Pingu-S English Parent-S Guide (Self-Study) High-Res

© 2008 LG & DE Limited and MR Production Limited
Linguaphone Group
Liongate Enterprise Park
80 Morden Road
Mitcham CR4 4PH
United Kingdom
All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form, or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers.
© 2007 The Pygos Group

The Pingu name and character and the Pingu knapsack logo are trademarks of The Pygos Group
PARENT’S GUIDE
Contents
INTRODUCTION 1
Who is Pingu?
What is Pingu’s English?
What is the Pingu’s English System?
Spiral Syllabus
What do we teach?
What are the aims of the course?
WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN IN PINGU’S ENGLISH 3

The Integrated Communicative Syllabus
Role of Mother Tongue 4
Vocabulary Tables 5
Skills Chart 8
COURSE CONTENTS 9
Study Packs
Activity Pack 12
THE TEACHING SYSTEM 13

1: Introduction
2: Expansion
3: Consolidation
4: Review and Assessment and Testing
Assessment for Learning
THE ROLE OF THE PARENT IN PINGU’S ENGLISH 16

Enjoy English with your Child
Correcting your child
Concentration
Speaking English at home
TIPS FOR WORKING WITH YOUR CHILD 18

Playing Games
TIPS FOR SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S ENGLISH STUDIES 19
TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR CHILD’S LANGUAGE SKILLS 21

Tips to help improve listening skills
Tips to help improve speaking skills
Tips to help improve writing skills
Tips to help left-handed children
Tips to help improve recognition/reading skills
TEACHING / PRAISING LANGUAGE FOR PARENT’S USE 23
HOW TO USE THE LETTERS AND NUMBERS DVD AND BOOK 24

INTRODUCTION
Who is Pingu?
Pingu is a charming little penguin who has become famous all over the world through the
highly successful children’s animated television program. The Pingu stories follow the
daily adventures and antics of the loveable penguin and his family and friends in the
snow and ice of the South Pole, all of which reflect human everyday situations. All
children (and adults) will be captivated by Pingu and his daily adventures.
What is Pingu’s English?

Pingu’s English is an American English three level language learning course aimed at pre-
school children aged 3-7+ years. It is a course for children who have had little or no
contact with English before and particularly for those children whose mother tongue
script is non-roman. The course has been designed by a team of leading English
language and child education experts to meet the developing linguistic, emotional and
physical needs of young children. It uses high quality multimedia materials including
DVDs, books, audio CDs, CD-Roms and online delivery.
What is the Pingu’s English System?

Pingu’s English is a 3 level American English language course:
Each level contains 12 units
Each unit is based on a Pingu television episode delivered on DVD
Each unit consists of 4 types of learning experience
Pingu’s English is a complete English language learning system delivering a complete
English language learning experience.
A system because we provide everything needed to help young children learn English,
reassure their parents and equip them with the essential resources they need.
An experience because young children are going to learn English through a range of
interactive learning materials and captivating games and activities within a safe, positive
and rewarding environment.
Spiral Syllabus
There are two kinds of spirality in Pingu’s English.
Firstly, the course has a spiral syllabus. This means that the words and the topics are
introduced in one unit and reviewed in subsequent units in the same level and in the
other levels.
Secondly, each unit has a spiral structure. This means that the all the course materials
give many opportunities for children to practice the new words in many different ways,
for example, through singing, drawing, movement, coloring in, tracing, working in pairs
and playing games for large and small spaces.
Parent’s Guide
© LG & DE Limited 1
What do we teach?
A conventional grammar-led syllabus is not appropriate for learners at this age so
Pingu’s English has developed a topic-based syllabus which delivers useful language in
usable chunks.
Topics covered include: Greetings; Family; Toys; Food; Household; Colors; Numbers;
Action Words; Body; Animals; School.
At the pre-school stage, grammar is not usually taught directly in either mother tongue
or an acquired language. What is important is that children master the art of using
language to communicate. They do this by listening and copying chunks of language -
‘I’m hungry’, ‘I want more’, ’My name is John’ – without knowing that they are using
personal pronouns, the present simple tense and adjectives or nouns.
Although not taught directly, the syllabus introduces and practices the following
grammar and language usage in the course:
Verbs – present simple, present continuous, past simple
Nouns – singular and plural, countable and uncountable
Articles – definite and indefinite (a, an, the)
Pronouns – subject, object and possessive (I, me, my)
Adjectives – words used to describe nouns and pronouns (big, red, hungry)
Adverbs – words used to describe actions (fast, up, now)
Transactional phrases – asking and responding (Where is? Can I? Here is)
Comparatives – warm – warmer, fast – faster, cold – colder, big – bigger
This syllabus links into the first level of the Cambridge Young Learners’ English Tests
(CYLET) providing 75% of the words and structures needed for the Starters test.
What are the aims of the course?

