A fairytale end to 'clay hut' story

Kochi: A giant clay pot falls from a cart which was on its way to the city market. It rolls down a hill and finally rests in a meadow. As days pass by, a whole array of animals arrive and call the pot their home, leaving their difference behind. Though many of them are natural enemies they survive together through all hardships.
This was the story created by a group of students who wrote and acted in a theatre production titled 'The Little Clay Hut'.
When Class III students of MES School in Eloor reached a chapter in their English textbooks based on a Russian folk tale, they were told the beginning of the story and asked to complete the rest using their imagination.
These 24 students took the exercise a step ahead and created an entire theatre production based on the lesson with the help of their teachers Jaya Paul and Suresh K H, and headmistress Sheeba.
"When we began the lesson in the class, the children were very keen to write and perform the story. They sat down together and weaved together a story, making an interesting adaption of a well-known folk tale. There were excellent ideas in the children's scripts, from incorporating a 'peace prize' for the best animal in the forest to requesting us to create rain on the stage during the performance," said Jaya.
The entire process began about two months ago and students played a part in writing, acting and a bit of directing of play, which revolved around the themes of peace, brotherly love and harmony. "Activities like this really help students generate interest in learning the language," said the teacher.
The event was attended by DPO Sojan O P and Ernakulam district AEO.