Essay from Zaxina Tohirova

Young Central Asian woman with curly dark hair in a bun, brown eyes, and a blue suit coat and tie.

Why is failure the first step to success?

Most people grow up believing that failure is something to be ashamed of – a sign of weakness, a symbol of defeat. We avoid it, fear it, and do everything we can to prevent it. But what if the failure is not the end of your story, but the start of something greater? What is the first fall you take is actually the beginning of your rise?

Failure is not a wall that blocks your path; it is a doorway that leads you forward. Every person who has achieved something meaningful has, at some point, stumbled, struggled, and started again. The truth is simple yet powerful: failure is the first step to success.

Failure and Success work together. We often think failure and success are opposites – that one cancels the other out. But in reality, they are two sides of the same coin. Think about the most successful people in the world – entrepreneurs, athletes, artistes, or scientists. What do they all have in common? They have all faced setbacks, rejections, and failures. But instead of giving up, they learned from their experiences, adapted, and kept moving forward. Failure is not proof that you cannot succeed – it is evidence that you are trying. Every mistake, every “no”, and every setback is simply a part of the process that shapes your future achievements.

Failure teaches us valuable lessons. When you succeed, you celebrate. But when you fail, you reflect – and that is where the real growth happens. Failure teaches lesson that success never could. It reveals what does not work, highlights your weaknesses, and forces you to find new ways forward.

Thomas Edison once said after thousands of failed attempts to invent the light bulb, “I have not failed. I have just found 1,000 ways that will not work.” Those “failures” were not wasted – they were experiments that led him closer to success. Failure gives you feedback. It helps you adjust your strategy, sharpen your skills, and develop patience. The greatest advantage of failure is the wisdom it leaves behind. Each mistake carries a message – if you are willing to listen. Failure builds strengths and resilience

If life were easy, success would lose its meaning. The obstacles you face and the failures you experience are what make your victories valuable. Every time you rise after falling, you grow stronger.

Resilience – the ability to bounce back – is one of the most powerful traits a person can develop. It does not come from comfort; it comes from challenge. When you fail and keep going, you prove to yourself that you can endure disappointment and still move forward. Just like muscles strengthen through resistance, your character strengthens your adversity. With each setback, you learn persistence, self-discipline and courage – the very qualities needed for lasting success.

Failure helps you find the right path. Not every failure means you are unworthy – sometimes it simply means you are going in the wrong direction. Failure is often a signal, a form of guidance. It pushes you to rethink your goals and adjust your course.

Take Walt Disney, for example. Early in his career, he was fired from a newspaper job because he “lacked imagination.” That same man went on to create one of the most imaginative companies in the world. His early failure did not end his dream – it redirected it.

Failure often helps you discover what truly matters to you. When something does not work out, you are forced to ask yourself, “Is this really what I want?” That self-reflection can lead to a clearer vision and a stronger sense of purpose. Courage comes from daring to fail. It takes courage to face failure with an open heart. Many people never achieve their dreams simply because they are afraid to fail. But courage is not the absence of fear – it is the decision to keep moving despite it.

When you dare to fail, you give yourself permission to grow. You stop waiting for perfect conditions and start learning through experience. You realize that mistakes do not define you – they refine you.

Those who succeed the most are not the ones who never fall; they are the ones who refuses to stay down. Every great inventor, artist, and leader has failed more times than they have succeeded. But each failure taught them something that made the next attempt stronger.

Failure is temporary, but its lessons last forever.

Failure might feel final, but it is never permanent. The pain or disappointment you feel today will fade – but the lessons you learn will stay with you for life. Success often appears right after your hardest fall. The problem is, most people give up one attempt too early. They stop just before the breakthrough. But those who keep trying, who view failure as temporary, are the ones who eventually achieve greatness.

Failure teaches resilience, patience and humility – all qualities that prepare you for success when it finally arrives. It shapes you into a stronger, wiser version of yourself.

