Nursery Syllabus in India 2026: Complete Guide to Fun Learning Activities

Starting school is a big milestone for every child. Nursery is the very first step in a child’s formal education journey. It’s where learning becomes fun, curiosity blossoms, and little ones begin to explore the world around them. But what exactly does your child learn in nursery?

The Nursery Syllabus is carefully designed to help children grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually — all through play and exploration. In this article by School Dekho, we’ll walk you through the complete nursery syllabus, its subjects, key learning areas, and why it’s so important for your child’s early development.

What Is the Nursery Syllabus?

The nursery syllabus is a set of learning goals and activities meant for children aged 3 to 4 years. It’s not about exams or grades — it’s about building the right foundation for lifelong learning.

The syllabus includes:

• Language and communication development

• Pre-math skills

• Creative arts and expression

• Environmental awareness

• Physical and emotional growth

In simple terms, nursery helps children learn how to learn — through songs, stories, games, and exploration.

Objectives of the Nursery Syllabus

Every part of the nursery curriculum is designed to help children:

• Develop confidence and independence

• Improve communication and listening skills

• Learn to express thoughts and emotions

• Build motor skills through play and movement

• Recognize basic shapes, numbers, and letters

• Respect others and work in groups

These goals make sure children are ready for kindergarten and beyond.

Subjects and Learning Areas in Nursery

Let’s explore the main subjects included in the nursery syllabus and what children learn in each area.

Language and Literacy Development

Language forms the foundation of all learning. At this stage, children begin to recognize sounds, letters, and words.

Key Activities:

• Learning alphabets (A to Z)

• Identifying pictures with starting letters

• Rhyming words and sound games

• Listening to short stories and repeating phrases

• Recognizing their name and simple sight words

Learning Outcome:
Children start understanding that letters form words and words form stories. They develop early reading and speaking skills naturally.

Numeracy and Early Math Skills

Math in nursery is introduced through games and activities, not textbooks. Children learn basic number concepts in a fun, hands-on way.

Key Activities:

• Counting objects (1 to 20)

• Recognizing numbers (1 to 10 or 20)

• Identifying shapes (circle, square, triangle, etc.)

• Understanding size (big/small, tall/short)

• Learning basic comparisons (more/less, heavy/light)

Learning Outcome:
Kids develop logical thinking and understand how to compare, count, and recognize patterns.

Environmental Studies (EVS)

This area helps children explore the world around them. It teaches them about nature, seasons, animals, and people who help us in daily life.

Key Activities:

• Learning about family and community helpers

• Recognizing fruits, vegetables, and animals

• Understanding seasons, weather, and days of the week

• Knowing about cleanliness and personal hygiene

Learning Outcome:
Children become more aware of their surroundings, develop respect for nature, and learn basic environmental habits.

Creative Arts and Craft

Art is one of the best ways for children to express themselves. It builds imagination, fine motor skills, and confidence.

Key Activities:

• Coloring, drawing, and finger painting

• Paper folding (origami basics)

• Clay modeling

• Craft using everyday materials

Learning Outcome:
Children learn to express their creativity, identify colors, and improve hand-eye coordination.

Music, Dance, and Rhymes

Nursery is full of music! Songs and rhymes help children remember concepts easily and enjoy learning.

Key Activities:

• Singing nursery rhymes

• Learning action songs

• Playing with musical instruments (like tambourine, drum)

• Participating in simple dances

Learning Outcome:
Music improves memory, rhythm, and coordination while building confidence during group performances.

Physical Development (Gross and Fine Motor Skills)

Physical activity is a key part of the nursery syllabus. It helps children stay active and develop coordination.

Key Activities:

• Running, jumping, hopping

• Throwing and catching balls

• Balancing and climbing

• Using building blocks and puzzles

Learning Outcome:
Children improve balance, strength, and focus, making them more confident in their movements.

Social and Emotional Learning

At this age, children start making friends and learning social rules. Emotional development is just as important as academics.

