Page 18 - SplashTB A Sample_v2.indd

5 To learn about and value the basic components of our natural environment and how they interact, showing care, respect and responsibility for conservation.

Oxford Splash encourages a respect for the environment by focusing the main concept within the outdoors and using the concept to look at the natural world around us. Frankie, Dizzy, Tex and Spot are curious about the seasons, the weather, the way things grow and these are all explored in stories, songs and consolidated in worksheets. The projects take this further by dealing with other environmental topics and encouraging the children to apply their learning to the classroom such as recycling items and caring for animals.

3 Language: Communication and representation

1 To use language as a tool for learning, representation, communication and enjoyment, for the expression of ideas and feelings and valuing oral language as a way of relating to others and structuring society.

Language, both aural/oral, is always supported in Oxford Splash with actions and responses that make it meaningful to the child. For example, the Routines are supported with routine songs and chants the include actions, the Frankie talks language is supported by songs, games and worksheets. In the early stages of school life, lots of emphasis is put on communicating with gesture if the child doesn’t know or remember a word, helping them to communicate and show understanding. All aspects of the classroom are delivered in English so that the children become comfortable and expand their passive knowledge quickly. The rich and attractive illustrations help children to follow the stories and the repetitive language and simple actions encourage them to join in according to their own ability.

2 To express feelings, desires and ideas orally, and by other means, choosing the most appropriate means according to one’s communicative intention and situation.

Oxford Splash gives the children opportunities to express their feelings and desires orally through the Frankie talks lessons, where communicative language is introduced and used in relevant situations in the classroom. Such as, expressing how they feel, talking about what they like and asking for something. The songs and stories that support this language also use actions to help the children remember and understand what it is they’re saying.

3 To understand the intention and message of other children and adults, adopting a positive attitude towards both one’s native language and a foreign language.

Oxford Splash encourages English as the lingua franca in the English classroom, but also encourages L1 as appropriate for talking about experiences and as a way for children to show they’ve understood an instruction. The Teacher’s Book includes suggested phrases and examples of how to set up activities or use the puppets to get the most out of English. Children are encouraged to listen carefully to the teacher and to each other in games and acting out stories.

4 To understand, reproduce and recreate different forms of text, giving one’s opinions and demonstrating enjoyment and interest.

Children are exposed to different types of text in Oxford Splash , both via the stories and the songs. They also make use of their pop-outs to act out and participate in activities, showing their understand something. The portfolio worksheets enable children to express what they like and what they’ve learnt too.

5 To build an awareness of the social use of the written word, exploring its function and valuing it as a means of communication, information and enjoyment.

Reading and writing in English is very much at the discretion of the teacher, but Oxford Splash provides lots of opportunities to include and practise early literacy skills. The sequencing and recognising of shapes is included in worksheets throughout the course, as well as incidental text. The Oxford Splash Phonics Multi-ROM gives teachers the option to introduce sounds and letters, with audio support and printable materials that help work on pre-reading and then decoding of simple words.

6 To begin learning about art in its different forms and to experiment with drama and artwork using different techniques.

Oxford Splash explores art both as a specific topic and via the illustrative styles throughout the course. Children are exposed to rich and detailed artwork in different fashions, helping them to experiment in their own creative expression. Art is also dealt with specifically in the projects where it’s tied in with language they are learning too.

Acting out and using actions is an important part of the stories and songs experience in Oxford Splash , to that children join in and then start to use the language they are learning. The puppets are an important tool in bring that out wherever possible.

SAMPLE MATERIAL