Date: Apr 29-May 4, 2013
Location: Society House, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry
See here the full report with pictures published in the School’s Newsletter
As the academic year 2012–13 came to an end at the Auro Mirra International School, Ulsoor, Bengaluru, a group of 7 ‘Didis’—as the teachers are lovingly called—along with the headmistress journeyed to Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, to experience the joy of being on the other side of the divide—of being students—and to rejuvenate themselves. The purpose was not so much to enhance the technical know-how of teaching, but to understand and experience the beauty and the simplicity of learning as one teaches.
Meditation sessions conducted by Harvinder helped the group understand that shutting oneself to the outer voice takes one to a different level, to explore the unexplored within. It opens up new dimensions within and helps to focus more. It helps one to think out of the box; in fact, it takes one to the realm beyond thinking or boxes!
Stories are often told by teachers to inculcate values in children. Shivakumar gave the teachers an insight into story selection, how stories form a major part in character development, connecting to the values residing deep within all.
An ancient and beautiful language, Sanskrit is known by many only as a language rich in shlokas and mantras. It was an eye-opener to all the teachers to experience power Sanskrit, which has stood the test of time, and that it can do such wonders, not only in terms of its scientific nature, but also in developing the inner faculties, like logical thinking, imagination, creativity, memory. And it has much more to offer! Dr Sampadananada Mishra introduced the teachers to the ‘Wonder That Is Sanskrit’.
Harvinder helped the group to take a step further in the practical approach of the Integral Project Method, where children decide on the topic of the project, discuss among themselves on the methodology, carry the research on their own, and complete the work by themselves. The group was made to introspect and it also made a presentation. Simmyben introduced the participants to the importance of observing a child, and the intricate details involved in making this observation. This interactive session encouraged the teachers to come up with queries or difficulties faced during teaching.
Games are not only entertaining, but also help the development of the mind and body. The teachers not only played the games, but also realized the degrees of energy and concentration required for different games. The idea of imbibing these games into different subjects was also discussed. These games were conducted by Harvinder, Shivakumar, Sushanto and Sumitro.
Beauty is all around us and in everything. To be aware of it makes all the difference. Sushanto introduced to the teachers, through art, how to appreciate and connect with the beauty around us. The participants also got a glimpse of the Kindergarten section of the Ashram’s Centre of Education where children are taught and lead in an integral play-way method to what they want to be.
With this richness imbibed, the group returned to Bangalore to utilize the new learning in their classes in the new academic year!
More details about the school are available at www.auroschoolsulsoor.org and with Ms Yamini E. S., Headmistress, Auro Mirra International School, Ulsoor, Bangalore.