Grade 2 - 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. Chapter 1 About Myself

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 number and name

Animation video

Keywords

Chapter Outcomes

Chapter No. Chapter Name Big Skill

1 About Myself Introducing self

2 Fun Ride Talking about past events

Listening Speaking Competencies

Respond to simple questions about self and family

Introduce oneself in short

Answer simple questions about actions of a character/person

Answer simple questions about what they did earlier

3 What Happens Next? Express feelings

Understand basic feelings of others Express basic feelings

About Myself

Speak on the Spot

Boost your speaking!

Myself

Tell us about yourself.

My name is . I am years old. I am a .

E-Speak

Practise at home!

Project 1

My Colours

Listen to the poem. Then, record it.

Project 2

My Favourite Show

Tell us TWO lines about your favourite cartoon show.

Practise: Now, practice speaking about yourself in front of an elder.

Present: In class, tell your friends about yourself.

Speak confidently. You can read from the book. Smile while speaking.

Write your friend’s name

Star Scale

Rate each presentation!

Write your friend’s name

Write your friend’s name

Fun Ride

On the Way

Speak on the Spot

First Ride to School

E-Speak

Practise at home!

Project 3

On the Way Home

Seema saw a butterfly. Hear and record what happened.

Project 4

On My Way to School

What did you see on your way to school? Tell us any TWO things.

Rearrange the Pictures

Here are some pictures from a race. Put them in the correct order.

Chapter

What Happens Next?

Speak on the Spot

Boost your speaking!

What Will Happen If...?

You read about Monty and Rishi. Tick (ü) and tell your friends...

CASE 1

Monty and Rishi will fight again tomorrow. They will…

CASE 2

Monty and Rishi will NOT fight tomorrow. They will…

not share their toys share their toys

not talk to each other eat ice cream together

complain to their parents play together in the park

E-Speak

Practise at home!

Project 5

A Sunny Day

Listen to the rhyme. Then, record it.

Project 6

Sunday Plans

What will you do if your cousin comes to visit you? Say 1–2 lines about it.

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: communication competencies.

• Texts as per NEP 2020 themes: English communication activities.

• Tech Integration: activities and projects are undertaken. Learner outputs are evaluated through an AI-based speech recognition engine.

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

• Teachers’ Manual: teachers to conduct each session effectively.

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.