SPIC MACAY has introduced a unique model combining classical music with yoga and fun exercises that can lead to all-round brain development of children between 3 and 6, says Suman Doonga
They say that both the left and right side of the brain are important for a balanced and rounded education of the child. Which is why SPIC MACAY is introducing its new module on pre-schools that helps students between three and six years of age to internalise classical music through interactive and fun-filled educational activities using yoga and music.
Research has suggested that learning classical music at an early age improves memory, emotional intelligence and concentration. The effect that learning music can have on the child’s brain in the formative young years can contribute immensely to the development of the brain. This is proven to relieve tension, alleviate boredom and strengthen the child’s core, mentally and emotionally. SPIC MACAY is using this power of music to educate young children through interactive sessions.
The pre-school module will coach pre-school students to learn classical music by different bodily movements like stomping, marching swaying, jumping or shaking. Teachers are going to impart seven svaras of Indian classical music to students to improve their phonetic control and enhance their language skills. The students will also be taught different basic forms of yoga with naadyog, a meditation of sounds or mantras. The module is personally close to Dr Seth who has been working with pre-school kids since the last five years and is now excited to take the module to the whole world. “This will inspire children from a young age of 3-5 years to become better human beings,” he says.
SPIC MACAY gives schools the flexibility to introduce the module in any way that they deem fit. Initially, it offers two ways in which the module could possibly be implemented. Schools are required to register at the SPIC MACAY office offline. Following that they can opt out of two options. In the first option they can send their music teachers to Aarambh (the beginning) School for five days for training under the supervision of Dr Seth personally to learn the methodology of teaching basic classical ragas and interactive techniques to young students. SPIC MACAY volunteers will regularly visit the schools to oversee the progress of the schools.
The second option is that they can opt for a visit thrice a week by SPIC MACAY volunteer-teachers who are trained in this module. Methods of teaching classical music with a fun-filled education will ensure that they give individual attention to each child for
better participation and learning. Children are being taught to play as if in a game, putting their right and left leg forward to Sa Re Ga Ma, the arohan (ascending) and avrohan (descending) notes of Hindustani music which are done at different speeds. They teach each note correctly and in a fun way. Each learning activity is done with the tanpura music in the background.
In today’s world, children get fascinated with electronic gadgets and social networking at a young age. These activities affect the concentration in children, who can lose focus due to overuse. Modules like these are designed to bring back focus among children and increase their meditative capacity.
The module was designed after a five-year research into child behaviour and mapping the change in their responses post subjecting them to varied modules. For instance, each raga taught to the students in the module is associated with fun physical exercises or basic yoga techniques like padmasana to help them memorise them sooner.
SPIC MACAY has a large network of volunteers throughout the country. Therefore, the cause of instilling this kind of soulful education in young kids can be implemented pan-India. The society also aims at regularly organising its cultural events with the schools that opt for this module. These events will boost the interest in music being instilled in
the students. The performances by world-renowned artists will not just encourage students but also parents who can then nurture the culture at home and continue educating their kids outside of school too. We are also providing several classical music CDs to schools free of cost so that they can play them in the school assembly and on other occasions.
At our fifth international convention, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated Dr Seth for saving our rich music, culture and heritage. Dr Seth says he had founded an organisation that acts like a surrogate mother and makes appreciation a reality among Indian students and youngsters.
As the Director, Media and Communications at SPIC MACAY, I invite educational institutes and private or public schools to join hands in our movement to make a qualitative change in elementary education. We hope to work as a dynamic national team and welcome suggestions.