The curriculum includes not only what should be taught and how, but also emphasises structured activities and the importance of parental involvement. (Representational Image/File)The State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has developed Maharashtra’s first-ever curriculum books for Anganwadis.The SCERT has prepared handbooks titled Maitri Balmanashi (friendship with a child) in two parts created for Anganwadi teachers.The curriculum is designed to achieve five developmental goals in early childhood education: language, cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.It defines clear learning outcomes and outlines appropriate pedagogical approaches for each level.The curriculum includes not only what should be taught and how, but also emphasises structured activities and the importance of parental involvement.A key feature is the inclusion of field visits to local places such as post offices, farms, shops, and markets.“The objective is to stimulate various senses of children through observation and curiosity. Learning in the classroom cannot be isolated from the surroundings in which children live. For instance, instead of just showing images of a train, children will benefit more by visiting a railway station and observing a real train,” explained an SCERT official.Story continues below this adA committee of experts was formed to design this curriculum and prepare the handbooks.While Anganwadi teachers are being trained by SCERT to effectively implement the curriculum, these handbooks will serve as practical guides for teaching at each pre-primary level—nursery, junior KG, and senior KG.Highlighting inclusive education, the curriculum also equips teachers to identify developmental delays and support children with special needs.Welcoming the initiative, Mahendra Ganpule from Maharashtra School Principals’ Association, said, “This is the first time that books have been developed for pre-primary education. The AI developed images in the books are noteworthy as opposed to conventional drawings and images used in books.”Story continues below this adThe curriculum is based on learning goals outlined under Aadharsheela—the national framework for early childhood care and education targeting children aged 3 to 6 years, who are now formally included under education as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.While the handbooks are being distributed to Anganwadi teachers, they are also available on the SCERT website for other pre-primary institutions.With pre-primary education now integrated into the formal system, schools have been directed to upload data of these students to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), the official repository for school education statistics.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd