The Roar And The Squeak @ Vidyanjali Academy for Learning

Gleaming eyes.

A wide mouth smile.

Waving a goodbye!

Gestures sometimes convey more than verbal expressions - felt first hand as I stood outside Vidyanjali Academy for Learning, ready for departure after "The Roar and The Squeak" sessions. The kids, on a pillion ride with their parents, were excited to spot me as I waited with the luggage for my transport. A paper with a sketch, treasured with love in one hand, and a content facial expression, the kids conveyed through visual expression!

The school entrance

A clean, green campus. Warli art on the walls. A beautiful step well. That's a part of the school! It was a delight to step in the campus and see what goes behind the scenes before the students arrive.

It was an honor to meet the Principal, Vice Principal, Montessori Director and teachers - very warm hosts. A few "early-bird" students surveyed the campus, excitedly looking at me and the auditorium. It was time to setup the mini theatrical puppet stage! With the morning assembly as my background companion, we all stood at a pause when the National Anthem was sung.

Thoughtful arrangements, helping hands and a beautiful information board for the session set a wonderful vibe. Inspired by the Panchatantra Story, "The Lion and The Mouse", each session comprises of a puppet show and an art/craft activity - two sessions scheduled for the day.

Information board - isn't it beautiful?

Ready for the session!

"Should we get the kids seated?" I heard the teachers ask as I sat behind the puppet stage. Excited giggles transformed into silence. The kids were a great audience - interacting with prompts whenever the puppets asked! As I interacted with the kids after the show with puppets in my hands, one of them said, "The lion and the mouse looked real!" We all definitely had an imagination ride in the jungle!

Now, it was time for each one of us to get our own, self-made version of the lion and the mouse! The craft/art activity had a blend of math, science and a bit of magic! In a short time, we all had a creation in our hands! The fun was contagious! We soon had a story telling session - this time by the kids expressing - on stage, or in writing and others coloring - in one space! A symphony of diverse personalities expressing their imagination in their own way!

A short interaction session followed...

"How did you make the puppets?"

"Did you make this setup all by yourself?"

"Since how long have you been doing this?"

"How did you start this? Did anyone teach you?"

"How much time did it take to make the lion puppet? And the mouse puppet? And the background? And the whole setup?... "

Questions followed questions!

Curiosity was sparked! A rare sight to witness! A memorable time with a double - two sessions in a day!

band of beads would like to thank Vidyanjali Academy for Learning for the bright day. A heartfelt gratitude to the Principal, Vice Principal, Admin, teachers, Swathi ma'am and Manasa ma'am. And not to forget, the kids - for being the perfect audience! Your imaginative expression is now a treasured memory!