Turning Classrooms into Playgrounds of Learning at the Best CBSE Schools in Odisha
Learning doesn’t have to feel like a chore. At ODM International School in Angul, education transforms into an adventure where games, play, and interactive activities become powerful tools for deep understanding. Recognised among the best CBSE schools in Odisha, ODM International School has mastered the art of making studying enjoyable through thoughtfully designed play-based and activity-centred approaches that engage young minds while building essential skills.
The Magic of Play-Based Learning in Early Education
When children play, they’re not just having fun—they’re learning in the most natural way possible. ODM International School understands this fundamental truth and weaves it into the fabric of its educational philosophy, particularly in its pre-primary and early childhood programs. The school’s approach moves away from rigid, desk-bound instruction toward dynamic, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and joy.
The pre-primary curriculum at this institution, counted among the best CBSE schools in Odisha, blends the specialised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with their innovative CPX Learning Model. This combination creates a learning environment where children develop personal, social, and cognitive skills through playful yet meaningful experiences. Instead of memorising facts by rote, young learners engage with concepts through sensory exploration, storytelling, number games, and collaborative activities that make abstract ideas tangible and exciting.
Games and Activities That Transform Learning
At ODM International School, every game serves a purpose beyond entertainment. The school has carefully curated a range of activities that target specific developmental milestones while keeping children engaged and motivated. Daily classroom experiences are designed to stimulate language acquisition, numeracy skills, socio-emotional understanding, and motor development—all disguised as play.
Here’s how different types of games support learning at the Best CBSE Schools in Odisha:
- Manipulative Activities: Building blocks, puzzles, and sorting games help children develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities
- Sensory Play: Sand tables, water play, and tactile materials engage multiple senses, strengthening neural pathways and cognitive development
- Group Games: Collaborative challenges teach sharing, turn-taking, conflict resolution, and communication—essential social skills for life
- Storytelling Sessions: Interactive narratives boost language development, listening skills, imagination, and emotional intelligence
- Number Games: Math manipulatives and counting activities make abstract mathematical concepts concrete and enjoyable
- Creative Expression: Art, music, and movement activities nurture creativity, self-expression, and confidence
Creating Environments Where Learning Feels Like Play
The physical environment plays a crucial role in supporting playful learning. ODM International School, recognised as one of the best CBSE schools in Odisha, has designed its classrooms and play areas to invite exploration and movement rather than restricting children to static desk work.
| Learning Space | Purpose | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Classrooms | Equipped with toys, creative materials, and learning stations | Encourages self-directed exploration and discovery |
| Collaborative Zones | Areas designed for group activities and teamwork | Builds social skills and peer learning |
| Sensory Areas | Spaces with varied textures, sounds, and materials | Stimulates cognitive development through multi-sensory engagement |
| Movement Spaces | Open areas for physical games and activities | Supports gross motor development and active learning |
activities, then extend those playful moments into deeper learning opportunities. This approach, common in the best CBSE schools in Odisha, ensures that every child learns at their own pace while remaining engaged and motivated.
Beyond Early Years: Extending Playful Learning
While play-based methods are most prominent in the pre-primary years, ODM International School extends this philosophy throughout its curriculum. As students progress, the school continues to incorporate activity-based and experiential learning approaches, keeping education dynamic and relevant.
The school’s CPX Learning Model—focusing on Character, Potential, and Excel—supports this vision by emphasising creativity, critical thinking, emotional growth, and life skills development alongside academic achievement. Students participate in clubs, co-academic activities like art, music, yoga, and sports, and special events that allow them to apply classroom learning in real-world contexts.
These experiences, hallmarks of the best CBSE schools in Odisha, ensure that students don’t just memorise information but truly understand and can apply what they’ve learned. Whether through science experiments, dramatic performances, or collaborative projects, learning remains engaging and meaningful at every grade level.
The Parent-School Partnership
ODM International School recognises that playful learning extends beyond the classroom. Teachers maintain regular communication with parents, sharing insights about each child’s learning journey, behaviour patterns, and developmental progress. This partnership ensures that the joy of learning cultivated at school continues at home, creating a consistent and supportive environment for every child.
Conclusion
Education at ODM International School in Angul proves that studying can be genuinely enjoyable when approached through play, games, and interactive activities. As one of the best CBSE schools in Odisha, the institution demonstrates that the most effective learning happens when children are engaged, curious, and having fun. By transforming lessons into games and creating environments that encourage exploration, ODM International School prepares students not just for exams but for lifelong learning and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: At what age does ODM International School begin play-based learning?
A: Play-based learning starts in the pre-primary years and is integrated throughout the early childhood program, with activity-based approaches continuing into higher grades.
Q: How do games actually help children learn academic concepts?
A: Games make abstract concepts concrete, engage multiple senses, and maintain motivation—helping children understand and retain information more effectively than passive learning methods.
Q: Does play-based learning prepare children for formal academics?
A: Yes, research shows that play-based learning builds essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills that form a strong foundation for future academic success.
Q: What makes ODM International School stand out among the Best CBSE Schools in Odisha?
A: ODM International School combines the EYFS framework with their innovative CPX Learning Model, creating a unique blend of play-based early education and experiential learning that extends across all grade levels, setting them apart in Odisha’s educational landscape.