Creative activities mark first ‘No-Bag Day’ in schools

It was a day to have fun under the sun for students of several government schools as the first ‘No-Bag Day’ was observed in the district after recent instructions by the Education Department.

In order to free them of the stress of books and enable them to enjoy a day’s break from conventional learning, the last Saturday of November was observed as ‘No-Bag Day’, with student indulging in school games, music and other activities.

At Government Elementary School, Gol Bagh, the students enjoyed a session of traditional rural games like kho-kho, tug-of-war, skipping rope in which they were joined by some teachers. “It is a welcome move as the students can now engage and pursue creative and sports activities, giving them a break from five days of textbook learning in schools,” said Paramjit Singh, a teacher.

The school heads have been asked to encourage learning through alternative methods like storytelling sessions, colouring and drawing, creative writing and public speaking on ‘No-Bag Days’ to enable holistic development of the child.

The new notification was passed recently, expanding on the ‘No-Bag Day’ in all government schools, throughout the district.