Delhi: Government schools' students will now have a 'Happiness Period'
What's the story
As an extremely thoughtful measure, Delhi government schools will now have classes based on 'Happiness Curriculum', for students of Classes nursery to grade eight. These classes will begin from next week. An estimated 9-10 lakh students will be attending these classes. Notably, the decision was announced by the Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia at the orientation program conducted for teachers.
Context
What exactly is 'Happiness Curriculum'?
Designed by a team of 40 Delhi government school teachers, educators and volunteers over a period of six months, the curriculum aims at finding solutions to problems like terrorism, corruption and pollution. A 45-minute 'Happiness Class' will be held everyday, students will be given five minutes to settle down and pay attention to the happenings around them. It is certainly a step in the right direction.
Information
Happiness Curriculum: The road to holistic development
With interactivity as its core, the 'Happiness Curriculum' will have 20 stories and 40 activities aimed at making students realize their role in shaping the society. The curriculum comprises of exercises such as storytelling, meditation, value based education and question and answer sessions. Notably, the classes will be held twice a week for Nursery and KG students.
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MCD students may soon be a part of 'Happiness Curriculum'
"We are also talking to the municipal corporations. If the students of the corporation schools are added, the number of children to be covered under the happiness curriculum will go up to 15-16 lakh," said Manish Sisodia.
Directive
Manish Sisodia: Focus on imparting the right message to children
Further, Sisodia has directed the teachers to not be concerned about finishing the syllabus. Instead the focus should be on imparting the right message. The activity-based curriculum, launched on July 2 by Dalai Lama in the presence of CM Arvind Kejriwal and Sisodia, will not have any formal examinations. However, a periodic assessment of children's progress will be made using a happiness index.