Turning failure into fuel Once you stop fearing failure, you can start using it as fuel. Every “no” becomes motivation. Every setback becomes an opportunity to improve. Instead of asking “Why did this happen to me?” ask, “What can I learn from that?”

People like Albert Einstein, and J.K. Rowling all faced rejection and failure before achieving success. What set them apart was not luck – it was persistence. They kept moving forward, turning failure into momentum. The truth is failure is not your enemy. It’s your greatest ally, if you let it be. It sharpens your focus, strengthens your will, and shows you how much you truly care about your dream.

Conclusion: Failure is the Foundation of Success

Failure is not something to hide from; it’s something to embrace. It’s the price we pay for growth, for knowledge, for mastery. Every successful story is built on moments of defeat that were transformed into lessons.

So do not let failure to stop you – let it shape you. Every time you fall and rise again, you become wiser, stronger, and closer to your goal. Remember, the first step to success isn’t a perfect start — it’s the courage to begin, fail, and begin again.

Because in the end, success is not about never falling; it’s about always getting back up. And that journey – the one that starts with failure – is where real success begins.

Zaxina Tohirova is 12 years old, born in Kashkadarya, Uzbekistan. She is 7th grade student at Karshi Presidential School. She is passionate about drawing pictures, writing/reading articles and reading books. In her spare time, she usually searches some interesting things, watches action movies and goes for a walk. She spends her weekends with her family. She started writing articles recently and found it very interesting. She is going to write more articles in the future.

Poetry from Imran Khan

Middle aged South Asian man with short dark hair, beard, and mustache and a gray, black, white and red sweater standing in a field of grass at dawn or dusk.

New oath 

New year anew 

calling again, 

Forgetting past memories 

Be careful now. 

As wrong as before 

Clean it up, 

First for the country 

go ahead. 

In a new day of new light 

Take a new oath, 

No matter how many obstacles come 

No one will be misled. 

Name: Imran Khan Raj 

Writer And Journalist.

Alumni, B.B.S., Padma Government College, 

Dohar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

Imran Khan Raj was born on 12th October to a noble Muslim family in Dohar Upazila of Dhaka District In Bangladesh. He Passed HSC from Government Padma College of Dohar Upozila and completed graduation from the same college. Later, he enrolled in Masters in Management Department at Sheikh Borhanuddin Post Graduate College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

So far, many stories, rhymes, poems written by him have been published in various newspapers and magazines. His favorite hobby is writing.

His published collective poetry books are – 71’s Raktasnat Bangla, Padma, Konkhane Rakhib Pranaam, Shrestha Bickeler Kavita, Bhasha Shahid, Diganter Neelima, Susheel Kavyasambahar, Humanity’s Demand and his published collective story book is – Nagar Phul.

The e-books published by Imran Khan Raj are destination unknown, motivation to move forward, illuminated rhymes. More of his books are on the way.

Poetry and art from Jacques Fleury

Synchronized Chaos contributor Jacques Fleury, a young Black man in a black suit and red tie and dark sunglasses, on a golden Christmas ornament with red and green decor, on a Christmas tree.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

— From regular Synchronized Chaos contributing poet and author Jacques Fleury

              May your New Year be full of synchronistic

      songs of unwavering wonder…

         as you continue on your often Herculean paths to 

        your happily ever after…

Through all you’ve been 

       and yet not seen

Let new beginnings be your scene

Dew drops make all come anew

           Sun clouds will surely see you through

fantasies fanning mermaids and their memes

Open hearts can make wishes drive-thru

Cheers to Hope Horning in on Pipe Dreams 

                               and a Happy New Year to YOU!

Jacques Fleury is a Boston Globe featured Haitian-American Poet, Educator, Author of four books and literary arts student through Harvard University. His latest publication “You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self”  and other titles are available at all Boston Public Libraries, the University of Massachusetts Healey Library, University of Wyoming, Askews and Holts Library Services in the United Kingdom, The Harvard Book Store, The Grolier Poetry Bookshop, Amazon etc…  He has been published in publications such as Spirit of Change Magazine, Wilderness House Literary Review, Muddy River Poetry Review, Litterateur Redefining World and Cooch Behar anthologies out of India, Poets Reading the News, the Cornell University Press anthology Class Lives: Stories from Our Economic Divide, Boston Area Small Press and Poetry Scene among others…Visit him at:  http://www.authorsden.com/jacquesfleury.

