Academicians oppose move to depute primary teachers for KG classes

As a part of the state-wide programme, the School Education Department introduced LKG and UKG classes on January 21 with Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami inaugurating it in a government school in the city.

The kindergarten classes will be started in 2,381 anganwadi centres across the state. At present, the government is in the process of deputing primary school teachers to also take classes for LKG and UKG.

However, teachers demand the government to recruit fresh candidates, who are trained in taking KG classes for the benefit of the kids.

“Taking classes for primary level students is totally different from kindergarten classes. Therefore, fresh teachers, who are qualified for taking KG classes, should be recruited,” Secondary School Teachers Association, (primary teachers), Secretary J Robert said.

According to him, the government’s move to depute primary teachers for KG classes would increase the burden on the teachers. Echoing similar views, Tamil Nadu Teachers Association State Secretary PK Illamaran said the government should appoint Montessori teachers instead of primary teachers.

Pointing out that there is no theory for kindergarten kids, he said that children in LKG and UKG will have only practical classes such as singing, dancing and playing. “For the benefits of the kids, government should immediately take steps in appointing Montessori teachers, who are specially trained to take classes at the kindergarten level,” he said.