From Spectators to Contributors: The Active Role of Kids in the Learning Process
Discovering the active learner within every child beyond books and classrooms.
Mama!
I have found another picture of vertebrates in this magazine, shouted Huzaifa excitedly as he was sitting in the middle of a vast pile of books, magazines and forgotten newspapers. Intrigued by his exhilaration, I entered his room and was surprised to find that his room had transformed into a sanctuary of knowledge, with carefully organized stacks of books and meticulously separated materials. It was evident that he was on a quest for something special.
Working like a profound reader Huzaifa sifted through the contents of each book, intently searching for any clue that would lead him to the fascinating world of vertebrates and invertebrates .And my younger son Haris also joined him in this expedition, diligently assisting him in finding relevant pictures and gathering essential information about the diverse species that inhabited our planet.
The room buzzed with the sound of turning pages, as the two brothers meticulously absorbed every detail. Huzaifa, like a diligent reader, was going through books of all sorts and separating scientific material from others while Haris diligently folded pages and jotted down key facts in a dedicated notebook.
It was a sight to behold — a beautiful collaboration between two young minds, both eager to contribute their unique skills to their project.
Yes!
They were busy in collecting fascinating information of vertebrates and invertebrates for Making a picture book.
After watching them deeply absorbed in their work I was thinking, how genuinely they are working hard on their project like little entrepreneurs trying to produce a vibrant and comprehensive project to present. They had developed a sense of ownership and intrinsic motivation to complete it.
Let me explain to you how this adventure of roaming into the world of books started.
Well.. ..
It all began when we, delved into the vast realms of animals and their wondrous classifications. Huzaifa’s eyes sparkled with a newfound excitement, and he passionately expressed his desire to create something extraordinary — a picture book that would encapsulate the mesmerizing world of vertebrates and invertebrates. And so, we embarked on a journey together, determined to transform his passionate desire into a tangible reality.
In this way, we denied the conventional schooling method where children are supposed to be mere spectators instead if active contributors of their educational journey.They forgot that children are inherently curious, inquisitive, and eager to explore their surroundings. They possess a natural inclination towards learning, actively seeking out new experiences and knowledge.
So we followed the approach of ACTIVE Learning and learnt about animal kingdoms in following steps:
Planning and strategizing:
The first thing, we did, was the road map for preparing the picture book. Huzaifa made a detailed sketch of his book visualizing the structure and flow of his picture book.
This process of brainstorming and analysis allowed him to exercise his critical thinking and problem-solving skills. He grasped the importance of developing a clear plan, setting goals, and organizing his ideas — a lesson that would serve him well beyond the realms of this project.
He decided to make his book in two parts
Vertebrates
Invertebrates
Research:
After our sketch was ready, the second step was profound research on this topic. Two of them started their search for relevant facts and illustrations from old magazines and books. The three of us took different roles to play, Huzaifa had to separate science books from literature and others, Haris had to jot down the facts in one place and I had to cut down the relevant pictures and captivating illustrations from books and magazines. Thus, my boys were absorbing knowledge like sponges, all while developing essential life skills such as effective communication, collaboration, and time management.
Compiling:
After research work had completed, the final phase started. This final phase was the most exciting one. We had to compile all the work at one place. So for next few days we delved deep into the world of animals searching each and every facet of their lives as vertebrates and invertebrates, sketching, painting, discussing, questioning and exploring. My boys were totally forgot about mobile games and cartoons and were ambitious for creating a marvel of their research and paint.
Finally, after days of tireless effort and unwavering commitment, a magnificent picture book of vertebrates and invertebrates stood before us. This book was not merely a compilation of facts and illustrations; it was a masterpiece woven together by their own hands, a labor of love and a testament to the power of active learning.
