Art & Craft in Integral Education Session for Government Teachers in Puducherry

An Art & Craft in Integral Education programme was conducted by Sri Aurobindo Society with 42 pre-primary teachers at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Lawspet, in Puducherry.  The session conducted on January 10, 2019, was focused on how to develop an aesthetically rich and age-specific environment in schools based on a context wherein children themselves become more inquisitive and volitionally come forward to learn. In the session teachers were also given an experience of integral development via Arts & Craft.

The session started with a discussion on the need for Art & Craft in Education and to make the teaching context based so that the learning becomes joyful and interesting. Following the discussion, teachers explored some indoor games with variations which could also help meet their learning outcomes. Few easy physical exercises were taught to help children develop their physical strength and gross motor skills. “Birthday” was the theme for the participants this time. Teachers learnt to make a popcard cards through which math, language, vocabulary and different themes could be introduced to children. They thoroughly enjoyed the session and were curious to learn even more.

During reflection, the teachers realized that these activities could help promote a sense of beauty in everyday life and learned how to work on the body, mind and emotion of a child.

The session was conducted by Art in Education Enthusiasts Kiran, Ravishanker and Hrishikesh – all practitioners in the field of Integral Education.

An Art & Craft in Integral Education programme was conducted by Sri Aurobindo Society on January 8, 2019, with 43 pre-primary teachers of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Lawspet, Puducherry. The session was focused on how to develop physical health of children and on how to create an aesthetically rich and age-specific environment in school wherein children themselves become more inquisitive and volitionally come forward to learn. In the session, teachers were also given an experience of integral development through Arts & Craft.

The session started with easy physical exercises which can be done inside the classroom and few indoor games which help in developing alertness, concentration, awareness, eye-ear coordination, gross motor skills, quick responding, etc. All craft activities were designed for teachers to create the necessary environment of learning. Teachers enjoyed the session thoroughly and showed the eagerness to have more similar sessions wherein they can explore more and more.

During reflection they realized that these activities could help promote the sense of beauty in everyday life and develop intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. They also remarked that such processes could be instrumental in enhancing the senses and faculties such as fine motor skills, imagination, observation, sharing, attention and concentration span, etc.

The session was conducted by Art in Education Enthusiasts Kiran and Hrishikesh – both practitioners in the field of Integral Education.

On December 15, 2018, Sri Aurobindo Society conducted an Art & Craft in Integral Education programme in which 55 pre-primary teachers of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Lawspet, in Puducherry participated. The session was conducted by Art in Education Enthusiasts Kiran and Hrishikesh – both practitioners in the field of Integral Education. The programme focused on how to develop an aesthetically rich and age-specific environment in school based on a relevant context wherein children naturally become more inquisitive and volitionally come forward to learn. During the session, participants were also given an experience of integral development via Arts & Craft.

The session started with a discussion on the need for creating the physical environment and on how to make teaching contextual so that the learning process becomes joyful and interesting. Teachers were exposed to several physical games which were focused on eye–hand coordination, ear–hand coordination, alertness, awareness, etc. and could be played inside and outside the classroom. They also learnt how to create a few artifacts related to Christmas as the festival was approaching and children always need some context to do any activity with joy and enthusiasm.

During reflection, all the participants realized that these activities could help promote a sense of beauty and harmony in work, body, mind and emotions.

From November 12 to 14, 2018, a three-day Teacher Education Camp on “Innovative Pedagogical Interventions & Creative Teaching Aptitude” was held at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Lawspet, in Puducherry for In-service Teachers working with the Directorate of School Education (DSE), Puducherry. Participants underwent a transcendental journey via this camp on creative learning approach to Integral Education. The programme, in which 30 teachers participated, was developed by Theatre Arts in Education practitioner Ravi Shankar and was facilitated, along with Education Enthusiasts Kiran and Hrishikesh, as an additional part of Sri Aurobindo Society’s transformative initiatives started as Rupantar.

