National Geographic resources. Coursebooks

The National Geographic Society is a “global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of the world.” Their mission is “to bring the world to the classroom, and the classroom to life”. For teachers of English, National Geographic is known more by its great coursebooks, blog, webinars and programmes with TED talks. In this article, I’ll give a brief description of National Geographic’s catalogue and focus mainly on coursebooks for different ages: very young learners, young learners, secondary students and adults.

Coursebooks Catalogue

In National Geographic resources catalogue you can find courses by: 

• age: Pre-Primary/ Very Young Learners, Primary/Young Learners, Secondary/Teens, Adults.
• skills and systems: Reading, Listening and Speaking, Writing, Grammar, Reading and Writing, Pronunciation.
• topic: exam preparation, vocabulary and idioms, graded readers, Business English, ESP, Dictionaries, Teachers’ development.

As you can see there are plenty of resources. In this article I’ll cover some coursebooks I’m acquainted with.

Pre-Primary/Very Young Learners

1. Welcome to Our World 

It’s a 3-level series. The features of this coursebook are:

• traditional children’s songs from around the world sung by kids around the world.
• engaging games and activities.
• fascinating photos and videos.
• Professional Development Program where teachers can find training videos, materials, and practical advice that can enhance their classroom practice. For example, how to use songs.
• The Interactive Whiteboard DVD integrates all the resources: songs, presentation, games, videos.
• myNGconnect — an online tool that provides access to videos, books, PD videos, assessment resources and many other things.

2. Hide and Seek

It’s a 3-level series. Languages are American English, British English. The features are:

• English language, literacy, numeracy and basic science are learnt along.
• chants and songs presented and practised through Total Physical Response.
• Art and Craft lessons, developing motor skills.
• parent’s booklet to continue the learning at home.

Download extra resources for “Hide and seek 1” here.

Download extra resources for “Hide and seek 2” here.

Download extra resources for “Hide and seek 3” here.

More downloadables here. 

Primary/Young Learners

1. Our World

It’s a 6-level series. The features are:

• covers all 4 skills.
• includes 21st-century skills practice.
• CLIL.
• inspiring and motivating videos.
• Readers that include stories, myths, non-fiction from around the world.  
• Phonics with ABC that helps learners to understand and practise sound/spelling relationships.
• myNGconnect.com with free online activities and support.

2. Wonderful World

It’s a 6-level series. The features are:

• motivating videos and photos that help learners learn more about the world along with English learning.
• grammar books.
• Say it! activities to provoke discussions.
• Sounds of English activities to practise pronunciation and sound recognition.
• revised vocabulary and exam exercise types help to practise Cambridge Young Learners English Tests.
• frequent Review Sections3. Look!

It’s a 7-level series. The features are:

• amazing photos, authentic videos and stories.
• balanced skills syllabus.
• short lessons.
• exam task types.
• 21st-century skills practice.
• phonics.
• values activities.
• project work.
• extra reading lessons.

Teens

1. Impact

It’s a 5-level series. The features are:

• 21st-century skills activities. 
• values activities.
• CLIL lessons.
• Projects.

2. Perspectives

It’s a 4-level series. The features are:

• develops critical thinking skills.
• covers all 4 skills.
• real-world stories.
• TED talks.
• exam-style task types.

3. Time Zones

It’s a 5-level series. The features are:

• covers all 4 skills.
• 21st-century topics and skills activities.
• amazing cultural videos.
• true beginners level.

Adults

1. Keynote

It’s a 6-level course. The features are:

• TED Talks that provide inspiring ideas and provoke discussions.
• authentic language materials.
• real-world and life-changing stories, readings, infographics, interviews.
• integrated-skills syllabus.
• 21st-century skills activities.
• presentation skill sections.

2. Outcomes

It’s a 6-level course. The features are:

• lexical approach.
• real-life topics and contemporary content.
• focus on natural English usage.
• amazing photos and videos.