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A group of children sit on the floor around a low wooden table in a room, facing a large screen mounted on the wall that displays a green background with text. An adult stands beside the screen, looking down at it. A laptop rests on the table beneath the screen. The room has windows with patterned glass and light curtains, and the floor is tiled.
  • 10 took part
  • 2 facilitators

Saturday 17 October 2026

Finding meaning with Champa

Facilitated by George P J and Sreena Swaminathan

What the work needed: people, time, money, space and materials.
What went in
We used "Stage Fright" by Pratham Books. The story slides had Malayalam word meanings, and we showed them on a laptop and screen. If the laptop or screens are not available, we could use chart papers instead.
Time
1 hour

What was done with those inputs, step by step.

In earlier sessions, some children could read words aloud without fully understanding them. This week, we changed from paired reading to reading aloud together. We paused to explore unfamiliar words and discuss the story's meaning.

We chose "Stage Fright" by Pratham Books. It is a story about Champa, who loves singing but is afraid to perform on stage. We prepared slides with selected tricky words. Children guessed their meanings from the story before we revealed the Malayalam explanations.

We discussed why Champa felt scared. We asked who had felt like her before. Children shared their own experiences of nervousness. They connected the story to their lives and explored the feelings behind the words.

What the activity directly produced: sessions held, people reached, things made.
  • 1 Story presentation with Malayalam word meanings

What changed for the people who took part, and what showed it.

Children showed understanding of Champa's worries by explaining why she felt afraid and relating her experience to their own. Their answers showed they were making sense of this part of the story beyond reading the words aloud.

(We observed it)

What the team will keep or change next time.

Children took part more when they guessed word meanings before we showed the Malayalam explanations. However, some children became quiet or distracted during longer stretches of group reading.

Next time, we will combine short shared passages with individual turns. We will add partner discussion. We will ask each child to explain a word or part of the story in their own words. This way, we can check everyone's understanding.

EducationReading ClubOlimalar FoundationGeorge P JSreena Swaminathanaikyam space

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