Description

Welcome to Our World

 American English

Level(s): Pre-A1

Welcome to Our World is a three-level pre-primary series that uses traditional children’s songs from around the world, with National Geographic photos and content, to introduce very young learners to the world of English.

• Children learn English through music and rhythm, with songs sung by young learners around the world.
• Games and activities reinforce new language and concepts and make learning English fun.
• Beautiful photos from National Geographic capture the imagination of very young learners.
• The Professional Development Program helps teachers use the songs and games effectively and gain more confidence in the very young learner classroom.

DEMO: (Demo can be recorded on Windows or MacOS, Features are similar, demo folder can contain many files of similar software.)

Welcome to Our World

“Welcome to Our World” by National Geographic Learning is an engaging three-level pre-primary series designed to introduce very young learners to English through the unique combination of music, rhythm, and vibrant National Geographic imagery. This series is notable for the following features:

• Language and Levels: It caters to students at the Pre-A1 level and is available in both American and British English.
• Learning through Music: The program utilizes traditional children’s songs from around the world. These songs are sung by young learners globally, making learning English an enjoyable and rhythmic experience.
• Interactive Activities: The course includes various games and activities that not only reinforce the newly learned language and concepts but also make the learning process fun and engaging.
• Visual Appeal: The use of beautiful National Geographic photos captivates the young learners’ imagination, enhancing their learning experience.
• Professional Development Program: This aspect of the series aids teachers in effectively using the songs and games in their classrooms, thereby increasing their confidence in teaching very young learners.

The series is authored by Jill Korey O’Sullivan, who has extensive experience in ESL and literacy acquisition, and Dr. Joan Kang Shin, an Associate Professor of Education at George Mason University. Dr. Shin also serves as a series editor alongside Dr. JoAnn (Jodi) Crandall, Professor Emerita and former Director of the Language, Literacy, and Culture Ph.D. Program.

Key Components of “Welcome to Our World”:

• Traditional Children Songs: Each song is taught by a video host and sung in real classrooms, providing international exposure. These songs support the language and concepts introduced in the Student Books.
• Real-World Content: The series uses photography, songs, and games to expose young learners to the world and the English language. Each level includes traditional songs, vocabulary presentation, age-appropriate content, and engaging activities.
• Professional Development: The online and DVD Professional Development Program, hosted by Dr. Joan Kang Shin, includes best practices for teaching English with songs and games. It covers using songs with young learners, adapting songs to different cultures, keeping students’ attention, using puppets, and additional songs for classroom management.

Overall, “Welcome to Our World” offers a holistic and interactive approach to learning English for young learners, combining traditional music, captivating imagery, and practical teaching methodologies.

Who is suitable for ‘Welcome to Our World’?

“Welcome to Our World” is specifically designed for very young learners who are at the beginning of their English language learning journey. It is suitable for:

Pre-primary Students: The series is ideal for children who are in pre-primary education, generally aged around 3 to 5 years old. This is a critical age for language acquisition, and the series is tailored to meet the learning styles and developmental stages of this age group.

Beginners in English: The series is crafted for students at the Pre-A1 level in English proficiency. It is suitable for children who are just starting to learn English, regardless of their native language.

Learners Who Enjoy Music and Interaction: Since the program heavily incorporates traditional children’s songs from around the world and interactive activities, it is especially fitting for young learners who respond well to musical and rhythmic methods of teaching, as well as hands-on learning experiences.

Global Audience: Given that the songs and content have an international focus, the series is suitable for learners from various cultural backgrounds. It can be an excellent resource for introducing young learners to a global perspective while learning a new language.

Educational Settings and Home Learning: “Welcome to Our World” can be effectively used in formal pre-primary educational settings, such as kindergartens or early learning centers, as well as for home-based learning with guidance from parents or tutors.

Teachers Seeking Professional Development: Educators who are looking to enhance their skills in teaching English to very young learners will find the professional development components of the program beneficial.

In summary, “Welcome to Our World” is best suited for very young learners at the start of their English language learning, particularly those who enjoy engaging with music and interactive activities, and it serves as a valuable tool for teachers and parents in diverse educational contexts.