The aims of the course are linguistic, educational and social. In addition to providing a
foundation for further English studies, the course will help children adapt to a classroom
setting, learn how to listen and speak, develop key motor skills for pencil control,
acquire basic computer skills, understand sharing and taking turns and practice
recognition and observation skills essential for any further formal education.
The key aims are:
to encourage confidence in speaking English
to develop a solid vocabulary base
to develop listening skills
to develop letter recognition and production in preparation for reading and writing
to develop computer skills
to practice cooperative skills
to have fun with English and enjoy learning with Pingu
Parent’s Guide
WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN IN PINGU’S ENGLISH
Pingu’s English has an integrated syllabus which means that children learn the four skills
of listening, speaking, reading and writing at the same time. Within each and every unit
of Pingu’s English the skills are staged so that listening comes first, followed by
speaking, thirdly pencil control (writing) and shape recognition (reading). The last two
skills are often integrated into the same activity.
The main focus is on communication, and revolves around theme-based activities

centring on home, play and school as seen in the Pingu stories. All these reflect a child’s
daily life and interests.
As far as possible, children learn a complete phrase or sentence instead of an individual

word right from the beginning. This helps with communication and allows for more
authentic practice. Research shows that we understand best when we combine new
knowledge with ‘old’ knowledge so that new words are more easily absorbed in a
sentence pattern that the children already know.
In Level 1 children learn 100 words and phrases of English and hear another 90
incidentally. They also learn the numbers 1 - 5 and begin to produce and recognize the
letters of the alphabet.
incidentally. They also learn the numbers 6 - 10 and begin to learn about alphabetical
order.
incidentally. They begin to practice writing complete words and later sentences as well
as learning numbers 11 – 20.
Across all 3 levels children learn:

Schooling skills: how to respond to instructions and how to answer questions
Creative skills: through role-play, artwork and craft activities children develop
their creativity
Social skills: how to work and play with each other and how to express opinions
and emotions
World understanding: that there are different languages in the world
Broader educational skills: more exposure (in English) to aspects of their

environment - color, number and counting, cooking and the use of computers.
Parent’s Guide
Role of mother tongue
Young children are still developing fluency in their mother tongue and need to have this
reinforced as they are learning a second language. Children have a natural desire to
communicate and understand and sometimes this will be best achieved in mother
tongue. At first, you may need to explain the activities in mother tongue. After the third
or fourth time of doing the same kind of activity children will know what to do and you
can help by giving instructions in English if you feel able (see Teaching/Praising
Language on page 23). Children will need a lot of praise and this is much more
meaningful in the mother tongue. However, using congratulatory phrases in English as
well will help them appreciate the progress they are making.
Vocabulary Tables
The Vocabulary Tables on the following three pages present the language that will be
introduced through the course of Pingu’s English, although naturally you can utilize other
passive ‘teaching’ language which children may start to imitate.
There is one Vocabulary Table for each level. The first two columns reading down the
left-hand side give the unit number and topic title for each unit. In the core language
column we give the new vocabulary which is presented, drilled and practiced in each
unit. This language is key to the episode narration, the study time and the practice
activities for the relevant unit and will be reviewed thoroughly throughout subsequent
units of the course. The final column contains ‘other language’ which is either heard or
practiced in the units. This either occurs as natural extension language in order to better
practice the key language, or as filler language in the DVD narration or songs. Often this
language will appear again as ‘key language’ in a later unit.
Skills Chart
Pedagogical research has shown that all children learn in different ways; some respond
better to pictures, some to songs, some to listening, some to speaking, some to moving,
some to making things with hands.
The activities in Pingu’s English cover the whole range of learning styles so that all
children can have opportunities to develop in the ways which suit their learning style
best. By watching and tuning in to children we can get a feel for the best activity at a
given time. Some children are active doers and will need lots of outdoor physical,
energetic play. Others are happy sitting with toys and can play on their own for hours.
The Skills Chart lists eight different ‘types of learner’, followed by examples of what that
type of learner enjoys doing, how they learn best and what they excel in. The three
central columns in the chart will help you to recognize the learning ‘type’ of each of their
children. This in turn will allow them to identify the materials from Pingu’s English that
best suit each child’s learning type.
Parent’s Guide
PINGU’S ENGLISH LEVEL 1 VOCABULARY
UNIT TOPIC CORE LANGUAGE OTHER LANGUAGE

