Jaadui Pitara

Following our last blog on ‘Pedagogy with respect to junior school’, this blog is based on another important initiative – Jaadui Pitara. Launched by NCERT along with Digital Jaadui Pitara on DIKSHA on 20th February, 2022, it symbolizes the transformative nature of National Curriculum Framework – Foundation Stage (NCF-FS). Jaadui Pitara is designed specifically for 3 – 8 years old students. It includes literacy and math-based materials such as playbooks, flashcards, toys, puzzles, storybooks, posters and teacher handouts. It uses colourful illustrations, engaging text and play-based activities to help young learners develop their cognitive skills and emotional well-being.

Objective

The main objective of this programme is to transmit learning ideas and concepts to children at the foundation level as envisioned by the NCF-FS. It fills in the gaps of the unavailable resources through the digital form. Its education brochure engages parents and teachers as active participants in creating an energetic and interactive environment for children.

Implementation

The Digital Jaadui Pitara (DJP) structure outlines a methodological approach that begins with an initial phase focused on establishing the concept and its capabilities, followed by the next steps to scale up the programme.

Phase 1: Introducing the Digital Jaadui Pitara

The main objective of Phase-I is to bring the DJP concept to the country and demonstrate its potential through prototype products and other technological applications. Phase-I, launched in 2023, includes two main components.

Component 1: Digital Jaadui Pitara Content Platform

The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been exhibiting appealing content on the DJP platform to demonstrate its capabilities. Content is available in multiple languages, multiple goals, multiple channels, multiple formats and technologies. In addition, soft technologies such as generative AI and existing digital infrastructure (QR coding, DIKSHA platform, Anuvadini translation tool and FS Taxonomy) will also be used.

Component 2: Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign

A comprehensive IEC campaign will be launched to increase awareness of the DJP concept. The campaign will use myriad elements such as the theme song, short film and dedicated logo. The campaign aims to position the DJP as a tangible expression of the transformative potential of the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS).

Phase 2: Scale up Digital Jaadui Pitara

After a successful launch of the first phase, the next phase focuses on expanding the scope and impact of the programme. The key areas of focus are its universal accessibility, expansion of content, ecological inclusion, technological development etc. This process is gradual which will enable Digital Jaadui Pitara to position itself as a valuable and influential resource for early childhood education in India.

Content of Jaadui Pitara

Children can enjoy interactive learning through talking, listening, watching videos, using toys, working with materials, drawing and painting, singing, dancing etc. The content materials can be accessed in several forms such as video, audio, images, pdf, links etc. The duration of videos is short with a maximum duration of 3 minutes to prevent children from spending long hours on screen. The facilities at DIKSHA are designed in such a way that they are accessible even by children with special needs. The content also aims to focus on 5 areas of child development including physical, social-emotional, moral, cognitive, language skills, aesthetic and cultural development.

Due to its engaging features; teachers, administrators and particularly young children are very enthusiastic about Jaadui Pitara. This new initiative is an emblem of the Foundation Stage’s (FS) emphasis on learning through play. In a nutshell, it creates wonder, excitement and enthusiasm among young learners.

HAPPY READING!