The camp provided all the participants a wider perspective on the aspects of Education and its role in the times we live in today. Participants enjoyed experiencing the process of creative teaching through project works based on theatre and visual arts. The entire process sensitized them towards their role as compassionate and creative teachers and elevated them to the summit of their consciousness. The process of exploring the contextual and creative approach to integrated learning processes connected them to their inner realm of unitive qualities. Finally, the programme culminated with deeper reflection, which resulted in chalking out their plan of action in regard to using all the innovative practices explored during these three days, to foster the integral development of the students. With the vibrations of renewed enthusiasm, joy and perspectives, they celebrated their valediction.

Feedback

This activity-oriented Pedagogical Interventions will help me as a teacher to fulfil our children’s needs in today’s life situation. This makes learning an enjoyable thing. This programme helped me understand the ways of interrelating different subjects to bring out the expected learning outcomes. ELOs can be attained easily through drama. – A Kayathri – K.T.  Kuppampet

It was a quite interesting, innovative and very creative. We all felt like little kids for three days; thought and played like school kids. Play way methods, theatre, discussions, self-learning, team work, activity-based learning, freedom, fear free classrooms make these pedagogical interventions very relevant to teaching learning processes. – P. Visakan – G. P. S. Gopalankadai

It is a nice training programme with lots of inputs. I would say this was a psychological training. Many aspects I learnt personally irrespective of many bottlenecks faced during the training session. Thank you for letting me discover the talent inside me. Culture and relationships were given importance in this programme. – M. Karthick – G.P.S. Chinnalcalapet, Zone 1

It felt good to experience many fresh ideas and new things in order to engage our pupils in classroom situations. All credit goes to these three days’ camp. I felt and dreamt the second day at my home about doing this in my school. – Karthigueyane. R. – G. P. S, Arunthathipuram

Yes! This programme will really bring about a change in our education system. These Pedagogical Interventions will stimulate the whole being of the child. – S. Vasanths –G. P. S, Alankyppam

This programme offers a very easy way and learning outcomes can be fulfilled. I am very happy to know this type of Pedagogical Interventions. I wish, each and every teacher should attend this training programme to upgrade their teaching methods. – S. Pachaiyappan – G.P.S. Kaduvanur Zone -4 Villianur

It is very useful for our education system. I have experienced new ideas for teaching with enjoyment and happiness. It covered all the areas during the session. Tamil, English, Maths, EVS. It is possible to attain all the learning outcomes through this methodology. – P. Sinnarasu – G.P.S. Anandhapuram

Nowadays kids are not allowed to engage in enough physical work and thinking process. They are like machines following elders of their surroundings. This type of activities and freedom will bring out the liveliness, childhood, interests, happiness. – J. Suguna – G.P.S. Kalithalkuppam

In each activity, we can meet three or more expected learning outcomes. That was the best part of this training. – J. Tharani – G. P. S.  Agaram Zone-5

This is a very powerful training programme for our education system. – D. Girija – G. P. S. Ellapillaichavady

It helped me to break some barriers inside me. It involves all subjects. I learnt, how to creatively stimulate children’ emotions.  – J. Tracy Veronica –G. P. S. Kurusulcuppam

This training was so good. Ideas and discussions are very clear. Learning was done without burden. More applicable ideas were given. It is more relevant to our education system . . . all kinds of children will be able to learn through this method without fear. This training programme will help to cover expected training outcomes in children. – R. Vasantha – G.P.S. Chettipet.

