Tete-a-tete with Author Paro Anand for classes 5 and 6

Educators have long known that storytelling is a powerful medium for student- exploration. As a learning tool, storytelling can encourage students to explore their imaginations and unique expressiveness. It can heighten a student's ability to communicate thoughts and feelings in an articulate, lucid manner. In our fast-paced, media-driven world, storytelling can be a way to remind children that their spoken words are powerful, that listening is important, and that clear communication between people is an art. On 6 May, 2015, students of class V and VI had a fun/filled storytelling session with Ms. Paro Anand, a celebrity in the world of children's literature. Ms. Anand is author of 25 books for children and young adults. Her writing includes plays, short stories and novels. She has also published in several anthologies and has written extensively on the subject of children's literature in the country. She has set up libraries and Readers Clubs in rural areas and has conducted training programmes on the relevance of literature. She is a World Record Holder, for helping over 3000 children make the Worlds Longest Newspaper ( 850 meters long) in 11 Indian states in 13 languages!

Ms. Anand has been awarded for her contribution to childrens literature by The Russian Centre for Science and Culture. Dr. Kalam, President of India, honoured her for her writings on Republic Day, 2007. She has represented the country at various fora internationally, including in the UK and France. She is a 'performing storyteller' and has performed in many parts of India, UK, France and Switzerland.

The morning with Ms. Anand started with the children presenting a sapling to our esteemed guest as a token of their respect in an eco-appropriate way. The spontaneous anticipation that her presence enthused on the faces of her young listeners was a delight to observe! They were particularly excited to see the author of the books in the library in flesh! The moment she took the mike in her hands an expectant silence fell upon the audience. An instant 'connect', as it were, between the children and her followed. Picking up from the introduction read out by Gurmeher Longani, she asked the students what a world record meant. She went on to share her experience becoming a a world record holder and an author. She then read aloud an extract from her book, "Wingless. Ms. Anand's art of building the plot of a story with voice-modulation and dramatising the characters captivated the children, who were totally engrossed and engaged in the tale! The author articulated in humour and the interaction was a memorable one . During question-answer session, the students asked her where she got ideas for her stories from! The students were unstoppable as they were curious to know all that the speaker could tell! Alas due to a paucity of time the author kindly offered her email id and promised to reply to all questions. She not only answered questions but fondly signed books authored by her for the School as well as for the students. Meeting her in person was truly an enjoyable learning experience for all, which we will cherish.