Bhubaneswar: Summer vacations in schools across the state started on Monday, with the school and mass education department rolling out a summer learning program for students of Sishu Vatika to Class VIII.In the guidelines issued by the school and mass education department, it stated that, in a shift from earlier practices of assigning only holiday homework, the initiative will integrate videos and storyboards linked with assignments, which will be shared with parents through WhatsApp groups.Officials said the program is designed to make learning engaging and interactive during the holidays, with a strong focus on parental involvement. The initiative seeks to maintain academic momentum and bridge learning gaps while encouraging meaningful engagement between schools, students and parents, they noted.Content will be delivered in a phased manner depending on grade levels. For Sishu Vatika, materials will be shared once a week; for Classes I to III, twice a week; and for Classes IV to VIII, thrice a week.Subject coverage has also been structured by grade. Students in Classes I to III will focus on Odia, Mathematics and Environmental Studies (EVS). For classes IV and V, English will be added to these subjects. Meanwhile, students in Classes VI to VIII will study Odia, mathematics, EVS, social science, science and English.Meanwhile, the department on Monday postponed the first parent-teacher meeting for the new academic session, which was scheduled for April 30, owing to the early closure of schools for summer vacation.
