We introduce synthetic phonics system so students can identify sounds and letter sound correspondences. As they practice, they will learn how to read simple CVC words to longer words, to words with digraphs and more. We also use a variety of materials such as special phonics readers that help students to read and pronounce words correctly. This is particularly important not only for reading fluency but also in listening comprehension. Once students have a degree of competency, they move on to reading other authentic texts such as magazines, books, newspapers and the like. Eventually they will practise reading aloud to gain confidence in front of others.

We practise key language structures and tenses both in written and speaking forms. Students usually progress from writing to speaking as writing forms the basis of communication in its grammatical form; whilst speaking can often uses colloquial and conjugations different to the written form. We use question and answer techniques and confirmation of meaning by expanding on the topics in question. Students can very often say something simple but struggle to expand, elaborate, or confirm additional details. It is important that they learn to expand their understanding of topics and be able to make appropriate responses to questions. We use a variety of techniques including grammar games, role play, and shortened response formats to aid communication flow.

As well as the teacher’s voice, we use various authentic audio files including past exam audio files to practise listening comprehension. Teachers help students improve listening skills by providing both the audio text, as well as replaying sections after the initial listening to pick out individual words or tracts. We establish listening comprehension by asking what was meant by the speaker and discuss any new vocabulary that is not understood and the context and meaning therein. We also practice different techniques that help students understand listening comprehension questions more easily, such as how to skim through questions at the beginning and listen for keywords.