The Child's Language and the teacher: a handbook

Since its first appearance in 1986 under the auspices of
UNICEF, this little handbook has found countless admirers
and users all over the country. As its author I have never
stopped feeling both surprised and daunted by the expec-
tations that so many people associate with this book.
Apparently, the book fills a gap which is much bigger than
I had thought at the time of planning to write it. Voluntary
agencies were always enthusiastic about it, but now even
state governments are taking a keen interest in disseminat-
ing it. Its revised Hindi original, which was brought out by
the National Book Trust some time back, has also found an
audience among parents. This new English edition will, I
hope, satisfactorily meet the demand which has been
created by fresh initiatives in primary education.
I am grateful to UNICEF for permitting the publication
of this revised edition by the National Book Trust. I am also
grateful to Frances Kumar, my wife and dedicated teacher
of young children, for helping me draft the revisions and
identifying the English poems included in the chapter on
Reading