1 GREETINGS Pingu Hi Anna who is?
Pinga Where is? Max this
Hello Bye-bye my name is
2 FAMILY Mommy look it’s good
Daddy a box in
Grandpa Here is is
3 TOYS a ball a rocket all Thank you
a boat wants please
a truck says no toys
a train I (I’m)
4 FOOD eggs a pancake round and round you let’s
milk hungry put in here are
a bowl make now too more
some for and
5 AT HOME a bed a rabbit stop on
a pillow bounce like home
a chair up the dishes
a trampoline down up and down
6 NUMBERS dishes four cookies yum yum 2 (two)
a cookie: one cookie five cookies gets 3 (three)
two cookies tummyache number 4 (four)
three cookies has 1 (one) 5 (five)
7 ACTION Robby throw blue fly
WORDS cry come home take now
play letter with
walk go get / got doing
8 COLORS a hat a boy a girl color
yellow red many
black blue
purple pink
9 THE BODY a monster one foot I’m be
a face two feet run come
a nose toes friend can
eyes hide body head
a mouth run away our her/his
hands go with they
10 ANIMALS a shadow an octopus zoo
a penguin a bear a dog animal
a seal a robot go to bed
a fish sleepy me
a duck night-night
11 ACTION a block fly today catch pleased
WORDS a towel chase everywhere roof
green wind: it’s a windy day (right) away hang
the line round and round fine then
fall down put happy run
blow children back
12 AT SCHOOL school some newspaper name sit down time (for)
a book the teacher time to read Pingi
a snowball the children before going off Pingg
friends laugh tells calls out Pingo
Parent’s Guide

1 POLITE a balloon sorry OK pump up
EXPRESSIONS blow up Thank you
clap help
2 FEELINGS music angry go away day all day
hear the phone dance when
happy a radio knock knock
talk headphones everybody
3 A NEW a scooter the floor her work too
SCOOTER the store sad wheels bends the night
new ride paint through
clean up his up and down
4 FOOD a broom lunch bread go eat the day
a banana eat fun the floor away
a head cheese today stop
5 DAILY sit a schoolbag get in hope
ROUTINES soup the trash take a bath eat up
likes stinky tickle get cleaned up
does not like the tub very
6 NUMBERS catch a shoe 9 (nine) numbers
big 6 (six) 10 (ten) again
small 7 (seven) trashman
water 8 (eight) laugh
7 ACTION a bird climb be careful pop good
WORDS drop jump scared the hill alphabet
can up white the snow
can’t down a ride
8 COLORS AND a circle a triangle a mess the town
SHAPES orange a star a table how many
a square the houses fix it
a line a picture it’s snowing
9 BEING SICK wake up the door a thermometer quick
spots a nurse a lollipop Poor Pinga
all over cough body
sick hurt call
10 CAMPING a blanket turn on a snack camping camp
old turn off scary dark
a tent a noise camp out
a flashlight quiet put up
11 ACTION swim dive ready both
WORDS a swimming pool high fall
little watch just
12 LEARNING a snowboard teach bottom one-by-one
FROM kiss learn yours
FRIENDS
a hill try
Come on! turn (around)
Parent’s Guide

