The new curriculum strives towards holistic development of the child, providing them with the appropriate attitude, tools and knowledge base to become global citizens. The goal is deliver an optimal platform that allows them to maximize opportunities and overcome any challenges thrown at them by an ever-flattening world.
One of the best ways to steer children towards this path to success is to read, read and read!
“It is books that are the key to the wide world; if you can’t do anything else, read all that you can.” —Jane Hamilton
Reading forms a fundamental part of every one’s progress.The updated CISCE curriculum has provided ICSE/ISC schools with a wide range of age appropriate books written by authors across genre, time and geography. A sample of the books included in the reading list are:
- Mythology: The Ramayana/ Mahabharata – C. Rajagopalachari, Amar Chitra Katha
- Comics: Tin Tin Series/ Asterix Series
- Auto/biographies: Mahatma Gandhi, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Jawaharlal Nehru,Nelson Mandela, MalalaYousafzai
- Poems: Rabindranath Tagore, A.A. Milne
- Mystery:Agatha Christie
- Adventure: Treasure Island – RL Stevenson
- Fantasy: Harry Potter Books by J.K. Rowling, The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien,Peter and Wendy (Peter Pan) – J. M. Barrie
- Short Stories; Malgudi Days - R.K. Narayan, The Blue Umbrella, Ruskin Bond
- Children’s Classics: Books by Roald Dahl (James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the ChocolateFactory etc.), Little Women – Louisa M. Alcott (Abridged), Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White, Black Beauty – Anna Sewell
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”— Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”
So how does a broader range of books that includes some of the most popular reads of our time expand our children’s mind and inculcate good reading habits?
- Encourages love for reading.No longer do students have to hide that Horrid Henry book or Asterix magazine. Instead their thoughts and insights are encouraged and discussed in the classroom. By incorporating into the curriculum books that a large part of the class is enjoying, schools will open doors to students exploring other interests. One Tin Tin fan may suggest to fellow mates how much they enjoyed the classic David Copperfield whereas another Harry Potter fan may also recommend Lord of the Rings to the grade.
- Expands knowledge base. An expansive reading list exposes children to different characters and lifestyles across the globe. For example, reading about I Am Malala fosters their understanding of another culture and strife’s in other parts of the world. Biographies can bring to light the humble beginnings of great leaders and the struggles they overcame through strategy or sheer persistence. Students will truly build a strong knowledge base in an extensive range of topics which they can incorporate into their essays, presentations, interviews and much more!
- Builds vocabulary. If a child consistently reads science fiction, their vocabulary is also limited to this genre. However, by reading across numerous mediums you discover new words and meanings, including some current lingo and phrases! This prepares students for every phase of their life from academics to professional, as a strong communicator is always valued.
Additionally, books have the ability to stimulate a child’s imagination, foster creativity, introduce them to role models, enhance concentration, develop logical thinking and so much more.
Every child is different, as one devours current affairs and debates about the current state of the economy; another is imaging how to build a spaceship that will travel across the galaxy. A book about a little girl working her way through adolescence or another about a boy losing his first tooth can have a profound impact on a child’s growth and future. However, none of these stories may have found the right reader if the curriculum did not allow students to explore a broad range of topics.
Books truly have the power to transform a child’s life. By incorporating some of the most popular books of not only our time, but across time, the CISCE has opened the hearts and minds of ICSE/ISC students across India.
“A lot of people ask me if I were shipwrecked and could only have one book, what would it be? I always say, “How to Build a Boat.”—Stephen Wright
