Before the resumption of classes, schools prepared to welcome students back after the long hiatus (Photo: Media India group)
“I am excited to see my friends again, but I am also a little nervous about catching up with schedule after a long break,” Aarav Sharma, a Grade VII student in New Delhi, tells Media India Group, as he packs his bag for the first day back after a two-month break.
Across the city, thousands of students like Aarav have returned to their classrooms, each carrying a unique mix of anticipation and anxiety. Before the resumption of classes, schools prepared to welcome students back after the long hiatus. Teachers and administrators worked to ensure a smooth transition, balancing academic catch-up with emotional support. “We understand that students have come back with mixed emotions, some are thrilled, others are anxious. Our job is to make them feel comfortable and confident,” Ritu Tyagi, a high-school teacher based in New Delhi, tells Media India Group.
“We planned a variety of activities, from mind games to storytelling sessions, to help students settle in and reconnect with learning in a joyful way,” Tyagi adds.
To address the academic gaps that may have developed during the break, schools implemented a range of revision activities. These included interactive games such as sorting letters, arranging them in sequence, matching cards with pictures and even flour tracing of letters and numbers.
In some, hopscotch games using numbers and letters are also being used to reinforce basic concepts in a playful manner. Teachers conducted dictation sessions to identify learning gaps and extra worksheets are being sent home for additional practice. “The goal is to refresh students’ memories and reinforce what they’ve learned, without overwhelming them,” says Tyagi.
“We hold regular parent-teacher sessions to talk about each student’s strengths and areas for improvement. This helps us provide consistent support and tailor our approach to each child’s needs,” Tyagi adds.
For those who need extra help, remedial classes are being offered either before or after regular school hours, ensuring that no student is left behind.
The emotional well-being of students is another top priority for parents, faculty and the school administration. Teachers have integrated activities such as meditation, yoga, Zumba and aerobics into the daily routine to help students manage stress and stay calm.
Students, too, are aware of the challenges and opportunities that come with returning to school. “Coming back to school after such a long break feels both exciting and a little overwhelming. I really missed being around my classmates and participating in all the group activities, but now I also feel a bit anxious about whether I will be able to keep up with the lessons and assignments. The new routines, like extra revision sessions and fun games, are helping me adjust and I appreciate how our teachers are encouraging us to share our feelings and support each other. I think it will take some time, but I am hopeful that with everyone’s help, I will be able to catch up,” Rahul Verma, a Class XI student, tells Media India Group.
The transition is not without its challenges. Academically, students may struggle to adapt to new learning patterns and catch up on missed material. Socially, some may find it difficult to reconnect with peers or adjust to the structure of the school day.
For teachers, the return to school presents both challenges and opportunities. Addressing diverse learning needs, managing classrooms after a long break and integrating new technology into lessons require flexibility and innovation. However, the situation also offers a chance for professional growth and deeper relationship-building with students.
“I like that we are doing fun activities and games to help us remember things. It makes coming back to school less scary,” Sharma adds.