1 POLITE big: bigger cold Look out! higher
EXPRESSIONS push warm: warmer Excuse me!
fast: faster roll
2 FAMILY AND breakfast your the seesaw love
FRIENDS the cup my share there is
cereal the playground there are
stickers the swing everything
3 PINGU AND an airplane buy a cake give catch
THE PARTY a party a present sister bring
walk away go in find
money get has
4 FRUIT strong fruit an apple all think
suspenders a watermelon grapes together
a sled an orange pull shout
a sandwich a cherry who?
5 MUSIC a spoon a pan outside horn a lot of
bang the trashcan sing accordion let’s
the stove the snowman fish bone
a pot inside bells
6 NUMBERS throw away 14 (fourteen) 18 (eighteen) paper more
11 (eleven) 15 (fifteen) 19 (nineteen) again here you go
12 (twelve) 16 (sixteen) 20 (twenty) front
13 (thirteen) 17 (seventeen) know
7 ACTION soccer break shake sit on knock
WORDS hit broken ring beside
the doorbell loud whole well
8 A TRIP TO THE nighttime look at space finish
MOON the sky the garage explore
the moon a helmet a flag
the stars a spaceman
9 CLOTHES a machine put on long short
knit take off in trouble knitting
gloves don’t touch
a scarf touch
10 A JOB excited Wednesday the stairs bring on (+ day)
a job Thursday wrong today put in
work Friday right once more
Monday Saturday a lady a mob
Tuesday Sunday today
11 ACTION a flute the man turn away blow
WORDS find listen bubbles
12 IN SCHOOL a firetruck a rubber band the bathroom see better
carry a student a pencil May !?
a game today draw a little
Parent’s Guide
PINGU’S ENGLISH SKILLS CHART
TYPE OF ENJOYS: LEARNS BEST BY: EXCELS IN: MATERIALS

LEARNER: SUPPLIED:
KINESTHETIC * moving around * touching * dancing ACTIVITY BOOK
(movement) * touching and * moving * acting COMPUTER TIME
talking * interacting with * crafts SONG BOOK AND
* using body space * using tools SONG CD
language * processing PINGULAND MAT AND
knowledge FIGURINES
through bodily TEACHER’S
sensations FLASHCARDS
PORTFOLIO BOXES
LINGUISTIC * reading * reading and * remembering ACTIVITY BOOK
(words) * writing seeing words names SONG BOOK AND
* listening * writing * thinking in words SONG CD
* telling stories * listening * learning STORY BOOK AND
* discussing and languages STORY CD
debating * spelling TEACHER’S
FLASHCARDS
STUDENT ’S
FLASHCARDS
LETTERS AND
NUMBERS BOOK
LOGICAL/ * doing experiments * analysing patterns * reasoning ACTIVITY BOOK
MATHEMATICAL * figuring things out and relations * recognising TEACHER’S
(numbers) * asking questions * experimenting patterns FLASHCARDS
* working with * solving problems * using abstract STUDENT ’S
numbers symbols FLASHCARDS
* problem solving PORTFOLIO BOXES
INTERPERSONAL * making friends * sharing * understanding PINGULAND MAT AND
(socialiser) * talking to people * relating to others people FIGURINES
* joining groups * working in teams * leading others TEACHER’S
* interviewing * organising FLASHCARDS
* communicating STUDENT ’S
FLASHCARDS
PORTFOLIO BOXES
INTRAPERSONAL * working alone * working alone * understanding self COMPUTER TIME
(individual) * pursuing own * reflecting * focusing inwards LETTERS AND
interests * introspecting on NUMBERS BOOK
* self-imagery * following instincts PORTFOLIO BOXES
* setting/pursuing
interests and goals
* being original
MUSICAL * singing/humming/ * following rhythm * singing SONG BOOK AND
(songs/rhythms) whistling * singing * picking out sounds SONG CD
* listening to music * listening to music * remembering
* responding to and melodies melodies, pitches
music and rhythms
* playing an
instrument
SPATIAL * drawing * visualising * thinking in images STORY BOOK AND
(visual) * building * using the mind's and pictures STORY CD
* designing and eye * remembering LETTERS AND
creating things * working with visual details NUMBERS BOOK
* looking at pictures pictures and * solving jigsaw PORTFOLIO BOXES
colours puzzles
* reading maps and
charts
NATURALIST * going to zoos, * sorting and * discriminating STORY BOOK AND
(sensitive) farms and forests classifying content flora and fauna STORY CD
* observing natural in relation to the * understanding
phenomena natural world natural
* learning about * interacting with phenomena
planets, stars & nature
space
* camping and
hiking
Parent’s Guide
COURSE CONTENTS
Pingu’s English consists of three Study Packs (Levels 1, 2, 3) and one Activity Pack.
STUDY PACK
Each Study Pack is color coded as follows:
Level 1: green (with circle icon)
Level 2: blue (with triangle icon)
Level 3: red (with square icon)
Each level contains the following materials:
2 DVDs DVD 1 contains Units 1-6

