English Camp

History

Pratham initially introduced the English camps as part of the Balwadi (Pre-school) program in order to enable the children to learn the language using all four competencies - listening, speaking, reading and writing through an activity based curriculum. Soon English was introduced with the older children. The 3rd & 4th graders were called Study class and the 5th, 6th & 7th graders were called Support class. The curriculum used in these classes was supplementary to the school curriculum.

The English program is currently incorporated with the :

Balwadi (Pre-school)

English is still taught in our Balwadis as a subject where children learn to express themselves naturally in the language. The Balwadi classes are conducted by our teachers who are periodically trained and are provided with the necessary material. Each child’s progress is assessed at the end of the academic year.

Learning Camps :

Teachers & volunteers are mobilized, trained, and monitored by the Pratham English team to conduct ‘learning interventions’ at the grassroot level. They are also provided with teaching-learning material and books, which are developed by Pratham. Not only does this ensure effective implementation of the programs, but it also helps to build an infrastructure that is focused on providing quality education to children.

The children are grouped based on their reading level and ability. Children are encouraged to work in groups to promote learning and team effort.

The children are grouped based on their reading level and ability. Children are encouraged to work in groups to promote learning and team effort.

Parents Education :

Monthly workshops are held with the parents of children who are in the 1st and 2nd grade. The parents are given materials such as flashcards and worksheets which will be an aid to teach their children basic English at home. The objective behind this program is to involve parents in the child’s development and learning process, create a learning environment at home and provide necessary training to parents so that they are able to guide their children to bridge the gap between the school and home.

Total reach in 2015-16 :

In 2015-16 the English programme operated in 129 Balwadi’s, 73 Learning camps and 21 parent education camps.

Programme Head: Karishma Lalwani
Karishma.lalwani@pratham.org