Now how fast 90 minutes complete

-Bhagawoti Shrestha

Dhading, Nepal, 20 May 2012- Gyalma Primary School lies in Maidi Village Development Committee Ward no-3, in Dhading District. It's the start of a typical day for first and second graders in this school as they happily sing a song, play freely in the class room and children creation. It was possible when Prayas Nepal Dhading and Room to Read implemented Literacy Instruction Program from 2011. Prayas Nepal and Room to Read organized a training session focusing to teachers. There was Saraswoti Shrestha a teacher representation from the school. She has been involving in teaching profession since last 9 years. But during her tenure she found this is very important and helpful training. This is very unusual, for traditionally the children had to study whatever teacher taught them.  

    "I have learnt so many effective teaching ideas from the training. Previously I was unknown about the new teaching process. That training was really fruitful for me. When I applied the new teaching method in my class room, children enjoyed it and learnt many things in short time." Said Saraswoti Shrestha school teacher of Gyalma Primary School.

With the implementation of this initiative, the schools have completely changed their classroom set-up to be more child-friendly. Desks and benches have been replaced with carpets and mats. Class room has been decorated by different types of postures, corner library books. The seating arrangement is changed in U shape. Children have divided their role and responsibility to keep their classroom clean. There is code of conduct for maintaining the discipline. There is interactive teaching and learning. Children get more opportunity for their own creation. In the class room there is safe and joyful environment to the children so that children experience learning as a fun activity.

 “Earlier, I used to think that I needed to be strict for children to be disciplined and for them to learn better. However, I am now amazed to see how these children learn so quickly and more creative in a more informal and ‘free’ setting. It was difficult to pass 45 minutes (one period) previously but now how fast 90 minutes complete, wow it's amazing. In my 9 years teaching profession, It never happened. I realized now I am real teacher "Added Saraswoti Shrestha.

    Added Yam Bahadur Thapa Magar a teacher of Gyalma Primary School: “Children now enjoy spending whole time to class room as they get to learn in a relaxing environment. This has helped to get learning achievement. Now the lower classes are being attraction for the small children."

“Children now enjoy coming to school as they get to learn in a relaxing environment. This has helped to retain the students. The number of absentees has also decreased remarkably.” Said Head Master of Gyalma Primary School.