INTUITIVE LEARNING IN CHILDREN

UNDERSTANDING THE REACH OF HOLISTIC EDUCATION

How do we teach children to create their own identity? Find meaning in their actions and see the larger picture of associating with community and humanity?

I also wondered, how early should we begin? With project work  and experiential learning as part of the learning processes in most schools, the process of thinking and contemplation has already begun at an early age.

When children work towards identifying a problem on their own; create a purpose and contribute towards positive outcomes for a social cause; work with grit and determination to bring awareness to society, it means they have already understood the meaning of holistic education.

A group of seven year olds walked into my office expressing concern over the fast dwindling numbers of wild animals. When I asked them to choose one animal that they would like to  work for, they screamed unanimously - The Tiger. With guidance, they enthusiastically prepared a project proposal within a week. They worked hard on it they said.

I knew that  they were passionately driven by their purpose -to save tigers. They made cards, bags, pouches - all painted or hand-crafted with tiger stripes, the proceeds of the sale went to their project - Adopt a Tiger. Street-plays and campaigns made connections to the community.

The kids were not only reading more about tigers and environment but were also discussing it among peers. They feel for a cause, and that to me, is true learning.

Regards

Ms. Revathi Srinivasan

Director & Principal - Sulochanadevi Singhania School