Reputed Khar (Mumbai) School Jasudben ML School (JML), in an exemplary endeavour, to make teaching fun and effective, introduces a first-of-its-kind in-curriculum, storytelling-based value enrichment programme. This year-long programme for Grades 1to 4, is a unique one that builds values like honesty, kindness and respect n students using Indian stories. The school thus ties up with the country’s favourite storyteller, ‘Amar Chitra Katha’ (ACK) 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.”
To build content and training modules assisting JML to conduct value-based storytelling and activity sessions which will be incorporated as part of JML’s classes, the legendary publisher Amar Chitra Katha, has been roped in. With a bonus showcase session in every term, these sessions are theme-based and split into 4 modules. The modules will include a story from the ACK library, a discussion based on the main value of the story, a short quiz based on the story, a small art & craft/game/theatre activity centred around the story or its value and dramatisation of one story to showcase at the end of the term. For higher grades, the school will conduct story-based sessions. During the upcoming Founders’ Week, there is also a plan in place to have the famous ACK Quiz conducted for the school.
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 consistently inculcated a blend of traditional values and contemporary thought in young learners. To impart education to its students, the school has often adopted various creative yet effective ways. As storytelling offers insights into different traditions and values helping children understand how wisdom is universal, the faculty of the institution collectively believes that it is extremely valuable. While enhancing listening skills, storytelling promotes a feeling of well-being and relaxation facilitating an engaging learning environment. In addition to that, its benefits include improved verbal proficiency, communication, creativity and imagination. Allowing students to develop their social skills, the concept builds a cooperative and collaborative environment in the classroom.
