Ranganna visits Sri Lanka

Since school opens early there, managed to narrate Ranganna to the kids, before my work day begins
This must have been my earliest and shortest session ever
A fellow blogger whose child studies there has helped Ranganna reach Sri Lanka.
Hope it is all sold out at the Book Fair thereon Saturday.

Magic of voice

What lovely notes the kids have put together for me!!

Read on.............

We had an interactive session with an author called Ms. Arthi Anand.  She told us the importance of reading books. She also told us the story of reading books. She told us the story of her latest book “Ranganna” It was very fun as she made us dance and sing while she was telling the story. It was a wonderful experience.- Ira Grade 3

The author Ms. Arthi Anand told the importance of reading a story. She read out a story “ Ranganna” I enjoyed a lot because she made us  sing a song on “Ranganna”. We had a fun.-Tamanna Grade 3

Ms. Aarti is really creative. She writes stories for children. Her way of storytelling is really impressive. She taught us a song on her story Ranganna. We wish to meet her- Aaditi Grade 2

The author told the importance of reading and also told her story Ranganna. It’s a story of an elephant. I love that story a lot. We all enjoyed with the author. She made us sing and she answered our queries.- Shlok Grade 3

Ms. Aarti Anand wrote a story of an elephant. She told the importance of reading. Though it was an audio session , she involved us in the song and dance. The author is multitalented as she was singing so nicely.  We love you. We wish to meet you. – Shamala  Grade 3

Ms. Arti is the best author. – Vetali, Grade 2

More pics here

World Read Aloud Day

The skype session with 300 kids at a school in Hbad, turned into a phone call on speakers session due to the rain last night in Hyderabad. 

But the fun of reading to them, singing and even getting them to dance ( hope they did), answering their questions   - a superb experience.

Instant feedback too...

Second Time at Samiksha

This second visit to Samiksha at Kidwai Kids, reinforced my feelings of last time.

Some of the children recognized me and welcomed me as Ranganna aunty- Story sister.

I loved the intensity with which they approached the art project- the ear bud painting had not seen so much creativity - beautifully done trees, houses and lotuses and even a peacock!

With a bit of tree-via thrown in, we sang the Tree song from Karadi. I followed it up with an animated narration of When Ali became Bajrangbali story from Tulika.

This was the first time my mother was coming along for my story session. The experience was uplifting for both of us.

Amazing kids and great initiative by Samiksha to bring education to the children since they cannot possibly go to a regular school for a while. This way they will be bright and ready when it is time for them to go back to the mainstream

However what is heart wrenching is that not all will get to go back. I was a bit saddened by the deterioration in health that I saw in one of the older girls. Certainly hope she gets better soon.

Story fun at Samiksha, Kidwai Hospital

The children enjoyed the cottonbud painting activity, the song and the story as well.
 Some recognized me as the Ranganna story aunty!

For more pics go here

Great work by Samiksha for these truly deserving kids.

My friends were generous with gifts for the kids but I hope they will also help me tide over my non existent Kannada skills next time.

Neralu- Tree Fest Banaglore

Was thrilled to be a part of this initiative's story sessions- Katha Vriksh

Drew stories from: Vriksh of DC Mango fame, Ali to Bajrangbali from Tulika and Karadi's tree song

For more pics go here.

AV- Feb session

Had my first AV session of the year and what fun it was

Used the India AtoZ book from Puffin and was delighted by the participation and answers

We also had stories of Vamana and Ali to Bajrangbali and discussed Rakesh Sharma!