My journey to 'Read Aloud' started with an SMS from The Indian School, informing that I have been selected for the program along with an invitation by Ms. Neena Maini to the introduction session. I was happy, but had no clue about it. I went for it and met Ms. Maini who shared her experience and thought process behind the 'Read Aloud' program and I instantly felt connected. The idea of instilling moral values and improving children's vocabulary through story telling was super exciting! The next moment, the idea of handling 40 kinder joys in the same room made me a bundle of nerves. Moreover, my office hours posed a time limitation. So I decided to approach Ms. Maini with my apprehensions who was empathetic and agreed to my request for a once a month session, in the zero period. I felt touched with her support and interest.
I was free to choose the story either from my own book, or school library, or even to carry my laptop and use the school's media room. I chose editions of 'Pepper / Brownie and friends' as they seemed to have good moral stories. Finally I reached for my first session. The class teacher introduced me to the children and in no time we became familiar. I began with a quick brainstorm on the topic, that enabled me to gather what the kids knew about it. Then came the most engaging part, the story telling where I also explained certain word meanings to the children and also played a quiz based on the story towards the end. I finished the session by asking three learnings from the story and was surprised and happy to see how much they had grasped. Later I bid them adieu. It was just the beginning to my journey and now it's been over one year of my association with the 'Read Aloud' program and I am enjoying every bit of it.
Someone asked me the other day as to What I felt about 'Read Aloud' and what keeps me coming back. Here's what I have to say
Read aloud is not just story telling to me, it's learning from the children and guiding them with examples to enable them to choose the right path, to take the right decision, at the same time to learn new words; all this in a play way method.Read aloud is a great way to connect to the thinking process of kinder plumes, to understand what they know first and then frame a path to enlighten their thoughts through story telling to which they relate the most. It is overwhelming to see children engaging in my talks, responding to my questions with super charged energy, trying to understand the topic and figuring out the moral behind it, improving their vocabulary, and above all the smile on their face that is a sign of sheer excitement and happiness! When they thank me for how much they have enjoyed a session, I feel rewarded. The bond that we share and the learning journey that we walk together truly keeps me coming back!
Best Regards,
Sunaina Gupta -Mother of KHANAK GUPTA - Class 2B
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