I had to teach an EVS lesson, “Historic Period” to my std. V students in the last month of the second term. As this was an information heavy lesson, I felt compelled to make it more interesting for students. I knew that students’ involvement would make it more interactive and they’d be more interested to learn as well. So, I decided to divide them into groups and give each group a different topic. Each group had to research and gather information about a civilization – Mesopotamia, China, Egypt and Harappa. They finally had to make a slideshow and present it before the class.
The response from the students was overwhelming. Each group made informative and well researched presentations. During this process I learnt that instead of always resorting to the lecture method, if we occasionally include activities with some challenge, students really shine through with their potential and learn with great interest. I invite you to read on and find out what my students felt about this whole experience.
Anita Singh,
Std. V Teacher
It was 20th February, our eighth period was going on. Anita Singh teacher was explaining the last chapter in EVS. Suddenly, she stopped and told “ we will do an activity”. All were excited about it! Teacher first divided the class into 8 groups each having 8 members. The topics were Mesopotamia , Egypt, China and the Indian subcontinent. Suddenly, a boy from std.1 interrupted when he came in to make an announcement. We had to go for our P.T. Period. There was a collective sigh. All were disappointed about having go for P.T. period in the middle of an exciting discussion. We were eager to know what teacher had in store for us.
The next day teacher continued the discussion. She said we had to further divide the group into 3 parts 2 for Location, 2 for Prominent places and 4 for Distinct features. All were excited and nervous when teacher revealed the secret that we have to make a slideshow. Some of us were excited and some had a question mark on our face. I felt a mix of two emotions. My group members chose me as the leader. After reaching home I made a whatsapp group and added each member to the group. I further divided the group into 3 subgroups as told by teacher.
Then began the work. We researched information on the internet individually. After some days I gathered the information that each member had put together. Then, I asked my brother for help me make the presentation. There were many difficulties while making the presentation but my brother reminded me, “Where there is will there is a way”. After hearing this I again started making the presentation with enthusiasm.
On the last day a girl from my group refused to stand in front of the class and speak. I told her if you face the class and speak you will feel the confidence in you. Finally, the day arrived. We presented it very well and it was liked by my friends. The teachers appreciated us as well. I thank everyone who helped me.
Namrata Std – 5A
Recently we got an opportunity to present a slide show. The moment I heard it I was very excited but equally not sure about how to go ahead since I did not know what is a power point presentation. Since I was bewildered I asked my parents. Once I understood what a PPT is, I was very eager to start my work.
I had been selected as the group leader by my group members. That made me happy. We had to research and present about Egypt. The teacher divided the topic further in three parts namely Location, Prominent places, Distinct features. I asked all the team members to collect information and practice accordingly. Once I got the information from everyone I modified it. But then the trouble was, I did not know how to put it in the PPT format. My father had knowledge of powerpoint presentations, and with his help I put the information onto slides, dividing it across nine slides. Resizing the pictures, adjusting the font, font size and giving a suitable title to the slide show were some difficulties I faced.
Finally, our slide show was ready, we transferred it to a pen drive and presented the same in our school. Explaining things about Egypt was an amazing experience. We enjoyed doing this very much though we had to face some difficulties. But we were equally happy as we got to know how to prepare a powerpoint presentation. One important thing that I would like to mention is just after a couple of days after the presentation I watched a show about Egypt on the TV channel Travel XP. It made me feel more confident and satisfied as my presentation was much similar to what they showed. Truly speaking I am very excited to take a tour of Egypt very soon.
Ryan Shah Std- V B