Class IV Mathematics

Gender sensitisation remains a focus area of the NCERT books all through. The magic math book for Class-IV students presents the story of Kiran, a kabadiwala (scrap dealer) in Bihar who despite her abject poverty struggled to make her own identity in society. Kiran, who could not pursue her education beyond a certain point, has been recently made the brand ambassador of UNICEF to promote female literacy in Bihar. It is the true story of a village girl who proved that poverty and gender disparity cannot be impediments in the way to achieve success. Mathematics, however, remains the focus as she encourages children to do mathematical calculations based on her daily expenditure and investments.Class VI Social & Political Life

Class VI Social & Political Life

What is most refreshing is the direct attempt to encourage children to question social prejudices, discrimination and inequalities. The Class VI textbook titled Social and Political Life (NCERT, February 2006) begins with a chapter on diversity. Students are asked to look around and see whether there are any two identical people in their class, examine self-portraits by children on the page, and make a sketch of themselves in the empty box provided. On the next two pages is a simple, heart-rending story by a child narrator, introducing the theme of diverse religions as well as class differences. The textbook directly exposes prejudices - based on caste, class, gender, religion and able-bodied vs ‘disabled’, among other issues — in our society.

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