In today’s digital age, where tablets, smart boards and projectors dominate classrooms, the humble slate and chalk have almost vanished from schools. Yet, Jijamata Vidyalaya in Ansing, Washim district, has taken an innovative step by blending tradition with modernity - reintroducing a culture of slate writing as a regular classroom practice. The initiative, conceived by Mathematics teacher Lalit Bhure, involves distributing slates and chalks to 80 students of class 10. The aim is to encourage students to practise not only mathematics but also other subjects more effectively. As per Bhure, the experiment seeks to improve writing speed, reduce errors, promote eco-friendly learning tools, lighten schoolbags, and curb unnecessary paper consumption.

 

“Students can solve lengthy equations repeatedly on slates. If they make a mistake, they can instantly correct it without wasting paper. This eliminates the need for separate rough notebooks throughout the year,” he explained. The students too have responded enthusiastically. They pointed out that slate writing helps refine handwriting through regular practice and makes complex learning tasks easier. Whether it is three-dimensional diagrams in mathematics, charts and genetic structures in science, or maps in geography, the slate has become a handy and practical tool.

 

“Learning has become more enjoyable. We can practise as much as we want without worrying about wasting pages,” said Jay Nagulkar, Shradha Ingle, Vedanti Sawke, Vaishnavi Shringare and Gauri Kalhapure, all students of Class 10. The move is being widely appreciated in Washim’s education sector as a student-friendly and environment-conscious experiment. By reviving a nearly forgotten practice, Jijamata Vidyalaya has shown how traditional methods, when integrated thoughtfully, can still hold immense value in the classrooms.