This programme showed us how we can easily connect a concept of one subject with other subjects. It helped us to attain learning outcomes with a single concept. This programme also teaches us how to use discarded materials usefully. – P. Padhamanaban – G.P.S. Embalam

We experienced how to work beyond our boundaries. Also got more positive energy and stimulation to have more activities in our classroom. We may interpret and incorporate the expected learning outcomes with the activities like role play, drama and so on. Through this, we may attain the ELOs. – M. Myvizhi – G.P.S. Ariyur Zone 5

EVENT: Group Sessions & Activities on Integral Yoga
WHEN: October 6 & 7 and November 4 & 5, 2018
WHERE: Society House, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry

On October 6 and 7, 2018, a group of 40 practitioners of Yoga led by Anahita Sanjana, Mumbai, arrived in Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, for an exposure to Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo. Shivakumar, Director of Sri Aurobindo Foundation for Integral Education and Research (SAFIER), the educational wing of the Society, interacted with them exploring the topic of “Integral Spirituality”. Through anecdotes and stories, Shivakumar described various aspects of spirituality and the means to realize the truths of Spirituality. This was followed by a lively question and answer session.

On November 4 and 5, 2018, a group of 41 students who have taken up the subject of Yoga as part of their studies at J.B. Petit School for Girls in Mumbai, were brought by their teachers Anahita Sanjana, Shehnaz and Shailaja, for an experiential exposure to self-development. Various sessions were organized for them covering Exploration of Movements with Music, Tai Chi and Enhancing Concentration. Shivakumar conducted an intense activity on developing the awareness of oneself and enhancing the capacity of concentration. This was followed by his lively discussion on our connection with the five elements: earth, water, air, fire and ether. A large number of questions were asked and the subsequent interactions brought a deep sense of bonding and connection with the elements of Nature around us.

A three-day In-service Teacher Education Programme on “Innovative Pedagogical Interventions & Creative Teaching Aptitude” was held from October 29 to 31, 2018, in Puducherry for In-service Teachers working with the Directorate of School Education (DSE) in Puducherry. The Programme was developed by Theatre Arts in Integral Education (TAIIE) practitioner Ravi Shankar and was facilitated, along with Arts & Craft in Education enthusiasts Kiran & Hrishikesh, as an additional part of Sri Aurobindo Society’ transformative initiatives started as Rupantar. Thirty participants underwent a transcendental journey through this programme on the creative learning approach to Integral Education.

The Programme gave all the participants a wider perspective on the aspects of Education and its role in today’sworld. Participants enjoyed experiencing the process of creative teaching through project works based on theatre and visual arts. The whole process sensitized them towards their role as compassionate and creative teachers and elevated them to the summit of their consciousness. Exploring the contextual and creative approach to integrated learning processes connected them to their inner realm of unitive qualities. Finally, the Programme has culminated with deeper reflection which resulted in chalking out their plan of action in regard to using all the innovative practices explored during these three days, to foster the integral development of their children. With the vibrations of renewed enthusiasm, joy and perspectives, they celebrated their valediction.

Excerpts from Feedback

The the days’ training went like three hours. I am very happy…enjoyed and learned so many things during this training. This is the only training where we did all the activities like dancing, singing, enacting drama and changing ourselves according to the situations. I learned to use the abacus and how to do four operations of math. Using natural materials I learned to make teaching aids for various purpose. By play way method, students will do the activities with interest and learning outcomes will be achieved easily. – B. Vithya, GPS, Karikalampakkam

This programme is very useful and good for us. It is something different from earlier training programmes. This training is fully based on activities and games. This is one of the easy ways to attain the expected learning outcomes. This pedagogy is totally child-centered.

– M. Janarthan, GPS, Ecole Anglaise

First of all, I have learned to see the beauty of others. I learned to connect all the learning outcomes from all the subjects and create an atmosphere in which we can involve all types of students. So that everybody in the class is encouraged to participate and our ELO is achieved. Code2 Abacus is available in our school but I didn’t know about that. Now I came to know about the usage of that. I will also teach my students. Hrishikesh sir explained clearly.  

