Conversations - Grade 2 - English

Expert Opinion

Dr Rejaul Karim Barbhuiya Assistant Professor, Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), NCERT, Ministry of Education, Government of India

Times have changed. Today is not the time of memorising and copying. Students must be enabled to think for themselves and articulate their thoughts well. They should be able to participate meaningfully and confidently in day-to-day activities – whether it be buying groceries, registering a formal complaint, or voicing opinions freely. A problem-solving attitude, critical outlook, scientific temperament and creativity are non-negotiable skills in the 21st century.

The National Education Policy 2020 talks about technology playing an important role in improving the learning outcomes and learning experiences of children. With the growing penetration of the internet and the easy availability of smartphones and other electronic devices, both parents and teachers can participate in and supervise children's learning through various online apps, quizzes, videos, e-books, educational games and so on. In a nutshell, digital learning has the potential to impact on what children learn and how they learn.

Aakash Chowkase

In the post-Covid world, more than ever before, the parents' role is being seen as pivotal to children's growth and learning. The National Education Policy 2020 released by the Government of India, recognises parents as equal partners in their children's education. At home, it is important for caregivers to create a safe, engaging and positive environment for children to learn, apply themselves and have fun. Parents can also engage actively with children around their homework, curricular and co-curricular activities and projects.

NEP 2020 acknowledges the multilingual reality of India and asserts that the bridge of home language or other familiar language is absolutely crucial for children in the foundational years, not only to help them to comprehend basic subjects, but also to acquire additional languages like English. Thus, the needs-based and systematic use of learners' home languages should be encouraged in the classrooms, along with an anxiety-free, purpose-oriented and input-rich environment.

Aparna Dixit Head of Content and Research, Centre for Learning Resources

Ms Sonia Kumari Assistant Professor, Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi

Dr

Post-doctoral Research Fellow, University of California, Berkeley, USA, Department of Psychology

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.

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

1 About Myself

Chapter number and name

Animation video

Text

Keywords

Chapter

Work alone

Work in pairs

Work in groups

About Myself Introducing oneself

1

Respond to simple questions about oneself self and family

Introduce oneself in short 2

Ask and Answer!

Asking for permission

Ask for permissions politely

4

5

Tell Me How Following and giving instructions

What I Do Every Day

Sharing routine activities

Fun Ride Talking about past events

Follow simple instructions

Respond to someone's requests politely 3

Give simple instructions to get something done

Answer questions about daily routine

Tell about daily routine and activities

Answer simple questions about a character/person's actions

What Happens Next?

Talking about future plans

Predict future events

Answer simple questions about what they did earlier 6

Describe Me Describing something  Identify concrete details from a description

Answer simple questions about future plans 7

Ask Away Asking questions

Tell key details about something/ someone 8

Ask simple questions to gain information

Respond to questions in a conversation 9

How Do You Feel? Talking about feelings

Understand others' feelings  Share personal feelings

About Myself

Speak on the Spot

Boost your speaking!

Myself

Tell us about yourself.

Speak loudly and clearly.

Look at your friends while talking.

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

Practise at home!

My Colours

Listen to the poem. Then, record it.

My Favourite Toy

Tell us TWO things about your favourite toy.

Practise: Now, practise 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.

Star Scale

Rate each presentation!

Speak on the Spot

Boost your speaking!

Asking for Permission

In the story, Ameena asks for permission. Now, it is your turn. Request politely.

May I close the door?

Can I sit on the chair?

May I turn on the light?

Can I get a glass of water?

May I go outside?

May I eat my lunch?

Now ask for a permission.

May I...

Practise at home!

May I?

Roop is asking for permission. Listen and record it.

Taking Permission

You want to play with your friend’s new toy. How will you ask for permission?

Can I borrow your pencil?

May I join the game?

Can I play outside?

May I ask a question?

watch the television borrow your book

play with you drink water

eat my lunch

You want to watch television.

May I ?

You want to play with the children in the park.

Can I ?

