Pages of new Std I textbooks focus on 68 skills based on storytelling, songs & puzzles

Time of India

21 hours ago

Pune: The new Std I textbooks for state board schools introduce a fresh, activity-based approach to learning for more exciting classrooms across Maharashtra.
Moving beyond traditional methods, these books focus on developing 68 key skills through storytelling, games, puzzles, songs, and hands-on activities with consideration to children's emotional worlds and their preferences.
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Designed under National Education Policy 2020 guidelines and inspired by the CBSE pattern, the curriculum includes three subjects—Marathi, mathematics and English.
The emphasis is on understanding rather than memorising, with concepts taught using local contexts and the mother tongue to make learning relatable and enjoyable. Special care was taken to include elements of India's traditional knowledge systems while also preparing children for future challenges.
Experts said this is a big step towards making education child-friendly and meaningful. With more space for creativity and expression, these books are expected to make the classroom a place where curiosity and joy lead the way.
Rama Kulkarni, principal of SPM English Medium School's primary section, said, "The textbooks have more focus on activity-based learning with NEP as the base. For instance, instead of reading and writing, the curriculum has listening and communication skills."
Although there is not much difference in the language subject textbook compared to the last year, the focus is on enrichment. Ajay Kale, a primary teacher at District Council School in Siddhewadi in Tasgaon in Sangli district said the textbooks are contextually relevant, taking local conditions into account, with a foundation in the mother tongue.
Kale, who is also a state-level expert guide in Std I curriculum training, said, "Independent space is provided for activities.
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The Indian knowledge system has been incorporated. Priority is on 'how to learn' from a child's perspective. The difficulty level in mathematics has gone up."
The National Council of Educational Research and Training prepared the curriculum based on the central and state syllabus frameworks.
Former vice-president of State Headmasters' Association Mahendra Ganpule, said the textbooks emphasise activities, and efforts were made to bring good quality education.
"Effective implementation of NCERT guidelines was ensured while preparing the curriculum and textbooks. Importance was given to activity-based and experience-based learning for students. The creation of new textbooks reflects an effort to prepare school students from the primary level to face upcoming challenging situations and various competitive exams," he added.
Head: Emphasis on expression
The textbooks emphasise activities and language
Improvement in communication skills
Introduction to the Indian knowledge system
Focus on understanding concepts in the mother tongue
Use of local context as a reference
Learning mathematical concepts in simple language
Special efforts for language enrichment
What's On The Pages?
The Marathi textbook includes stories, picture stories, letters, phonetic symbols, reading lessons, language puzzles, language games, and activities, along with nine poems
Mathematics textbook explains concepts in a simple language
Content aligns with educational goals, curriculum objectives, skills, and learning outcomes
Textbooks have activities, games, stories and songs
Marathi I 80 pages
Mathematics I 104 pages
English I 76 pages