Yesterday,
I was at a school waiting to meet a teacher. As the class was in progress, I
was watching some kids who were practicing for the upcoming Independence Day
celebrations. Shortly, a group of around 50 tiny tots (nursery kids) started coming
out of their class in a single file onto the playground. They were dressed in a
variety of colours and the attire ranged from traditional south Indian, north Indian
to the western. Oblivious to the surroundings, they were happily jumping and
running around in gay abandon, some of them kicking their shoes off in the
process. The teacher brought a big basket full of colourful balls which she let
loose in the ground, so that the kids can go and fetch them. It looked like a
perfect exercise as well as a game. In these days of sedentary lifestyles and shortage
of playgrounds, these kids had a wonderful time running behind the balls trying
to bring them back to impress the teacher.
Personality
development happens at such a young age. Observing their antics reminded me of
group activities that are conducted for enhancing team-building skills in
college students or professionals for that matter. I could see kids helping
each other, some jostling for the ball, some sharing with others, some trying
to show off, others trying to impress the teacher. Some kids tried to imitate
the teacher, while yet another one ran towards the basketball court and tried
to put the ball in the basket – obviously she would have seen older students
playing basketball. There were also truant kids who just ran out of the ground
and tried to get into the neighbouring classrooms. I thought being a visitor,
it was natural for me to be mesmerized by the sight. However, as the bell rang signaling
the end of the current period, the teachers who walked out of the classrooms
stood rooted at the balcony, catching a glimpse of the kids and their
activities. I could spend hours watching the kids enjoying in the grass.
However, as all good things come to an end, so did their games period and they
gathered all the balls and returned to their classroom. I appreciate the energy
and the fervor with which the teacher engaged the kids and did mention it to
her. Kudos to the teacher and the principal for engaging the students so nicely
and providing an ambience and the atmosphere for a healthy growth!!