You want to eat your lunch at school.

May I ?

Chapter 3 Tell Me How

Speak on the Spot

Boost your speaking!

Simon Says…

Your teacher will say some actions that begin with, “Simon says…”. Listen and follow them. Say the actions aloud.

jump up hop up and down touch your knees

wave at a friend tickle your tummy click your fingers

Simon says... move your head shake your hips dance

stand on one leg clap your hands

Now, you are Simon, say some actions. Your classmates will follow them.

Say “Simon says…” before every action.

Practise at home!

Go Green

Listen to the steps about how to grow a plant and then record it.

Clean Hands

Tell us how to wash hands.

Good Habits

Road Rules

What I Do Every Day

Practise at home!

Nikhil’s Morning

Listen to what Nikhil does in the morning. Then, record it.

After School

Tell us any TWO things that you do after school.

Chapter 5 Fun Ride

On the Way

Speak on the Spot

Boost your speaking!

First Ride to School

Answer your teacher’s questions about Anuj’s bicycle ride.

What did Anuj do for the first time on Monday?

Anuj rode his…

What did Polo do when he saw Anuj?

Polo…

What did Postman Raman show Anuj?

Postman Raman showed Anuj…

Why was Anuj worried?

He will...

What was the colour of his shoes?

They were… in colour.

Practise at home!

On the Way Home

Seema saw a butterfly. Hear and record what happened.

At the School

What did you see at school today? Tell us any TWO things.

Chapter 6

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 what will happen next.

CASE 1

Monty and Rishi will fight again tomorrow. They will…

not share their toys

not talk to each other

complain to their parents

CASE 2

Monty and Rishi will NOT fight tomorrow. They will…

share their toys

eat food together

play together in the park

Sunday Plans

What will you do if your friend comes to visit you?

Tell one or two things.

Speak loudly.

Look at your friends when you speak.

Describe Me

B I

N R Y A G

Ask Away

Shopping for a Present

Speak on the Spot

Boost your speaking!

Do You Know?

Answer questions about Atul.

Where does Atul go?

Atul goes to the market.

Who takes Atul to the market?

takes Atul to the market.

does Atul want?

Atul wants a kite.

type of kite does Atul want?

Atul wants a bird-shaped kite.

Which kite does Atul like?

Atul likes the green kite.

What is the cost of the kite?

The cost of the kite is seventy rupees.

Practise at home!

All about You

Listen to the rhyme. Then, record it.

My New Friend

You make a new friend. What question will you ask her/him.

For Example:

1. What is Sarah doing?

3. Where is Amit sitting?

2. Who is reading a book?

4. Where is the swing?

Practise: Practise reading your questions in front of an elder.

Present: Now, ask these questions to your friends. Let them answer.

Read the question loudly.

Praise your friends when they answer correctly.

Star Scale

Rate each presentation!

Write your friend’s name

Write your friend’s name

Write your friend’s name

How Do You Feel?

Speak on the Spot

Boost your speaking!

My Favourite Game

Tick (ü) your favourite game. Say TWO sentences about that game.

Speak as follows: My favourite game is… I play it with…

Ludo

Hide-and-Seek

Doctor-Doctor

Run and Chase Catch the Ball

Hopscotch

Snakes and Ladders Cricket Puzzles

Practise at home!

The Lost Toy

Isha has lost her teddy bear. Listen about it. Then, record it.

What I Love to Do

Tell us what you like to do in your free time.

About this book

The 'Conversations' book follows a unique spiralling 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 by weaving together activities that are contextual, experiential, joyful, and research-based.

Special features of this book

• Activity-based Learning: The book offers joyful and experiential activities that build English communication competencies.

• Texts as per NEP 2020 themes: The book has 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 assessment that allows systematic reporting on growth of English language skills as per the CEFR.

• Teachers’ Manual: The book is complemented by the Teachers’ Manual that enables teachers to conduct each session effectively.

About Uolo

Uolo partners with K-12 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.