Key Activities:

• Group games and sharing activities

• Learning to say “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry”

• Role-play to express emotions

• Storytime discussions about feelings

Learning Outcome:
Children learn to respect others, manage emotions, and understand right from wrong.

Moral and Value Education

Good habits and values start early. Teachers introduce positive behaviors through simple lessons and storytelling.

Key Activities:

• Learning about honesty, kindness, and sharing

• Participating in group activities

• Understanding respect for elders and teachers

Learning Outcome:
Children grow with strong moral values and a positive attitude toward life.

Weekly and Monthly Nursery Syllabus Breakdown

Here’s a general overview of how the nursery syllabus may be divided through the academic year:

Month 1–2: Introduction to alphabets, numbers (1–10), colors, shapes, and basic manners.
Month 3–4: Learning small words, simple counting, and seasons.
Month 5–6: Practice through songs, story-telling, and creative art projects.
Month 7–8: Introduction to environmental topics (animals, fruits, helpers).
Month 9–10: Revision and fun learning through play-based assessments.

Each month’s activities are designed to reinforce learning while keeping curiosity alive.

Teaching Methods in Nursery

Nursery education uses activity-based learning instead of rote memorization. Teachers encourage children to explore, touch, and experiment.

Common Methods Include:

• Play-based learning: Learning through toys and games.

• Montessori method: Independent exploration with guided materials.

• Storytelling: To improve listening and imagination.

• Music and movement: Helps with rhythm and body control.

• Art and craft: Encourages creativity and fine motor control.

These methods make nursery learning interactive and joyful for every child.

Importance of the Nursery Syllabus

The nursery syllabus plays a vital role in shaping a child’s early years. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Builds the foundation for reading, writing, and math

• Promotes emotional and social skills

• Improves focus and concentration

• Encourages independent thinking

• Helps children adapt to structured learning

A well-structured syllabus ensures that learning feels like fun, not pressure.

Nursery Syllabus in CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards

Every board follows similar goals for nursery, though the structure may vary slightly:

CBSE Nursery Syllabus:

Focuses on all-round development — includes language, math, EVS, arts, and physical education.
Emphasizes activity-based learning and environmental awareness.

ICSE Nursery Syllabus:

Gives importance to communication skills, vocabulary, and creativity.
Encourages reading and story-based activities early.

State Board Syllabus (like West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, UP, MP, Odisha):

Follows local culture and language while covering similar foundational subjects.
Focuses on regional stories, songs, and community-based learning.

How Parents Can Support Nursery Learning at Home

Learning doesn’t stop at school! Parents can play a huge role in their child’s development.

Tips for Parents:

• Read short stories daily

• Talk and listen to your child with patience

• Play educational games

• Encourage drawing, building blocks, or puzzles

• Maintain a daily routine for sleep and meals

• Praise their efforts, not just results

Parental involvement helps children gain confidence and love learning.

Real Parent Stories

Mom Priya (Delhi)

• “Timmy knew zero letters. After ‘A for Apple’ week, he wrote ‘A’ on walls—with crayons!”
• Now reads picture books.

Dad Rohan (Mumbai)

• “Theme ‘Transport’—Aria made paper boats. She counts 1-10 while sailing them in tub!”

Your turn soon.

Key Takeaways

• The nursery syllabus lays the foundation for lifelong learning.

• It focuses on developing social, emotional, and academic skills.

• Children learn best through play and exploration.

• Parents and teachers together create a nurturing environment.

• Every activity — from singing to storytelling — builds confidence and curiosity.

Conclusion: Every Big Dream Begins with Small Steps

Nursery education is not just about learning ABCs or 123s — it’s about building curiosity, kindness, and creativity. A strong nursery syllabus helps every child take the first confident step into the world of learning.

So, parents, choose a school that values early development and focuses on fun-based education. With the right start, your child will not just learn — they’ll love to learn!