Delhi schools reopening: Focus on well-being for first two weeks
What's the story
As schools for nursery to class 8 are reopening in Delhi from Monday, they will be focusing on turn-out, learning level assessment, and well-being, rather than the syllabus for the first two weeks. The Delhi government's Directorate of Education has reportedly instructed schools to focus on "integrating the students to the school environment" and helping them "get ready emotionally and functionally for learning."
Context
Why does this story matter?
This comes as the Delhi government decided to resume physical classes for students of nursery to class 8 in view of declining COVID-19 cases in the city. The instructions were issued as children are considered to be most affected by the school closure in the last two years. Meanwhile, physical classes for students of classes 9 to 12 have already started from February 7.
Instructions
What are the instructions to schools?
Schools have been asked to plan the number of students they will call on any given day, depending on space. Class teachers have been asked to talk to students and their parents who were called to school on a given day but did not attend. There will also be one-on-one reading and numeracy assessments, based on which teaching and learning activities will be planned.
Directive
'Assessment process is not just for recording the learning level'
The education department directive further notes that the above-mentioned assessment process is not "just for recording the learning level but also an opportunity for the teacher to have one on one conversation with their students." "Thus...the teachers should also talk to their students about their family, any special circumstances at home to see how the child could be further supported," it added.
Information
Parents to be invited on February 21
Notably, schools have also been instructed to invite parents on February 21 for the International Mother Tongue Day to "acknowledge their role as partners in children's learning during the last two years."
Happiness classes
Happiness classes to be started
Furthermore, mindfulness and happiness classes will be started to ease the impact of stress and fear on children and connect them back to studies. Measures will also be taken to bridge the learning gap that may be seen in basic reading and math skills in kids. Students will be given a chance to share conditions they have faced due to the COVID-19-induced school closure.
Information
Schools to revise previous worksheets
Besides one-on-one assessments and happiness classes, discussions on the worksheets that students solved over the last few months will also be held. Instead of starting a new topic, revision of the previous worksheet will be undertaken for the first two weeks.