‘Textbook learning is not fascinating’

“How many city-bred kids have a chance to see cows, goats, pigeons?” asks Sampath Kumar, director Little Kids School, a pre-school in the city. “Further, learning about domestic animals from text-books doesn’t fascinate kids,” he says, adding, “Giving them an opportunity to get up-close with animals is any day better.” With the intent to familiarise kids with domestic animals, Little

Kids School, which has four branches in the city, on Sunday, organised a pet-show in two of its branches – at Prashant Nagar and Chandra Layout.

Parents and kids were encouraged to bring their pets along, and the school had also hired animals of various kinds (ensuring they were well-treated) like rabbits, white rats, ducks.

Further, people who rear livestock in the neighbourhood were invited to bring their cows, sheep and goats.

Dr Vidya MA’s son Rohan was having a gala time at the show as he touched and played with many animals. Vidya says, “This event has given him a break from the routine and he’s also learning something.” For Soumya G, a pet-show was the best way for her kids to acquaint with animals. “My sons are playing with the dogs, and I’m guessing that he will no longer be afraid of dogs on the street or at someone’s house.”

V Radhakrishna’s two-year-old daughter Dhriti was ardently watching the various birds.  “Sitting so close to these birds and touching them will help her remember and identify different kinds of birds.”

Shriram Jayaraman finds this method of learning better in comparison to looking at pictures in a book. Working mother Aruna Pai says, “How is a cow milked? What do rabbits eat? This is certainly a better way of teaching kids.”  

The school had also arranged tonga and camel rides for kids, as many would have never had the chance to experience them. Shashi Keshav Raju’s son was riding on the back of a camel. “He was scared, but then I got him to touch and feel it. He’s now enjoying the ride,” says Raju.

Raksha Naik, LKG teacher says, “If kids are getting over their fear of animals and learning something about them, the mission is accomplished.”