– G. Anitha, GPS, Karikalampakkam

This training programme shows us how actual learning takes place. Although we teachers have many complications regarding our work burden, for the benefit of our children, we should try these kinds of activities in our school. We are already using the EE format of teaching and learning but ‘Make belief’ activities and creating/bringing the environment in the classroom in an integrated manner is very new for us. The pedagogy used in this training is a constructive approach. By this approach, we can show our children how to think, an essential need of this time. Before this training, there was no role of students in the planning, but hereafter they too will be given a role to plan and execute. I experienced the true meaning of the word ‘facilitation’ from the resource persons. It provides a good model to take to my school and children.  – R Gomathi, GGPS, Savarayalu Nayagar

I feel learning through activities is a very effective way of teaching. Through this way, peer learning is empowered. Learning by doing or acting, students will know about their surroundings and the theme of the lessons properly . . . Learned how to use natural resources for teaching. 
– S. Arulmozhi, GGPS, Bahour

I have experienced creative teaching. The three days training is very useful and valuable. These types of pedagogical interventions are relevant to today’s need for change in our existing education system.  
– S. Suganniya – GPS, Kakayanthope

So far, I didn’t attend this type of training before. Really, very nice and helpful for my teaching and for myself. I feel so happy to attend this training because it is activity based. Each and everybody participated in all the activities with full interest. Kiran mam’s meditation and physical exercises were very nice and Hrishikesh sir explained how to use the abacus. It was superb and he gave a chance to everyone. Overall, I like this training very much. Earlier we used to teach one subject at a time but now we can integrate language, Maths, EVS. Students will easily understand the topics through activities which is relevant to day-to-day life. They understand the theme by doing, so it will be concrete. Instead of memorizing they will learn by action and it will also be easy to attain the learning outcomes.
– V. Batamavady – GPS, Karuvadikuppam

The three-day training programme is very nice. We were so very involved that we forgot to drink water, time, food, etc. I learned craft work and how to execute “learning by doing” in the classroom; also learned to recycle the waste in an innovative manner. I have decided to design each and every activity related to the ELO from these three days of training. I learned to understand children’s mindset and decided to change my teaching style. I would also like to incorporate emotional education. – M. Kalaivany, GPS, Ariyur

I think this is the best teaching method I learned during these three days camp.

– M. Jayakumar – GPS, Aratchikuppam

It covers all type of learners and creates interest in learning. Self-interest for learning can be developed through this. Eagerness, efficiency, involvement are developed. No recitation practice takes place. The concept can be clear through practice. Each and every individual can participate.

Before training the role of students and my role with them was very difficult, but now it would be easy to take care of them and to teach them in a creative way to meet the learning outcomes. 
– B. Kavitha Devi – GPS, Aranganur

This programme was different from other In-service training. It was very useful. It made me think in a different way. It gave a thought that everything is possible in the world. I learned to keep my mind and body active and healthy in thoughts and feelings. This programme will help us to bring a change in our classroom. This will be helpful to change the mindset of teachers towards the present education system. It made me realize that a single object can be used to meet the learning outcomes. Our surrounding can be used to teach so many things to meet the learning outcomes and to enhance their learning. I will use the multiple concentration games and other games learned here. It made us teach very difficult topic also in an easy way. – P. Rajasundari, GGPS, Thirukkanur

After this training programme, I got special energy to bring out the best of our students in a better way. Using this approach we can involve all children and everyone will get a chance to participate in everything. Usually, in a group activity some students dominate others and don’t accept others’ ideas but these pedagogical interventions will help children to incorporate everybody’s ideas and suggestions. – B. Irusammal, GPS, Chettipet

This way of teaching will help us achieve the learning outcomes easily for all types of children. Even those kids who are shy in nature will also participate fully to express their feelings and emotions. The monotonous way of teaching will be changed through this pedagogical Interventions and children will enjoy a lot. – R. Keerthy, GPS, Perungalore

