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Basic principles

We immerse children in the English language: all of our material is provided in English. Our basis is formed by the four strands of Paul Nation: 25% meaning-focused input, 25% meaning-focused output, 25% language-focused learning, and 25% fluency. All our exercises call on speaking, listening, reading and writing. While they work, the children expand their knowledge of and skills in English.

All the tasks are arranged around themes. Some themes return on all the educational levels, while others have been developed specifically for one level. Children learn in different ways, so our material is not linear: children can start in all kinds of ways. Some children start by learning new words. Others start working and expand their vocabulary that way.

Diagram of materials per level

Explorations

Fifteen Explorations are available in boxes and cards for each theme for middle and senior school. The themes are divided across three drawers: About me, Around me and The world around me.

The Explorations challenge the children to start working ‘just like that’. The focus on discovery helps them build up their vocabulary through discovery. Websites are used frequently, bringing the children into contact with all kinds of spoken and sung texts. The Explorations usually have an open character and address the creativity of children and of teachers. With the differing levels of difficulty they provide a challenge for every child.

Word Boxes en Picture Boxes

Every theme has its own word box, providing words from the children’s perception of the world.

According to age, the box is filled with more or fewer words. The word boxes will form an initial introduction to a theme. Besides the word boxes, there are also picture boxes. In junior school the images have QR codes. When a tablet is used, the code refers to a sound fragment.
Besides the picture boxes, there are also a few large pictures which can be used for group activities.

Groundwork

Groundwork consists of various kinds of tasks. A box with Variations supports all the word and picture boxes. The Variations stimulate the children to practise expanding their vocabulary in very diverse and creative ways. They can be used with any Word or Picture box. Thanks to the many Variations, there is no problem in using the boxes more often. Differentiation occurs automatically.

Explanations

The Explanations are part of the groundwork. A booklet provide a clear, brief explanation of English grammar. The booklet can be used for group lessons, as reference material as well as individually.

Apart from the booklet, there are also boxes with exercises which the children can use to practise the grammar they have been offered. Children are challenged to use the boxes with the Variations and Explorations. A link is also made with naming words, using slips with language symbols.

Inspirations

The main aim of the Inspirations is to provide pithy learning content according to themes and to inspire children.

An Inspiration is a card the teacher can use to introduce a theme or offer learning content. It is the line of the teacher: how do you offer something, what do you say, what is your aim and what kinds of things can you do with the children?  The card gives the goal, the words that can be offered, the chunks (word groups), a presentation and possible variations. There are also various ideas for variations for the children, both individually and in groups.

Manual

You can download the Exploring English manual and the step-by-step plan to unpack and arrange the cupboard.