Bal Mela (held on 8th February 2025 at Fountainhead school) was an unforgettable experience where we welcomed underprivileged students to our school and engaged them in a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, and dance. As a member of the arts and crafts team, I had the privilege of teaching origami and drawing to these children, fostering their creativity while also enhancing my own skills.
LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Teaching origami and drawing to children who had little to no prior experience posed a significant challenge as someone who myself had limited experience. Some struggled with folding paper precisely, while others lacked confidence in their artistic abilities. To overcome this, I had to break down each step into simpler instructions, demonstrating patience and adaptability. In the process, I enhanced my communication and instructional skills, learning how to engage and encourage children effectively.
LO3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
Preparation for Bal Mela required us to plan arts and crafts activities that were feasible for teaching to young, inexperienced children in a short span of time. On the day of the event, we started by carrying out our planned activities, however, they turned out to be slightly complex for the children to perform, and in that moment we had to replan our activities making slight adjustments to make them easier.
LO5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Collaboration played a crucial role in making the arts and crafts sessions engaging and effective. Our team worked together to assist students individually, and create a positive learning environment. By supporting each other, we managed to keep the children engaged and enthusiastic. Teamwork even allowed us to overcome language barriers. This experience reinforced the value of teamwork, highlighting how different perspectives and combined efforts contribute to achieving a common goal.
LO6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
Bal Mela provided me with a deeper understanding of educational disparities and the importance of providing learning opportunities to underprivileged children. Access to creative expression is often limited for these students, making this experience particularly valuable. Witnessing their joy and enthusiasm reinforced my belief in the power of education and creativity in shaping young minds.
LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
Ensuring that our activities were inclusive, respectful, and beneficial to the children was a priority. We had to be mindful of their backgrounds, experiences, and comfort levels while conducting the sessions. This initiative by the school reinforced the importance of ethical decision-making in service initiatives, ensuring that our efforts were both meaningful and respectful.
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