Learn 2 Play, Play 2 learn
S Ramanatha
Rangayana Mysore, 2006
pp 95, Rs 50
A regular classroom with active teachers and passive listeners can actually be boring. What if some fun is injected into this ‘boring’ atmosphere? Well, this is precisely what Learn 2 Play, Play 2 Learn intends to do. To promote learning through authentic and engaging games.
In fact, it has been proven beyond doubt that games play a very important role in the process of learning. Further, any learning that happens in a playful manner is quickly grasped by children. A fact the book reiterates at every stage.
Penned by S Ramanatha, an actor, director and playwright, the book underlines the role theatre games play in helping children express themselves effectively which, in turn, help them to realise their true potential.
The book, which begins with the explanations of various tools and techniques of theatre like theatre games, story telling, improvisation, voice culture, and the like, goes on to suggest ways and means of exploring children’s latent talents. Divided into various sections depending upon the faculty targeted, the book describes the games in great detail. Warming up exercises lay the foundation for the rest of the games comprising games related to rhythm, imagination, spontaneity, concentration, observation, sense organs, characterisation, trust, relaxation, and so on.
A page turner from the word go, the book makes interesting reading for everyone associated with children in some form or another. Especially so for teachers who can employ the games to liven up the classroom atmosphere and to make their students appreciate their lessons better.
Though most of the games explained in the book are both tried and time-tested for their efficacy, they are no longer played for want of facilitators. The book not only enumerates the advantages of each game, but also gives a step-by-step guide to all the games like the number of children involved in the game and the role each child is required to play. Apt illustrations, wherever needed, add to the beauty of the book.
Though a ‘must-have’ for parents, teachers and theatre personnel, the book is highly recommended for one and all as it highlights the importance of games in education.
The only drawback of the book is, however, its numerous grammatical and typographical errors that are quite jarring. If only these loopholes are looked into...
