In a significant move to shape well-informed and analytical young minds, the Uttar Pradesh Labour and Employment Department has instituted compulsory newspaper reading for all students of Atal Residential Schools (ARS). This directive, inspired by the state's education department, aims to cultivate robust reading habits and sharpen critical and logical thinking skills among pupils.
A Formal Directive for Holistic Growth
Principal Secretary Shanmuga Sundaram MK issued an official government order on Thursday, laying down the new framework. The order explicitly states that integrating English and Hindi newspapers into daily routines is essential for strengthening general awareness, command over language, and critical thinking capabilities. The initiative is designed for the all-round development of students, preparing them for future challenges.
Daily Implementation and Weekly Activities
The order provides a clear blueprint for integrating newspapers into the school day. A dedicated 10-minute 'news reading' session must be scheduled immediately after the morning assembly and before regular classes begin. Furthermore, schools are instructed to select five new or difficult words from the daily papers and display their meanings on a board.
Alongside this, displaying a 'Thought of the Day' on the school's main board is now mandatory. For senior students in classes 9 to 12, the directive encourages writing original pieces on important editorial topics or participating in weekly group discussions. Younger students in grades 6 to 8 will engage by creating 'scrapbooks' filled with interesting news clippings on topics like science, environment, and sports.
Beyond Reading: Puzzles and Student Publications
The order highlights that puzzles commonly found in newspapers, such as Sudoku, crosswords, and word games, serve a greater purpose than mere entertainment. They are recognized as vital tools for training students' brains in logical reasoning and problem-solving.
Taking inspiration from the newspaper format itself, students will be encouraged to conceptualize and produce a monthly or quarterly 'school newspaper' or magazine. "It should be edited by a team of students, presenting school activities and achievements in the form of news," Sundaram stated. An additional focus will be on encouraging small-group discussions about scientific facts and processes.
This comprehensive initiative, as outlined by Sundaram, is expected to serve a dual purpose: it will help ARS students prepare for competitive examinations while simultaneously nurturing them into responsible and aware citizens of the country.
