To inculcate moral and ethical values among children and address rising concerns about social isolation and the impact of an increasingly digital world, schools in Bengaluru affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have introduced various activities from this academic year, taking learning beyond printed pages to real-life action.

‘Kindness table’

For instance, Delhi Public School (DPS) – Bangalore East, has introduced a “kindness table” to encourage students to move from “passive kindness” to actively demonstrating empathy.

Nidhi Cherian, head of school, DPS – Bangalore East, said, “We want children to actively show compassion, inclusion, and care for family, friends, and people around them. Kindness Table is a unique initiative we are introducing this year. It invites nominations of children for their acts of kindness. The nominations are from the entire school community, including teachers, housekeeping staff, security personnel and support teams, ensuring that meaningful actions do not go unnoticed.”

The school will review and select students to receive “Kindness in Action” badges and an invitation to share a meal with the head of school at the school canteen. This is intended to create a personal space to celebrate character and listen to their stories.

Beyond punishment

Saandeepani Academy of Excellence in Sompura has introduced “restorative circles” for children. Restorative circles are formed and led by children themselves, under the guidance of teachers, to address behavioural issues and resolve conflicts by sitting across the table for discussion instead of teachers punishing the children.

Latha M., director of the Academy, said, “Punishment will only instil fear and they will correct themselves temporarily. However, in restorative practices, one might not see immediate results, but they are gradual and long term. For instance, a child who was hurt by the comments made by her classmates addressed the issue by forming a restorative circle. She shared what it felt like hearing those comments and the impact they had. When other children realised it was wrong, they apologised. They understood that passing comments is no longer fun and that it seriously affects others.”

This year, the school has also introduced a framework to address digital wellness and screen time for students. “We will involve parents, along with children, in these digital wellness sessions so that good practices continue at home as well,” she added.

Practical sessions

A faculty member representing National Public School said it has introduced life skills classes in a new format. “Earlier, life skills, more commonly known as Moral Science, were only taught through textbooks. Now, we have introduced practical sessions around some themes. These sessions are designed by our counsellors according to the requirements of children. The classes are scheduled for 40 minutes a week. Later, we also inform parents that children practise values such as respect and fairness at home too,” she said.

High school students are also presented with case studies around these themes, which they are expected to engage with and analyse for a deeper understanding of the issues.