Korean Job Discussion Forums

[RachaelRoo]

for an elementary school class that has just finished Backpack 6? They are at a very advanced level, but they are young (still have two years of elementary school left) and I have to choose a new textbook for them by tomorrow.

[alabamaman]

[jacl]

That's a toughie. I'm in the same boat, somewhat. I've got kids on books 5 and 6 in English Time. Some are later elementary. Some are earlier elementary. It does depend on the level and age. You could always revert to another series of books starting at whatever level (maybe 4, 5 or 6). I suggest English Time. There's also closed-book review and use of a notebook or, better yet, binder for them to do writing with conversation mixed in.

This is a difficult area because most text books (as far as I know) finish at level 6. I'm starting a program with one class with reading books and Pegoda's series of books/workbooks (starting with the starter books). I'm mixing in subjects such as social studies/geography, etc. It's in the beginning stages. I work with Pegoda and it gives me ideas for other things. I bought binders, paper, plastic inserts, and dividers for each student. It'll be interesting to see how this goes.

[ttompatz]

[jacl]

[RachaelRoo]

I ckecked out English Time 6, but I think it might be too easy. Any other suggestions.

[Rteacher]

I used American Hotline Intermediate when I taught 5th and 6th graders 3-4 years ago, and I thought that it was fun and interesting. (It may be a little dated now, though...) The student book and cassettes had good story-lines and music while the workbook was very methodical and comprehensive in its approach to grammar (if I remember correctly... )

[Qinella]

Exploring English. The later books in the series can provide a good challenge with regard to reading comprehension. I think there may be listening portions in the series as well, but can't remember.

Personally, I think after the series of books is complete, there isn't much of a need for many more books. Books are like training wheels for language learning. The kids should already be equipped with the tools they need for comprehension. It's possible now for you to take it from there. Focus on them being able to express themselves in English.

A lot of what they learn in the basic book series is stale, bookish language. You can concentrate on teaching real usage. For example, confusing phrases like "used to do/be", "used (products)", "useful", "get used to (something)", and so forth.

There are a million and one options for you to take right now. Pop music, debates, creative writing, idiom focus, vocabulary focus... If you use a book, you're going to limit your options. However, I do understand that the school will probably require a book, or at least the parents will.

Q.

[Percy Nickets]