by Zeeshan ul Hassan Usmani
Gufthugu Publications presents the fourth book in the Series "One Book - Complete Curriculum", which is for Grade 3. The previous three books in this series, respectively for KG / Pre-KG, Grade 1 and Grade 2, included the subjects Urdu, English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, Islamic Studies and Ethics. In the current volume, we have additionally introduced two new subjects: Financial Literacy and Computer Science. In the previous books, topics covering these two subjects were taught within the Mathematics and Science sections. A child studying in Grade 3 is on average about 9 or 10 years old and, after completing the curriculum from KG to Grade 2, he or she is capable of understanding to a reasonable level of depth the various topics covered in Financial Literacy and Computer Science – separately. In Financial Literacy, we cover topics such as casual marketplace transactions, budgeting, the history of money, and currency exchange. However, this is just the starting point. In-sha Allah in upcoming volumes for subsequent Grades, new aspects of Financial Literacy will be covered in the kind of detail which is not only necessary to understand for ordinary citizens, but also hold significant importance in practical life. Similarly, you will note in the Computer Science section that in addition to introducing hardware, software, user interface, input methods, word processor (Notepad) and graphics design programs (MS Paint), students have also been introduced to basic coding through the 'Scratch' programming language. These coding exercises prove to be incredibly valuable in computer programming. However, in order to learn and teach computer science, the teacher needs to have reasonable understanding and knowledge of the subject. Additionally, access to at least one computer in the learning environment is an absolute necessity. Therefore, our first appeal to teachers / parents is that, before teaching the Computer Science section, they must prepare and understand the subject matter themselves. Our second request is that they must make the effort to purchase a reasonably-priced desktop computer or laptop. We assure you that this will not be an additional expense; rather it will be an investment into your child's future. Finally, we reiterate that we have never understood ourselves to be in possession of complete wisdom, nor have we made any claims to this extent. While we have poured our best intentions as well as keen attention to detail in the design, blueprinting, writing, editing, and production of this volume, there always exists the chance of errors on our part. Therefore, we request all our readers, especially teachers and parents, to immediately inform us of any mistake found, so that we may correct it in the next edition. The circumstances of the Gufthugu Publications are also not concealed from you. As a small publishing house, we have been concurrently battling many fronts. It has been our endeavor from day one to publish meaningful and high-standard books, whose perusal proves beneficial and worthwhile to their readers. We will sign off with just one request that where you encourage our efforts by purchasing our books, do also keep us remembered in your prayers.