PEP session
Pictures speak volumes and go beyond what text matter can convey helping children to internalise mandatory facts in a lighter mood. Hence, it was only natural to pick up 'Visual Learning' as the theme of the pep session conducted in the pre-primary level. Parents were first introduced to pictures that helped in identifying numbers, colours and letters. Diyas moved on to explain how pictures opened a forum to express children's observations as well as develop their memory and conversational skills. The videos displayed later, proved that children could extend their interpretations further through recap activities such as drawing and storytelling once facts were internalized. They also gave an insight into the various innovative strategies and approaches that were adopted during their classroom journeys. Diyas moved on to create an awareness amongst parents about how mobile phones can never be substituted in place of books, all the more reason why bedtime stories must become a part and parcel of a child's life. By the end of the session, parents were able to realize that educating children through pictures provides opportunities for children to perceive, respond, create and communicate, not to mention the broad spectrum of benefits ranging from fine motor skills to enormous creativity and lifelong skills.
ISSUE 26, JAN 2020
Places of worship
Visiting places of worship has been a part and parcel of mankind’s culture since the age old days. With all the hue and cry of this materialistic world, the idea of visiting holy places, believed in bringing positive rays to the household, has gained momentum. Obsessed with the long list of our wants we put forward before our favourite deities, we seldom notice the significance, art and uniqueness, such places have to offer. The field trip designed to visit a few places of worship belonging to different religions, opened a new horizon in the classroom journeys of the upper kindergarten children. Be it the tall ceiling and beautiful architecture of the church, the significance of the Quran and Namaz in the mosque, the pond in the temple swarming with fish, the inspiring story of Guru Nanak narrated by the Gyaniji in the Sikh shrine, children relished every bit of them with zeal and interest.
There is no denial of the fact that with all their childhood innocence it’s all the more easier for them to absorb only the goodness in everything they behold.
Once they reached school, they couldn’t contain the excitement and set about sharing a whole lot of tales with the diyas who had not accompanied them. Listening to them, one couldn’t help wondering how heavenly the earth would be if adults too possessed similar kind of character traits.
A ride on the Metro.
The morning of 18th October, witnessed a bunch of excited second graders boarding the bus to Byappanahalli, on the way to the metro station. As text books are rightly considered to be just one among the various tools of teaching, children are exposed to practical experiences to provide the needed extended interpretations. This particular ride was in connection with their lesson, ‘The song of the train’. The first halt was at the Byappannahalli station where the kids boarded the Bengaluru Metro, popularly known as Namma Metro.
Out of the various things shown to them were the smart cards borrowed from a few willing passengers which was later projected to them as one of the modes of payment through which we may obtain train tickets in place of coins. The dos and don’ts as well as the safety measures and precautions related to train journeys were explained in simple terms. The spatial intelligence of children amazed the co- passengers when they identified places like their parent’s office, homes and stations like Halasuru and MG Road as they passed them. They were full of questions once they disembarked the underground metro station.
In total, the trip not only proved to be fun filled but informative as well. Interacting with kids provided light moments in the monotonous journey to most of the passengers who indulged in video shooting their questioning sessions to carry back as memories to their friends. Once back in school, children were all over teachers pestering them about the whereabouts of the next trip.
Diwali celebration in the campus
Diwali, tracing its origin way back to the 7th century is rightly considered as the most popular festival enjoying great importance all over the world. Adding to its fame is the fact that this festival of lights is the most sought after, by children when compared to the rest.
Though the stories revolving around it is different, based on where people live, the cultural concept behind, remains the same, ‘triumph of good over evil’, in other words, ‘knowledge over ignorance’.
Along with the other steps taken to awaken awareness in its children regarding the preservation of earth, AMIS takes keen interest in sensitizing them not to pollute it further more by bursting crackers. Yet, in no way does it undermine the fun factor associated with the festival and gives due importance to the other most interesting aspect of it, the lighting of lamps. Every minute detail right from its origin to its significance and the values that Diwali promotes were discussed in the interactive session, which was part of the special assembly conducted during the day of celebration in the campus.
Children’s joy knew no bounds when they were involved in the activity of selecting, painting the lamps of their choice and finally decorating them in the allotted places. Their excitement grew when they were gifted with the very same diyas, they had decorated. Once everything was arranged the whole place was lit with a heavenly glow the beauty of which mere words could not depict.
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Children’s day celebration
Children’s day, precious both to the teacher and the taught dawned with the spontaneous curiosity of children waiting to gather the surprises the day ahead carried. The events organized with the utmost secrecy did catch them unawares once they were staged.
