Su-Bodh School and Vinay Bal Bharti School

A village home

This is the Jal Mahal (Water Palace) evening view. Our hotel was across the road from it.

Notice the broom she is using. We often saw people sweep the sidewalk debris into the street.

Interesting entertainment at the market across from the Hawal Mahal, the beautiful 5-story building (below) in Jaipur.

Su-Bodh School

We visited the Su-Bodh School in Jaipur on a Saturday. Students attend school six days a week. Again, we are greeted with wonderful Indian hospitality - a bottle of water and a garland of silk marigolds. I could take this garland home with me! I greeted my students Wednesday morning wearing it. Five of us met with the principal in her office to introduce ourselves and talk together about the school and our purpose in being there. They divided us into groups to visit different classrooms. I visited a computer lab where an assessment was occurring. Students were taking a math test that the teacher created with multiple choice answers. They seemed comfortable and confident as they worked. Each of our groups was hosted by two teachers that we visited with and exchanged ideas. They showed us student math portfolios and shared the country's scope and sequence. The primary grades are referred to as Learners; the middle school as the Movers and the high school as the Flyers. We saw parts of a video of the school musical performance that told the story in dance form of the history of India. It was most impressive!

Students greeting us

Students taking test in computer lab

Elementary class- Notice that the walls are bare.

Decorations in the school

Student portfolio

Another middle school student portfolio

 Vinay Bal Bharti School

On the same day we visited a government school (in our language a public school) - Vinay Bal Bharti School. We walked a long dusty path to enter the school. This school serves students in grades 1 to 10. The government passed a law that all students must go to school up to grade 8. A class of young students met outside under a canopy. If it rains, they wait indoors and resume classes when the rain has stopped. There is no heat at the school for the cold winter days. Some walls are made of wire only. Windows are open. Instruction occurs in Hindi. These students learn English, beginning in third grade, compared to the private schools who take all their classes in English upon entering school. The students are attentive and well behaved.

Elementary math class - Students sit on the floor

Learning fractions

Playground seesaw - I don't know if they use the equipment.

Classrooms

Classroom - Students in all classes sit on the floor.

Dance class

This student is learning to dance and balance a jug on her head. "Namaste."

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