By Ms Menangmenla

On 24th April’15, a total of 99 children from class-B along with 4 teachers and 3 ayahs went for a visit to the zoo. As soon as we told the children that we will be going, their joy knew no bounds. Some just exclaimed they were so happy and jumped in happiness, some clapped and couldn’t stop smiling. They were all very excited especially the first timers. All along the way they sang songs and rhymes one after the other. Some were singing along with actions even though they were sitting and in a moving bus. They were so happy to see the new places, the far-away mountains, different kinds of vehicles, houses and railway tracks that we passed along the way. Some of the children even conversed with the teachers sharing their personal stories.

As soon as we reached the zoo, they were first explained about the do’s and don’ts. Then they alighted from the bus and were asked to stand in separate queues of boys and girls. Then we headed towards the enclosures. The first thing we came across were the porcupines. And since it was the first time, everyone was really excited and happy to see it. They were also very curious and were asking about the food they ate and if they bite, etc. As we moved from one animal to the other, we were so surprised to see that the children knew the names of the animals. They even tried asking, “how are you?” to the animals. Then we had a photo session near the enclosure of a pair of hoolock gibbons which mesmerized the children completely. After sometime, they ate their tiffin and enjoyed as if it was a big picnic party. The most remarkable part was that the children didn’t even want to go for their needs. They were so happy and excited. Even while returning, some of them were still so active and were singing songs. It was an enriching and memorable experience not only for the children but also for the teachers and ayahs as well.