Understanding the Preparatory Stage in NEP 2020: A Guide for Educators

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was introduced to bring meaningful changes to India’s education system, making it more adaptable, inclusive, and focused on the overall growth of students. One of the important aspects of this policy is the Preparatory Stage, which is part of the new 5+3+3+4 structure.

This stage is designed for children aged 8 to 11, covering Grades 3 to 5, and acts as a bridge between the early years of learning and the more structured middle school years. It emphasises building strong basics in reading, writing, and math, while also encouraging curiosity and creativity. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the Preparatory Stage is all about, its features, and how it helps children grow. By understanding this stage, educators can play a more supportive role in helping students transition smoothly and develop the skills they need for the future.

What is the Preparatory Stage in NEP 2020?

The Preparatory Stage in the National Education Policy 2020 is meant for students in classes 3 to 5, typically between the ages of 8 and 11. This stage focuses on helping children build a strong foundation for future learning in a way that is both engaging and fun.

The emphasis is on activity-based learning, where students learn through play, exploration, and hands-on activities. The idea is to create an environment where children can discover new things, ask questions, and interact with their classmates. This approach helps make learning more interesting and encourages students to think critically and creatively.

At this stage, the goal is to guide students through a smooth transition from early education to more formal schooling, while still focusing on making learning enjoyable. The aim is to ensure that students develop essential skills and a love for learning that will serve them well in the coming years.

Key Features of the Preparatory Stage in NEP 2020

Let’s take a look at the features of the Preparatory Stage as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The goal is to lay a strong foundation for students’ overall growth, setting them up for success in the future.

1. Strengthening Basic Literacy and Numeracy

   The main aim at this stage is to make sure that all students develop solid skills in reading, writing, and basic math. These fundamental abilities are important because they serve as the base for all future learning. When students have a good understanding of these basic skills, they are better equipped to handle more complex subjects as they progress in their education.

2. Focus on Experiential Learning

   This stage encourages students to learn actively through hands-on experiences. Instead of just listening to lectures, students are involved in activities that allow them to explore and discover on their own. Experiential learning includes stuff like:

   • Play-based Learning: Playing is an important way for students to engage with new ideas. Games and interactive activities make learning more enjoyable and help students understand concepts better. In fact, 71% of principals believe that using audio-visual content on tools like the EM Smartboard helps students learn better, as it’s engaging and easier to understand.
   • Inquiry-based Learning: Students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and explore topics on their own. This type of learning helps students develop problem-solving skills and a sense of curiosity.
   • Project-based Learning: Students work on projects that combine different subjects, giving them the chance to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. This helps them develop skills like teamwork, time management, and creative thinking, all of which are important in everyday life.

3. Focusing on Overall Development

   The Preparatory Stage isn’t just about academics—it’s about developing the whole child. Along with academic learning, this stage also focuses on emotional, social, and physical growth.

   • Social-emotional Learning: Students learn important life skills such as empathy, communication, and working with others. These skills help them build positive relationships and navigate the social aspects of life.
   • Physical and Mental Well-being: Promoting physical activity, healthy habits, and mental health practices helps students feel good and stay healthy. This is essential for their overall well-being and success in school.
   • Encouraging Creativity and Imagination: Creativity is an important part of this stage. Students are encouraged to express themselves through art, music, and other creative activities. This helps them think outside the box and develop innovative ideas.

4. Connecting Learning Across Subjects

   At this stage, the goal is to show students how different subjects are related. Instead of learning each subject separately, students are encouraged to see the connections between them. This helps them understand things better and shows how what they learn in one subject can be used in another. This approach makes learning feel more practical and helps students see the bigger picture.

5. Supporting Teachers with Training and Resources

   The NEP understands that teachers are the ones who will make these changes happen. That’s why it emphasises the importance of giving teachers the right training and support. Teachers need the tools and resources to implement new teaching methods and help students in the best way possible. Ongoing training ensures that teachers are ready to teach in ways that help students learn and grow.

Effective Teaching Practices for Preparatory Stage

1. Play-Based Learning

   Play is a major part of learning at this stage. Through imaginative and hands-on play, children develop important skills like problem-solving, creativity, and social awareness. Teachers can support this by providing different materials like building blocks, costumes, art supplies, and sensory items. This kind of play encourages learning in a fun, natural way.

2. Language and Literacy Development

   Introducing language early helps children grow both mentally and socially. Teachers can make language a part of daily routines by reading stories, singing songs, and having conversations with children. Giving kids a chance to explore books and other reading materials helps them develop a love for reading and supports their language skills.

3. Social-Emotional Development

   It’s important for young children to build strong social and emotional skills. Teachers can create a welcoming and respectful classroom where every child feels safe. By teaching kids about emotions, empathy, and ways to handle disagreements, teachers help children develop better relationships with others. This can be done through stories, role-playing, and guided social activities.

4. Physical Development (Gross and Fine Motor Skills)

   Physical development is a key part of early childhood. Teachers can help children grow their coordination, balance, and dexterity by incorporating activities that build both gross motor skills (like running, jumping, and climbing) and fine motor skills (like drawing, coloring, and cutting). These activities not only boost physical health but also help children focus and develop control over their movements.

5. Early Math and Science Concepts

   Introducing basic math and science at this stage sparks curiosity in children and lays the groundwork for later learning. Teachers can use everyday objects to teach children about numbers, shapes, colors, and the natural world. Encouraging them to ask questions and explore their surroundings helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

6. Family Engagement

   Getting families involved in their child’s learning is important. Teachers can regularly update parents on their child’s progress and share activities or resources that families can use at home. Building a strong partnership between teachers and families creates a supportive environment for children’s growth and learning.

How Extramarks Can Help Schools and Teachers in the Preparatory Stage

Extramarks supports schools and teachers in the Preparatory Stage by offering a range of tools that make learning fun and engaging for young students. With gamification-based learning and interactive modules, it turns education into an enjoyable experience. These tools help capture students’ attention and make them excited to learn.

Extramarks also provides smart classroom solutions, which include customisable assessments and detailed performance tracking. These features help teachers personalise learning for each student and keep track of their progress. This makes it easier for teachers to understand where students may need extra help and adjust their teaching accordingly.

By combining technology with curriculum-aligned resources, Extramarks promotes the development of foundational skills and early exposure to technology. It ensures that students not only learn essential academic concepts but are also set up for success in the future.

Closing Thoughts

The Preparatory Stage in NEP 2020 offers a fresh approach to education, focusing on laying a strong foundation while making learning enjoyable. It encourages creativity, curiosity, and the development of essential life skills. By adopting this approach, educators can help students build a love for learning that will benefit them in the years ahead.

Last Updated on February 26, 2025