Week 4 @St. johns

BEd journey

St. Johns week 4 (24.09.24- 27.09.24)

September 28, 2024

St. John's Week 4 Reflection (September 24, 2024 - September 27, 2024)  

 Monuments and Sources of Information  

This week, we began by exploring Megalithic Monuments. I introduced the students to the concept of megaliths, explaining how large stone structures were used by ancient civilizations, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, as burial sites and markers for important events. We discussed various types of megalithic monuments, such as dolmens, menhirs, and cairns, and where they have been found. I also emphasized the importance of these monuments as a valuable source of information about ancient cultures. To make the lesson more interactive, I used images of megalithic sites in India and encouraged students to identify the structures. I also explained how archaeologists gather information from these sites and interpret the past through these remains. The class was engaging, and the students actively participated by sharing their thoughts on why these monuments were created and what they might tell us about the lives of early societies.

September 25, 2024: Sangam Literature & Sangam Works

On September 25, I introduced the topic of Sangam Literature. This was a fascinating subject as it explored the richness of early Tamil literature. I explained to the students the historical context of Sangam period (approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE) and how this literature provides valuable insights into the lives of people during that time. I discussed the Sangam works, including famous texts like the Tolkappiyam, Purananuru, and Akananuru, and their contributions to Tamil culture and language. The class was highly interactive, with students eagerly discussing the poems’ themes, which ranged from love, war, nature, and heroic deeds. I also showed some translated excerpts from the Sangam works to help students understand the poetic styles. The enthusiasm of the students was evident, and they were curious about the richness of Tamil literature from such an ancient period.

September 26, 2024: Social Life During the Sangam Period

On September 26, the focus shifted to Social Life during the Sangam Period. I introduced the students to the societal structure of the time, discussing the roles of kings, farmers, traders, and artisans. We also explored the division of labor and the roles of women and men in society. The students were interested in learning how the social life of that period was organized, especially the interdependence between different social classes. I encouraged the students to think critically about how the social dynamics of ancient societies might be reflected in modern-day communities. To make the lesson more relatable, I compared aspects of ancient social life with today’s social structure, allowing students to make connections between past and present. The class was highly engaging, with students asking insightful questions about societal values and practices.

September 27, 2024: Exchange System and Moovendans

The final lesson of the week covered the Exchange System and Moovendans in ancient Tamil society. I explained the concept of the exchange system, particularly how trade and barter were integral to the Sangam period economy. I also discussed the role of the Moovendans, the three ancient Tamil kings, and their contributions to maintaining order and trade in the region. The students were eager to learn how these kings—Chola, Cheras, and Pandyas—played a crucial role in the social and economic activities of the time. I illustrated the exchange system through maps and examples of goods traded in the Sangam period, such as spices, pearls, and textiles. Students actively participated in the discussion, and many expressed interest in learning how trade routes were established during this time. 

Reflection:  

This week was highly enriching, as it involved exploring the fascinating cultural and historical aspects of the Sangam period and Megalithic Monuments. The lesson on megaliths provided a great introduction to ancient archaeological sites, and the students responded well to the visual aids. They grasped the significance of these monuments as windows into ancient societies