Sunaparanta-Goa Centre for the Arts will host ‘The Broomstick Jam’ on February 21

RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY 

Young children and their caregivers can look forward to an afternoon of music, storytelling, and imaginative play at the Sunaparanta-Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, on February 21.

The centre will host ‘The Broomstick Jam’, an interactive music and movement workshop for children aged 1.5 to 6 years. It will be conducted by Mumbai-based early childhood educator Ria Master, also known as Ria of Sparklesound, in collaboration with Kidiaree. The workshop will be held from 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

The session, shares Master, is inspired by the popular picture book ‘Room on the Broom’ by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. 

“The book is loved by children around the world for its simple rhymes, humour and warm message about friendship and teamwork. During the workshop, the story will not just be read aloud. It will be presented through music, movement and expressive storytelling,” she says.

Master has more than 10 years of experience working with children from birth to six years of age. She is an early years educator, Montessori guide, music educator and movement coach. Through her sessions, she uses storytelling, music and movement to create joyful learning experiences. She also conducts teacher training programmes and shares ideas and resources with parents and educators through her digital platforms.

Ria says the idea for the workshop came about through her friend, the founder of Kidiaree, Saumya. “Kidiaree is a children’s platform that creates enriching events for children across India. I wanted to introduce a new literary experience that I hadn’t previously explored and ‘Room on the Broom’ felt like the perfect choice,” she adds. “Julia Donaldson’s writing has a strong musical quality. The rhymes are simple but powerful, which makes them easy and fun for young children to follow. The story’s themes of friendship, teamwork, kindness and problem-solving make it suitable for this age group.”

Master believes storytelling is not just reading quietly, it should be an active experience. “Through changes in voice, rhythm, pauses, expressions and small movements, the story feels real, as if children are part of it instead of just watching from outside,” she says.

Describing the one-hour workshop, she says, “We will go through the story in an interactive and expressive way, followed by a simple hands-on activity inspired by the book. The session will end with a joyful parent-child music segment.”

She adds that children are free to take part in ways that feel natural to them “whether by listening, moving, observing or participating, all within a warm and structured environment”.

On the benefits of music and movement, Master says, “In early childhood, music is not just about singing songs. It develops coordination, memory, impulse control, pitch awareness and rhythm recognition. When children feel a beat, pause together, move together and listen together, they are building foundational life skills like strong listening skills and confidence in group settings. Music also supports speech development and emotional regulation.”

She emphasises that the workshop is not a drop-off class. “Parents and caregivers are very important in a child’s life. Their presence helps children feel safe and secure. These sessions are shared moments where adults take part actively so that children feel supported and understood.”

As a Montessori guide, she says her teaching style is guided by respect for the child. “Children are not empty vessels waiting to be filled. They are capable, intelligent and compassionate beings. Clear boundaries are established, but within that framework, children are given autonomy and space to express themselves.”

For parents who may be unsure about structured sessions at an early age, she offers reassurance. “Exposure is more important than perfection. Children simply need adults who are willing to sing, explore and listen alongside them. You don’t need elaborate props or a perfect singing voice. What children respond to most is presence and intention.”

(Registrations can be completed online at https://www.kidiaree.in/home_event_form?id=202)