Backpack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Click
on a topic:
How
is grammar handled in Backpack?
Why
does every unit begin with a song?
Are there
cross-curricular connections in Backpack?
How does
Backpack address different learning styles?
Does
Backpack teach learning strategies?
How
is writing taught in Backpack?
How
is grammar handled in Backpack?
Backpack teaches grammar in ways that are appropriate to
children's cognitive development. Most young learners do not benefit
from memorizing rules and analyzing structures. Children can benefit
from noticing grammar in the language that they are exposed
to through songs, dialogues, activities, and so on.
For
older children, more capable of analysis, grammar boxes provide
models of language use and draw students' attention to specific
details.
In
addition to the grammar boxes in the Student Book and Workbook,
Backpack provides three grammar posters per level suitable
for classroom display.
Why
does every unit begin with a song?
Starting with a song introduces the unit theme in an
enjoyable non-threatening way. This helps to lower the affective
filter and makes the unit fun and learner-centered from the very
beginning. The songs in Backpack relate to the unit
theme, recycle previously learned language, and introduce some
of the new vocabulary and structures in a meaningful context.
Are
there cross-curricular connections in Backpack?
Yes! Students are provided with information from a variety
of content areas: social studies, science, health, music, math,
art and literature. Students learn about such topics as games
children play around the world, the food pyramid, musical genres,
communications technology, inventions past and present, extinct
and endangered animals, natural resources, mysteries around the
world, and space. Backpack aims to help children
learn about the world around them, in English.
How
does Backpack address different learning styles?
Visual learners are supported through a wide range of
illustrations, photos, and graphic organizers that help them process
information. Auditory learners have many opportunities to both
hear and repeat key learning targets throughout each unit. Tactile
and kinesthetic learners are provided with sticker activities,
routines and games using touch and movement. The Teacher's Edition
suggests activities that lend themselves to these and other styles.
Does
Backpack teach learning strategies?
Backpack works on both learning strategies
and critical thinking skills. Explicit instruction on learning
strategies is provided in the Teacher's Edition. Tasks in the
student book are designed so that students will use and develop
critical thinking skills such as brainstorming, classifying, comparing,
making inferences, problem solving, and ranking.
How
is writing taught in Backpack ?
In the lower levels (1-3), writing is introduced at the
word level and builds to multi-sentence level. In higher grades,
Backpack introduces writing skills related to different
genres and helps students develop an understanding of the stages
of the writing process. At the upper levels, students are capable
of tasks that may require writing several paragraphs. A unique
feature in the workbook consists of carefully graded writing reinforcement
activities that provide additional practice with different genres
as well as stages of the writing process.