We started with a little greeting song and warm up dance. Played “Snake” after that. Developing further on the theme of body, movement and space, we continued exercises using charade cards. 


This time we chose the theme “objects” which was more challenging for the absence of possibility of making sounds and movements. We were curious to see how children would communicate objects such as chair/log/fire/tree/waves etc. It was delightful to watch them try, and the group trying hard to connect and figure out whats being put forth. 


As the next step, we used charade cards with actions using these objects. Such as   swimming in the ocean, walking in the woods, being a firework etc. as the culmination of this exercise, groups of three were formed and in a performers - audience formation, charade cards with small scenarios which used the previous exercises - such as children watching fireworks/ person walking two puppies/bird flying among clouds etc were given to enact. Children had to discuss their theme among group members, decide who would do which part and how, and face the audience to put it together. It was heartening to see the intensity with which they engaged with this exercise  and opted out when they thought it was not capturing enough for them. As usual we sang our goodbye song afterwards and with a loud, loud shout out for each other, vowed to meet next week.


While keeping elements of curiosity and excitement alive, how we can explore depths of the same topic, is a major balancing act we try to achieve in Mazhavilppookkal. Through the extensive exploration of body, space and movement which spanned so many sessions, we believe we were able to encourage children to perceive the possibility of listening and connecting with their body, using their body as a tool in communication, and also to connect with peers. The group dynamics has developed a lot, and this comfort was visible in planning and putting together a performance as a group. Whether they carry over this increased comfort of physical movements  to punctuate their daily life, is something we hope to see.

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