COMMUNICATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT

The aim is to develop communication skills based on the knowledge of structures and consolidated in real-life situations. Hence, in the textbooks, the selection and sequence of introducing grammar material are ancillary to language practice, and grammar is never practiced in isolation from the lexis presented in a given lesson. There are frequent communication exercises in the textbooks. Texts, dialogues, photographs, authentic materials, to name a few, serve as inspiration.

GRAMMAR STEP BY STEP

In the textbooks, grammar is taught by induction. The new structure is first presented in some realistic situation and introduced through diverse means (dialogue, comic, recording, text, photographs, etc.). Tailored examples allow students to understand the meaning of the new forms based on the context and formulate the rule which governs it. The consolidation of the new structures takes place "step by step", starting from mechanical, controlled exercises, through more and more freed exercises, to open exercises which stimulate regular communication.

 

CLEAR AND LOGICAL TABLES

The rules are clarified through clear and logical tables presenting the new structures (always in green) and grammar rules (in red). A summary of all grammar material in the form of tables is also at the end of each textbook.

PRACTICING ALL SKILLS

Textbooks allow to practice all language skills (listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking and writing) in a wide-ranging and interesting way. To avoid monotony, different types of exercises are used. The recordings imitate actual situations and give the opportunity to "get used to" the rhythm of the language.

 

FULL PHONETIC COURSE

Polski jest cool A1/part I and Polski jest cool A1/part II are the only textbooks on the market which contain a full phonetic course. At the elementary level, teaching pronunciation is of utmost importance as phonetic habits are formed which, in turn, affect the entire process of learning Polish as a foreign language. This is why the first textbook opens with "Lesson 0", in which there is a presentation of the Polish alphabet and numerous diverse phonetic exercises. At the end of each lesson unit in both books  there is a "Pronunciation" module devoted to phonetic problems which may arise in connection with the material practiced. In each of these modules there are also exercises dedicated to a certain issue in the phonetics of the Polish language. It ought to be added that all these exercises can be found on the MP3 recordings which allow learners to consolidate correct pronunciation on their own.

 

AUTHENTIC MATERIALS

Great care is taken to make certain that prepared texts and dialogues are as natural and useful as possible from the point of view of language practice. From the very beginning, authentic materials are introduced, which students come into contact with on a daily basis (tickets, menus in restaurants or cafes, cinema programmes, timetables, departures and arrivals boards, exchange rates, personal questionnaire, etc.) and excerpts from press articles, diagrams or slogans, the understanding of which at this stage of learning gives students a lot of satisfaction.

POLISH REALITY

In the textbooks, the foreigners find a lot of information about Poland - geography, monuments, culture, traditions (adjusted to the actual level of command), gets familiar with the most important historical figures and well-known Poles living nowadays, and gain knowledge about the everyday life of Poles (e.g. ways of spending free time, family, transport and communication, household expenses). The Polski jest cool A1/part I and Polski jest cool A1/part II are the only textbookS on the market which contain additional lessons: "Christmas" and "Easter", devoted exclusively to holiday customs and traditions.

GOOD FUN

There is little doubt that having fun should complement learning in order to make it more effective, the drawings, dialogues and exercises presented in the textbooks are at times funny or even provocative. The ideas for activities in pairs and groups presented in the teacher's books: Polski jest cool. Teacher's Guide and Polski jest cool. Games and Activities aid in breaking the ice, integrating the group, eliminating the fear of speaking and creating a communication situation close to natural.