English Learning through Culture, Curiosity and Courage: A Content Analysis of Odisha’s Class VII English Textbook- JASMINE

Abstract

The present paper examines Jasmine, the newly introduced Class VII English textbook of Odisha, prepared in the background of NEP 2020, NCF-SE 2023 and SCF-SE 2025. It asks how far English at the middle stage is made closer to children’s culture, values, environment, imagination and curiosity. The article is based on a close reading of the textbook’s introductory pages, five thematic units, selected lessons, activities, illustrations and value-based tasks. The units—Learning Together, Wit and Humour, Dreams and Discoveries, Travel and Adventure, and Bravehearts—show that the book does not follow a narrow prose-poetry arrangement. Lessons such as The Day the River Spoke, Three Days to See, Animals, Birds, and Dr. Dolittle, North, South, East, West, Conquering the Summit and Rani Abbakka connect English learning with nature, girls’ education, disability sensitivity, humour, national diversity, courage and women’s leadership. The book also gives space to discussion, reflection, listening, speaking, writing and exploration. The analysis suggests that Jasmine is a promising middle-stage textbook, but its classroom value will depend on teacher facilitation, oral practice, inclusive representation and careful use of activity-based sections.