
Bengal’s open-air classroom plan for primary schools faces glitches
The Hindu
Teachers, parents not too keen on use of open air, neighbourhood spaces
Schools in Kolkata are realising that the newly-launched ‘paray shikshalay’ (education in neighbourhood) programme — holding open-air classrooms for students as a precaution against COVID-19 — is easier on paper than in practice as they face lack of open spaces.
The programme was started by West Bengal last Monday and is meant for students from Classes 1 to 7 in Government schools; students from Class 8 upwards are back to their regular classrooms. The idea is to “enable a joyful assembly, somewhat similar to classroom structure, free from fear, focusing on play, activities and interactive communication.” Students of Classes 1-4 are to report to the assigned open-air facility twice a week and students of Classes 5-7 five days a week.