Practical English- a new set of books for learning and teaching English at the UG level – is an attempt that has been made by SRNM College, Sattur, to produce textbooks for teaching English based on the principle of self-reliance. The preparation of the present set of learning-teaching materials is based on the experience of the teachers who teach the learners at the U.G level. The books have been prepared by the teachers for their learners, under the guidance of experienced teacher-trainers, who are also eminent authors. It is obvious that the teachers are the ones in touch with the ground realities; they are the right people to prepare learning materials suitable to their learners. If given proper training in materials production, they can produce the learning materials based on their local situation. Their involvement in the process of creating materials will have a lasting effect in improving the quality of learning and teaching and making the teachers more responsible and the materials created will be more relevant and effective. This, in a way, is teacher training through materials production. The outside 'experts' can train them in the production of materials and also guide them in using such material in the class. With the right kind of materials and pedagogy produced by our own native wisdom, it is possible for every child to learn English in an enjoyable way without any fear or even conscious effort. For this, our own teachers – the field-workers – who are very familiar with our social and cultural situation and ways of learning must put in some effort to evolve alternative materials and methods.