The very first day of school is an important move for children. To them, the new people, classrooms, and routines might seem too much. What if the first days are filled with fun, games, and stories? This is the concept at the core of Vidya Pravesh, a unique programme designed by India's NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training). Here we will discuss this issue and see how it enables trustful and joyous learning among kids.
Vidya Pravesh is a three-month long course by the name of "door to knowledge" that aims at preparing children for Grade 1 (usually 6 years old). This is part of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which intends to make learning in the age range 3–8 fun and effortless. The main goal of the course is to help children who are new to school to like it and want to learn.
Why Do Kids Need It?
For many kids, particularly those who come from rural areas or those who have never been to school before, classrooms might sound strange and frightening. Vidya Pravesh is the smooth and easy movement of small children from home to school. Unlike the conventional strategy, kids are not tested with books and assignments for success, but rather they develop skills such as counting, recognising letters, sharing, and working in a team through playing. This way children are encouraged in their self-esteem and curiosity.
Learning Through Play
It uses a play-learning, i.e., no tests or books! Activities are designed by the teachers so that they are like games but teach important skills.
For example:
Counting imaginary vegetables in an imaginary "market" to practice numbers.
Drawing patterns in sand or making letters out of clay.
Rhyming songs or hearing stories to enhance language ability.
Group play games such as hopscotch to learn cooperation and balance.
The classrooms are warm and welcoming, with brightly coloured charts, reading corners, and art studios. This makes the school a great place to explore.
NCERT provides training for teachers to adopt innovative and child-friendly teaching methods. This approach helps teachers to be more tolerant and supportive, allowing each child to learn at their own pace. Instead of relying on tests, they monitor students' progress through assignments, ensuring that no child is overlooked. This transforms learning into a positive experience.
Why Parents Love It
Since April 2023, when it started, Vidya Pravesh has been highly successful. Parents have reported that children are keen on going to school. Most importantly, first-generation learners feel more confident entering the school environment. The program develops a long-term passion for learning among children by minimising stress and anxiety.
In a Nutshell, Vidya Pravesh is not only a school program it's a welcoming introduction to the world of learning. Through play, imagination, and empathy, NCERT makes the first step into school joyful for all children. With initiatives like these, learning is an adventure, not an examination!
The very first day of school is an important move for children. To them, the new people, classrooms, and routines might seem too much. What if the first days are filled with fun, games, and stories? This is the concept at the core of Vidya Pravesh, a unique programme designed by India's NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training). Here we will discuss this issue and see how it enables trustful and joyous learning among kids.
Vidya Pravesh is a three-month long course by the name of "door to knowledge" that aims at preparing children for Grade 1 (usually 6 years old). This is part of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which intends to make learning in the age range 3–8 fun and effortless. The main goal of the course is to help children who are new to school to like it and want to learn.
Why Do Kids Need It?
For many kids, particularly those who come from rural areas or those who have never been to school before, classrooms might sound strange and frightening. Vidya Pravesh is the smooth and easy movement of small children from home to school. Unlike the conventional strategy, kids are not tested with books and assignments for success, but rather they develop skills such as counting, recognising letters, sharing, and working in a team through playing. This way children are encouraged in their self-esteem and curiosity.
Learning Through Play
It uses a play-learning, i.e., no tests or books! Activities are designed by the teachers so that they are like games but teach important skills.
For example:
Counting imaginary vegetables in an imaginary "market" to practice numbers.
Drawing patterns in sand or making letters out of clay.
Rhyming songs or hearing stories to enhance language ability.
Group play games such as hopscotch to learn cooperation and balance.
The classrooms are warm and welcoming, with brightly coloured charts, reading corners, and art studios. This makes the school a great place to explore.
NCERT provides training for teachers to adopt innovative and child-friendly teaching methods. This approach helps teachers to be more tolerant and supportive, allowing each child to learn at their own pace. Instead of relying on tests, they monitor students' progress through assignments, ensuring that no child is overlooked. This transforms learning into a positive experience.
Why Parents Love It
Since April 2023, when it started, Vidya Pravesh has been highly successful. Parents have reported that children are keen on going to school. Most importantly, first-generation learners feel more confident entering the school environment. The program develops a long-term passion for learning among children by minimising stress and anxiety.
In a Nutshell, Vidya Pravesh is not only a school program it's a welcoming introduction to the world of learning. Through play, imagination, and empathy, NCERT makes the first step into school joyful for all children. With initiatives like these, learning is an adventure, not an examination!