Children are Watching

"Conrad and Company" is a two-level beginners' course for 6-10 year-olds with an original approach to learning English. Function and activity based, it uses total physical response (TPR), games and songs and visual material as the basis for language learning. The course is illustrated, and features a cast of friendly monster characters. Simple stories are used to teach more language through listening and then acting out and re-telling the stories in oral and written exercies. The stories are constructed within the framework of the course, so language should develop at a natural pace. Pupils are encouraged to work at their own pace. A "silent period" is allowed for, as pupils develop awareness of the language before they are ready to speak. They take part in games and chants, enjoy stories and songs, and can join in more and more as they become confident in the language.