Oxford Teacher Training

Evaluation of Young Explorers Class Book 1

The Young Explorers Class Book, written by Nina Lauder and co-authored by Paul
Shipton and Suzanne Torres, is part of a six-book series which is usually referred to as the
'Explorers' series. Covering levels A1-B1 and accompanied by the supporting DVD
World Exporers it is a great tool for teachers to help their students get motivated and
provide them with an input that is just as enjoyable as useful for creating a postive
learning environment and differentiated tasks.
I have been presented Young Explorers Class Book 1, which is divided into 6 units, each
containing input for all four language learning skills such as reading, listening, speaking
and writing. Sections like main vocabulary, main structures, cross-curricular themes and
topics to explore are all identified in the syllabus that is printed in the inside cover of the
book for easy reference.
Word lists are incorporated into the material, there is no separate world list section or
tapescript section at the back of the book. However, new words can be identified easily as
they are grouped together, creating a motivation for students to compile their own
vocabulary lists as part of their classroom activities. I find it exceptionally useful to have
both visual and linguistic input in connection with presenting new vocabulary: students
can find not only the written form, but also the picture of a given word, wich can be
useful for dyslexic children just as much as helping children in a mixed-ability class.
The class book is supplemented with various forms of resources, online materials just as
much as digital components. ITools is available with animated stories and ineractive
activities, Teacher's resource DVD help the busy teachers and offer resources matching
this particular book, and with the help of online practice teachers can link home and
school through the Activity Book.
Expectations of the classrooms with cutting-edge technology are also met via the Oxford
Learner's Bookshelf application. Upcoming generations, as early as in primary school,
have a great need of interactivity and e-books, so providing them with learning materials
in a digital form can make language learning a fashionable hobby. These learning
materials can be accessed through tablets and computers, audio and video clips are
embedded so no time is wasted by looking for tracks on CDs, what is more, graded
readers can activate the classroom languge to make students feel that what they are doing
at school can very quickly pay off as something as a 'meaningful, real-life' activity.
The Explorer series is written and designed for primary school students, and serves this

purpose well. The design is catchy, even the cover directs students' attention to their
favourite topics: exploration of mysteries, both with cartoon and real characters, music
and fashion, animals, excursions, sleepover parties and space travel are all topics that
students keenly engage themselves with. Each unit contains a song, which make musical
language learners interested, moreover, if the teacher combines these songs with acting
out kinetic students' attention can be grasped as well.
Even the very first page, Come and expore provides the children with numerous
activities. They can revise the vocabulary of numbers, everyday objects, pieces of
clothing, animals, food, hobbies, summertime, it is good for dyslexic children the book
uses different font types for clearer differentiation of tasks and uses multiple intelligences
such as linguistic, visual, musical, naturalistic and interpersonal, if the task is carried out
as a competition or a pair work activity.
As I teach science and biology in English I find the parts about animals and nature
extraordinarily exciting. All these activities can be used further both in the morning or in
the afternoon, in the school garden, or with mini field-trips, or even at a class trip to the
zoo. Students are welcome to create posters and projects on the Let's Explore sections of
the book.
I also find the Warmers section of the book very useful, not only as warmers but also as
fillers. By using these activities, children can be challenged to revise or extend their
existing knowledge, focus their attention and provide positive and supporting learing
enviroment.
My overall opinion is very positive about this course book series. I would be very happy
if I had the chance to teach it, I think I would enjoy it as much as the students would.
However, presently I teach in upper primary and as I work in a bilingual school, most of
my classes are science and biology classes, or classes of higher levels of English.