Bal mela is a school event where students from government schools visit our school and we indulge in fun activities with them like dance, tattoo, sports, and more. This year I was incharge of dance, responsible for making sure every kid got the chance to dance to fun songs.

LO 1 –  Identify your own strengths and develop areas for personal growth.

Dancing has always been a passion of mine, but teaching it to young children in a short period was a whole new challenge. I quickly realized that patience and adaptability were just as important as skill. Some kids were shy, while others were bursting with energy, making it essential to balance discipline with fun. I learned to break down steps into simple movements, use storytelling to make learning engaging, and adjust my approach based on their comfort levels.

LO 2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.

Teaching dance to a large group of children, many of whom had never danced before, was not easy. Some struggled to keep up, others were hesitant to participate, and maintaining their attention required constant effort. Instead of getting discouraged, I stayed positive and encouraged them with claps, cheers, and engaging demonstrations. Then, there were a few songs that were played which were not on the list so I had to improvise and dance on the spot on stage so the kids could follow along.

LO 3 – Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience.

Since we had limited time with each group, planning was crucial. I worked with my team to design a choreography that was simple, fun, and easy to learn. We structured our session with warm-ups, step-by-step learning, and a final run-through, ensuring that every child felt included and could participate confidently. I choreographed the dances and mainly led all the follow-alongs with my co-incharge

LO 5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively.

I worked closely with my team members to ensure that the sessions ran smoothly. We divided responsibilities, and coordinated our teaching styles to keep the children engaged. The teamwork made the experience not only more efficient but also more enjoyable. We learned to keep an open mind and also consider each other’s opinions.

LO 6 – Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance.

Bal Mela reminded me of the inequalities in access to creative learning experiences. Many of these children had never had a dance session before, but they were very eager to learn. This reminded me of the importance of providing opportunities for self-expression, regardless of background. It was fulfilling to contribute to an event that gave them a space to explore their creativity.

LO 7 – Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions.

As a mentor, I had the responsibility to ensure that every child felt safe, included, and encouraged. I made sure to be mindful of their comfort levels, never forcing participation but instead motivating them through positive reinforcement. I also encouraged respect among the children, creating a supportive and uplifting environment.