Turning green with joy

BOOKS AND students are not easily parted. The more engrossing the tome, the more unputdownable it is. Of course, we are not talking about textbooks. So how about a set of books that both student and teacher could follow, with lots of pictures, Do It Yourself activity and a message on the growing urban challenge to a healthy life? The story is linked to the Students Exnora Programme (STEP) on environmental education on the campuses. The programme has been launched in 40 schools with many others seeking to get into the fold.

Recently, a brother-sister duo came out with the set of ``Green Books'' for teachers and students on the dos and donts of environmental activities. This well produced `book and teacher guide' talk about a host of things that go to make up the environment and the way we can preserve it.

For young people, the books should be particularly engrossing, as they are peppered with cartoon illustrations that make things crystal clear.

The teachers' manual involves them in preparing the students to make the most of the activities included. So whodunit? Sangeetha Sriram and Murali worked on the books. They were commended for their effort, by all those who saw the result.

The script in both the books is supported by illustrations, and the volume for the students is full of humorous ones, which liven up the content. Murali's pencil did the trick, with text provided by his sister Sangeetha.

There is a foreword by M.B. Nirmal, Founder Chairman, Exnora International, who offers to make the books available to schools which are interested in starting clubs based on the suggested activities (tel: 4759477).

The student activity book has a pledge to conserve the environment. There are plenty of tips on the home and neighbourhood.

The teachers' manual dwells more on the teaching materials required for environmental education and the procedure of teaching. An earlier edition did not have the natural environment component, which has been included in detail now, in addition to the urban environment.

By Saptarshi Bhattacharya

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