Mumbai: In an exemplary endeavour to make teaching fun and effective, reputed Khar (Mumbai) School Jasudben ML School (JML), introduces a first-of-its-kind, in-curriculum, storytelling-based value enrichment programme for Grades 1 to 4. It is a unique, year-long programme that builds values like kindness, respect & honesty in students using Indian stories. For this, the school has engaged ‘Amar Chitra Katha’ (ACK) – the country’s favourite storyteller and is set to unleash the magic of stories into the classroom.
Explaining the reasons for taking on this innovative teaching modus operandi, Damayanti Bhattacharya, Principal, JML School says, “We adults underestimate the power of stories and their impact on young minds. The message or moral of an interesting story creates a far greater impression on kids than the usual preaching ever does. Storytelling is a beautiful tool that simultaneously engages various parts of the mind like the cognitive, the creative and the emotional. It allows children to explore their cultural roots, experience diverse thoughts and enables them to empathise with unfamiliar people, places or situations. So we are definitely looking forward to introducing this program with the support of one of the country’s finest storytelling institutions – ACK.”
The School will have a dedicated storytelling expert to train teachers and facilitators on how to integrate the storytelling scheme into the education system for primary classes. Shachii Manik – Co-ordinator President’s Office, JML school says, “Introducing this concept is going to be an engaging and fruitful endeavour. I am sure that it will pique students’ interest and will prove to be a highly effective teaching tool. To ensure impactful delivery of this new programme, we are in the process of providing adequate training for our teachers who will conduct the sessions at the school.”
Amar Chitra Katha, the legendary publisher that has been spreading magic amongst children with its meaningful tales since over half a century has been roped in to build content and training modules to assist JML to conduct value-based storytelling and activity sessions to be incorporated as part of JML’s classes. These sessions are theme-based and split into 4 modules with a bonus showcase session in every term. Every module will entail a story from the ACK library, a short quiz based on the story, discussion based on the main value of the story, a small art & craft/game/theatre activity centered around the story or its value and dramatisation of one story to showcase at the end of the term. The school will conduct story-based sessions for higher grades too. There is also a plan in place to have the famous ACK Quiz conducted for the school during the upcoming Founders’ Week.
Preeti Vyas, CEO & President, ACK says, “Amar Chitra Katha has been telling stories for over 53 years and has always been a ‘route to your roots’. We are delighted and honoured to collaborate with Jasudben M.L. School on this unique programme for young learners. Storytelling has always been one of the most enriching forms of creating impact in the minds of readers and listeners alike. As India’s favourite storytellers, our vision at Amar Chitra Katha has always been to inspire children through our vibrant stories about India’s glorious past, culture and values. The objective of this programme is to use stories as a medium to create an honest, respectful and kind next generation for India and the world. Storytelling programmes in schools is part of our vision at ACK and we hope to reach many more students with these programmes.”
JML School has always believed in inculcating in young learners a blend of traditional values and contemporary thought. The School has often adopted various creative yet effective ways to impart education to its students. The faculty of the institution collectively believes that storytelling is extremely valuable as it offers insights into different traditions and values helping children understand how wisdom is universal. Storytelling promotes a feeling of well-being and relaxation facilitating an engaging learning environment while also enhancing listening skills. Further, its benefits include improved verbal proficiency, communication, creativity and imagination. Most importantly the concept builds a cooperative and collaborative environment in the classroom allowing students to also develop their social skills.
