[Dee Reid] Hello! My name is Dee Reid and I am Series Editor of Rapid Plus. In this
short video I will be explaining how Rapid Plus can help students whose first language
is not English. [Using Rapid Plus with EAL students]
Rapid Plus is an ideal resource to use with students whose first language is not English.
Pearson worked closely with NALDIC (the professional association for English as an additional language)
to ensure that Rapid Plus provides practical and effective strategies for EAL students.
The specific features of the Rapid Plus books and the structured way in which new vocabulary
is introduced, give EAL students the support they need to become more proficient at reading
English. Many of the stories are based on familiar
real-life settings which are ideal for developing everyday vocabulary.
The introduction on the ‘Before reading’ page familiarises students with what is going
to happen next in the text. The illustrations and photos on each page
clearly support the content words in the text. The text comprehension section on the Quiz
page at the end of every text, supports the EAL student’s understanding and provides
opportunities for discussion. The Rapid Plus Teaching Guides have specific
advice for teaching EAL students. They include practical strategies for supporting EAL students
before reading, during reading and after reading. There is also guidance on teaching vocabulary,
grammar and reading for meaning. In addition, each non-fiction text has a specific
EAL strategy, so that the supporting adult is aware of potential difficulties the EAL
student may encounter with vocabulary or concepts. In Rapid Plus Stages 7 to 9 there is a short
play in each book. The action of the play is based on the characters and plot of the
fiction text, so students are already familiar with the context.
There are four characters in each play, so every student can have a role and the parts
have equal status to keep students engaged. Play reading is an ideal way for EAL students
to practise speaking fluent and expressive English. The vocabulary used in the plays
closely reflects the language used in the accompanying story so EAL students can build
up their confidence in reading aloud. The plays are very popular with students who
often like to re-read the play taking a different part.
[Software support for EAL students] There are many features of Rapid Plus Online
software that make it particularly suitable for EAL students. All the texts are available
as eBooks which the EAL student can re-read later either in school or at home.
The ‘Read to me’ feature of the software, where a student can click a button to hear
the text read aloud to them, demonstrates a model of correct and fluent reading of the
text. The text is highlighted as it is read, so the EAL student can match the word they
hear with the word they see. Students can click on any word to hear it
read – this is ideal for building vocabulary. The engaging software activities allow a further
opportunity to check the EAL student’s understanding of the text, their grasp of English grammar
and progress with spelling. If the student makes an error in an answer,
the software provides a prompt for them to have another go. This is very supportive of
the EAL student who will be encouraged to try again if they make an error.
To learn more about what Rapid Plus can do for your school visit
pearsonschools.co.uk/rapidplus
[music playing]