Silhouetted figure leaping off into the unknown with hand and leg raised. Bushes and tree in the foreground, mountains ahead. Book is green and yellow with black text and title.
Jacques Fleury’s book You Are Enough: The Journey Towards Understanding Your Authentic Self

Essay from Axmadqulova Sapuraxon

Young Central Asian woman with straight dark hair in a bun, small earrings, and a white ruffled blouse with black trim, outside near a tree.

INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE APPROACHES TO FORMING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATION

ANNOTATION. This article examines the formation of environmental education in preschool-aged children from both scientific-theoretical and practical perspectives. Research emphasizes that the foundation of environmental awareness is laid during the ages of 3–7. In particular, American educator and scientist J. Davis notes that direct interaction with nature in childhood strongly influences a child’s future ecological behavior. According to UNESCO experts, environmental education in preschool settings is effective only when conducted through play, observation, and hands-on activities. The article highlights creative methods, project-based activities, STEAM approaches, and the importance of cooperation between families and educational institutions in organizing environmental education. The research results show that ecological education fosters conscious, careful, and responsible attitudes toward nature in children and helps cultivate love for the environment.

KEYWORDS. Environmental awareness, preschool education, ecological education, creative methods, project-based activities, STEAM approach, nature conservation, observation.

INTRODUCTION. Today, environmental problems have a direct impact on human life at a global scale. Environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, and loss of biodiversity pose significant challenges to society. Addressing these issues is closely linked to changing humans’ attitudes toward nature. In this context, the preschool education system represents the initial and most critical stage of ecological education. During this period, children form their first understanding, emotional responses, and simple ecological behaviors regarding nature. If ecological education is organized systematically and correctly at this stage, it increases the potential to raise conscious and responsible individuals in the future. This article examines innovative and creative ways to develop environmental awareness in preschool education and analyzes their practical significance.

1. Features of Environmental Awareness Formation in Preschool Children.

Preschool children perceive the environment primarily through sensory experiences and direct interaction. They understand natural phenomena by seeing, hearing, touching, and observing. Therefore, in ecological education, real observation and practical activities should take precedence over abstract concepts.

During this age, environmental awareness develops in the following areas:

Recognizing and naming natural objects;

Observing changes in nature;

Understanding cause-and-effect relationships;

Demonstrating careful and respectful attitudes toward nature.

The process of forming environmental awareness in children is effective only if conducted consistently and continuously. Random or episodic activities cannot develop stable ecological perspectives.

2. Developing Observational Skills through the “Nature Explorers” Project.

Project-based activities are one of the most effective pedagogical approaches for preschool children. The “Nature Explorers” project engages children as active participants, developing their observation and independent thinking skills.

Within this project, children:

Observe the growth of plants;

Record weather changes;

Compare the conditions of water and soil;

Learn to draw simple conclusions.

Such activities increase children’s interest in nature and sense of responsibility. Most importantly, children acquire ecological knowledge through personal experience rather than as pre-packaged information.

3. The Role of Play Technologies in Environmental Education.

Play is the leading form of activity for preschool-aged children. Ecologically themed games help children consciously adopt simple rules for protecting nature.

For example:

Games focused on waste sorting;

Role-playing games about water conservation;

Dramatic games about caring for animals.

During play, children learn to follow ecological rules naturally rather than as a compulsory requirement.

4. Environmental Education through STEAM Approaches.

The STEAM approach allows ecological education to be organized through interdisciplinary integration. This approach enables children to observe ecological phenomena, conduct experiments, and analyze results.

Examples include:

Planting seeds and measuring growth rates;

Observing the evaporation process of water;

Creating simple ecological models.

