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From 6 levels to 9 – An innovation in the BOOKR Class leveling system

BOOKRClass | 2023.07.20

Leveling Up: Maximizing Student Achievement with 9 Levels in BOOKR Class
Welcome to an exciting new chapter in the world of English language education with BOOKR Class! Over the past years, we have embarked on a journey of discovery, learning from the experiences of our users, and gaining valuable insights into effective teaching practices. Today, we are thrilled to share with you a significant development that will revolutionize the way we approach language learning: the introduction of 9 levels in the BOOKR Class Library instead of 6.

from level 6 to 9

With the introduction of these additional levels, our educational team aims to bring a new level of nuance and depth to the BOOKR Class Library, creating a more tailored and comprehensive learning journey for each and every student.

So, why the switch to 9 levels, and how will it benefit you as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher? Let’s delve into the advantages and possibilities that this expansion brings to the classroom.

Change, based on your feedback

During the past 2 years since BOOKR Class 2.0 came out, we have learnt and experienced a lot about the functioning of the library, the habits of our users and the teaching practices. 

change based feedback

To better nuance the BOOKR Class Library, our educational team decided to extend the currently available 6 levels to 9 levels, introducing new “transition levels”.

Target & CEFR levels remain the same

The target age group will remain 4-14, and the proficiency level from pre-beginner to intermediate (pre-A1 to B2), but with more nuance and transition between levels.

The benefits of 9 levels

Why switch to 9 levels and how does it benefit your work as an EFL teacher? 

  • 1. Increased Differentiation

With 9 levels instead of 6, teachers can provide a more nuanced and differentiated learning experience for their students. Different students have different levels of proficiency and progress at different rates, so having more levels allows teachers to better tailor the content to each student’s needs and abilities.

  • 2. Enhanced Language Development

By increasing the levels, the content can cover a wider range of language skills, such as vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. This can help students develop their English language skills in a more comprehensive and structured manner, building a solid foundation for their language development.

the benefits of 9 levels
  • 3. Flexibility in Lesson Planning

More levels provide teachers with greater flexibility in lesson planning. They can easily adjust the content and difficulty level based on their students’ progress and needs, allowing for a more adaptive and personalized approach to English language instruction.

  • 4. Better Assessment and Monitoring

Having more levels allows for more accurate assessment and monitoring of students’ progress. Teachers can easily track students’ performance across different levels, identify areas for improvement, and provide targeted feedback, which can support effective assessment and monitoring of student learning outcomes.

cefr leveling

How should you image the CEFR levels aligning with BOOKR Class’s classification of levels? Here’s a cheat sheat, save it, copy it, print it and have it handy if needed. 

level 9 english teaching

What should you know about the new leveling system?

Levels one by one

Level 1 (pre-A1) - pre-beginner

Level 1 was created for young learners who are encountering the English language for the first time. It aims to familiarize learners with the target language and establish basic skills. Some of the Level 1 books are recommended for ages 0-8 and are tailored to young learners who may not yet have reading skills.

level 1

The books

  • high-frequency, easy-to-use words and expressions
  • simple grammar structures in chunks, some very basic grammar structures ("to be," "can," imperative forms)
  • sentences and texts are short and simple
  • the topics are related to learners' immediate environments, everyday situations (school, family, friends, home)
  • nursery rhymes, songs, simple poems, picture books, activity books, and short, straightforward stories

The games

  • an enjoyable experience & opportunities for incidental learning, accidental language acquisition
  • the establishment and improvement of skills
  • vocabulary, listening skills, comprehension, memory, cognitive skills, and fine-motor skills
  • instructions are simple and read aloud

Level 2 (pre-A1) - beginner

Level 2 is designed for beginner learners to get familiar and comfortable with the basics of the English.

  • meaningful context for learning vocabulary, understanding basic sentences, improving reading, listening skills
level 2

The books

  • high-frequency words and expressions, basic grammar structures ("can" and present simple)
  • sentences and texts that are short and easy to follow
  • topics related to learners' immediate environments, concrete everyday situations and contexts
  • coherent stories with basic logical links
  • simple stories, picture books, poems, dialogues, activity books, and content- and lang.-int. texts
  • some books are form-focused, written specifically to teach a certain grammar structure (e.g. present simple) or specific vocabulary items (e.g. items of clothing) - others are meaning-focused

The games

  • more explicitly on vocabulary, comprehension, and basic grammar & listening skills and cognitive skills
  • many of the activities do not require reading skills
  • instructions for the games are narrated as well

Level 3 (A1) - beginner

Level 3 for beginner learners to improve their confidence with the basics of the English language. 

  • reading skills, expand vocabulary, and provide examples of level-appropriate grammar structures
  • improve comprehension
level 3

The books

  • high-frequency words related to the immediate environment, everyday situations, and a wider scope of the world
  • form-focused books (e.g. present simple, present continuous, past simple)
  • the texts offer a broader range of vocabulary and grammar structures
  • most books are coherent stories (fiction or non-fiction) with logical links
  • modern fiction, classic stories, dialogues and conversations, and non-fiction texts about the world

The games

  • more explicitly on comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, language proficiency & communicative and cognitive skills
  • some are similar to those found in textbooks to help learners prepare for succeeding in the classroom.

