Dr.Dasaratha Rama

In this post, we present a video that demonstrates the use of varied tools (Thinkblocks, Waldorf scarves, wooden figures etc.) in storytelling.  Such tools make language learning fun while addressing varied outcomes.

I. One Enjoyable Experience Leads to Another
Last week, we focused on the theme of FourEEEEs. The blog post One Enjoyable Experience Leads to Another introduced the FourEEEEs method and showed how experiences unfold over time:
https://specialsaathi.com/2024/08/20/one-enjoyable-experience-leads-to-anotherthe-foureeees-method/

II. Visualizing Stories 1: Milkman Story
The video of the week is:
https://youtu.be/xZ2pZoVk0ag?si=po5DUOt8LI_0uOED

Technique: Narration through Imitation
Narration is a foundational component of the Charlotte Mason method and involves retelling what one heard or read in their own words.
https://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/narration/
In Theater Arts for Holistic Development (TAHD), imitation is used to develop narration skills. This approach makes it easier to narrate stories. Imitation also helps in practicing skills such as stress, intonation, and pacing. Ananth read the story with Ms. Usha Sankaran, senior facilitator, Ramana Sunritya Aalaya,  Then, I coached Ananth on the use of visual tools.  Finally, we produced the video.

The FourEEEEs
Any project including the video projects presented in this series can be described with the FourEEEEs.  The four EEEEs method includes: 1) Exploration, 2) Experience, 3) Expression, and 4) Enjoyment.

1. Exploration
We are exploring creating a Fun with Language video series on Ananth’s Adventures where we weave in various tools (Thinkblocks, Waldorf scarves, wooden figures etc.)

Our intention is See it, Do it, Share it. When we explain different ideas, tools, and techniques, it is not easy for others to try. When we show it is a lot easier. So that is the path we have started exploring. We intend to produce at least one Fun with Language video each week.

2. Experience
We are already immersed in weekly video creation because of Ananth’s Fun with Hastas project for the RASA web channel. So we are finding it easy to immerse ourselves in the Fun with Language project. Ananth has been learning from Ms. Usha Sankaran ( senior Theater Arts for Holisti  Development facilitator) since 2021 and they are now reading the stories together. Then, Ananth memories and we are also doing the visual part,

3. Expression
Expression is based on our unique experience with Waldorf, Enki  TAHD, Thkikblocks and many other experiences over the past 20 years. TAHD has paved the way for Ananth to express himself by improving
● body language (angika),
● use of voice (vacika),
● attire and props (aharya),
● emotional expression (satvika). 
Enjoyment
All three phases (Exploration, Experience, and Expression) are enjoyable!  Challenges in each phase and tips and techniques for addressing these challenges will be addressed in future posts.

III. Thinking about Outcomes: Body Awareness

Theater Arts for Holistic (TAHD) can be used to address a range of outcomes:
TAHD organizes outcomes into 8 categories:
1) Movement and mobility,
2) Basic skills,
3) Self-help skills,
4) Cognitive skills,
5) Language and communication skills,
6) Social interaction skills,
7) Emotional expression skills,
8) cultural awareness and values.

Watch our videos and think about how such activities address varied outcomes.  One important outcome in the movement and mobility category is body awareness.  While we had many things to share, Ananth is now able to create videos such as the weekly videos for RASA web channel.  Growth is language and communication skills is obviously needed to do this but it is also growth in areas like body awareness.  In dance class, Ujwal often reminds Ananth to hold up his shoulder and arms.  These small posture and other body awareness issues make a significant difference while making presentations.


https://youtu.be/TtoPiNnw0v8?si=9AWkBf1ytm_J2LHv

Author Dr Dasaratha Rama
Dr. Dasaratha Rama is a professor and home educator. She was the editor of a monograph on service-learning published by the American Association of Higher Education. This monograph was a part of a series of monographs on service-learning published by AAHE. She was also an Engaged Scholar with the Campus Compact, an association in the US dedicated to higher education civic and community engagement at colleges and universities. She has served as the Chair of the Teaching and Curriculum Section of the American Accounting Education. She is a certified leader in systems thinking, mapping, and leadership under a program offered by Cabrera Research Lab. She is currently doing a certificate in Theater Arts for Holistic Development (TAHD) from RASA (Ramana Sunritya Aalaya).