I would like to incorporate these pedagogical ideas in my school. This is a very effective way of learning the subjects with hands-on experience. Children will love and happily accept this method. This is enjoyable and contextual. If we incorporate this method, this will definitely be successful.
– B. Manjuladevi, GPS, Karuvadikuppam

This training will make students active in the classroom. This will also make the teaching interesting and joyful. This will get better learning outcomes because this is activity based and children will learn the concepts easily. – S. Balamurugan, GPS, Kurusukuppam

This programme stimulates my mind to teach without TLM. Ms. Kiran’s yoga gives power to my mind.
– J. J. Rajkumar, GPS, Krasur

This is completely a new experience I got during this camp. We learned how to create a creative learning environment for students. It covers all the expected learning outcomes of all the subjects. 
– N. Priyamathi, GPS, Thattanchavdi

The training was very good, interactive and useful. Through this joyful learning approach, students will be able to share their ideas and everyone will participate. Unknowingly they will learn everything. This will help children to understand the issue and find a solution which will also help them further in their day-to-day life. – K. Maheswari, GPS, K. T. Kuppanpet

The learning outcome will surely be met as children will learn by doing the lessons. I’m sure, activities done by children would never be forgotten. – R. Sathiya, GPS, Thiruvandarkoil

From October 24 to 26, 2018, a three-day Teacher Education Camp on “Innovative Pedagogical Interventions & Creative Teaching Aptitude” was held in Puducherry for In-service Teachers working with the Directorate of School Education (DSE). The concept behind the camp was developed by Theatre Arts in Education practitioner Ravi Shankar and was facilitated, along with Arts & Craft in Education enthusiasts Kiran and Hrishikesh, as an additional part of Sri Aurobindo Society’ transformative initiatives started as Rupantar. Altogether 30 teachers underwent a transcendental journey via this programme on creative learning approach to Integral Education.

Held at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) at Lawspet in Puducherry, the programme gave all the participants a wider perspective on the aspects of Education and its role in today’s world. Participants enjoyed experiencing the process of creative teaching through project works based on theatre and visual arts. The entire process sensitized them towards their role as compassionate and creative teachers and elevated them to the summit of their consciousness. Exploring the contextual and creative approach to integrated learning processes connected them to their inner realm of unitive qualities. Finally the programme was culminated with deeper reflection which resulted in chalking out their plan of action in regard to using all the innovative practices explored during theses three days, to foster the integral development of their children. With the vibrations of renewed enthusiasm, joy and perspectives, they celebrated their valediction.

Excerpts from Feedback

Overall, the session is very impressive and activities given to us are very useful. This approach can resolve most of the problems faced in classroom situations. These innovative pedagogical interventions will make a dramatic change within the minds of our children. This will help achieve all the expected learning outcomes. – S. Buvaneswari, G P S, Kariamanickam

I have learnt how to make classroom teaching creative and joyful. This approach will reduce stress and tension in classrooms. Students’ participation will increase and their inner feelings can be tapped & their emotions can be channelised harmoniously. Learning hard parts of the subjects can be made easier. – P. Maran, GPS, Saram

This three days’ training was really a reflective one. I learnt to manage time and use discarded & natural things as teaching aids and make the classroom more lively besides interlinking various subject together. – P. Vidhya, G PS, Odaively

I really feel very happy after attending this three days’ programme. Learning how to create a joyful situation in classroom teaching involving the individual participation of students. Students will come out with their own ideas and learn how to get involved in teamwork. It was an enthusiastic camp. – L. Ceciely Sharmila Ragane, GPS, Kalapet

When we will use this type of activity-based teaching then all kinds of students would like to participate and give their full attention. And the learning outcomes can also be improved. – S. Sarannya, GPS, Nettapakkam

Through this method students will experience knowledge by engaging in action. Students will participate willingly and the learning outcomes will get better. – T. Bavithra, GPS, Pethuchettipet

The offered Interventions are joyful. The programme involves the syllabus. This learning by doing and play way method will bring forth the inner potentials of our students and our learning outcomes can easily be reached. – M. Sarulatha, GPS, Kalapet

