovanni Pascoli Award for 2026-2027 and Shahittyapata Award 2025 and 2026. She has won many other awards and recognition from different literary groups around the world. Her poems have been translated in 18 languages and her powerful writings are regularly featured in esteemed publications around the globe. A member of World Writers’ Union, she has been recognized as World’s Contemporary Writers 2024 and 2025 in several anthologies and interviewed on several literary platforms in recognition of her contributions to world literature. She has also been recognized as ambassador of peace and Humanities by ‘The Egyptian International Organization for Ambassadors of Peace and Humanities’

She is the Editorial Ambassador, Bangladesh for the popular international literary magazine, Wordsmith International Editorial, USA and Board Ambassador of Literacy and Culture of the Asih Sasami Indonesia Foundation, Indonesia for five years (2025-2030). 

An author of three poetry collections—Grass in Green, The Pearl Necklace, and Floating Feather and a book of articles Split and Splice, she also leads an international poetry project and group called Life in Lyrics. Additionally, four more books are currently in progress.

She served as a faculty member of Business English at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology. Currently, she is the director of the prominent human resource development organizations, Continuing Education Centre (Bangladesh), and Cansaz Services and Distribution LLC (Canada). With 29 years of experience, she is a highly regarded Business consultant, and English Language and Communication Management trainer. 

She actively participates in sports whenever the opportunity arises. She also participated in the national badminton championships in Bangladesh. For 10 years, she worked as a newscaster, commentary reader, interviewer and radio presenter for Radio Bangladesh. She has also directed plays, including Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

You can connect with Tasneem Hossain through email: cec.tasneem@gmail.com 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasneem-hossain-280b891aa/ 

Poetry from Dr. Jernail S. Anand

Older South Asian man in a pink turban and coat and tie standing and reading from a large open book.

Diet chart

 

What you feed on 

So that your body keeps moving 

Is your food 

And what keeps it 

In good trim are your thoughts .

Your stomach is not hungry alone 

Your mind too 

Feeds on certain ideas

What you entertain and take in

Is also a part of your daily diet 

All the ideas that generate in your mind 

Or which strike your mind 

From outside 

Look at the type of thoughts 

You find delicious 

Evil is a great delicacy 

Foul  deeds smell so sweet 

You do not need as many arguments

To commit a crime 

As you need to keep you  away from it

We are healthy on the basis 

Of what we eat

We are happy on the basis of 

What we intake as thoughts 

Together they form a complete man

Our focus is on fruit, calories, 

Vitamins, Calcium etc 

But we make extra use of our brain too 

Which is rivetted on artificial joys,

Making merry and go happy.

Body is healthy, but mind is sick 

The thoughts it needs are missing 

We are on a decadent diet 

Dwindling by the  day 

As human beings..

Dr. Jernail S. Anand is a poet and philosopher from India.

Essay from Dildoraxon Turgunboyeva

Turgunboyeva Dildorakhon, 4th year student of the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Preschool Education Department, Kokand State University

DEVELOPING ENVIRONMENT IN THE PRESCHOOL EDUCATION SYSTEM AND ITS PEDAGOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Dildorakhon Turgunboyeva, Student of the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology of Kokand State University

Annotation. This article highlights the importance of a developing environment in the process of educating preschool children. It scientifically analyzes the content, main functions of the developing environment, and its impact on the cognitive, socio-emotional and creative development of children. It also provides practical recommendations on the organization and effective use of a developing environment in the pedagogical process.

Keywords: Preschool education, developing environment, education, child development, pedagogical approaches, creative development, socio-emotional development.

INTRODUCTION. Preschool is one of the most important, active stages of growth and development in a young person’s life. During this period, the child is formed not only physically, but also mentally, socially, morally and aesthetically. Therefore, the educational environment created at this age is of decisive importance for the child’s future life and personal development. The Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-19 dated February 5, 2026 “On measures to further improve the system of preschool education and upbringing” and the comprehensive measures aimed at its implementation serve to develop the preschool education system in accordance with modern requirements. In this process, the developing environment created for preschool children plays an important role in their adaptation to society and comprehensive development[1].

LITERATURE ANALYSIS AND METHODS. The issue of the environment affecting the development of preschool children has been widely studied in modern pedagogical and psychological sciences. In particular, Lev Vygotsky’s theory of social development substantiates the decisive role of the developing environment in the formation of a child’s knowledge and skills. According to him, child development occurs in the process of interaction with the social environment and adults. In modern preschool education practice, advanced pedagogical approaches such as the Montessori method and the Reggio Emilia approach demonstrate effective methods for creating a developing environment. In these approaches, the environment is considered one of the main factors in the child’s development and serves to support his independence, creativity and initiative. At the same time, the pedagogical competence of parents and educators, as well as the child’s entry into a healthy social environment, are also of great importance. This study used methods of analysis, comparison and generalization of scientific literature.

