A text book is a specially written book that contains selective and systematic knowledge about the prescribed curriculum. It presents information and learning activities in a coherent and sequenced manner suited to the intended learners. A text book differs from an ordinary book in that it is student-friendly and reflects teaching goals and techniques. While some thinkers argued against textbooks, most educationists see them as an integral part of any educational system. A well-chosen social science textbook can aid the teacher and provide essential information to students in a clear, explanatory, and suitable manner. It should help achieve national goals and develop international understanding.

1. TEXT BOOKS
INTRODUCTION :-
A Text Book is a specially written book which contains selective and
systematic knowledge regarding the curriculum material prescribed every case is
taken to maintain coherence and sequence in the presentation of information and
learning activities. It is made simple to the degree that suits the intended learns. It
is not a bare statement of information; on the other hand it would indicate. Various
teaching learning devices and a rich dose of pedagogy with all its implications such
as devices for practices, application, motivation and fination of learning. That is
way a text book is said to be “The teacher in print” A text book differ from an
ordinary book mainly on the basis that it is basically student friendly and also
reflects the anticipated interactional goals, teaching leaning techniques etc.
Text Book
In fact these exists divergent views regarding the place of text books in the
educative process. Thinkers like Froebal, John Dewey and Mahathma Gandhi
raised a revolt against bookish knowledge. This led to the attempts made by some
pedagogues to dispense with textbooks an instrument and tool for first half of the
20th
centaury a through testing was undertaken by some thoughtful students of
education in the USA.
The consensus of opinions of educationists in India as well as abroad reveals
that the text-book is an integral part of any educational system. According to the
report of the Text-book committee of the control advisory board of Education, “A
modern education system without text-books is as difficult to imagine as hamlet
without the prince of Denmark”.
The Text book in fact, constitutes an inseparable part of any system of
education today. Even in the most developed counters, where a variant of teaching
leaning tools and techniques are available in the classrooms, text books continue to
enjoy there rightful place.

2. As far as social science is concerned the text book is an aid which is
considered indispensable in all methods adopted for its instruction a well chosen
textbook can always be a useful adjunct to the effort of the teacher and a to the
pupil.
The functions of the social science Text Book
The social text book serves the following functions.
1. In the primary classes, it can be relied upon for essential information, so
organized as to show order and continuity and so presented as to be land
interesting and attractive.
2. In the secondary class, it should contain well arranged comprehensive
knowledge required to enable them prepare for their successful adult hide. The text
book should expand its scope and size to meet the changing conception of what is
considered educationally sound and desirable.
Critical for a good social science Text Book
To be an affective aid, it must contain all the qualities of an instructional
material. A good social science text-book must satisfy the following criteria.
1. It should help in achieving the purpose of leaning social science:- It should
assume special responsibility towards the promotion of some national goals like
secularism and national integration. The book though its contest, style of
presentation, exercise and illustrations should provide the understanding and
insights which are necessary for the realization of national goals.
2. It should have a clear and self explanatory arrangement:- It should have a
detailed table of contents. The material should be arranged under hecklings and sub
headling to be eascly comprehended by the pupils.
3. The language of the Text Book should be suitable for the “reading age” of the
pupils:- The text book for the younger children especially should be written in
simple sentences so as to establish an effective communication with them. The
language used should also be accurate and appropriate so that it help in emailing
children’s language.

3. 4. It should help in developing international understanding:- It should emphasize
cultural relations between the nations of the world and the contribution of different
nations to the pool of world civilization.
5. It should contains references for further study and reference for collateral
reading:- This will motivate interested pupils to pursue their studies further.
6. It should also caret to the needs of backward pupils:- This is especially requested
for text books for higher classes. Index can be helpful in developing independent
study habits in pupils it will help in developing in purples the habit of making
references and comparisons and facilitating a combination of topics maintaining
the chronological approach.
Conclusion
The text book is an aid which is considered indispensable in all methods
adopted for its instructions. For the study of the subject the role played by text
books is second only to that of the teacher it acts as the leaner’s chief aid and
support. A well chosen text book can always be a useful adjunct to the efforts of
the teacher and a reassurance to the pupil. A text book is a specially written book
which contains selective and systematic knowledge regarding the curriculum
material prescribed.
Reference
1. Social science Education:- Dr.Sivarajan
2. Social science teacher Education:- Dr.T.V Thulasidharan
3. www.wikepedia.com