Bagged down no more
Nirman schools reschedule timetable so children have to study just 3 or 4 subjects a day. Fewer subjects mean lesser weight to carry to school
By Yogesh Avasthi
Posted On Thursday, July 15, 2010 (http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20Latest§id=2&contentid=201007152010071502574333825953552)
Students of Nirman Group of Schools have a load taken off their backs, literally. In a welcome move, the school, which has branches in Panchvati and Vastrapur, has reduced the number of subjects taught each day. Fewer subjects mean fewer books to lug to school.
More than 2,500 children study in the two schools. The change has been implemented in all classes from 1 to 12.
Students here have to attend eight periods in a day. Till last year, a different subject was taught in each period. Ushering in change, authorities of Nirman School have redrawn the timetables so children have to study just 3 or 4 subjects a day. Students will now carry fewer textbooks, notebooks and workbooks or reference books compared to last year.
The altered schedule gives teachers more time to explain a topic. They help children work on extra projects, too.
Back benders
Heavy backpacks are one of the most distressing and unpleasant aspects of school life for many children. The weight of books cuts into the pleasure of learning. The weight of a bag alone is 1-2 kg. Add large crayon boxes, raincoats and rough books, none of which are required at school and you end up with a heavy bag. Heavy bags cause stress on the spine, back and shoulders, resulting in muscular pain, fatigue and strain. The excessive weight in bags may cause a child to develop poor posture or slouch excessively.
According to physiologists, the weight of a school bag should not be more than 1/5th of student’s body weight. So, a child of 20 kg should carry less than 4 kg in their backpack.
Lesser homework
Managing trustee Dr Ashish Desai said, “I am a doctor. So I know how a heavy bag can affect a child’s spine. Heavy bags can cause compression to intervertebral discs, which act as a cushion between the vertebrae, causing backaches. The pain carries into adulthood for many.
“We implemented the schedule in two classes last year on an experimental basis. We had to ensure that all subjects were taught every week. It was a successful project and we were encourage to implement it in all classes this year.”
He added, “With fewer subjects each day, children will get lesser homework. There will be more free time to play and develop other hobbies.”
In-depth discussion
Class 6 student Chandni Patel is very happy with the change. She says, “Our bags have lightened considerably. We no longer feel like mules. Fewer subjects means longer periods. Sometimes it gets boring. Mostly, though, it is a positive move as it gives us more time to conduct an in-depth discussion on a topic. We are no longer starved for time.”
Class 7 student Niraj Patel has not got used to the new schedule. But he says, “The bags are definitely lighter. My classmates and I appreciate this step.”
More suggestions
Regarding longer hours dedicated to one subject, Desai said, “We have asked teachers to make lectures more lively. They have been asked to hold demonstrations, experiments and projects in class to make it more interesting. Now, we are trying to convince parents as well as students against bringing water bottles to school, too. The water in coolers here is filtered through the reverse osmosis process. It is safe.”
The authorities have invited parents to suggest more ways to reduce the mental and physical burden on kids.
Weighty issue
In January this year, the CBSE board had issued a circular to its schools asking them to implement a slew of measures in order to lighten the bags, especially in the primary section. Following this, even ICSE schools decided to adopt measures to lighten the school bags.
A Mirror report had highlighted a study (How bags bend your child; AM, February 5) conducted by physiotherapist that revealed the damage school bags inflict on children. The study found out that even a load of 10 per cent of the body weight can ruin a child’s back, leading to musculoskeletal problems like wrong posture, functional scoliosis, ruck-sack palsy and reduced lung functions. The ill-effects of a heavy bag are carried into adulthood and can impede the body’s functioning.
St Xavier’s school tackled the weighty issue by giving students of Class I to IV the option of leaving their school bags and books in classrooms.
Back-breaker?
• Warning symptoms that a school bag is too heavy:
• Tingling and numbness in arm
• Pain while wearing the backpack
• Struggling when putting on or taking off the backpack
• Change in posture when wearing the backpack
The right backpack
• Don’t buy backpack larger than your child’s size.
• Choose one with moulded frame and adjustable hip strap, so that the weight of the filled backpack will rest on your child’s pelvis instead of their shoulder and spine.
• The shoulder straps should be adjustable, and the rear of the backpack padded for comfort.
• To help with packing, the backpack should have some separate compartments.