Children were totally engrossed in the flute performance presented by Chandhan Kumar, one of the most famous icons of Indian music, crushing all the proven theories about their short attention spans. The music reverberated in the courtyard long after it was heard no more. The first in the row of cultural events was the Tamil song sung in appreciation of the glorious attempts of Sachin in the cricket field. The Sanskrit shloka sung in ‘yaman raga’ helped in bringing serenity to the atmosphere. The Gita recitation that followed suit preached how difficult times help one to emerge as a stronger person. The next in the list were the evergreen songs 'Chunahaa asmaan kho', which provided the inspiration needed to achieve the impossible, ‘Que sera sera’ that taught the inevitable truth of life, 'What will be, will be…' and the ‘Kal ka suraj tumhara hai’ poem that insisted, never to give up or give in. Natyobics, an innovative idea that merged the rigid movements of physical exercises with the graceful steps of dance caught the attention of children greatly. Children sang along with the Kannada song ‘Tuttu anna thinoke’ which stressed the importance of values related to contentment whilst the striking notes of the tabla bearing the concepts of ‘Teen taal’ and ‘Ardhya taal’ captivated the crowd. Though invented on the spot, ‘The story of puchku’ that enlightened the audience about the benefits of book reading became an instant hit amongst children. ‘Be happy’, the song performed in the end rightly termed as a show stopper inspired all the diyas and children to dance and sing along.
Viewing the quality of the performances, any viewer could doubtlessly assert that they all served the purpose of entertaining children to the core.
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Christmas day celebration
The magic wand of Christmas made everything around look softer and more beautiful at AMIS. Children brightly dressed in various attires of Santa Claus, elves, kings and shepherds added a specific glow to the whole show. The huge litchi tree adorned with festive decorations contributed its part to symbolize the true spirit of Christmas.
The special assembly enlightened the audience about the various ways in which Christmas is celebrated in different parts of the world. Cheerful carol songs presented by children of various levels succeeded greatly in spreading positive vibes all over the place. What values could be inherited through tiny deeds of kindness on a daily basis were effectively portrayed through an effective speech.
Excitement spread like wild fire when Santa clause jumped out of nowhere singing and dancing. The funny hops and gestures mimicked the original effectively doing complete justice to the role. Viewers didn’t notice time swishing by and had one more event to pocket and add to their rich treasure of memories.
Workshop on “Tasting of Silence”
The world we live in today is in the throes of tremendous upheaval leaving people to wonder what life is all about. When we heard about the workshop, ‘tasting of silence’ parents and teachers alike were curious as to how one can be silent the whole day and we were all eagerly looking forward to attend the workshop. As the workshop started we could hear so much noise within us and outside us.
But, gradually everything subsided. There was so much calmness around all of us. All the activities what we did during the workshop were unique, it made us to probe deeper and gauge our thoughts. One of the activities was to draw while listening to music. Music has a direct connection to the emotional state present in all of us. This activity made all of us undergo tumultuous emotions and we all came out of our shells and expressed ourselves.
By the end of the session, each and every participant was feeling joyous and happy that there was no burden anymore with a sense of relief and calmness taking over. We were all feeling so light and at peace within.
To conclude, ‘The world has forgotten the joys of silence, the peace of solitude which is necessary, to some extent, for the fullness of human living. Not all men are called to be hermits, but all men need enough silence and solitude in their lives to enable the deep inner voice of their own true self to be heard at least occasionally’.
Field Trip to Bannerghatta Zoo
The very idea of seeing elephants brought boundless joy in children when the visit to the zoo was mentioned, the animal being so whimsical and full of surprises. It would always remain an undeniable fact that, no child on earth would be reluctant to part with anything for a few moments with this animal so mammoth in structure, yet so tender at heart.
The exciting prospects of seeing not only the elephants but also other animals made the long, time consuming trip to Bannerghatta pass away in a jiffy. Hardly did the refreshment session and the safety measures get over, children showed all eagerness for the next adventure, the riding on safaris. The first animals to be spotted were the deer, bears, lions, ostriches, and the chattering monkeys. Children only accustomed to seeing animals locked mercilessly in cages, were all the more thrilled to find them in their almost natural habitats.
Apart from a wide range of exotic birds and a yawning hippopotamus, they were totally intrigued with the sight of the growling white tigers and the seemingly alive, imposing statue of the Tyrannosaurus that once ruled the earth. Even the driver’s monotonous explanation of the daily routine of animals soon gathered momentum while sharing them with wide eyed participants keen in absorbing all kinds of information.
The truth that man can be no match to the immense strength of the beast was clearly evident when he shared the purpose behind animals taking turns to be let out from their cages. The most awaited magical moments came by when they stepped into the elephants’ zone. Right from the way they swallowed huge branches effortlessly with their incredible trunks to the way they splashed water on their bodies, each and every activity of theirs fascinated kids immensely. The acute observations of children while they resorted to a comparative study of different species of elephants, the smell of the poo, the childish mannerisms of the baby elephants, amazed the adults.
Open ended questions such as, why weren’t African elephants sticking to their own country where they could be more comfortable, caught the Diyas pondering a while before answering them. The field trip reasserted the fact that making children internalize facts is no Herculean task, especially when the exposure given is of the practical kind.