Level 4 (A1-A2) - elementary

Level 4 is designed for beginner learners who seek to improve their language skills.

  • both receptive (listening, reading) and productive skills (speaking, writing)
  • examples for the flow of texts and conversations while enhancing language skills
level 4

The books

  • high-frequency words related to the immediate environment, everyday situations & a wider scope of the world
  • meaning-focused books provide simpler authentic examples with linking words and complex sentences
  • form-focused books emphasize the occurrence of a certain structure or vocabulary items
  • coherence and cohesion of the texts are strong
  • the events and messages are more explicit, but leaving some space for interpretation
  • modern fiction, classic stories, dialogues & conversations, and non-fiction texts about people and the world

The games

  • more explicitly on comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, language proficiency & communicative skills
  • some games are textbook-type exercises
  • in some books, instructions are not read out loud

Level 5 (A2) - pre-intermediate

Level 5 is designed for pre-intermediate learners to expand their basic knowledge and improve their language skills

  • to express themselves more effectively on a wider range of topics in more detail.
level 5

The books

  • more complex sentences related to everyday topics (family, work, nature and school)
  • language production (e.g. daily routines, sharing experiences, and giving basic opinions)
  • grammar that is necessary for self-expression with a limited vocabulary
  • both form- and meaning-focused books with some stylistic and literary elements (e.g. humor)
  • the sentences and texts are diverse (length, genre, vocabulary, and grammar structures)
  • some stories require some interpretation, encouraging self-reflection, critical thinking
  • opportunities for learning about different cultures and subjects
  • modern fiction, classic stories, dialogues and conversations, and non-fiction texts about culture and the world

The games

  • focus more explicitly on comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and general language proficiency
  • inspired by exercises and test items that learners are likely to encounter in their studies
  • some meta-language is included preparing them for in-class work

Level 6 (A2-B1) - (pre-)intermediate

Level 6 is designed for pre-intermediate learners to venture beyond their immediate surroundings.

  • to engage with more complex topics and ideas
  • to understand and interpret information
  • to gain confidence in reflecting and commenting on various topics
level 6

The books

  • high-frequency words and expressions related to both easy-to-grasp and more abstract concepts
  • students rely more heavily on their skills to comprehend ideas based on the text (less on visuals)
  • interpretative skills and making educated guesses from context
  • diverse structures and vocabulary relevant for various situations (can be used to have meaningful conversations)
  • special topics, areas, and situations that might not occur in learners’ everyday life
  • a range of materials: classic stories, informative non-fiction texts, and modern fiction
  • to broaden learners' horizons to the diversity of the world around them

The games

  • explicit focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and language proficiency
  • language used in the games is more complex, resembling that of language tests

Level 7 (B1) - intermediate

Level 7 for intermediate learners who want to confidently engage with topics beyond their immediate environment.

  • to express themselves, formulate personal opinions and criticism
  • interpret texts with more abstract messages
  • to use more complex language structures related to a range of topics, such as culture, society, and current events
  • the input exemplifies participation in conversations, expressing ideas, opinions, giving reasons and explanations
level 7

The books

  • a wide variety of topics, including climate change, sustainability, and the question of powerful leaders
  • to make sense of the texts with the help of their knowledge and skills
  • the texts, and content are more complex and sophisticated, with a greater variety of expressions and registers
  • the input is not limited to the focus of the books, and learners may encounter lower-frequency words
  • to deduce the meaning of vocabulary with the help of context
  • interpretation, analysis, critical thinking, and evaluation are at the center of skills development
  • classic stories, informative non-fiction, modern fiction, and dialogues

The games

  • focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and language proficiency
  • to help learners improve their skills for everyday life and language tests

Level 8 (B1-B2) - upper-intermediate

Level 8 is designed for intermediate learners to broaden their vocabulary and familiarity with different genres and registers of the language.

  • understanding of complex language structures and communicate fluently on a wide range of topics
  • encourage learners to engage in discussions, understand different perspectives, argue and discuss various issues
level 8

The books

  • covers a wide range of topics and vocabulary, with only some limitations on the difficulty level
  • humor, irony, and other literary techniques are used in the texts
  • texts intend to prepare learners for texts they may encounter in academic settings
  • informative non-fiction, descriptive texts, and dialogues

The games

  • reading comprehension, building vocabulary, practicing grammar, and enhancing language proficiency
  • to prepare students for academic tests and further studies.

Level 9 (B2, B2+) - upper-intermediate

Level 9 is designed for upper-intermediate learners to dive deeper into various topics.

  • a full immersion in the English language
  • serves the purpose of preparing for the C1 level
level 9

The books

  • detailed information on a wide range of subjects
  • humor, irony, and other literary techniques to create an engaging reading experience
  • prepare learners for texts they might encounter in academic settings.
  • informative non-fiction, descriptive texts, and dialogues

The games

  • reading comprehension, vocabulary building, grammar practice, and language proficiency
  • metalanguage to prepare students for tests and further academic studies
  • interpret and analyze complex texts, while also deepening their understanding of English
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