In the serene village of Bharatwadi, Aayush Aanand Mohite, a second-grade student at Zilla Parishad Primary School, embarked on a journey of transformation. His parents, industrious farmers and small business owners, provided a simple yet loving home. While Aayush excelled in comprehending Marathi and English, mathematics remained a source of deep anxiety and frustration.
Challenges
Aayush’s struggle with numbers was profound. Even basic numerical concepts from 1 to 10 eluded him, making tasks such as counting from three to six a daunting challenge. His fear of numbers led to hesitation, poor participation in class, and mounting pressure from teachers. This fear extended beyond academics, creating a barrier to his confidence and overall learning experience. Recognizing the gravity of Aayush’s difficulties, CYDA (Centre for Youth Development and Activities) stepped in to bridge the gap.
The intervention began with a home visit by CYDA’s facilitator. Engaging with Aayush’s parents, the facilitator stressed the importance of foundational mathematical skills and encouraged practical learning at home. A collaborative effort involving parents and teachers was emphasized as critical for Aayush’s progress.
At school, the facilitator observed Aayush’s reluctance and realized traditional methods were ineffective. Through the Building Learning Gap (BLG) program, they introduced innovative and activity-based learning techniques, transforming mathematics from a source of fear into an engaging and enjoyable subject.
The program used songs, games, and hands-on activities to make numbers relatable and fun. One pivotal activity involved writing numbers in reverse order on soil, which helped Aayush distinguish between confusing digits like three and six. These methods gradually dismantled his fear and replaced it with curiosity.
Aayush’s progress was not immediate but marked by steady milestones. The facilitator’s patience and dedication created an environment where Aayush felt safe to make mistakes and learn from them. Over time, he began to actively participate in mathematical activities, building confidence with each small success.
From hesitantly attempting simple counting, Aayush progressed to confidently counting from 1 to 100 and back. He mastered the concepts of small and large numbers and performed addition and subtraction with ease. His enthusiasm extended beyond academics; his social skills flourished as he interacted more with peers and teachers.
Today, Aayush is a transformed student. His regular school attendance reflects his eagerness to learn, and his achievements in mathematics are a source of pride for his family. Living near the school, he often rushes home to share his progress with his parents, who beam with pride at their son’s accomplishments.
Through CYDA’s intervention, Aayush overcame his fear of mathematics and unlocked his potential. The BLG program turned his struggles into stepping stones, proving that with innovative teaching, patience, and collaboration, even the steepest challenges can be surmounted. Aayush’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and community support, inspiring hope for countless children facing similar hurdles
The story contributed by Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation officer, CYDA