The STEAM approach develops not only ecological knowledge but also logical thinking and problem-solving skills in children.

5. Cooperation between Families and Preschool Institutions.

The effectiveness of environmental education largely depends on collaboration between families and educational institutions. If ecological education is not continued at home, its impact is short-lived.

Cooperation with parents can include:

Family ecological campaigns;

Home exercises on waste separation;

Discussions on nature conservation.

Such collaboration helps children integrate ecological behavior into daily habits.

CONCLUSION. In conclusion, forming environmental awareness in preschool education is a complex but extremely important process. To organize it effectively, innovative and creative approaches must be applied, children’s age-specific characteristics considered, and collaboration with families established. Ecological education fosters love, responsibility, and conscious attitudes toward nature in children, contributing to the sustainable development of future society.

REFERENCES.

Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Preschool Education.”

“First Step” State Educational Program.

UNESCO. Early Childhood Education for Sustainable Development, 2021–2024.

Davis, J. Young Children and the Environment, 2020–2023.

STEAM Education in Early Childhood. International Journal of Early Learning, 2021.

Axmadqulova Sapuraxon was born in the Marxamat District of the Republic of Uzbekistan. She is a student at the Andijan Branch of Kokand State University, Faculty of Pedagogy, specializing in Preschool Education. She has participated in international competitions. She is a recipient of the “Future Scientist” and “People’s Ambassador” chest badges awarded by the Association of Young Scientists. Her creative works are indexed on Google, and she is the author of numerous articles.

Poetry from Giulia Mozzati Zacco

ghazal, in the wake of donald trump

Tonight we stare at white floodlights and children all costumed in rainbows.
There is the pop-pop-pop of a mother and clinking glassware, in rainbows.

It is not enough that they are in my thoughts and prayers, my hands are sandy
And hooking into flowers. Slick with my own privilege, I repent in rainbows.

When I see their little backpacks all lined up I realize chasing spirits
doesn’t bring them back. And the only colors shining: red, white, and blue, not rainbows.

There is a little red man on the white house’s shoulder and he screams and screams and screams.
There are little children in schools and they scream and scream in rainbows.

There is a tin toy rattling beside a steel thing with the same small grip
There is a hand reaching for both, oil slicking in rainbows.

Sometimes when I look in the mirror I worry that my brother will never come home.
So yes, for me, it is political. How can we speak in rainbows

With loaded AK-47s? And the scenes that flash across my TV
Where no-one seems surprised at all by those police lights casting rainbows

And there is a crowd packed tightly like kindling on this summer street
Their faces tilted upward for anything that flares like rainbows

And there is the slow fall of spent fireworks,
Their glow brushing the pavement until i feel myself again, only smaller and in rainbows.

And these bursts fall across the country, flashing in their own strange order
And I sit with it, reckoning in rainbows. 

Poetry from Eleanor Hazel Hill

Summer still Lingers

wisps of this summer linger;

where sunlight once kissed my golden crown
the fading etches of triangular bikini tops
feet firm from walking barefoot on rough ground

where freckles crawled across my nose and cheeks
bug bite scars reside on my legs
sun bleached hair and #kill the geese

wisps of this summer linger;

in the pine trees camphoraceous aroma
clinging to my bouquet of ringlets
the citrusy tingles and floral ambrosia

in the dirt caked into the soles of my sneakers
the tye dyed socks and sweat stained shirts
and although my summer tan grows weaker

the wisps of this summer still linger.

Essay from Bahora Akmalova

Developing Social Skills in Children Through Pedagogical Approaches

Bahora Akmalova, student of the Faculty of Pedagogy

KDPI Major in Preschool Education

Annotation: The article examines the development of children’s social skills through pedagogical approaches, highlighting the importance of communication, cooperation, collective activities, and the role of the teacher in the educational process.

Keywords: pedagogical approach, social skills, child development, socialization, educational process, collective activity, teacher’s role.

Introduction. 

