Reflections and Recollections

Part 5

Let Them Fly

(Mental Education - Second Session)

The first session had set the basic format and elements in place. The kids seemed to have received them well. I was looking forward to see if they had tried to use any of the techniques in their classroom situations during the fortnight.

While all the basics were to be revisited and re-emphasized, we also wanted to go beyond the normal and teach them to look at everything from more than one perspective. This would help them in the development of their capacities of expansion. To think beyond the usually suggested paths, to be open minded, to respect different or even opposite points of view, is not taught everyday.

Children have been taught folk tales and fairy tales which stereo type certain animals as "good" and certain others as "bad". We demonize some of them, give human (or rather Asuric) personalities and forever leave an indelible impression on the children's minds that cute is good, and the physically challenged are demonic!

So, some of these stories, when revisited from a different perspective, offer the best platform to open a child's mind to an alternative viewpoint. A very popular children's tale - Three Little Pigs and A Big Bad Wolf - leaves no doubt about who is 'good' and who is the bad guy. This tale was chosen for more than one reason. Children have heard and read it so many times since they were very young, that by the time they are in Primary school, they have no more doubt in their minds about the villain! So it provided a ready myth to challenge. Interestingly children's books' author Jon Scieszka, some years ago, wrote an alternative version entitled, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs! In this, the wolf gets to tell its side of the story!

A play version of Jon Scieszka's story was chosen and adapted to suit our IEP class size and available time. Further more, IEP kids have usually done plays and skits only after weeks of practice. We challenged them to read their part only a few minutes before performance and come and put on the play. Initially surprised by the lack of usual preparation time, they quickly rose to the occasion and put on a good show.

The play, not only drove home a mental education concept without a formal teaching, it also unconsciously integrated the Physical and Vital aspects with the Mental.

If we were able to take a small step towards integrating their learning, then we can definitely consider it as progress. A progress towards Her Lotus Feet.

- Venkat

Count Only With Your Eyes!

(Mental Education at IEP)

I like Mental Education the best because, my father was conducting it.

First my father gave us all a paper. There was something written on it. He told us to count the number of words only with our eyes. We could not use our fingers at all. We had to count 2 paras. I got 139 for the first and 119 for the second. I think my answer was correct.

Another paper he gave us had a word, "seatbelt". We had to make as many words as we could. He gave us some quizzes, brainteasers, and mazes. I had a great time. It was the best day ever.

- Pradeeptha Venkat