Bal Mela – Engaging Children in the Seven Tiles Game

Bal Mela was a special event where young children from underprivileged public schools across Surat visited Fountainhead School to participate in various interactive activities. I was assigned to the Seven Tiles Game, where I helped the children understand and play the game, ensuring they had an enjoyable and engaging experience. This event was an opportunity to create a welcoming and fun environment while also fostering teamwork and sportsmanship among the participants.

LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth:
I have always been comfortable interacting with peers, but working with younger children required a different approach. I had to be more patient and adjust my communication style to ensure they understood the game. Through this, I improved my ability to simplify instructions and encourage participation, recognizing the importance of adaptability in teaching and leadership.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills:
Many of the children were unfamiliar with the game and found it difficult to follow the rules at first. Keeping them engaged while ensuring fair play required constant adjustments in my approach. I developed the ability to break down instructions into smaller steps and use demonstrations rather than just verbal explanations, making learning more accessible for them.

LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience:
Before the event, we planned how to structure the game so that every child had an opportunity to participate. We also discussed different ways to explain the rules and keep the energy high throughout the activity. This preparation was essential to ensure a smooth experience and maximize the children’s involvement.

LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience:
Managing a large group of excited children was both challenging and rewarding. Some of them struggled to understand the game at first, but I remained patient and encouraged them to keep trying. Even when the game got competitive, I ensured a positive and supportive atmosphere, making sure all children felt included.

LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively:
Since this was a large-scale event, effective teamwork was crucial. I coordinated with my fellow volunteers to manage different groups of children, ensuring that everyone got a fair chance to play. We adapted to each other’s strengths, whether it was explaining the game, managing turns, or keeping the children engaged.

LO6 – Engagement with issues of global significance:
The event highlighted the educational and social disparities faced by children from underprivileged backgrounds. Many of them had limited access to such recreational activities, making this event even more meaningful. Engaging with them reinforced my awareness of the importance of inclusive education and the role of extracurricular activities in a child’s overall development.

LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions:
It was important to ensure that every child felt valued and included, regardless of their skill level. I made sure to encourage and appreciate every participant, promoting fairness and sportsmanship. This experience reminded me of the ethical responsibility of treating all individuals with respect and ensuring equal opportunities for engagement.

Bal Mela was a deeply fulfilling experience, allowing me to contribute to a meaningful initiative while also developing important skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork. Seeing the children enjoy themselves and actively participate made the effort worthwhile, reinforcing my belief in the impact of such events on community engagement and social inclusion.