“I Believe”

“I Believe”

12th December, 2008, was a Friday. This Friday was special for Grade 5 at Fountainhead School. It was time for their summative assessment on “I Believe” and preparations had been going on for a week. Students were preparing to give an oral presentation on a selected topic.

The topic was on RELIGION and each student got one to prepare on, through a draw of lots. The religions covered were Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. The students gathered information through inputs given by our guest speakers, Mrs. Kavita, Mrs. Zahabiyah and Mrs. Anita, through the internet and the World Books in our school library. Students used a graphic organizer to guide them with their research. Charts were prepared, pictures were printed, prayer recitations, carols and shlokas were recorded and artifacts gathered from various sources. Umaben, Kalpeshbhai and Prakashbhai helped with the arrangements.

Friday was a lovely winter day and the students arrived at the school, filled with enthusiasm। Parents were invited for the presentation scheduled for 11am and they started arriving by 10।45am। Some grandparents had also come to encourage their grandchildren. Students of Grade 4, some teachers and admin staff were also part of the audience. Ms. Sonam, our cameraperson, did not miss a single moment of her shoot. Mrs. Pooja, our sound engineer behind the scene, played the right piece of music on cue. Above all, our judges, Mrs. Vishaka and Mrs. Monica, took time out from their duties to be part of the students’ presentation.

The presentation began and the students started speaking by turn. The students had dressed appropriately according to the religion they were supposed to represent and greeted the audience accordingly. There was pin drop silence when they made their presentations. After the presentation by each student, the judges and audience asked questions to test the knowledge of the students and for gaining information. This kept the students on their toes and also posed as a platform for the students to learn to face challenges. They faced questions for which they did not know the answers to, by saying that they did not know the answer but shall find out and let the person know. After the last student had finished making his presentation, the audience and judges walked around viewing the displays and asking more questions about the displays. The students were competent enough to answer most of the questions.

The response of the audience and the judges was wonderful and they were full of praise for the students and their efforts। Our displays were also viewed by 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Sr. K.G students with full enthusiasm. The students heaved a big sigh of relief when it was all over and the room was empty. We sat down for a heart to heart talk about our feelings, views, comments, etc. about the entire presentation. The students went back home that day with weary feet and tired bodies but with a smile on their lips and happiness in their hearts. Well done, Grade 5!

by Gowri Murali