Tiny tots participate in costume parade, pretend play for Independence Day celebrations   

Amid ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations in the countdown to the 75^th anniversary of Indian Independence, students of Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, Greater Kailash, immersed themselves in cultural revelry to celebrate the rich heritage of the country.

The school organised “Incredible India Week” for the tiny tots. As part of the celebrations, the little ones were taught the significance of the three colours of the national flag by sorting tricoloured pebbles.

The young students also participated in a “show and tell” activity where they chose a national symbol of their choice and spoke for about two minutes on it. Such activities provide students with the opportunity to use descriptive language and improve communication skills and confidence levels.

Said Rabia Azin, a pre-primary teacher at Rhythms, “From the very beginning, everybody including teachers and students, was very excited about the Independence Day celebrations. The school was very nicely decorated in tricolour.” 

As part of the school’s thematic learning schedule, the month of August has been dedicated to the topic “My Country, My World”. Elaborating on the theme, the teacher added, “The children were made aware of the tricolour flag and its significance. They prepared the national anthem and various other patriotic songs. Various sensorial activities were also conducted as part of the theme.”

Later, the little ones also created stripes using paint, tear and paste, etc, on a picture of a tiger. The children also learned about the diverse cultures of their country by participating in a costume parade. The older children spoke about the state they represented.

Through the celebrations, the Rhythmites were taught about the great freedom fighters and their sacrifices for the country. They took part in a pretend play where they dressed up as some of the great leaders of the nation like Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Rani Lakshmibai, and so on.

The Rhythmites further engaged in gustatory activities which help children develop a taste for all sorts of healthy fruits and vegetables. Gustatory or the sense of taste is one of the most important of the five senses.

Not just the little Rhythmites but even their parents were involved in the grand celebrations through the process of preparing the children for various activities. “The parents enthusiastically prepared their children for the costume parade. They were informed about each of the events and were actively involved in the entire process,” added Azin. 

On the final day, a gala event was organised which was presided over by Bishwajit Bhattacharya, former Solicitor General of India and currently a senior advocate in the Supreme court of India, and Sanjay Rana, Secretary, Resident Welfare Association (RWA), Greater Kailash II. The school headmistress Komal Nathani hoisted the Indian flag along with the guests. Later, the children sang patriotic songs. They even made the national flag from scratch. They were served delicious bites.