The other major feature in myView is the “Close Read” sections. These are in the margins of most pages. To complete a “Close Read,” students need to find important information in the text and then either highlight or underline it. By doing this, students re-read the text several times and discuss it with classmates. Therefore, they come to understand and remember the most important details.

　Students take the ideas they discussed and wrote about in the in-book exercises and use them to complete their homework. In grades 1, 2, and 3, they have workbooks. In grades 4, 5, and 6, students complete online Google Forms. The questions in both of these kinds of homework are very similar to the questions in myView, so there is a strong connection between the work students do in class and their homework.

★ Appealing to Different Types of Learners

　Although we have only been using the new textbook for a few weeks, there have been noticeable changes to our students’ study habits and participation in English class. myView provides more structure to daily activities and discussions. Overall, our students are enjoying more chances to exercise the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

　Many students like the way the “Turn and Talk” activities in MyView let them discuss short questions with a partner or small group of classmates. Some students like the “My Turn” activities in which they can write short responses to thought-provoking questions. Furthermore, now that they have more experience, many students have noticed how their contribution to class discussions helps them in their homework. These study habits are helping our students understand their readings on a deep level of critical thinking.

★ Future Success

　Many parents are wondering how they can help their children at home. The answer to this question is simple. They do not need to complete in-book workshop pages, since these are done in class. Instead, parents can ask their child to read their main readings aloud, and to explain the main points. Parents can also help check their “Close Read” notes. Students may be eager to show off their work and to talk about the discussions they had with classmates.

　The International Department would like to thank all the parents for their help as we transition into a new way of learning. We are excited to see how our students flourish by practicing new comprehension skills and study methods. It is an exciting time!