Ranchi: School education and literacy department has introduced a novel approach to encourage reading among children by integrating picture books into primary school education. Created through collaboration between state school teachers, Jharkhand Education Project Council and India Partnership for Early Learning (IPEL), the books combine educational content with playful elements across government schools.
Kumar Gaurav, literacy programme officer at IPEL, said, "Over the past six months, teachers from various districts have worked on these visually-rich books, which include folk tales, cultural themes, and social-emotional learning. To encourage a love for reading and foster cultural understanding, these books have a series of engaging picture designed to captivate their interest while enhancing their learning experience."
Following the education department's directives to identify teachers across districts for book development, ten picture books have been produced. These publications showcase Jharkhand's cultural heritage, traditional stories, and customs while incorporating social and emotional learning components to instil values through enjoyable learning experiences.
One notable example is "Tetri Rani ka X-Ray" by Jaya Rani, which presents an amusing tale about an elderly village resident's reluctance towards modern medical equipment, specifically an X-ray machine. The story introduces children to technological advancement while acknowledging generational resistance to change.
"Rugda", authored by Jaya Prabha Mahato, narrates how a rural child learns traditional methods of gathering seasonal foods by following their elders' practices. This narrative emphasises the significance of knowledge transfer between generations and highlights the connection between state residents and their natural surroundings.
Educators recognise these books as valuable tools for combining educational objectives with cultural awareness. Jaya Rani, who teaches at Upgraded High School in Palamu, said, "Such books are not only educational but also spark curiosity and creativity in children. They make learning enjoyable, and children can relate to the stories and illustrations. The content of these books is closely related to real-life situations, making it easier for students to grasp and understand the material."
"One of the primary goals of the picture books is to allow children to make personal connections with the content. By including stories and illustrations that represent the local context, the education department hopes students will see their own experiences and culture reflected in the material. These books are intended to spark children's curiosity, encourage them to read independently, and create a more engaging learning environment."