Activity-based curriculum drawn up for anganwadis

The National Framework of Early Childhood Stimulation, 2024, underscores the critical role of early learning in shaping a child's development. With a focus on children from birth to the age of three, this framework emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate activities conducted by parents, anganwadi staff, and ASHA workers to lay a strong foundation for future learning.

1: Dimension- Fostering Continuous Learning

• 'Navchetana' Curriculum: Aligned with the National Education Policy, 2020, 'Navchetana' introduces an activity-based curriculum aimed at fostering continuous learning from infancy to toddlerhood.
• Staff Training Initiatives: Training programs for staff in 14 lakh anganwadis facilitate effective implementation of the curriculum, equipping frontline workers with the necessary skills and knowledge.
• Multifaceted Engagement: The curriculum emphasizes diverse activities encompassing talking, playing, and sensory stimulation, promoting holistic development across various domains.

2: Dimension- Key Components of the Curriculum

• Stimulation of Senses: Recognizing the importance of sensory experiences in early learning, the curriculum prioritizes activities that engage children in sight, touch, sound, and movement.
• Brain Development Focus: With 75% of brain development occurring in the first three years, the curriculum provides detailed instructions to optimize cognitive growth through targeted stimulation activities.
• Language and Literacy Promotion: Through age-appropriate activities, the curriculum aims to foster early language acquisition, emergent literacy, and numeracy skills critical for future academic success.

3: Dimension- Progressive Activities

• Developmental Milestones: The curriculum delineates 36 sets of activities aligned with developmental milestones, enabling caregivers to track and support children's progress.
• Personalized Interventions: In cases of developmental delays, the framework empowers caregivers to adapt activities and interventions tailored to individual children's needs, ensuring inclusive learning environments.
• Empowering Caregivers: By providing step-by-step guidance and leveraging household objects, the curriculum empowers caregivers to facilitate meaningful interactions and learning experiences conducive to children's holistic development.

Mains Practice Question

Q: "Early childhood stimulation programs play a pivotal role in shaping a child's future. Discuss