Jyoti: Sparking Joy in Learning this Summer
An aspiring teacher from Himachal Pradesh, learns the power of activity-based pedagogy
Jyoti, from a small village in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh, comes from a close-knit family of five that depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Ever since she was a child, Jyoti dreamt of becoming a teacher—one who could make learning engaging and meaningful for every child.
Currently in her second year of the Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.) at a nearby District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Jyoti is pursuing her Teaching Practice at a government primary school. She is also volunteering with Pratham’s CAMaL Ka Camp, a large-scale summer catch-up initiative to help children strengthen their foundational learning skills.
For Jyoti, the camp offered an opportunity to explore activity-based teaching methods that go beyond rote learning. She leads fun math activities, such as ‘Clap & Snap’, ‘Number Circle’, ‘Slithery Snake’, and ‘Shapes & Patterns’, making the subject accessible for children who previously found it intimidating.
“The best part was helping children who were struggling,” she shares. “Through these activities, I could spark their interest, and now everyone is learning enthusiastically.”
The experience also deepened Jyoti’s bond with the children, earning their trust and respect. She has gone the extra mile by creating her own teaching-learning materials to support the children’s learning.
Jyoti particularly values Pratham’s approach to baseline assessments, which enabled her to identify learning gaps and tailor her teaching strategies. “Empowering children is the key to creating a better future,” she says. “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and everyone should support them in that.”
Reflecting on her journey, Jyoti says, “The activities I learned in the camp have improved my teaching practices. Activity-based pedagogy not only makes it easier to explain concepts but also creates a joyous and encouraging learning environment.”
Jyoti’s experience at CAMaL Ka Camp has been a blend of learning and growth, reinforcing her commitment to becoming the kind of teacher who nurtures curiosity and builds confidence in every child.
