Dear Parents,

At Chanderbala Modi Academy, we are proud to align our teaching practices with the principles of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which places a strong emphasis on the play-way method of learning. This approach ensures that children learn in a joyful and engaging environment, fostering curiosity and creativity while building foundational skills.

Sorting Through the Play-Way Method

Recently, our pre-school children participated in a sorting activity designed to teach them essential concepts in a playful, hands-on manner. Using a variety of colourful objects such as blocks, bottle caps, beads, and leaves, they were encouraged to sort items based on:

• Colour (e.g., grouping all red objects together)
• Shape (e.g., circles, squares, triangles)
• Size (small, medium, large)
• Texture (smooth, rough, soft)

Through this play-based learning approach, the children were not only entertained but also engaged in meaningful, skill-building experiences.

Why Sorting Matters

Sorting is a fundamental activity that builds key cognitive and motor skills while aligning perfectly with the NEP 2020 focus on experiential and exploratory learning. It helps children:

1. Understand Concepts of Similarity and Difference: Sorting introduces children to the idea of categorisation, which is crucial for developing problem-solving skills.
2. Develop Foundational Math Skills: Categorising and grouping lay the groundwork for understanding patterns, sequences, and logical reasoning.
3. Strengthen Fine Motor Skills: Picking up small objects and placing them in the correct groups improves hand-eye coordination and prepares children for writing.
4. Foster Language Development: Describing items by colour, shape, or size enhances vocabulary and communication skills.
5. Boost Creativity and Curiosity: Engaging with objects of different properties encourages children to explore and think creatively about the world around them.
6. Encourage Patience and Focus: Sorting activities require attention to detail and concentration, skills that will benefit children in all areas of learning.

Play-Based Learning and the NEP 2020 Vision

The NEP 2020 stresses that children in early years learn best through play-based and activity-driven methods. At CMA, we integrate these practices into our curriculum, ensuring that every child enjoys the process of learning while developing critical skills. Sorting activities, conducted in a playful manner, are just one example of how we make learning enjoyable and effective for young minds.

Benefits of the Play-Way Method

• Encourages joyful and meaningful learning experiences.
• Builds confidence through hands-on exploration and experimentation.
• Strengthens the connection between learning and real-life application.

Reinforcing Learning at Home

We encourage you to continue such activities at home. Simple tasks like sorting toys, clothes, or even grocery items can further reinforce what they have learned at school and create joyful family moments.

Together, let us ensure that child’s journey of learning through these foundational years are rich in play, exploration and growth.

EXPLORING PATTERNS IN NURSERY

This week, our Nursery Class children delved into the exciting world of patterns, engaging with a variety of materials such as:

• Snap-on cube (aka Jodo cubes)
• Shape cutouts
• Bottle caps
• Colourful stones
• Picture cards

Through these hands-on activities, our young learners explored colours, shapes, and textures, creating patterns and experimenting with different combinations. This simple yet enriching exercise was carefully designed to help them develop essential skills while having fun.

BENEFITS OF THESE ACTIVITIES

1. Enhancing Dexterity: Manipulating small objects like stones, caps, and cubes helps improve their hand-eye coordination and strengthens their fine motor skills, which are essential for writing and other tasks later in life.

2. Exploring Spatial Awareness: Working with patterns introduces children to the concepts of colour, shape, and texture, helping them better understand their environment and fostering spatial awareness.

3. Fostering Creativity: Creating patterns sparks their imagination, encourages problem-solving, and builds their confidence as they see their creations come to life.

4. Igniting a Love for Learning: Activities like these are not just educational but also enjoyable, cultivating a sense of wonder and an intrinsic love for learning that will stay with them as they grow.

A GLIMPSE OF TODAY’S LEARNING

We are delighted to share with you some photos from today’s session, showcasing the joy and excitement on the children’s faces as they explored and created their unique patterns.

We encourage you to take a moment to ask your child about their experience and perhaps even recreate these activities at home. Your involvement will reinforce their learning and make it even more meaningful.

Thank you for your continued support in our shared mission to inspire and educate these young minds. Together, we can ensure their journey of learning is as enriching as it is joyful.