In Karnataka, English being taught to over 42 lakh first standard kids

The Government of Karnatakas decision to introduce English from the first standard has evoked mixed reactions, but over 42 lakh children are learning the language from this month.

By K G Vasuki

Bangalore, June 4 : The Government of Karnataka's decision to introduce English from the first standard has evoked mixed reactions, but over 42 lakh children are learning the language from this month.

The Government decision is based on the recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission.All teachers of Kannada schools run by the State Government are involved in this historic process.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, the Commissioner of Public Instruction, M Madan Gopal, said that over 60,000 teachers are being trained to teach specially designed English books for the benefit of rural students.

"For the decision to introduce English from Class I in these schools is a big learning experience for the teachers too. The specially designed resource book teaches the teachers how to teach English to these kids," claimed Gopal.

The government has prepared a 174-page resource book for teachers. It teaches teachers on how to read stories, rhymes and songs and how to plan class routine.

Rekha Kumari, a government primary school teacher, said that it is an enriching experience.The book has been specially designed for first-time learners. There are 50 short stories ranging from 'Alibaba and the 40 Thieves' to 'Birbal and the Child'.

Seema, a first standard kid, said learning English through a descriptive book is an interesting thing.

The Regional Institute of English here has designed an innovative syllabus. The Directorate of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT) in collaboration with the Karnataka Textbook Society published the textbooks.

In fact, 18 states have already introduced English from Standard One.

ANI