ALL ABOUT ESL TEXTBOOKS
There have been some questions regarding the content and methodologies of the ESL textbooks used in grades I through VI. Here are the explanations why this series has been selected for your children. The ESL textbooks are designed to accommodate benchmarks for students to attain TOEFL proficiency upon completing the SMA curriculum. The learning methodologies that they facilitate—including integrated studies, multiple intelligences, and CALLA (Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach)—will enable students to acquire the necessary critical thinking skills to meet this goal and to begin university studies.
§ Integrated studies teach students from a variety of disciplines and perspectives so that they become proficient in understanding language from different academic points of view, for example: When learning comparatives in the first grade, students are taught the grammar in context of growth. They compare their body sizes, watch mealworms grow, and learn about measurement. Such an approach blends English vocabulary, grammar, and basic scientific and mathematical concepts. In the fifth grade, students study sound and its differentials by using a bar graph that illustrates decibels and leads them to make comparisons about louder and softer sounds. In these two examples, the language points are the same but the context is different. As a result, students learn words from different disciplines and contexts, including science, social studies, mathematics, and history. A multidisciplinary approach thus teaches students to function in English in a variety of academic contexts.
§ The ESL textbooks are designed for full-curriculum, academic classrooms, not language school classrooms. It is essential for students to learn academic language rather than communicative English so that they are prepared for university settings. Although communicative English is considered an essential component of the curriculum, academic English receives the strongest emphasis.
§ Language awareness points (grammar) are embedded in the textbooks and in the activities and projects the students do. Rather than being taught in isolation, they are taught in specific and varied contexts.
§ The ESL textbooks require teachers to employ a variety of methods to appeal to the different ways in which students learn. Methodologies that appeal to multiple intelligences ensure that students are given the opportunity to explore topics in a variety of ways and to explore styles of learning that make the most sense to them. Among the multiple intelligences are linguistic intelligence, mathematical intelligence, musical intelligence, and kinesthetic intelligence.
§ The textbooks were originally developed to integrate students from all over to world into mainstream accelerated English programs in the US. They are multicultural and were developed by experts from all over the world, from Asia and South America to the US and Europe. This series was introduced in Asia seven years ago and continues to be used by many of the IB and international schools.
§ Since the text was meant to integrate foreign students into an all-English learning environment in the US, it often centers on European or American Studies. To achieve balance, the teachers are required to supplement lessons with material that is Asian- specificas part of projects and classroom activities.
§ As students begin a new unit, you will be receiving a copy of the unit planner and a letter that will provide you with information regarding how you can help your children. Please read the information carefully so that you can help your children do homework from the activity book, projects, and other assignments.
If you would like further information we will create a parents’ forum where you can express your concerns and receive more detailed information.
Best regards,
Eve Goodmon
Head of English Department