Based on NCERT Mridang
CBSE Class 1 English: Syllabus, Units & Sample Practice
Explore all 4 units of the NCERT "Mridang" reader, see the rhymes and stories inside each, and work through a stepped demonstration question — the joyful start of school English.
Syllabus reviewed: November 2026
Key Curriculum Facts
- Mridang
- NCERT Reader
- The current NCERT Class 1 English book
- 4
- Units
- Rhymes, stories and picture reading
- School-based
- Assessment
- Foundational Stage — play-based, no board exam
What the Class 1 English Year Really Builds
CBSE Class 1 English follows the NCERT reader "Mridang", a play-based book designed for the Foundational Stage under NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage (NCF-FS 2022). Rhymes, picture reading and short stories build listening, speaking and the first steps of reading and writing.
Its four themed units move from the familiar world of family and food to seasons and life around us, so language grows from things children already know. There is no examination at Class 1; learning is assessed informally through activities and observation.
This page shows EduMagik's stepped reasoning approach with a worked demonstration question: a clue first, then a full explanation, so the thinking is understood rather than just the answer.
Complete Unit Directory (NCERT Mridang, Class 1)
All 4 units of the Class 1 English reader, with the pieces inside each, plus the early-language skills the year builds
The Four Units
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Ch 1
My Family and Me
Rhyme "Two Little Hands" and the reading piece "Greetings".
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Ch 2
Life Around Us
Picture reading "Picture Time", the story "The Cap-seller and the Monkeys" and the rhyme "A Farm".
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Ch 3
Food
Picture activity "Fun with Pictures" and the reading piece "The Food we Eat".
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Ch 4
Seasons
Rhyme "The Four Seasons" and the story "Anandi’s Rainbow".
Early-Language Skills This Year Builds
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Ch 1
Listening & Speaking
Rhymes, songs and picture talk to build spoken English and listening.
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Ch 2
Reading & Phonics
Letter sounds, simple words and reading short picture-supported texts.
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Ch 3
Early Writing
Letter formation, copying words and writing very simple words.
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Ch 4
Vocabulary
Everyday words for family, food, seasons and the world around.
Which word rhymes with "cat"?
Reasoning Clue & Solution
Rhyming words end with the same sound. Say each word aloud and listen to its ending.
The EduMagik 3-Step Hint Ladder
Point to the Method
Names the idea to use (e.g. "Listen to the ending sound of each word") without giving the answer.
Guided Reasoning Prompt
Prompts the key step (e.g. "Which word ends with the same sound as ‘cat’?").
Complete Worked Solution
Explains the rhyme so the thinking is clear.
How to Build Strong Class 1 English Habits
Simple, high-impact ways to begin reading and speaking
Sing and Say Rhymes
Saying the Mridang rhymes together builds sound awareness, vocabulary and confidence.
Little and Often
A few minutes of letter sounds and picture talk each day works better than long sessions.
Talk About Pictures
The picture-reading pages invite talk — describing what is happening builds language naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many units are in the CBSE Class 1 English syllabus?
The NCERT Class 1 English reader "Mridang" has 4 units, built from rhymes, picture reading and short stories. Always confirm the current list with NCERT or your school.
What is the Class 1 English NCERT book called?
It is "Mridang", a play-based English reader written for the Foundational Stage (NCF-FS 2022), replacing the older Marigold reader.
Is there an exam in CBSE Class 1?
No. Class 1 is part of the Foundational Stage and learning is assessed informally through activities and observation, not any formal written or board examination.
What does Class 1 English cover?
Listening and speaking through rhymes and picture talk, early reading and phonics, letter formation and simple writing, and everyday vocabulary — all through the Mridang reader.
Related Learning Paths
Build CBSE Class 1 English Confidence, Step by Step
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