Four new textbooks to be introduced for grades IV and VI

The government is set to introduce four new textbooks for grade four (primary) and grade six (secondary) beginning with the 2027 academic year, marking another step in the country's ongoing education reforms.

The proposed books will feature 35 chapters in total and are designed to strengthen students' practical skills, cultural awareness, physical well-being and career readiness.

The proposed textbooks are:

Grade four: Sports and Culture of Bangladesh

Grade six: Joyful Learning and My Technical Education

A two-day validation program began on July 12, where education experts, teachers, and stakeholders are reviewing the preliminary drafts. The textbooks will be finalized after incorporating recommendations from the evaluation process.

Expert Team Leading the Development

According to officials from the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) and the Ministry of Education, the initial framework has been prepared by a team of education specialists from the Institute of Education and Research (IER), University of Dhaka, along with subject experts.

The team is led by Professor Dr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Vice-Chancellor (acting) of the National University, with contributions from Professor Dr. S M Hafizur Rahman, Professor Shah Shamim Ahmed, Associate Professor Dr. Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui, and Dr. Md. Abdul Aziz, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought.

Officials emphasized that the proposed structure remains under review and may be revised following expert feedback.

Grade four 'Sports' Book to Include 13 Chapters

The proposed Sports textbook contains 13 chapters aimed at promoting physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and mental well-being.

Topics include:

Importance and benefits of sports
Physical exercise and fitness
Football
Cricket
Badminton
Kabaddi
Chess
Athletics
Swimming
Martial arts
Sports and mental health
Sports injuries and first aid
Emerging young athletes

Each chapter will introduce students to the basic rules, techniques, practice methods, and personal development opportunities associated with different sports.

'Culture of Bangladesh' to Promote National Heritage

The second Grade four textbook, Culture of Bangladesh, will contain 10 chapters introducing students to the country's rich cultural heritage and diversity.

Key topics include:

Identity and culture
Family and social values
Language and literature
Festivals and traditions
Folk culture
Arts and cultural heritage
Food culture
Traditional clothing and ornaments
Cultures of different ethnic communities
Nature and culture

The book aims to strengthen students' understanding of Bangladesh's traditions while encouraging respect for cultural diversity and national identity.

Grade six 'Joyful Learning' Focuses on Positive Living

The proposed Joyful Learning textbook consists of seven chapters designed to develop healthy habits and emotional well-being.

The chapters cover:

Exercise
Personal hygiene
Humility
Building healthy relationships
Appreciating the world
Gratitude
Ways to live a happy life

Rather than relying solely on theoretical lessons, the book will include practical activities that encourage positive behavior and enjoyable learning experiences.

'My Technical Education' to Build Career Awareness

The second Grade 6 textbook, My Technical Education, is intended to introduce students in general education to vocational and technical skills.

The book is based on John Keller's 1983 ARCS-P Motivation Model, emphasizing:

Attention
Relevance
Confidence
Satisfaction
Purpose

Its five chapters explore:

●The importance of skilled professionals
●Technical skills for easier living
●Learning skills safely
●Technical skills for society and national development
●Career planning through technical education

The book aims to increase students' awareness of skill-based education, future career opportunities, and the practical application of technical knowledge.

Greater Emphasis on Life Skills and Practical Learning

Professor Dr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah said the new textbooks are designed to go beyond traditional academic knowledge by supporting students' physical, mental, social, and emotional development. He noted that the curriculum will also promote creativity, moral values, scientific thinking, technological awareness, and practical life skills needed for the modern world.

He added that education experts, researchers, classroom teachers, and other stakeholders have contributed to the development process, and further revisions will be made following expert evaluation.

Government Pledges Modern, Error-Free Textbooks

Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon said the government is committed to producing modern, high-quality and error-free textbooks for the 2027 academic year.

Speaking at the inauguration of the validation program, he said previous mistakes and outdated content would be removed to provide students with more engaging and relevant learning materials. He also stressed that the quality of printing, paper, illustrations, and book design would receive special attention to make textbooks more attractive and student-friendly.

The introduction of these four new textbooks reflects Bangladesh's broader effort to modernize its education system by combining academic learning with practical skills, cultural understanding, physical development, and career preparedness.