Visit to an old age home
As it is hoped and believed, happy moments make a fine cushion for old age. Contrary to this notion, children suffered from an instant pang as soon as they set foot in the Anmol Elderly care center at Banaswadi, seeing senior citizens with forlorn smiles not reaching up to their eyes. It was disheartening to see them abandoned in an age where love and care from dear ones was vital. Children couldn’t help thinking whether a few were mentally challenged and depressed mainly because of being deprived of even the basic affection due to them. Though they couldn’t give them long term solutions, children decided to make them happy at least for a short while. They made sincere efforts to break the monotony of their lives by singing, juggling and performing gymnastic feats. Soon it dawned on them that the purpose was served when they saw the faces of their temporary grandmas and grandpas lit up with warm smiles. The inmates were greatly touched by the hospitality of children while they distributed eatables courteously.
Inspired by the affectionate gestures of children, one of the inmates fell into singing a lovely song that had a huge impact on the audience emotionally. The loneliness and the feeling of not being wanted by their own kith and kin was almost tangible in the air. Yet, it was heartening to witness their spirits still alive enjoying that small break with full enthusiasm.
Children returned to school with heavy hearts but with increased love and affection for their
own grandparents feeling guilty for the times they would have hurt them knowingly or
unknowingly. The visit had in fact triggered their inner most emotions and sentiments
resulting in a life changing experience.
Visit to the Orphanage
Quite nonchalantly did the students of AMIS set off to pay a visit to the ‘The Jeevitha Ashram’, home for the less fortunate children, possessing no idea about what relevance the day ahead would carry for them lifelong. The very first move of the children at the ashram greeting them with their innocent and cheerful smiles filled their hearts with great warmth. Carefully chosen gifts mainly comprising of materials needed for their study and diet were distributed. It was gratifying to see how things that were normally enjoyed by people without a second thought, gave those children instant excitement and pleasure. Sensing that students wanted to interact more deeply with the ashram children, they were left to themselves.
Children of the ashram had arranged a few recreational activities later that involved a song and a dance.
The poise and grace they exhibited while swaying to complex rhythms, their seamless dramatic skills, all performed so enthusiastically in a very small restricted space, moved the audience greatly. In spite of being deprived of even basic needs, their contentment with life as a whole and their ability to derive happiness effortlessly even in trivial matters soon became contagious.
After the group photo session, it was with regret that children bid goodbye to all their newly acquired friends. The complete transformation the visit had made in the students was clearly evident to anyone who happened to listen to their reflections after the trip. They had come to a realization about how they were at a disadvantage by taking all the blessings bestowed on them for granted. This reformed outlook also resulted in them vowing to appreciate all the little gifts that came their ways in future. The short visit had taught them greater values of life than what volumes of textbooks could so far accomplish.
Sports Day Celebration
The very air at AMIS boasted festivity, the school all set to celebrate ‘The Sports Day’ of the year 2019 – 20. The keen attention directed by the Sports department to even the minutest detail, right from the start to the finale, was noteworthy. Both the pre-primary and the primary programs were themed on ‘The Metamorphosis of a Butterfly’.
It is to be noted that the school now enjoys the pride of possessing its own mascot ‘The Titli’. After the customary silence and the welcoming aspects, the splendour of the ceremonial march past session left the audience speechless. Leaders swore their declarations in the oath taking ceremony after the meet was declared open.
Once the placards were positioned in the allotted places, the much awaited array of activities started unfolding, multiplying the anticipation of parents. The very first event started with a bang when the tiny tots with pom – pom in their hands symbolically portrayed the word ‘Welcome’ through their drill form. The events became all the more interesting when children presented themselves in costumes closely associated with the nature of their respective games. Spectators’ eyes feasted on a wide range of attires such as animals, chess pieces, tall Christmas trees, royal chefs, fishermen, school children, stewards etc. While the traffic lights drill emphasized the importance of following rules, the discarded cable wires used as props projected the idea of art from waste and the gardening race indirectly spoke about plant care and preservation.
Gymnastics and aerobic shows served as highlights of the entire program performed on different platforms such as trampoline, springs etc. Fit India display stressed the need to keep the body fit whereas the vigorous lezim display performed with jingling cymbals and the colour display captivated the audience to a large extent.
Easy stretching techniques of stick yoga served as an interesting break in contrast with the challenging movements of juggling that demanded perfect mind and body coordination. Children chosen from the middle school for compeering did complete justice to the program with talks made spicier with a great sense of humour.
The support staff too had their share of fun by participating in the ‘Slow Walk Race’. There were shows such as ‘Bombing the city’ exclusively for parents after which a running race was organized for the finalists. In the place of cups and certificates, the general practice followed everywhere, the performances of children and other participants were appreciated by gifting them with saplings that also hid within, a strong longing to see a much greener world. The most impressing factor to be noted in the school history is that never does an event or program gets repeated. Every year dawns with new experiments and innovations that adds yet another feather to its brimming cap.