Backbone Communications

2. First English

First English is an award-winning, research-based English language course for beginners (ages 10-17). It has been designed specifically to help students succeed in a school setting.

Overview

First English starts at the beginning and systematically helps students comprehend, practice, internalize and build the basic framework of English necessary for long-term success. DynEd’s innovative use of visuals and comprehension exercises engage the learner in ways that a text-based approach cannot.

Based on neuroscientific research, First English builds listening, speaking, vocabulary, grammar, and reading skills in an effective sequence that takes advantage of the learning synergies between each skill.

Ideal for Beginners

First English is ideal for beginners because it provides a solid framework that facilitates language acquisition, not short-term memorization that quickly fades. Language items appropriate for this age group are modeled, exercised, reviewed and recycled in an expanding spiral sequence so that students build on what they have learned, step-by-step.

Students Learn Efficiently
First English supports efficient language learning by providing:

• A variety of coordinated lessons and exercises to keep students engaged.
• A well-designed scope and sequence that aids the “bootstrapping” learning process.
• Interactive features such as Voice Record/Playback to promote language mastery
  and oral fluency.
• Content that automatically adjusts to student performance.
• Optimized skill sequencing, beginning with listening and following the “4-Skills Path.”
• Multilingual Glossary and Help Menus.
• Intelligent Tutoring that helps students improve the quality of their study sessions.

Teachers Manage Learning
First English is designed to be a teacher-supported course, where teachers can:

• Place learners at the appropriate level.
• Monitor and direct progress at both individual and class levels.
• Lock and unlock units or lessons to manage learning paths.
• Use Mastery Tests to assess learning gains.
• Use the Intelligent Tutor to analyze and evaluate student
  practice activities.

Teacher Support

• Instructor’s Guide with teaching suggestions and handouts
• Detailed Scope and Sequence
• Award-winning Records Manager
• Teacher training programs

See Scope & Sequence for details.

Lesson Types

Every Unit has five coordinated lessons, each with a different focus:

Listening: Introduces key language and provides intensive listening and speaking practice. Comprehension questions help students focus on meaning and practice with Wh- and Yes-No questions. Topics include age, gender, nationality, family, daily schedule, location, etc.
Dialog: Includes two or more age-appropriate conversations at school, with functional language routines and interesting animated characters.
Vocabulary: Presents objects and actions particularly important in a school setting.
Grammar: Focuses on key grammar patterns and question formation. Gives students practice in manipulating the language.
Letters & Numbers: Develops reading and specialized vocabulary skills. Includes the alphabet, phonics, numbers, times, calendar language, math functions, and numerical relations.