SAIIER 2020:Dehashakti School of Physical Education

SAIIER 2019-20

Entity::Dehashakti School of Physical Education

The aim we pursue is that of developing the qualities of a true sportsman/sportswoman. We cater to an integral, methodical and harmonious development by offering children a weekly schedule that provides for all their fitness needs, nurturing a joyful and balanced growth. Games, Athletics and Gymnastics provide for ample variety. In our program, the main concern is not to win or lose but to participate and overcome challenges and difficulties. Physical education plays a very important role in building self-confidence, a quality indispensable in life. We encourage the children to attempt, to dare without worrying about the result.

This year we had 151 students from 3 different schools (Transition School, Deepanam School and Last School).

1st grade: 24 students
2nd grade: 31 students
3rd grade: 41 students
4th grade: 20 students
5th grade and above: 35 students

Activities of the year:

As always our students are exposed to a rich variety of activities since these different activities together build particular skills, confidence and team-spirit which are essential for the overall development of our students. Our program is unique thanks to this variety of activities and the fact that it brings children from different schools together on a daily basis.

Athletics events for older students:

1) 100m race, 2) 400m race, 3) 800m race, 4) Long Jump, 5) Triple Jump, 6) Shot put, 7) Tennis ball throw, 8) Relay race, 9) 60m race, 10) Standing triple jump

Games for older students:

1) Football, 2) Volleyball, 3) Basketball, 4) Softball, 5) Slack-rope, 6) Kho-kho, 7) Handball, 8) Table-Tennis, 9) Badminton

Athletics events for younger students:

1) Shuttle run, 2) Five-bounding strides, 3) 30m race, 4) Tennis ball throw, 5)Standing triple jump, 6) Relay race, 7) Overhead throw

Games for younger students:

1) King & fortress, 2) Lungadi, 3) Circulation ball, 4) Flag-game, 5) Futsal, 6) Dodge-ball, 7) Kho-kho, 8) Hand-Ball, 9) Burn-Softball, 10) Table-tennis, 11) Badminton, 12) Obstacle course

There is also Swimming, Fitness and Gymnastics for both older and younger students.

Outcomes:

The annual Aurolympics competitions that all our students look forward to were conducted this year, although the Coronavirus issue prevented us from completing the Team Game Competitions. These events are an important platform for the students and teachers to track their progress and face challenges that shape and strengthen character.

Once again our team organized the 5km marathon as part of the Auroville Marathon 2020, in which many students and adults took part.

We also hosted the first ever “Spirit of Sport” event which included more than 250 kids from different Auroville and Outreach schools. This event was a great success and we intend to continue bringing different schools together on the sports field in the future. (See report.)

Research highlights:

Before the start of the team competitions the 4th graders went for a sleepover at Sadhana Forest in order to learn more about team work and team spirit. The class teacher designed some activities in groups of 7 kids so that those kids who would be in the same team for the sport events had an opportunity to bond. Activities included preparing a dish for the community potluck, planting a tree and composing a team cheer song. They then reflected on how it went and what could be improved to function as a team. Team leaders were chosen and a plan was made on how to encourage others if they may not be playing their best.

Besides these activities there was a tour through Sadhana Forest, an early morning jogging, a mud pool bath and a potluck with music and poetry during which a 15 year old girl read her poems from her recently published book. This was very inspiring for the kids and since they had learned a poem in school they also came on stage to recite. Overall it was a great experience of sharing and team-building for the kids.

We will organize such trips in the future for the other classes too since team-building is an integral part of our program. The 3rd graders had Star Awards which consisted of each student having their own small notebook in which they would get stars by the class teacher for regular attendance, correct uniform, informed absence, good behavior. Their progress on the field would be noted in the notebook as well. They will continue to have their notebook when they go to the next grade, as this way there is a record of their progress over the years.

Similarly the 4th graders had their own notebooks with slightly different criteria than the 3rd graders, to keep a record of their progress and encourage them to try their best.

Reflections:

Working on team-building, mutual respect and harmony through the different physical activities was the most interesting part. The sports field is a great tool to bring people together and bring the best out of each.

Of course there were times kids would argue and fight with each other. Resolving some of the conflicts and coming to a common understanding was not always easy to say the least but these are life situations from which we have a lot to learn.