Chingari program was started with 12 students in our school in the year 2013. Our school starts at nursery level so children coming in first standard are ready with reading, writing skills. I saw that some of the children were slow learners; they were weak and could not cope with the other children of 1st standard. So we decided to help these children through Chingari program. I am a teacher of primary class and was very concerned about children who were not coping with the class. I voluntarily joined the program.
At the outset we reviewed every child and took them into confidence. Some of the children could not write basic alphabets. Patiently we started teaching them alphabets, took them to two letter words – three letter, four letter and writing sentences. After completing one step we went on to other. Slowly we took them to write dictation. Those who completed early were allowed to go and play and sing songs with them and told stories. That really enthused children in extra learning.
Some of the children did not like to come on Sundays but all the other extracurricular activities made them happy and started coming to extra learning class with enthusiasm. Those children who did well got chocolates and pencils which inspired them more. When they were ready we praised them and sent them back to their class. We hope to continue this year after year.
Bhavitaben Rathod
With the opening of the schools after vacation in the year 2014 also we started calling weak children of standard one and two on Sunday morning between 10:00- 12:00. In the year 2013, 12 children were supported under Chingari program.
To help us in this program we asked few 8th standard girls to help us in the Sunday class. On an average one senior girl will work with two children so this type of personal attention helped in learning. Throughout the time we gave lessons by singing songs and used other play way methods to teach. When they achieved the level, we asked them to stop coming for Sunday classes. Children had so much fun in this classes that they like to come and their parents also saw the value of Sunday classes.
We feel that these 2 hours of basic education on Sunday has been very helpful in bringing weak children with the progress of the class.