This training is totally different from other trainings. We enjoyed a lot like children. – G. Jaiya, GPS, Kalapet

I feel very happy about it. I forgot I was a teacher . . .felt like a child . . .learnt a lot of things here. This approach will increase students’ involvement and they will actively participate throughout the day. It will also support the learning outcomes. Yoga class must be added in our education system. – V. Ramya, GPS, Kurusukuppam

This training was very different from the trainings I have attended so far. This training brought out our inner potentials. The programme kept my body and mind relaxed and focused . . . (e.g., silent-games made miracles in us . . . it let my mind to think creatively.. . . This programme does a wonderful job in meeting the expected learning outcomes.  – E. Hema – G. P. S, Karikalampakkam

Joyful experience is very much important for students in this current situation and this program attended (emphasized) more on that. Activities were overloaded (this may be my opinion) . . . Enjoyed a lot in doing activities; expecting the same experience in the classroom.

I plan to make our children sensitive towards the environment and create positive energy . . . bringing out the best from them. To a great extent it will be help me in meeting the learning outcomes.  – R. Shanthi, GPS, Kalapet

I enjoyed this training very much. It is very useful to introduce a new way of teaching. – K. Padmini, GPS, Thattanchavady (SN)

I enjoyed all the activities . . . each and every minute was engaging . . . This approach will make it easy to teach all the subjects to all kinds of children. They will participate creatively without fear.  – R. Sharing Shyamalan Devi, GPS, Savarayalu

We can make every child learn through this way . . . Even children who get labelled as slow-learners will also participate and learn . . . – S. Gayathri, GPS, Thattanchavady (SN)

In these three days, learning is made very easy by various activities. We can encourage each and every student in the class to take part in every teaching learning activity. Both mind and body takes part in every activity. Moreover the Students will become creative. This Programme helps us in meeting the expected learning outcomes in various ways:

• Physical involvement of each and every student through joyful learning.
• Teaching is made easier.
• Group activities take place.
• Discussions, planning and group work are done.
• Using one topic we can relate and teach all the other subjects.

– P. Marie Bernadette – G.P.S, Ecole Anglaise Zone 2

A three-day Teacher Education Camp on “Innovative Pedagogical Interventions & Creative Teaching Aptitude” was held from October 15 to 17, 2018, in Puducherry for In-service Primary School Teachers working with the Directorate of School Education (DSE), Puducherry. Twenty-six participants underwent a transcendental journey through this camp, held at District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Lawspet in Puducherry, on creative learning approach to Integral Education. The Programme was developed by Theatre Arts in Education practitioner Ravi Shankar and was facilitated, along with Arts & Craft in Education enthusiasts, Kiran & Hrishikesh, as an additional part of Sri Aurobindo Society’s transformative initiatives started as Rupantar.

The camp gave all the participants a broader perspective on aspects of Education and its role in today’s world. Participants enjoyed experiencing the process of creative teaching via project works based on theatre and visual arts. The entire process sensitized them towards their role as compassionate and creative teachers and elevated them to the summit of their consciousness. Exploring the contextual and creative approach to integrated learning processes connected them to their inner realm of unitive qualities. Finally, the programme was culminated in deeper reflection which resulted in chalking out their plan of action in regard to using all the innovative practices explored during the camp, to foster the integral development of their children. With the vibrations of renewed enthusiasm, joy and fresh perspective, the teachers celebrated their valediction.

