HFSI Primary hosted the author of children’s book, Happy Holidays, on 29th July 2019. Shamika Chaves is an illustrator and graphic designer based in Mumbai, India. Her work is inspired by the simple joys of everyday life. Shamika’s first book, Your Journal of Memories, was published by HarperCollins India.
Students of Grades 3 and 4 were invited to interact with the author and engage in a postcard writing session led by Ms. Chaves. The multi-Purpose Hall on the 5th floor was used for this activity. Students waited eagerly- ready with colour-pencils and postcards- for the author’s arrival. An enthusiastic audience, eager to learn something new, greeted Ms. Chaves at 11:30 a.m. The Head of School, Mrs. Kalyani Patnaik, welcomed the author and introduced her to the students. A school souvenir was gifted to the author as a special token of appreciation. The learning session began with Ms. Chaves instructing the students to illustrate the postcard with images of their favorite destination. She allowed the students to use their unbridled imagination – there was no model given or guidelines provided for illustration. Students engaged excitedly in this activity and came up with beautiful drawings. After this initial warmer, students were asked to write a few lines on the reverse side of the postcard. Ms. Chaves demonstrated it to the students. In the end, students were guided to write the recipient’s address on the postcard. Throughout the activity, students continued to interact with the author. It was a new and engaging experience for Primary students.
Overall, it was a memorable event for our students and more such events, with greater academic integration would be a welcome step towards out-of-the-box learning.
- JASPREET TAUNQUE