PSAJK President G.N. Var urges adoption of book-free learning to revolutionize J&K schools

• Revolutionary Teacher Training Workshop On Book-Free Learning Methodologies Held At International Islamic School, Srinagar

SRINAGAR: On the invitation of The International Islamic School (IIS), Peerbagh, Srinagar, the founders of the renowned School of Wonder Kids, Visakhapatnam, conducted a unique and inspiring teacher training workshop. The program, led by Mr. Malla Ramu Naidu, Director of the School of Wonder Kids, and Mrs. Malla Vani Sri, Principal, aimed to introduce innovative teaching methodologies for primary classes without relying on traditional textbooks.

The workshop, held at IIS, brought together dozens of enthusiastic school teachers, edu leaders, and members of the Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) for a day of transformative learning and engagement.

The session addressed critical issues in the current education system, including the excessive focus on exams, grades, and rote learning, which often comes at the cost of creativity, emotional well-being, and holistic development. The founders of the School of Wonder Kids shared their revolutionary approach of "no-books, no-homework" for kindergarten classes and minimized academic pressure for higher primary grades, showcasing the exceptional results achieved by their school since its inception in 2001.

Director of Wonder Kids Mr. Malla Ramu Naidu, while addressing the gathering, shared the remarkable success of the "no-books" methodology in their school. "We have proven that kindergarten children can develop extraordinary skills without the burden of writing or heavy school bags. By the end of UKG, our students are capable of reading national newspapers and identifying countries on the world map. Class 1st students can write dictation from Class 5th textbooks with ease. This system not only makes education stress-free but also fosters curiosity and creativity among children," he explained.

He also expressed his happiness in bringing this program to Kashmir, saying, "We are delighted to share our methods with educators here and hope this collaboration brings positive change across the region." PSAJK President, Dr. G.N. Var, applauded the initiative and highlighted its relevance in the context of Jammu & Kashmir. "This program underscores the importance of stress-free learning. In J&K, where academic pressure often overshadows holistic growth, these innovative methods can transform the educational landscape. It is imperative that we explore such ideas to ensure our students enjoy learning while developing essential skills," he stated.

Mrs. Malla Vani Sri, Principal of Wonder Kids, expressed her gratitude to PSAJK and the International Islamic School Management for organizing the event. "This is a step towards spreading innovative education practices throughout India. I am grateful to Mr. G.N. Var and Dr. Tariq Ahmad Bhat for their support in making this session a success. By adopting these methods, teachers in Kashmir can unlock the true potential of their students," she remarked.

Dr. Tariq Ahmad Bhat, Chairman of International Islamic School, welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of adopting innovative teaching methodologies. "Education should not only prepare children for exams; it should prepare them for life. Today’s workshop has demonstrated how we can reintroduce creativity and joy into the classroom," he said. "We are deeply grateful to the Director and Principal of the School of Wonder Kids for visiting and conducting this innovative program, which has offered a fresh perspective on the field of education."

Mr. Umer Malik, Principal of International Islamic School, shared his thoughts on the significance of the program. "This training has provided our teachers with invaluable insights into child-centered learning approaches. Such workshops are essential for equipping educators to meet the challenges of modern education," he said. The workshop included interactive sessions and practical demonstrations, enabling participants to experience firsthand how these innovative techniques can be implemented in classrooms. Teachers expressed their enthusiasm for adopting these methodologies, which focus on communication skills, reading, and mathematics while fostering creativity and confidence.

The event concluded with a collective commitment to incorporating these transformative educational practices into local schools. The attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a vision for making learning enjoyable, stress-free, and impactful for young minds across the region.