Co-Curricular Activities

THEATRE EDUCATION

Using drama and theatre as a tool to teach is not only effective; it will also bring the necessary change in the learning process for students
NLK Academy believes that teaching through drama means asking students to draft a play or a skit around a topic from their curriculum and present it in front of the class. The students learn about the topic while preparing, and the rest learn from the skit performed. This concept helps students learn better — instead of simply being observers, they get to be a part of the learning process. We ask them to make links. We ask them questions which may not be relevant in the realm of that subject. We help them to understand it from a human perspective. We believe that the young minds should explore beyond the four walls, and performing arts is the apt medium for it. Our modules aim at experiential learning and using alternative education means to give students the opportunity to experiment with their ideas, explore their surroundings, experience new situations and express their viewpoints.

MUSIC EDUCATION

Music is a vehicle for excellent memory skills. Have you ever listened to a song for the first time in a long time and still remember the lyrics? Even individuals who are not musicians experience this phenomenon. Through catchy melodies and a variety of sounds, music has a way of “sticking” with us and is a powerful tool for learning when used appropriately — just think of singing the ‘A, B, Cs’.

On the flip side, students also increase their mental capabilities in multiple ways when participating in music education. As stated before, music fosters memorization skills. In addition to song lyrics, students must memorize all aspects of music when preparing for a performance. Students must recall rhythms, pitches, dynamics, and several other elements all at once. Students can then transfer those memory skills to the academic classroom and employ those skills in their studies.

DANCE EDUCATION

Learning, thought, creativity, and intelligence don’t just come from the brain alone, but from the entire body. Movement combinations increase memory, order, and sequencing skills. Creating dances also increases self-esteem which is so very important to learning. We already witness the need for children to move throughout the day. Having experienced first hand the positive effects that music and dance have on students’ development, we feel it is important for dance to be included in the school curriculum.

There are so many reasons why dance is important to the health and development of our young people. Above all, children need to move! Any way to get kids moving on their feet is a must (especially in a digital era).

Some children chose to create their own dances, and this is always a joy to watch. We hope that all of our children and young adults never lose their desire to just dance!

VISUAL ARTS

Visual arts starts with art and crafts at NLK Academy. Students learn different techniques and make objects related to the topics given in the Visual Art Book. They also paint, color, draw and paste as part of their daily work cycle. Children are exposed to work of different artists, styles and cultural art forms. Activities are set up in the classrooms in such a way that the children can try it out themselves.

Visual arts is very much part of the integrated curriculum at NLK Academy. It is not an isolated activity only done during an allotted time but instead it is integrated with the activities done with the students as well. They can make parts of the flowers, a volcano that really functions, a river in the sandpit to learn about corrosion and beautiful posters that contain their knowledge on plants, animals, historical periods, countries or continents. Working with one’s hands and making things beautiful influences concentration and motivation, therefore art and academics should not be separated.