Prayagraj: In a significant step towards strengthening experiential learning in govt primary schools, students of Classes III and IV across Uttar Pradesh will, for the first time, be introduced to a dedicated art education textbook titled “Bansuri” from the new academic session.So far, art and music education in council-run schools were conducted without any prescribed textbook, with teachers relying on their own methods for teaching and evaluation. Developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in accordance with the recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, the book provides for a minimum of 100 hours of structured art education, integrating four major components — visual arts, music, dance and body movement — into the curriculum. The Class III textbook consists of 20 chapters, each embedded with QR codes that allow students to access additional digital learning material. Officials said that to further enrich the learning experience, experts in various art forms will also be invited to schools during the academic session. Students will be encouraged to create artworks and participate in activities, with provisions for displaying their work within school campuses and at public exhibitions. Principal of the State Council of Educational Research and Training Uttar Pradesh, Rajendra Pratap, said the activities included in the book are designed to enhance expression skills, promote communal harmony and create awareness about preserving cultural heritage. “The curriculum will help develop critical thinking, teamwork and improve both reading and writing abilities among children,” he said. As per the syllabus, 20 hours each have been allocated to visual arts, music, dance and theatre, along with 20 hours dedicated to experiential activities. Art teachers will conduct four classes per week and an additional class on Saturdays. Students’ performance will be evaluated across five categories — A, B, C, D and E — representing levels from excellent to beginner. The visual arts section includes activities like drawing, painting, cutting and pasting, helping children understand materials like clay, colours and nature. Music lessons would focus on rhythm, clapping and songs in multiple languages while theatre introduces students to acting, stagecraft and the use of props. State award-winning teacher Reena Mishra described the book as engaging and practical, noting that it introduces concepts like using a clay pot as a musical instrument, known as “ghatam,” along with creative exercises such as making masks, lanterns and paper jewelry.
