On this blog, we share teaching tips and resources, news about new educational materials, and general information about what’s going on in the world of Super Simple Learning.
Super Simple Learning all started with Super Simple Songs. We were teaching at a children’s English school in Tokyo, Japan and were having trouble finding songs that were both simple and fun enough to engage our young learners. So we started making our own!
Our first collection of songs became the Super Simple Songs CD, and it soon found a following beyond our little school in Tokyo. Several years later, our award-winning CDs, books and other learning materials are used in homes and classrooms around the world, and that makes us very, very happy ^_^.
“Who are your materials for?”
Emerging speakers. Whether it is a native English speaking toddler, or a young English as a Foreign/Second Language student, or a Special Needs student, we’ve found that there are certain characteristics that make learning materials appealing and effective with young learners who are beginning to learn how to communicate with language.
Young learners often get discouraged when learning materials and media are too difficult for them to follow, and they tune out. Teachers and parents often think this is because the child is bored or unruly, when most of the time children tune out when they don’t understand (as Malcolm Gladwell explores in his book, “The Tipping Point”).
So we believe in creating materials with the following characteristics.
1. Appropriately paced. Not too fast, not too slow. Whether it is a song or a workbook, Super Simple Learning materials are created so that young learners will be able to follow along comfortably with a little bit of challenge.
2. Comprehensible. The language we introduce is clear and easy to follow. This makes it easy for teachers to introduce, and gives the students an “I can do it!” feeling.
3. Fun for all levels. No two children are the same. Children learn at different paces. Something that is easy for one student may be challenging for another student. In order to make sure all students stay engaged in the lesson, we make sure Super Simple Learning materials are FUN for everyone.
4. Useful. We introduce language that children can use! “London Bridges” and “Ring Around the Rosy” are fun songs, but the language in them are not meaningful or useful to young learners. Super Simple Learning materials focus on language that young learners can relate to, understand, and use.
5. Gesture-friendly. The language introduced in Super Simple Learning materials is easy for kids to understand because it can be taught with gestures and dance. Learners don’t just hear and speak the language, they see it in action and interact with it.
Our materials are best suited for the following age groups:
English as a Foreign Language learners: 1-10 years old
English as a Second Language learners: 1-7 years old
Native English speakers: 1-5 years old
Special Needs students: 1-10 years old
Have a look around our website if you are looking for easy-to-teach, easy-to-learn educational materials for young learners, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions ^_^.
