English is not just another subject at Walnut. It is the first language and the medium of instruction. Weakness in English affects every subject. That’s why we give extra attention right from Nursery, with a carefully crafted journey that sharpens skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking in English.
Daily English periods from Std. 1 upwards.
Creative writing starts in Std. 1 → gradually levels up.
Students become confident with longer texts, analysis and expression.
Walnut English Program
Walnut English Program
Daily English period (5x a week)
- NCERT books + additional stories and poems. Revision after every lesson → followed by Test Bytes (MCQs).
- Novel analysis (Std. 4 – 7) → Helps understand story arcs, remember larger plots, analysis and understanding across longer story lines.
- A very systematic grammar program → prepares students for high scores in the boards and competitive exams and also gets their communication sharper and more precise.
- A lot of Unseen Comprehension practice → vital for all subjects, life and exams.
- Intense creative writing → with inbuilt guidance for better vocabulary, expression and mature writing.
- Additional periodic descriptive tests twice a unit (Std. 8 – 10) to build board exam confidence.
Supportive co-curriculars
- Language Arts (Std. 1 – 2) : Train students for creative writing. Read more.
- Speaking (Std 1 – 10) : Develop skills related to observations, descriptions, predictions, deductions, opinions, analysis, arguments. Read more.
- Reading (Std. 1 – 4) : one on one time with the teacher to read fluently for understanding. Read more.
With all this, Walnut students are naturally way ahead of their peers in their English language skills on all fronts – reading, writing, speaking and understanding.
What novels do Walnut students study and why?
What novels do Walnut students study and why?
Novels build stamina for longer reading and help students practise creative assignments based on storylines. Here are the novels that our students study.
- Std. 4 → The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.
- Std. 5 → Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.
- Std. 6 → Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling.
- Std. 7 → Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.
Novels push students into deeper comprehension, richer vocabulary, empathy, and analytical writing — diary entries, alternate perspectives, descriptive paragraphs.
Using novels as textbooks for the last week of every unit (Std. 4–7) is a unique Walnut innovation.
Novels help students:
Novels help students:
- Develop reading stamina → handling longer texts in one sitting.
- Improve vocabulary and expression → learning words in context.
- Strengthen creative writing → richer stories, diary entries, descriptive tasks.
- Build critical thinking → analysing events, perspectives, motives.
- Gain empathy & awareness → connecting with characters and social issues.
- Make real-world connections → challenges, ethics, and problem-solving.
Read our blog : Why We Teach Novels at Walnut School.
