Grade 1 - Content Book (Mini)

Conversations

Thanks to globalization and the emergence of technologies, international boundaries have become blurred. English, to a high degree, is a commonly understood medium of communication. It is one of the key tools that students need to perform well today and in the future. According to a global study, while recruiting, 98.5% of employers implicitly or explicitly assess a candidate’s English communication skills! There is therefore a growing demand for English communication skills, because it empowers people and enables them to lead a better life.

Functional communication skills, involving aspects of LSRW (listening, speaking, reading and writing), are central to knowledge acquisition, children’s intellectual, social and emotional growth, and life-long learning.

Specifically, strong listening and speaking skills are not only vital in the overall language learning process, but also lead to better reading and writing skills. Yet, these foundational skills tend to be neglected in schools due to the high pupil-teacher ratio, lack of oral language-focused assessment, and most importantly, a lack of systematic and allocated practice time for these skills within the classroom.

Aligned with NEP 2020, NCERT learning outcomes and standardized to CEFR (Common European Framework for Reference) levels, Uolo Speak is a hybrid learning program that focuses on building, applying, practising, and assessing these core language skills.

First, through this book as one of the components of the program, the English classroom becomes an avenue to hone functional speaking skills in real time. The teacher-led activities give learners the opportunity to undertake high-quality, level-appropriate, and experiential activities that help to build confidence and expression in English.

Second, the mobile interface of the product ensures consistent practice of functional LSRW skills. These exercises go beyond traditional question types and employ cutting-edge technology to enable learning and generate instant feedback. For instance, learners practise speaking with Al (artificial intelligence), as if conversing with a real person!

Third, Uolo Speak assessment can be conducted by the school in sync with their academic calendars. The assessment is evaluated by Uolo’s English specialists to give performance report and feedback.

Finally, the reporting methodology used in the above three program components, generates a skill growth chart against CEFR levels for each learner, class and the school. Educators can then clearly identify learners who are reaching, meeting, and exceeding the level requirements, and support them accordingly.

Uolo Speak is a powerful, exciting, and unique experience for learners and teachers. It represents a real life and results-oriented approach to develop essential 21st century functional English skills.

Wishing all teachers, parents, and learners lots of fun and joyful experiences as you embark upon this exciting journey with Uolo Speak.

Dr Laraine O'Connell

D. Litt., English, North West University, South Africa

I am a veteran English teacher and lecturer, with a great love for English and for teaching. I have taught English and trained teachers over many years. I live in South Africa and it is a wonderful experience working with a company promoting the learning of English in India.

Walkthrough

Each chapter is divided into three sections - Part A, E-Speak, Part B.

Part A is period 1. It has one text and one classroom activity.

E-Speak section has two mobile app projects. These projects can be done at home or in school.

Part B is period 2. It has one fun activity and one presentation task.

Chapter 1 Meetings and Greetings

Chapter number and name

Chapter Outcomes

Chapter No. Chapter Name Big Skill

Listening Speaking Competencies

Hello

Meetings and Greetings

Hi

leave (leev): to go away from a place meet (meet): to come together face to face with someone wake up (vayk.up): to get up after sleep wave (vayv): to move the hand from side to side in the air to say hello or goodbye to someone

Greetings

E-Speak

Practise at home!

Project 1

The Good Morning Song

Listen to the Good Morning Song. Now, record it.

Project 2

Hello Friend!

You meet your best friend after many days. What do you say?

I am good. Thanks. I am fine. Thank you. Ok, bye. Goodbye Bye. Take care.

Chapter

Listen and Do

Speak on the Spot

Boost your speaking!

Teacher Says…

Listen to the teacher. Do the action that the teacher says.

Now, say ONE action aloud. Others will do that action.

sit

laugh

tap your feet clap your hands dance shake your head I say... read dance walk jump

Listen carefully. Do the actions correctly. Speak loudly.

E-Speak

Practise at home!

Project 3

Clean Hands

How do we wash our hands? Listen and record it.

Project 4

Good Morning

Tell any TWO things that we should do in the morning.

It is Sara’s first day at school. She sits with Ruchi.

“Please take out your drawing books and crayons,” says the teacher.

Sara says to Ruchi, “Excuse me! I do not have crayons.

Can you please share with me?”

“Sure!” says Ruchi. “Thank you so much,” says Sara.

It is lunchtime now. Uh-oh! Ruchi did not bring her lunch.

Sara says to Ruchi, “You can share my food.”

Ruchi thanks Sara. Sara says, “You are welcome, Ruchi.”

This is how Sara makes a new friend.

E-Speak

Practise at home!

Sorry Story

Listen to the story. Repeat it.

Sorry!

Project 5 Project 6

My Friend Jacob

Your friend Jacob helped you in homework. What will you say to him?

H W S N W

E P L B E

L L J S L

L E Q O C

O A K R O

Z S U R M

A E O Y E

hello sorry thank you welcome goodbye

You meet your friends. You say .

You break your friend’s toy. You say .

You get a gift. You say .

I say thanks to you. You say .

You go home from school. You say .

Speak with feeling.

Speak loudly.

About this book

This “Conversations” book follows a unique spiraling approach that systematically builds language skills and enables children to express themselves verbally in real-world situations, thus preparing them for the needs of the 21st century world. Each chapter focuses on building specific and age-appropriate English language competencies and weaves together activities that are contextual, experiential, joyful and research-based.

Special features of this book:

• Activities based Learning: joyful and experiential activities that build English communication competencies.

• Texts as per NEP 2020 themes: exciting and stimulating texts that pave the way for English communication activities.

• Tech Integration: the book works in sync with the digital world, where various other activities and projects are undertaken. Learner outputs are evaluated through an AI-based speech recognition engine.

• Assessment of Speaking & Listening as per CEFR: the program includes special assessments that allow systematic reporting of skill growth as per the CEFR.

About Uolo

Uolo partners with K12 schools to provide technology-based learning programs. We believe pedagogy and technology must come together to deliver scalable learning experiences that generate measurable outcomes. Uolo is trusted by over 8,000 schools with more than 3 million learners across India, South East Asia, and the Middle East.

• Teachers’ Manual: the book is complemented by the Teachers’ Manual that enables teachers to conduct each session effectively. hello@uolo.com

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