Poem on CO2, skit on buying vegetables: Delhi schools use storytelling, poetry to make online classes fun

Teachers hold online classes at Ahlcon Public School on Monday. (Express photo by Abhinav Saha)

The air quality in Delhi plummeted to “severe plus” levels Sunday evening, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management to enforce GRAP 4 restrictions, the highest set of anti-pollution measures, starting Monday. In light of this, Chief Minister Atishi had announced suspension of physical classes for all students, except those in grades 10 and 12. “All schools will hold online classes until further orders,” Atishi posted on X.

On Monday, she said on X, “From tomorrow physical classes shall be suspended for Class 10 and 12 as well, and all studies will be shifted online”.

Modern Public School Principal Alka Kapur explained how the pandemic-era shift to virtual learning has helped schools adapt. “We witness a decline in enthusiasm during online classes, and the output isn’t the same as in physical classrooms. To overcome this, classes are made more interactive. Teachers use roleplaying to connect with students,” she said.

At Birla Vidya Niketan, teachers are employing poetry to make lessons more engaging. A chemistry teacher, for instance, used rhymes to explain the role of carbon dioxide in pollution: “CO2 ne kaha, ishq tumne kiya, badnaam mein hua,” a lyrical take on the misunderstood greenhouse gas’s role in global warming.

For primary sections at Birla Vidya Niketan, classes are divided into two shifts — pre-lunch and post-lunch — to ensure teachers can give individual attention to students while reducing screen time. “In senior classes, splitting is challenging due to the limited number of specialised teachers,” said Principal Minakshi Khushwaha. “Too much teacher talk is discouraged, and more student participation is encouraged,” she added.

Sudha Acharya, Principal of ITL Public School, described how teachers have adapted to online teaching by conducting classes from school premises, using WiFi and other resources. “The online classes started today, and while not as effective as physical ones, we’ve taken steps to make them engaging. Classes are divided into five slots of 55 minutes each, with a 45-minute lunch break. To keep students attentive, we begin with a prayer and share videos of yoga and aerobics for them to practice at home,” she said.

Acharya added counselors and librarians also conduct online sessions on topics of interest, such as drug abuse awareness. “The librarian narrates stories, and students share their own. Presentations and video screenings are also used to maintain engagement,” she explained.

A chemistry teacher, for instance, used rhymes to explain the role of carbon dioxide in pollution: “CO2 ne kaha, ishq tumne kiya, badnaam mein hua,” a lyrical take on the misunderstood greenhouse gas’s role in global warming. (Express photo by Abhinav Saha)

Earlier in the day, government schools raised concerns about health risks for students in grades 10 and 12 and teachers.

The Government School Teachers’ Association wrote to Atishi, stating: “… Despite these extreme conditions, schools continue to operate physical classes for students of grades 10 and 12. However, turnout for these classes has been alarmingly low, as parents are understandably reluctant to risk their children’s health. Those students who did attend displayed severe symptoms, including watery eyes and sore throats, persistent coughing, wheezing and chest tightness…”

“These are not mere inconveniences; they are life-altering health risks. Teachers who continue to report to schools are also suffering from similar symptoms, exacerbating an already hazardous situation…,” it added.