With the heavy rains gone after the Diwali holidays, we conducted the library sessions at Govt. Primary School, Merces (Std. 1-4) in the courtyard. The fresh air in the school compound, with coconut trees swaying in the breeze, has added magic to our library sessions. The first time the children sat with us outside, I felt like something has changed.
I realized how our seating arrangements have been part of bringing about this change. I felt much closer to the children when we were all sitting on the ground together. There were no huge benches where I had to guess if the child is standing or sitting. I felt part of them. The open space, apart from being more comfortable, has also provided flexibility for movement. Anytime the children can spring up and express with actions what they mean. We can laugh; move and dance as we want without the feeling of something or someone falling or get hit. During story time, the children move closer towards the book as if there is a magnetic force between the two and as the page turns, their heads move as well.
The children’s body language and their increased eagerness provide me with an understanding of how they are feeling about the session. In the outdoor sessions, the children are more spontaneous in responding and the sessions are becoming more active, focused and interactive between the children, as they can see each other while sitting in a circle or semi-circle. This has been a refreshing change for the children and me.