A child’s development as an individual is directly connected to their social skills. Social skills are the set of abilities that allow a child to communicate effectively, express their thoughts, cooperate, and adapt to social situations. Pedagogical approaches play a crucial role in forming and developing these skills.

Properly chosen methods and techniques in the educational process enhance a child’s social activity, teach teamwork, and lay a strong foundation for personal development. Therefore, pedagogical approaches are essential in socializing children and helping them successfully integrate into society. By applying appropriate methods, teachers and caregivers can foster children’s social competencies, enhance teamwork, and promote self-confidence.

Understanding the relationship between pedagogy and social development is crucial for preparing children to engage positively with peers, teachers, family members, and the broader community.

The Importance of Social Skills in Childhood

Social skills are critical for multiple aspects of life: 

Communication: Children learn to express their needs, share ideas, and understand others’ perspectives.

Collaboration: Working in groups teaches negotiation, compromise, and joint problem-solving.

Empathy and Emotional Regulation: Understanding emotions—both their own and others’—helps children form meaningful relationships.

Conflict Resolution: Socially skilled children can manage disagreements in a constructive way.

Adaptability: Children learn to adjust to new environments, rules, and social norms.

Children who develop strong social skills tend to perform better academically, demonstrate higher self-esteem, and show improved mental health outcomes. Conversely, poor social development can lead to isolation, behavioral issues, and difficulties in learning and teamwork.

There are several key pedagogical strategies used to develop children’s social competencies:

Play-Based Learning: Play is a natural medium for social interaction.Through structured and unstructured play, children learn to take turns, share, and negotiate. Role-playing games allow children to experience different perspectives and develop empathy.

Collaborative and Group Activities: Group projects, cooperative games, and team-based learning promote communication and teamwork. Children learn leadership skills, responsibility, and accountability. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding interactions and providing feedback to enhance positive behaviors.

Communication and Language Development: Encouraging conversations, storytelling, debates, and discussions enhances expressive and receptive language skills. Activities like “show and tell” or dramatization help children articulate thoughts and feelings clearly.

Modeling and Social Guidance: Teachers and caregivers model appropriate social behavior, demonstrating respect, patience, and empathy. Children imitate these behaviors and internalize social norms.

Use of Technology and Interactive Tools: Interactive digital games and applications can simulate social situations and problem-solving scenarios.Technology can complement real-life interactions, but human-guided learning remains crucial.

Integration with Emotional Learning (SEL): Social and Emotional Learning programs teach self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Combining SEL with traditional pedagogy strengthens children’s holistic development.

The Role of the Teacher

Teachers are central in facilitating social skill development. Their roles include:

Observer: Identifying social strengths and challenges in individual children.

Guide: Offering strategies and interventions to enhance positive interactions.

Mediator: Helping resolve conflicts and teaching constructive problem-solving techniques.

Encourager: Reinforcing prosocial behavior and promoting inclusion.

Conclusion

Developing social skills in children is a fundamental aspect of their overall growth and successful integration into society. Pedagogical approaches, including play-based learning, collaborative activities, communication exercises, and social-emotional learning, provide effective methods to nurture these skills.

Teachers play a central role as guides, role models, and facilitators, creating supportive environments where children can practice and improve their social competencies. By fostering communication, cooperation, empathy, and problem-solving abilities, these approaches prepare children not only for academic success but also for meaningful relationships and active participation in their communities.

In summary, intentional pedagogical strategies are essential for cultivating well-rounded, socially competent individuals. Social skills are essential for children’s personal and social development. Pedagogical approaches, such as play, group activities, role-playing, and guided interactions, help children learn communication, cooperation, empathy, and problem-solving. Teachers play a key role in supporting, guiding, and modeling positive social behavior.

By using these strategies, children become more confident, socially competent, and better prepared to interact successfully with peers and the wider community. Effective pedagogical practices are therefore crucial for nurturing well-rounded and socially skilled individuals.

Used literature

Berk, L. E. (2018). Development Through the Lifespan (7th ed.). Pearson.Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182–191.Piaget, J. (1972). The Psychology of the Child. Basic Books.Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.