Tamil Nadu Govt Introduces Structured Reading Scheme For Class 1–8 To Improve Literacy & Use Of Library

The School Education Department of Tamil Nadu has released a Government Order (G.O.) to organize the reading of non-academic books by students in Classes 1 to 8 in all government schools.

It also seeks to improve effective use of school libraries, with a structured plan spread across the whole academic year.

According to the new directive, students will be given books covering a range of themes, such as sports, animals, environment, science, the role of education, and the applications of the Internet, among others.

The reading time has been designed to suit each grade's reading capacity, so as to be within the reach and interest of the students at the primary and upper primary levels.

Apart from reading, the G.O. also provides a detailed plan of activities like story-telling sessions, speeches, and group discussions to enhance student interest in the subject matter.

The sessions are expected to promote language skills, critical awareness, and innovation.

The initiative is a part of a bigger plan announced by the School Education Minister for encouraging reading skills in government schools through theme-based reading weeks, reading competitions, and story-telling sessions.

To facilitate this, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) shall prepare suitable reading material on each weekly theme.

The Integrated Education Department shall monitor implementation of the programme at the school level.

Officials in the Elementary Education Department said that this step follows the success of the 'Vasippu Iyakkam (Reading Movement)', which was expanded last year to all government schools in Tamil Nadu.

As a part of that program, more than 120 Tamil books specially selected for various reading levels were given to each classroom.

The new directive also streamlines the 'Vasippu Iyakkam' initiative by providing a lucid and organized reading schedule, which can be accessed easily by the teachers and put into effective practice.

The Directorate of Elementary Education has worked painstakingly to design the academic calendar, tying it to developmental reading standards of students in Classes 1 to 8.

It is the hope of education authorities that the move will foster a culture of reading among young students, facilitate wholesome learning, and ensure optimal utilization of the vast library facilities that already exist in government schools.