Picaro is supported by experts in education and entertainment: Cambridge English Language Assessment, Kaplan Inc., Fox International Channels’ BabyTV.

A series of 16 books full of fun topics and colourful illustrations. Provides relevant and interesting contexts in the form of stories, dialogues and cartoons. Engages students with full-colour illustrations on every page. 16 picture and beginner dictionaries. Activities include matching, spelling and board games, which promote collaborative work and help students to improve their fine-motor skills. A double-page spread of practice activities for each of the topics in the student’s books.

Units 1 to 4 (Level 1). Learners do not need any prior knowledge of English to begin with Picaro. Language is introduced in a natural way through stories, dialogue and oral presentation. The supporting online games provide further valuable exposure to and motivation through fun-oriented learning with positive feedback. With the addition of the quiet reflection time provided by the Workbook activities, Picaro ensures that learners have all the practice they need to be confident in moving on to reading and writing.

Units 5 to 8 (Level 2) Learners are introduced to a wider range of vocabulary, work with language at the sentence level and start to develop writing skills. The supporting online games motivate and engage the learners in play-based learning and help them become comfortable with written language. The games provide extensive practice of listening, reading and writing skills, with a further focus on phonics and spelling. Workbook activities provide yet more exposure and the essential opportunity for quiet reflection and processing. By the end of this level learners will be well-prepared for the Cambridge English Young Learners Starters test.

Units 13 to 16 (Level 4) introduce more complex language structures via the natural context of stories, information texts and dialogues. Learners continue to develop autonomy, and extend through the fun and motivating online games. These bring both extended exposure to the language and practice in producing it. The workbooks also help learners see and reflect on their own progress with a wide range of consolidation activities. By the end of this level learners will be well-prepared for the Cambridge English Young Learners Flyers test.

Units 13 to 16 (Level 4) introduce more complex language structures via the natural context of stories, information texts and dialogues. Learners continue to develop autonomy, and extend through the fun and motivating online games. These bring both extended exposure to the language and practice in producing it. The workbooks also help learners see and reflect on their own progress with a wide range of consolidation activities. By the end of this level learners will be well-prepared for the Cambridge English Young Learners Flyers test.

Published by Kaplan/Cambridge English Curriculum