To give credence to the principle of actively engaging students and not passively spoon feeding them the festivals of Janamashtami and Eid were celebrated at Mongrace Montessori House in the month of August . These celebrations brought an awareness among children of traditional customs emphasizing the theme of thankfulness , helping the needy and love.
During the Janamashtami celebrations the tiny tots donned the role of gopis, Krishna, Radha and also Yashodha Maiyaa. Krishna's childhood scenes, depicted through songs and scintillating dances enthralled the audience.
The dress code for the day was Indian traditional clothes and parents responded enthusiastically by sending their wards to school dressed most suitably to the occasion. Through enactment of scenes and role play children were made aware of the fact that Eid means happiness and the festival signifies joy and universal brotherhood. Tiny feet danced to the rhythmic beats of " Dekho chaand nikal aaya" and "Eid Mubaarak"
The teachers most successfully weaved in the theme of these festive days into their curriculum. Children made matakaas using newspaper cut outs and coloured them with thumb prints . Cotton wool was stuck on these matkaas to give the effect of butter. "Krishna loved butter" This fact led to the explanation of how we get butter.
For thematic teaching on the Eid celebration day cut outs of crescent moon were stuck in scrap books. Different shapes of the moon were discussed and " shapes" were thus learnt and absorbed by tiny minds. Story telling and conversation classes had Eid related themes.
In today's techno savvy world how could technology be left behind? Power point presentations on Jnamashtami and Eid were prepared by the computer teacher and shown to the children of all environments. These really captivated the little ones.
Mongrace reflects a highly diverse student body and here we make every effort to promote mutual respect and develop a global perspective.
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