Shalini Solanki
Annual day celebrations are eagerly awaited events in educational institutions, where teachers and students come together to showcase their talents and achievements. While the primary goal of an annual day is to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of the academic year, it also serves as a valuable platform for developing leadership skills among teachers and students. In this article, we will explore how the annual day serves as a platform for cultivating leadership qualities and fostering growth.
Encouraging responsibility and ownership
Annual day preparations require teachers and students to take on various responsibilities. Teachers, often acting as event coordinators, are tasked with organizing and managing the entire event. From planning the schedule and coordinating rehearsals to ensuring smooth execution on the day of the event, teachers learn to take ownership and demonstrate responsible leadership. Similarly, students are given specific roles and responsibilities such as organizing performances, managing props, and assisting with stage management. These responsibilities foster a sense of ownership in the students.
As a teacher involved in organizing annual day celebrations, I had the opportunity to lead a team of teachers and students. The experience taught me the importance of effective communication, delegation, and problem-solving. It helped develop my leadership skills and enhanced my ability to collaborate with others.
Nurturing creativity and innovation
Annual day events provide a platform for teachers and students to showcase their creativity and innovation. From conceptualizing performances to designing costumes and sets, participants are encouraged to think outside the box and bring their ideas to life. This process of creative exploration allows teachers and students to develop their problem-solving skills, as they work together to overcome challenges and create memorable performances.
During one annual day celebration, a group of students wanted to present a dance performance based on a popular folk tale, but they did not have enough resources for costumes and props. Instead of giving up, the students used their creativity and innovative thinking to repurpose existing materials and create stunning costumes and sets. This experience taught them the value of resourcefulness and adaptability.
Taking the stage: students as leaders
Annual day events offer students a chance to step into leadership roles, guiding and inspiring their peers. Whether it’s leading performance, managing backstage activities, or coordinating rehearsals, students assume responsibilities that cultivate their leadership abilities. These experiences encourage them to take charge, make decisions, and motivate others toward a common goal.
Four of my students were entrusted with the task of hosting our school’s annual day. It was a challenging responsibility, requiring them to coordinate rehearsals, manage the duration of the event, and ensure synchronization among the administration, teachers, and students. Through this experience, they learned the importance of effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Building confidence and public speaking skills
Annual day events provide a platform for students to showcase their talents in front of an audience. Whether it’s performing a dance, singing a song, or delivering a speech, students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and exhibit their skills. Through these experiences, students develop self-confidence, overcome stage fright, and hone their public speaking abilities. Teachers also play a crucial role in guiding and mentoring students, helping them build their confidence and encouraging them to embrace leadership roles.
I vividly remember a student who was initially hesitant to participate in the annual day event. However, with constant encouragement and support from her teachers, she not only participated but also delivered a powerful speech that left the audience in awe.
Enhancing teamwork and collaboration
Annual day celebrations provide an opportunity for teachers and students to collaborate and work together towards a common goal. Teachers, students, and supporting staff form teams and divisions, each responsible for different aspects of the event. This collaborative effort fosters teamwork, as individuals learn to work in harmony, respect each other’s contributions, and appreciate the value of collective success. Students develop essential skills such as effective communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution, which are vital for leadership roles in the future.
In one annual day event, a group of students from different grades came together to perform a musical play. They had to work together, not only in rehearsing their lines and songs but also in coordinating their movements and stage presence. This experience taught them the importance of teamwork and instilled in them the ability to lead and follow, depending on the situation, thus preparing them for the future.
Annual day celebrations are not merely about entertainment and recognition; they serve as valuable opportunities for teachers and students to develop leadership skills. Through taking on responsibilities, nurturing creativity, building confidence, and fostering teamwork, both teachers and students gain valuable insights into leadership and develop essential skills for their future endeavours.
The author is a team lead and programme facilitator for English at an international school in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. In her free time, she enjoys reading children’s literature, doing yoga, and watching historical films. She can be reached at shalinisolanki70@gmail.com.