Excerpts from Feedback

“The Pedagogical Interventions used in the training are relevant to today’s needs. This type of interventions will be helpful in all round development of our students.” – J. Sathiamoortihi, GPS,Indira Nagar

“I like the way how they get into the content. I just enjoyed these three days . . . without using any TLM . . . we are the TLMs. Nice to have such a training. I liked the choreography method to teach a lesson . . . not only the lesson but it also enables the child to think beyond it. Thistraining goes beyond the learning outcomes. I like all the Interventions you taught here . . . I would like to incorporate all the approaches.” – S. Suganthi – GPS, Nettapakkam

“It was a wonderful training, actually. It was powerful. Ravi Shankar sir had good knowledge in whatever he spoke. He speaks to the Depth of the topic. It was very good and lively. When we did things roughly; he took us to its depth. Really, had a very very good time.” – K. Shan Mugabe Priya – GPS, Nettapakkam

“I feel refreshed after attending this 3-days teacher empowerment camp. Usually in in-service teacher training programmes we sit and observe what the resource persons or the master trainers say. But here it is upside down. We didn’t sit idle even for a moment . . . we were always rolled in activities and came out with fantastic colours like a butterfly. In my opinion, I feel that each and every concept when done in a group, through a game, like we did during this Camp, our children would understand the concept joyfully. The sincerity of the resource persons somewhat touches our heart. They made me more energetic and conscious.” – K. Pouvity – GPS, Sinnaiyananpet

“A new and wonderful experience which I had in these 3 days. It was not a stereotypical training. The approach and the way they facilitated us is something unique. It was a soulful experience which I hadn’t experienced ever. . .The main thing I learnt from this is how to bring the hidden potentials of children.” – E. Sundar – GPS, Thattanchavady

“I really felt very happy and stress free during this 3 days programme despite the load of work I had to do at school & home. After a long time, I laughed a lot . . . I played and involved myself like a child, which I liked the most. I learnt to meditate before starting any work.
I have never attended this kind of training. It was perfectly planned . . . prepared us to execute activities in just 30 seconds to 3 minutes. . . .” – R. Gayathri, GPS ,Karuvadikuppam

“First of all, I would like to thank all the three resource persons for the divine environment that they created for us. And through their methods, our inner potentials got stimulated and through which we felt calmness. I learned to think and put into action, our observation and concentration in order to respond to our present situations effectively and immediately. These 3 days have empowered us and brought us into a new world of thinking and teaching.” – K Unnamalai – GPS Saram, Z-1, Puducherry

An Art & Craft in Integral Education programme was conducted with 30 Master Resource Persons associated with the Directorate of School Education (DSE), Puducherry. The session was held at District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Puducherry, on October 12, 2018. The programme was facilitated by Art in Education Enthusiasts Kiran and Hrishikesh focusing on the holistic growth of a child via Art & Craft.

The session started with indoor games which can help develop concentration, awareness, alertness, coordination, and so on, in a child. There were discussions on the need and applicability of Art & Craft in Education, which was followed by exploring the process by learning to do one paper-craft for daily use in order to cut down the use of plastic.

During reflection, participants realized that these activities could help promote a sense of beauty in everyday life and our environment and how they could work on the body, mind and emotions of a child.

Apart from the regular classes that were going on from October 1 to 5, 2018, at Sri Aurobindo Siksha Kendra, Bishnupur in West Bengal, students took part in drama rehearsals for the school’s Annual Day. In class, special emphasis was given on the implementation of Integral Education; for instance, children did their sums using pebbles. In E.V.S class they were taken out and had to identify trees by touching with blind folds on their eyes.

Meanwhile from October 9 to 12, 2018, in the lower classes, students formed small words with plastic alphabets. It helped them to learn how to spell quickly. And they engaged in a lot of physical activities in game, P.T. and Yoga classes. In Vital class, audiovisuals of the lives of Bhagat Singh, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and the Mother were shown to the children.

From October 25 to 31 special emphasis was given on conversation during class. Personal care of was taken of each student. In the French class, they learnt different French songs with gestures.

On October 27, some respectable members of the Rotary Club of Calcutta visited the school. They were very impressed by the activities of our school. Students performed French song for them; they assured all help for the future development of Sri Aurobindo Siksha Kendra.