The benefits of ‘Welcome to Our World’

“Welcome to Our World” offers a range of benefits for young learners, educators, and parents, making it an effective and engaging resource for early English language education:

Language Development through Music and Rhythm: The use of traditional children’s songs from around the world as a central teaching tool facilitates natural language acquisition. Music and rhythm are powerful aids in memory retention and can make the learning of new vocabulary and phrases more enjoyable and effective for young learners.

Cultural Exposure and Global Awareness: The inclusion of songs and content from different cultures introduces children to a global perspective from an early age. This exposure can foster curiosity, empathy, and an understanding of diverse cultures, which is invaluable in our increasingly interconnected world.

Engaging and Interactive Learning: The series incorporates games and activities that are not only fun but also reinforce language learning and concept comprehension. This interactive approach keeps children engaged and enhances their learning experience.

Visual Learning with National Geographic Photography: The use of high-quality National Geographic photos appeals to visual learners and helps to captivate the children’s imagination. These images can aid in understanding and discussing various topics, making learning more concrete and relatable.

Development of Listening and Speaking Skills: By listening to songs sung by peers and participating in sing-alongs, children develop their listening and speaking skills in English. This auditory and verbal practice is crucial for language development in early childhood.

Teacher Support and Professional Development: The program offers a professional development component that provides teachers with strategies and tools to effectively use songs and games in their teaching. This support can enhance the quality of instruction and increase teacher confidence, especially when working with very young learners.

Adaptability to Various Learning Environments: Whether used in a classroom setting or at home, “Welcome to Our World” is flexible and can be adapted to suit different learning environments and teaching styles.

Foundation for Future Language Learning: By starting English language learning at a young age in a positive and stimulating manner, “Welcome to Our World” lays a strong foundation for future language study. Early exposure to a foreign language can lead to greater proficiency and a more positive attitude towards language learning in later years.

Overall, “Welcome to Our World” is a comprehensive, engaging, and pedagogically sound program that offers young learners a rich and enjoyable start to their English language learning journey.

Effective teaching and learning strategies for ‘Welcome to Our World’

Effectively teaching and learning with “Welcome to Our World” involves employing strategies that leverage its unique features—music, rhythm, interactive activities, and visual stimuli. Here are some strategies for teachers and learners:

For Teachers

Integrate Music in Daily Lessons: Regularly use the songs from the series in your lessons. Encourage singing and movement to help children internalize new vocabulary and language structures. Music is a powerful mnemonic aid and can make learning more memorable.

Utilize the Visual Aids: Leverage the National Geographic photos and other visual materials in the series. Discuss these images with the students to enhance their understanding and stimulate curiosity about the world.

Incorporate Interactive Activities: Engage students with the games and activities provided in the series. These activities can reinforce learning in a fun and interactive way, catering to different learning styles.

Foster a Multicultural Learning Environment: Highlight the global nature of the songs and content. Encourage discussions about different cultures and countries to develop global awareness among the students.

Repeat and Reinforce: Revisit songs and activities over time. Repetition helps in reinforcing language learning, ensuring that students internalize the language structures and vocabulary.

Use the Professional Development Resources: Take advantage of the professional development program included in the series. It offers valuable insights and practical tips on how to effectively teach young learners.

Customize Lessons: Adapt the materials to suit the specific needs and interests of your students. Tailoring lessons makes them more relevant and engaging.

Encourage Parental Involvement: Involve parents by providing them with ideas on how to reinforce learning at home, such as singing the songs together or discussing the photos and topics.

For Learners

Active Participation: Encourage learners to actively participate in singing, dancing, and other activities. Active engagement enhances learning and retention.

Practice Regularly: Encourage learners to practice the songs and language activities at home. Regular practice helps in solidifying their language skills.

Explore the Cultural Aspects: Learners should be encouraged to learn more about the different cultures represented in the songs and content. This could be through library books, online resources, or classroom discussions.

Use Visuals for Vocabulary Learning: Learners can use the photos and images in the series as visual cues to remember new words and concepts.

Interactive Learning: Engage in the interactive activities not just in the classroom but also at home, either with family or through online platforms if available.

By utilizing these strategies, teachers and learners can maximize the benefits of “Welcome to Our World,” making the journey of learning English enjoyable, effective, and culturally enriching.