DISCUSSION. Creating a developing environment in the process of educating preschool children is an important condition for the comprehensive development of the child. Analysis of theoretical sources shows that the pedagogical views of scientists such as Lev Vygotsky justify the central role of the developing environment in the mental and social development of the child. At the same time, modern pedagogical approaches such as the Montessori method and the Reggio Emilia approach highlight the importance of the developing environment not only in terms of the material and technical base, but also in supporting the independence, initiative and creative freedom of the child.

In practice, the organization of a developing environment is not limited to toys and didactic materials. It includes, first of all, the attitude of educators to the child, effective communication, an atmosphere of cooperation and positive social relations. The results of the study show that children brought up in such an environment tend to think independently, acquire teamwork skills and actively engage in creative activities. Education is a process of comprehensive development of the younger generation, the formation of its consciousness, behavior and worldview, based on a specific goal, based on socio-historical experience [2. – P. 388].

In this regard, it is important to regularly update the developing environment in preschool educational institutions and introduce modern pedagogical methods into practice. However, there are some problems in organizing a developing environment. In particular, the lack of material resources, the level of qualification of teachers, and the lack of effective cooperation with parents can negatively affect this process [3. – P. 224]. Therefore, in future research, it remains an urgent issue to eliminate these problems, further improve the developing environment and increase its effectiveness.

RESULTS. A developing environment is a set of physical, psychological, didactic and social conditions created around a child, which supports the comprehensive development of the child’s personality, stimulates his interests and directs him to self-realization. Such an environment includes the following components: a comfortable and safe space adapted to the child, didactic toys and tools appropriate to his age, opportunities for stimulating independent activity, positive communication and emotional support, as well as pedagogical approaches based on play, creativity, experience and discovery. Based on the studied theoretical and practical sources, it was determined that a developing environment is of great importance in educating preschool children.

The results of the study show that a developing environment has a significant impact on the cognitive, socio-emotional and creative development of a child. In particular, such an environment serves to form independent thinking, self-management and decision-making skills in children. It has also been observed that children develop their knowledge and skills effectively when they participate in activities that are relevant to their interests and needs. The activities of teachers and the proper organization of the educational environment strengthen children’s social communication, cooperation and teamwork skills. A developing environment is determined not only by material means, but also by pedagogical approaches and socio-psychological conditions. At the same time, during the study, the lack of a material base and the low level of methodological training of teachers were identified as significant obstacles to creating a developing environment[4. – P. 145].

The main functions of a developing environment are as follows:- Ensuring cognitive development – the child understands the environment through games, activities and experiments, understands cause-and-effect relationships. – Supporting social and emotional development – communication, cooperation and mutual respect skills are formed. – Developing creative potential – the child expresses himself freely through art, music, drawing and dramatic activities. – Forming independence and self-control – the opportunity to act on the basis of choice increases the independence of the child’s personality.

CONCLUSION. In conclusion, we can say that the developing environment created for preschool children ensures their healthy intellectual, social, emotional and creative development. Such an environment is not limited only to material conditions, but also includes the professional qualifications of teachers, their educational approach and a respectful attitude towards the child. Each preschool educational institution should become a free, safe and developing space for children. Teachers, using modern methods and technologies, should create an environment that encourages children’s independence and creativity. At the same time, it is important to constantly improve the educational environment and strengthen cooperation with parents and the public.

References: 1. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated February 5, 2026 No. PF-19 “On measures to further improve the system of preschool education and upbringing”. Electronic resource: https://lex.uz/pdfs/-8037353. 2. Khoshimov K., Nishnova S., Ibimova M. and others. History of Pedagogy. – Tashkent: Уүтитуччи, 1996. 3. Khodjayev V.Kh. General theory and practice of pedagogy. – Tashkent: Sano-standart, 2017. 4. Khalikova U.M. Methodology for designing pedagogical processes in preschool education. – Tashkent: Science and Education, 2022. 5. Alikulova M.Sh. Organization of development centers. – Karshi: Science-science-spirituality, 2025.

Poetry from Jernail S. Anand

THE WORLD WE WANT 

What is worth watching?

And what is worth recording 

History has no ear 

Nor eye for good.

An era of happiness

And peace is unhistorical 

So are good people 

Unfit for a mention 

In history books

If you can threaten life 

And if you can kill

And make rivers of blood 

Flow in the pages of history 

You are the greatest character 

Worth being recorded 

With great reverence 

By the way who is the greatest hero

Of history books?

Socrates and Aristotle 

And Shakespeare do not possess

The top position which history books 

Assign to Alexander, Achelles, 

Napoleon and Hitler

And with great reverence 

We offer their lives to our kids.

Certainly what type of a world

We want? Is there any doubt?

Poetry from Gulchiroy Axmedova

A Mother’s Prayer

For the sleepless nights I’ve lived through,

For the restless days I’ve carried through,

For the words I held back, unspoken and true,

Oh my God, let my child not suffer pain,

Grant healing too — for everything, my thanks remain.

