Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, NEP 2020 serves as an educational framework fostering comprehensive growth in the early years of a child (0-8 years). Recognised as a vital priority in the National Education Policy, the FLN Framework emphasises essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

By enhancing these skills, the framework aids children in comprehending their surroundings and building self-confidence. Advocates for FLN assert that these competencies form the cornerstone for subsequent education and lifelong learning. They encompass fundamental abilities like reading, writing, and basic mathematical operations.

The FLN framework is designed to lay a solid foundation for holistic development and is important in educational policy. It prioritises early learning, aiming for universal foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) in primary schools by 2025. Foundational skills are considered fundamental before advancing to other aspects of education.

Understanding Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)

There is a significant concern in the United States, especially with over five crore elementary students grappling with the FLN Framework, according to NEP 2020. In India, first-generation learners struggle due to inadequate home support for literacy and numeracy.

Launched in 2021, the NIPUN-Bharat programme under Samagra Shiksha aims for universal literacy and numeracy for Class 3 children by 2026-27. This initiative employs a five-tier implementation mechanism at the National, State, District, and Block levels. Aligning with the FLN-focused NIPUN Bharat Mission, the National Education Policy targets comprehensive skill development by emphasising Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) by class 3rd.

Key Objectives of the FLN Framework

  • Establishing an inclusive classroom through discovery, play, and activity-based strategies, incorporating children's daily experiences and native languages.
  • Cultivating awareness, independence, and active participation in reading and writing skills.
  • Building mathematical and geometric problem-solving abilities in numbers, measurements, and shapes.
  • Ongoing professional development for teachers, administrators, resource staff, and education leaders.

FLN Framework in the National Education Policy, a key element of NEP 2020, is realised through the NIPUN Bharat Mission by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India. FLN aims to provide every child with a joyful learning environment, incorporating stories, play, rhymes, activities, art, and music to build strong foundations for lifelong learning. The process aids language, literacy, creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving. NIPUN Bharat outlines learning outcomes spirally refined from preschool to 3rd grade, promoting holistic learning and healthy development.

Foundational Language

A foundation in language contributes to literacy skills, encompassing oral language development, decoding, fluency in reading, reading comprehension, and writing proficiency. This involves refining listening comprehension vocabulary, decoding written words, reading text accurately and quickly, comprehending and expressing, and writing words accurately using the alphabet.

Foundational Numeracy

It signifies the capacity to comprehend and apply basic numerical concepts to solve everyday problems. Key components of early mathematics include pre-number notions involving counting, understanding the number system; numbers and operations, learning conventions to master mathematical concepts; shapes and geometrical understanding, performing simple calculations up to three-digit numbers; measurement, using standard algorithms for up to three-digit numbers in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division operations; and data handling, identifying and enhancing simple patterns and understanding basic data in daily activities.

FLN Developmental Goals

According to a Bipartisan Policy Center study, before reaching the age of 5, 90% of a child's brain undergoes development, with rapid development in the 3-6 age group influencing success in school and later life. Positive experiences in this foundational stage support lifelong learning, while unaddressed learning gaps may persist and widen over time.

Goal 1: The first goal is to focus on the health and well-being of the student.

Goal 2: This goal emphasises Effective communication.

Goal 3: The third goal focuses on creating students as involved learners.  

Conclusion

Children facing academic challenges may fail to meet learning objectives. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, NEP 2020 underscores the urgency of a nationwide effort to ensure all children attain a foundational level of literacy and numeracy. FLN Framework in the National Education Policy aims to grant students access to quality education, fostering fundamental literacy and numeracy skills while significantly emphasising this goal. Emphasising the significance of monitoring individual student advancements enables educators to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses and adapt their teaching approaches accordingly.