Mumbai: Civic-run preschools will be more fun from next year; BMC to implement Jaadui Pitara

In a bid to enhance quality childhood education the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC will soon introduce the lsquoJaadui Pitararsquo magical box initiativemdashplaybased learning and teaching materialmdashfor preschoolersThe initiative launched by the Centre in February 2023 and introduced under the National Education Policy NEP 2020 aims to make foundational learning interactive and engaging for young children helping them recognise letters and numbers through playbased methodsThe BMC said that it plans to roll out the initiative in all 1139 preschools it runs across Mumbai within the next two months This move is set to benefit over 40000 students providing them with a fun and effective learning environmentBMC Education Officer Rajesh KankalTo ensure its smooth implementation the municipal office has appointed a contractor Officials said that they would also begin the distribution of kits soon after the Standing Committeersquos final approvalWhatrsquos in Jaadui PitaraThe Jaadui Pitara kits contain diverse educational materials including toys puzzles flashcards storybooks posters playbooks and teacher handbooks These resources are designed to foster literacy and numeracy skills in children aged three to eight years while nurturing their cognitive social and emotional developmentAdditionally the kits incorporate colorful visuals and interactive activities to stimulate critical thinking problemsolving and creativity in young learnersThe introduction of Jaadui Pitara aligns with the BMCrsquos efforts to elevate the quality of early childhood education and ensure that students in civic schools receive a strong start to their educational journeySpeaking about the initiative BMC Education Officer Rajesh Kankal said ldquoThe Jaadui Pitara kits are a valuable resource for early childhood education They include a range of materials that enhance conceptual understanding and foundational skills like reading writing and math These kits also promote curiosity exploration and critical thinking creating a holistic learning experience The kits are even available for download on the Diksha portal to ensure accessibility for all This will benefit kids studying in civic schoolsrdquoKankal further elaborated ldquoStarting this academic year the Jaadui Pitara kits will be introduced in all BMCrun balwadis and preschools Fullfledged implementation and usage of the kits will commence from the next academic yearrdquoThe originFirst launched in February 2023 by the Union Ministry of Education the material was developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training NCERT under the National Curriculum Framework NCFIn November 2023 its digital versionmdashEJaadui Pitaramdashwas introduced to make the initiative accessible to a wider audience Available in 13 languages the program caters to Indiarsquos diverse learners and includes playbased tools such as puzzles toys flashcards storybooks and teacher resourcesThe program focuses on holistic development integrating colorful visuals engaging texts and activities that emphasise thinking skills emotional wellbeing and foundational numeracy and literacy1139No of BMCrun preschools in Mumbai