The series represents a multi-faceted and balanced approach to reading,combining the acquisition of the mechanics of reading with an emphasis onphonics, global word reading and the development of reading comprehension. Various pedagogical theories andmethods have been integrated in order to provide learners with decoding andcomprehension strategies from the outset of the reading process.
The teacher's guides provide ideas for lesson planning and teaching. They include items for focus, suggested procedures, rationale for activities and extensive activity lists as well as suggested coordination of coursebook and workbook.
The Beginners' Files include fun activities that allow enjoyable learning. There is ample exposure to a variety of themes and situations. Vocabulary is contextualized and recycled. Reading comprehension skills and strategies are emphasized. Grammar is not taught explicitly, but all the structures recommended for this stage of learning are included for exposure and internalization.
File Two includes a story at the end of each unit whose purpose is to reinforce the vocabulary and the theme dealt with and to expose learners to topics of interest to their age group.
Features of the series
Each unit of Better Reading revolves around a common theme and a particular reading strategy. Although the themes tend to be of a scientific/technical nature, they deal with topics that are relevant to today's modern world and on a technical level that compares to popular science as you would expect in a newspaper supplement (no jargon or difficult scientific concepts to deal with). Each theme is dealt with from several points of view, it's scientific description, humanistic applications, human interest stories and a fictional extensive reading text.
The strategies are clearly outlined, explained and practiced through numerous exercises. This is a very practical approach to reading, especially helpful for teachers who find it difficult to help their students organize their "attack" of an unseen.
Vocabulary acquisition is stressed by a wide variety of exercises necessitating the use of the words in differing contexts and collocations. Since the units are theme based, students meet the vocabulary repeatedly in the different texts of each unit.
A unique feature of this book is its applicability to a heterogeneous class. The main article of each unit appears in 2 formats - a shorter, easier text for the weaker pupils and a longer, more complex and detailed text for the stronger pupils. Exercises relevant to each version of the text are clearly marked.
The accompanying exercises are designed not just to get pupils to to deal with the facts but to provoke thought and discussion.