• Canvas bags are lighter than leather varieties.
• Consider buying a backpack with built in wheels.
By Yogesh Avasthi
Posted On Thursday, July 15, 2010 (http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20Latest§id=2&contentid=201007152010071502574333825953552)
Students of Nirman Group of Schools have a load taken off their backs, literally. In a welcome move, the school, which has branches in Panchvati and Vastrapur, has reduced the number of subjects taught each day. Fewer subjects mean fewer books to lug to school.
More than 2,500 children study in the two schools. The change has been implemented in all classes from 1 to 12.
Students here have to attend eight periods in a day. Till last year, a different subject was taught in each period. Ushering in change, authorities of Nirman School have redrawn the timetables so children have to study just 3 or 4 subjects a day. Students will now carry fewer textbooks, notebooks and workbooks or reference books compared to last year.
The altered schedule gives teachers more time to explain a topic. They help children work on extra projects, too.
Back benders
Heavy backpacks are one of the most distressing and unpleasant aspects of school life for many children. The weight of books cuts into the pleasure of learning. The weight of a bag alone is 1-2 kg. Add large crayon boxes, raincoats and rough books, none of which are required at school and you end up with a heavy bag. Heavy bags cause stress on the spine, back and shoulders, resulting in muscular pain, fatigue and strain. The excessive weight in bags may cause a child to develop poor posture or slouch excessively.
According to physiologists, the weight of a school bag should not be more than 1/5th of student’s body weight. So, a child of 20 kg should carry less than 4 kg in their backpack.
Lesser homework
Managing trustee Dr Ashish Desai said, “I am a doctor. So I know how a heavy bag can affect a child’s spine. Heavy bags can cause compression to intervertebral discs, which act as a cushion between the vertebrae, causing backaches. The pain carries into adulthood for many.
“We implemented the schedule in two classes last year on an experimental basis. We had to ensure that all subjects were taught every week. It was a successful project and we were encourage to implement it in all classes this year.”
He added, “With fewer subjects each day, children will get lesser homework. There will be more free time to play and develop other hobbies.”
In-depth discussion
Class 6 student Chandni Patel is very happy with the change. She says, “Our bags have lightened considerably. We no longer feel like mules. Fewer subjects means longer periods. Sometimes it gets boring. Mostly, though, it is a positive move as it gives us more time to conduct an in-depth discussion on a topic. We are no longer starved for time.”
Class 7 student Niraj Patel has not got used to the new schedule. But he says, “The bags are definitely lighter. My classmates and I appreciate this step.”
More suggestions
Regarding longer hours dedicated to one subject, Desai said, “We have asked teachers to make lectures more lively. They have been asked to hold demonstrations, experiments and projects in class to make it more interesting. Now, we are trying to convince parents as well as students against bringing water bottles to school, too. The water in coolers here is filtered through the reverse osmosis process. It is safe.”
The authorities have invited parents to suggest more ways to reduce the mental and physical burden on kids.
Weighty issue
In January this year, the CBSE board had issued a circular to its schools asking them to implement a slew of measures in order to lighten the bags, especially in the primary section. Following this, even ICSE schools decided to adopt measures to lighten the school bags.
A Mirror report had highlighted a study (How bags bend your child; AM, February 5) conducted by physiotherapist that revealed the damage school bags inflict on children. The study found out that even a load of 10 per cent of the body weight can ruin a child’s back, leading to musculoskeletal problems like wrong posture, functional scoliosis, ruck-sack palsy and reduced lung functions. The ill-effects of a heavy bag are carried into adulthood and can impede the body’s functioning.
St Xavier’s school tackled the weighty issue by giving students of Class I to IV the option of leaving their school bags and books in classrooms.
Back-breaker?
• Warning symptoms that a school bag is too heavy:
• Tingling and numbness in arm
• Pain while wearing the backpack
• Struggling when putting on or taking off the backpack
• Change in posture when wearing the backpack
The right backpack
• Don’t buy backpack larger than your child’s size.
• Choose one with moulded frame and adjustable hip strap, so that the weight of the filled backpack will rest on your child’s pelvis instead of their shoulder and spine.
• The shoulder straps should be adjustable, and the rear of the backpack padded for comfort.
• To help with packing, the backpack should have some separate compartments.
• Canvas bags are lighter than leather varieties.
• Consider buying a backpack with built in wheels.
