In my 15-year teaching career, I have always been interested in what young children are capable of, how much they can learn and how their brains work.
Observing my little students, I found that in their play, they live and work as we do, and they are very serious about that. Children are eager. They like to learn, and they gain most of their knowledge through play. It is our job to show them new horizons and stay by their side as they go on big adventures.
When I was young, I used to belong to an organization in Russia called The Palace of Children’s Creativity. It was a big educational organization (owned by the government) with a variety of ongoing programs for children of all ages. Believe it or not, I studied music, ballroom dance and theater there for 10 years. This school, for sure, influenced my future career.
My husband, Vladimir, and I came to Indiana from Russia eight years ago to continue our graduate studies. During these years, I have been studying and working as an educator and a program designer, teaching early development and music/theater programs at several Indianapolis and Carmel locations. During my college years, I have been constantly thinking about how I can utilize my performing arts, education and management degrees in one career. I dreamed about something very unique that I can do for my community.
The idea of establishing the International Talent Academy for young children and their parents came to me several years ago, when I started my own research on early brain development. The first book that inspired me to continue my studies was “How To Teach Your Baby To Read” by Glenn Doman. Since then, I’ve read many books and researched studies in two languages and was amazed by the educational programs that have been used in different countries.
I learned that in Russia, Asia and Europe, early development programs are very popular. Various academies and “schools for young brains” are open all over the world. Educators use programs written by famous educators. Parents have discussion clubs and forums where they share their teaching and learning experiences.
After giving birth to my daughter, I realized we need something like that here. It is important for young mothers to talk to someone else about their concerns and experiences and learn about how to teach and nurture their children. Recently, I started a play group that I host at my house for my friends and their 1- to 3-year-old children. We play music and theater games, read stories and share experiences.
I believe that when planning for our children’s future, we should look further than several years ahead. We have to think about what kind of knowledge and expertise they will need tomorrow. Our children are the foundation for the future; their performance is our responsibility today.
The International Talent Academy was recently approved as a nonprofit organization. The main goal of the academy is to build a unique educational organization that helps children develop their brains, discover their talents and reach their fullest potential in any area of performing arts they choose to pursue.
The new academy is projected to open in 2008, serving Central Indiana families.
To write an installment, please contact us at carmelam@indystar.com or (317) 444-2600.
Community Voices is a regular feature of Carmel A.M. This week’s feature is by Tatyana Komarova, the founder of the International Talent Academy and a program designer. For more information on the program, contact her at Tatyana_kom@yahoo.comor call her at (317) 815-9381.
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