The World of Stories – A Unique Literary Exhibition
September 28th, 2017, Kuwait, witnessed a signature event “The World of Stories”, an exhibition of English Literature organized and hosted by Indian English Academy School, Salmiya Kuwait.
Stories help children in expanding their imagination and knowledge of the world they live in. It develops their language skills in a holistic way and familiarizes children with the sound, rhythm and intonation of the words. To develop these skills and to provide an exposure to literature a unique literary exhibition, entitled, “The World of Stories” seized to unfold snapshots of creativity, capture student’s thoughts, share knowledge and make learning fun.
Staff, parents, students, together, tickled their innovative brain cells and transformed the entire class into a mini theatre with sets, scenes, characters, dance, music etc. 42 rooms depicted 42 different stories from very simple stories like Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood to more complicated ones Like Macbeth, Journey to the Centre of the Earth etc. Each designated area became a celebration of English Literature as little authors, actors, singers, dancers provided a glimpse of the story; thus, making the visitors stop by and visit their attractive and out of the world creation.
The morning session was thrown open to school children. 19 bus loads of kids from 13 different Indian schools visited the exhibition. Teachers and students were simply awed by the culturally rich and educationally sound programme.
Tom Quinn, the Chief Guest for the day, along with his family was enthralled with the novel idea. He shares his wonderful experience with us, the IEAS family, which we would not like to share with you. He writes …
“It was an honour to share The World of Stories with you, your staff, students and families from the Indian English Academy School. The time, effort and vision coordinated in only the first weeks of school are remarkable accomplishments that few schools could even hope to realize.
Reading and literacy are the staples of learning and preparing young people for life’s many challenges. By celebrating books in the elaborate and creative way that you did, students, teachers and parents extended the learning and love for books outside the classroom. The collaborative efforts made this a learning opportunity that was purposeful and will leave a long-lasting impression on not only students but all that contributed and attended, especially us.
The initiatives by students, their teachers and the supportive parents demonstrate how education can and should be advanced. There was a clear passion for books, evident in all aspects of The World of Stories exhibit. From the elaborate classroom decorations to the student performances, to the delicious treats commemorating themes, there was an atmosphere of adventure, intrigue and fascination throughout.
My teaching has always focused on the understanding that learning is a process, where direction, targets, feedback and motivation have to be constant. Lessons must be meaningful and fun in order to help students develop skills, confidence and a base of knowledge that will encourage them to become lifelong learners. In all respects, you seem to have capitalized on these and many other fundamentals that offer students genuine opportunities for learning.”
It was the exuberance of the parent’s involvement, the teacher’s collaborative effort and the student’s enthusiastic sense of belonging that catered to the making of this exceptional momentous event in the lives of the IEASian family and all others who came to visit the same.
Someone once said; “People say high school is about getting an education and getting into a good college to succeed in life. Well, for me, high school is about making memories and good times that will last forever.”
At IEAS, we create memorable opportunities that will last a lifetime.
Pics by Alban D’Souza