STORY TELLING –HARIKATHA

Story telling is conveying of events in words, images and sounds by improvisation. Stories or narratives have been shared in every culture and in every land as a means of entertainment, education, preservation of culture and in order to instill moral values.

Story telling is a popular performing art in India. Each region has developed its own style and tradition.In south India the art of storytelling is referred to as Kathakalakshapam which is a Sanskrit term meaning Katha –story, katha –Time and kshepa –throwing away .In total it means spending time listening to stories.

In Andhra Pradesh there are two types of storytelling- Puranapravachna and the Harikatha.The folk style of storytelling is called Burrakatha .Most of these stories are picked up from the very famous text Panchtantra written by “Vishnu Sharma “, who undertakes to instruct -3 dull & ignorant princes in the principles of polity & moral values.

Today panchtantra stands as the best guide to instill moral values in children. At DPS we believe in DOING. Enacting these moral stories is a part of the curriculum since each story has a moral lesson in the end.

Animal masks, sound, dressing up as the characters of stories and even the use of music, in order to transport children into curious world where animals can talk like humans, are the hallmarks of these story –sessions.

DPS Nacharam extends the same courtesy to the grandparents of our children by way of Granny’s Corner. In true traditional style the children gather around the Grandparent under a shady tree to listen and let their minds be transported into the world of fun & fantasy.

This fun learning experience also enhances the social skills, imagination, vocabulary, listening and speaking skills of the children. Finally it is a great tool for balancing the emotional quotient.

Sai Jyothi Kapoor.
Incharge Pre- primary