Know Your Teacher: ‘Art & craft can help build self-confidence in students’

Anjali Yadav an Art and Craft teacher at Apeejay Svran Global School in 21-D, Faridabad has something that several teachers at Apeejay may not have. She is an alumna of Apeejay Institute of Design from where she did her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts. After completing her bachelor’s, she went on to do her master’s in Arts (Drawing and painting) at Jiwaji University.

“I have been teaching at Apeejay Svran Global School since 2013. I teach classes I to VIII. And so far, it has been an amazing experience to come back and teach at Apeejay especially since I am an alumna of the School of Design,” Yadav said, who believes that the best way to discipline a child is by show and tell – you can teach children right from wrong with claiming words and actions. We should model the behaviours that we would like to see in our children.

Excerpts from an interview.

How does art and craft impact a student’s overall personality?

Any activity that a student does helps him/her to develop self-confidence; it gives them a sense of accomplishment that they are good at something other than academics. Some students may not be good academically, but if they take up an activity, they do well. They will automatically start doing well in their studies as well and this helps them to make better decisions for themselves. In other words, it enhances a student’s decision-making skills. It also helps students in their motor skills.

How and when did you join Apeejay?

I joined Apeejay Svran Global School in 2013. As I mentioned, I am an alumna of Apeejay so it made sense for me to look at this education institute when I decided to teach. The whole idea of giving back to the students as a teacher, the way I got from my professors was something that I didn’t want to walk away from. And of course, we all know the brand value that Apeejay has. To work in such a renowned school only adds a feather to my cap.

The best part of teaching here.

I know the values that Apeejay Education Society has built in its system over the decades of its existence. I have had first-hand experience of this during my bachelor days. So, nothing suits me better than Apeejay. It provides valuable education and promotes good values and a safe environment for the students; it provides opportunities for the teachers to grow in their career path as well.

How and why did you choose to become a teacher?

Art has been my passion since childhood. I enjoyed experimenting with different mediums. As an artist and now a teacher you can inspire kids to help them become artists, decision-makers, critical thinkers, and creators. Teaching art is a fulfilling venture through which children can explore a whole new world around them.

Importance of holistic development in students today.

In today’s world parents are putting too much pressure on their children to be an all-rounder. For them, art can be a stress buster. It will help in developing the self-esteem, motor skills, and overall growth of the child.

Teaching comes with challenges, how to deal with them?

As an art teacher, I would say that it is important to give students an outlet to express their thoughts through drawing. They may have a different perspective. There is nothing wrong or right in art. Once they are able to express their thoughts on the canvas, I teach them the technical aspects of art.

Parents are not very keen on their kids learning art and craft. Message for them

It is important for a child’s growth and development. We should let our children explore the world with their creative and imaginative minds as it will help them to develop their self-confidence and boost their thinking skills.