Curling up with a book and a cup
of hot coffee on a cold winter night may sound like fun to some of you, but
those of us who are addicted to reading know just how wonderful it feels to
lose yourself into a whole new world. So we also know exactly what Gustave
Flaubert was trying to say when he exclaimed, "Read in order to live'. And
don't we all want to live and not just exist?
Now, how do we teach our students
to read in order to live. We conscientiously organize several occasions in a
year to focus on books and reading and the Literary fortnight is one such
effort, The
book exhibition and sale was
planned with an objective to engage with books that they were free to buy. We
had several parents, both Mums and Dads who came in to read to students right
through the Primary. We had 3 authors Justice Leela Seth, Ms. Bina Kapoor and Ms
Geetanjali Dewan, visit us and share their
books and experience of writing
Geetanjali Dewan, Guest Speaker
We had Quiz and commentary on
books that students were reading in the school assembly. The atrium looks like
a wedding pandal with different coloured buntings and if you go closer you could read a book review on each of them. These have been read and put up by
our students in Primary. Each door into the class is boasting of a book that
they have enjoyed as a class. The Language Day was also a part of the Literary
Week, where many parents volunteered to read a story in their’ mother tongue’
to our students. They set up several stalls and not only read to the visiting
students but also shared the special culture that goes hand in hand with
language of their origin. I take this opportunity to thank all the parents and
guests who so graciously took time to
come into our world as educators.
Amidst all the excitement with
books the students have also been passionately engaged with their auditions and
the casting for the Founders Day is through. Practices have become increasingly
serious. The students have been reading
the books of the musicals they are participating in and engaging with
the characters that they will be playing. The musicians are busy rehearsing
songs and music pieces so integral for a good musical while the choreographers
are busy setting and practicing movements.
Other departments like Costumes, lights, sets, props arestarting to
realize what a mammoth task it is to get a musical going in a school. What
satisfies me is the tremendous learning I see every child go through, whether
they are performing , or they are in the wings or they are back stage.
