Through play and activities, Grammangal’s preschools help to develop the cognitive, social and motor abilities of children aged 3 to 6 years and prepare them for formal schooling. Grammangal’s Balwadis are located in a predominantly tribal area. To facilitate learning, Grammangal’s Balwadi teachers use language that the children speak in their homes.

Grammangal’s Balwadis are located in Dabhon and Aine villages in Dahanu Taluka (Palghar District, Maharashtra). The Learning Home in Pune also runs a Balwadi.

Learning is both an individual and a social process.

Grammangal’s schools follow the constructivist approach to learning. Teachers do not teach; they guide the students to learn and construct their own knowledge. The teacher sets the problem and encourages students to solve them in a way that suits individual learning styles. Learning takes place in groups as the children question, explore, compare and discuss.

Grammangal’s schools provide a warm and inclusive community atmosphere. Children are loved and valued for what they are. They are treated as active participants in the learning process.

Schools:

• Muktashala, Aine, Dahanu Taluka, Palghar District, Maharashtra.

  Muktashala started as a residential school for tribal children in 1999. Since then it has evolved into a teaching-learning centre leading Grammangal’s endeavours in the development, implementation and improvement of our methodologies. Most of Grammangal’s Residential Teacher Training Workshops are held at Muktashala so that participants can see for themselves the potential for transformation in student learning.

• Anutai Wagh Shikshan Kendra, Vikramgad, Vikramgad Taluka, Palghar District

  Anutai Wagh Shikshan Kendra was started in 2005 as part of Grammangal’s outreach efforts to directly bring the benefits of contructivist-based education to children.

• Learning Home, near Pune Blind School, Gandhi Bhavan, Kothrud, Pune

  Learning Home was established in 2004 as a response to concerned parents’ demand for alternatives to the rigidly structured conventional school system. Learning Home follows pedagogical practices that evolved from Grammangal’s experiences in educating tribal children in its Aine school in Palghar district. It provides the opportunities for socializing available in a conventional school and the flexibility of homeschooling.