I endure… I have always endured, it’s true,

Don’t frighten me — I might grow weak too,

Patience isn’t enough for all three at once, it’s true,

Oh my God, let my child not suffer pain,

I became a good mother — for that, I thank You again.

When I care for one, another begins to cry,

As I soothe this one, the other stands nearby,

I’m tired, so tired — that’s the honest truth I can’t deny,

Oh my God, give me strength, give me patience to hold,

And thanks to my mother, who bore me so strong and bold.

Gulchiroy Axmedova (born August 8, 1996) is a second-year student at Kokand State University, majoring in Primary and Technological Education.

Essay from Nozimova Shukrona

The Power of Books: How Reading Shapes Our Minds

Books are more than just words on pages—they open doors to new worlds, ideas, and experiences. From the moment we learn to read, books begin to shape our minds, expand our imagination, and help us understand the world. Every story teaches us something about people, cultures, and emotions. Reading encourages curiosity, empathy, and broader thinking.

Books also develop creativity and critical thinking. While reading, we imagine scenes, interpret meanings, and connect ideas. Reading also improves vocabulary and helps us express thoughts clearly. In today’s fast-paced information age, books provide a space for deep thinking and reflection that short messages or headlines cannot replace.

Reading affects not only personal growth but also society. Readers tend to be open-minded, empathetic, and more understanding of other cultures. Knowledge gained from books helps individuals contribute more thoughtfully to their communities.

In conclusion, reading enriches our minds, hearts, and lives. It opens doors to knowledge, nurtures empathy, and strengthens creativity and critical thinking. Books are not just a form of entertainment—they are a powerful force shaping personal and social development.

My name is Nozimova Shukrona, and I was born on January 31, 2011, in Oltiariq district of the Fergana region. Currently, I am a 9th-grade student at the Fergana branch of the specialized school named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi.

Despite my young age, I have a strong interest in science and creativity. Since my early school years, I have actively participated in various academic competitions. For example, in grades 5–7, I took part in the Hippo English Olympiad and the Kangaroo Mathematics competition, where I had the opportunity to test and improve my knowledge.

In 8th grade, while studying at Specialized School No. 4 in Oltiariq, I was also a member of the “Zakovat” intellectual team, and together with my team, we achieved 4th place in the district competition. During the same year, I ranked among the top 10 in the district stage of the Al-Khwarizmi Olympiad. I have also taken part in many subject Olympiads and achieved high results.

Currently, I am participating in the provincial stage of the History Olympiad, where I continue to demonstrate my knowledge and abilities. In addition, I am a member of my school’s “Zakovat” intellectual team, and we are competing at the provincial level. Recently, I achieved a B+ level in the National Certificate exam in Uzbek Language and Literature. I am also interested in sports. When I was younger, I practiced gymnastics and won several competitions.

I actively participate in different initiatives and projects, where I not only show my eagerness to learn but also develop my leadership skills. I have clear goals for the future, and my dreams are high.

Poetry from Reilley Andre

Plague vs Blessing

We praise our dragonfly, a blade of light,
It skims the ponds and thins the whining swarm
We curse the mosquito that hunts the night.

One feeds on pests, a mercy in our sight,
The other drinks from us to keep it alive and warm
We praise the dragonfly, its edge of light.

We bless what helps us sleep a little tight,
And damn what leaves our blood and bodies torn
We curse the mosquito that hunts the night.

Names come easy when the scale feels right
Boon for our comfort, pest by what it harms;
We praise the dragonfly, a spear against blight.

So ask of us, beneath history’s Ivory light:
For those who come after, what name is sworn
Were we the boon that held the future tight,
Or the pest that spreads a plague through the night?

Smokey Ash    

In every dream I see you in fire.
It wasn’t fate yet I fed the flame after the fire


My grief was silent, not like the public choir.
Each voice professed your silent under the ashes.
Of the fire

A thief of my desire
I wore you borrowed silk, its strands on fire

Shame returned as I walked by the pyre.
I was desperate, to, this time, save you from that fire.

You brought forth a truth I couldn’t acquire
We are the ash that lingers, after the fire.

Guardian

A Guardian is a protector someone with a shield
Let me tell you about my guardian
And the sword she wields.

My protector is a fighter
I have no worry about her prowess as a healer.
For me she is invulnerable as a suit of armor.
Yet even the most royal archetype can have a flaw.

I got a mirror that let me travel through time.
To see that berserker in her weakest design.
Here she was worried about her mistakes.
That she keeps making with no escape.

I showed her a photo of her family looking strong
Does that look like you’ve been doing it wrong
It looks like love patient and true
And for that love we thank you.

Thank you my dear sister
May you remain that caring guardian forever

Reilly Andre is currently in his senior year at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, NJ.