DVD 2 contains Units 7-12
The DVD is the main teaching vehicle and each unit lasts approximately 30 minutes. The
opening menu shows the six units that are contained in the DVD. The DVD can be
viewed in one go, but in the early stages you and your child may prefer to view it
chapter by chapter and pause and review as necessary.
Each unit is divided into the following chapters:
Original Pingu television episode: play through to settle the children down and
to familiarize them with the story (approximately five minutes).
Language Presentation: on-screen flashcards of language to be taught. Episode
then plays again with an American English voiceover narration using the key
language in context.
Song Time 1: a simple song (usually the 1st two verses and the refrain of the full
song) with on-screen highlighting subtitles of the words and phrases (the subtitles
can be turned on or off).
Study Time: contains a varying number of exercises and is used in conjunction
with Lesson 1 in the relevant Study Book. Real time is allowed for the completion of
the exercises but the DVD can be paused if more time is needed (or skipped to the
next exercise if completed in less time!).
Writing Time: presentation of letter and number formation exercises which the
children practice in their Study Book or on separate sheets of paper.
Language Review: we look at the new words again with the on-screen flashcards
seen in the Language Presentation chapter. These then feature individually with a
question asked and a pause for the child to respond before the answer is heard.
Song Time 2: we hear the full song with on-screen subtitles before the unit
finishes.
Parent’s Guide
2 Study Books Study Book 1 contains lessons for Units 1-6.
Study Book 2 contains lessons for Units 7-12.
Each unit in the Study Books is divided into two lessons – Lesson 1 and Lesson 2. Lesson
1 is used in conjunction with the Study Time chapter on the DVD. Lesson 2 develops the
key language taught on the DVD. The various activities provide different contexts in
which the children can personalize the language and build social interaction in order to
give them confidence for the less structured activities using other materials.
2 Activity Books Activity Book 1 contains lessons for Units 1-6

Activity Book 2 contains lessons for Units 7-12.
The Activity Books are designed to review new language from the Unit.
The material has been designed so that children can work through the book without
assistance. However, it is preferable if you can be on hand to help encourage the
children to get the most out of the activities, for example, asking them to say words with
you or to you. The activities include tasks such as coloring-in, tracing, recognizing and
pointing, and making finger puppets.
2 Story Books Story Book 1 contains six stories, one each for Units 1-6.
Story Book 2 contains six stories, one each for Unit 7-12.
2 Story CDs Story CD 1 contains readings of the six stories for Units 1-6.
Story CD 2 contains readings the six stories for Units 7-12.
Each story is based on the corresponding episode on the DVD and has its own title. The
story is read on CD which features entertaining music and sound effects. As you listen to
the CD and read the book, there is a sound effect to indicate that the book page should
be turned. The engaging stories repeat and reinforce the language learned in the DVD
story, extending the vocabulary and language structures into a new scenario.
Children should be encouraged to use these books and CDs at home or in the car with
you, or with friends or siblings.
1 Song Book containing the words of 12 songs, one for each Unit.
1 Song CD containing the 12 songs, one for each Unit, plus

instrumental/karaoke versions of each.
A stand alone book and CD of the songs as seen and heard in Song Time on the DVD.
The CD contains the full songs as heard in Song Time 2 and an instrumental only
version. The variety of songs in the Song Book and on CD help personalize and
familiarize children with the language used in the units. The words of the songs also help
with acquiring the intonation, stress pattern and rhythm of English. With the
instrumental version of each song on the CD children can be encouraged to remember
the words and to sing themselves. They can add their own words, for example, adding
their own names in place of Pingu’s or Pinga’s.
Children should be encouraged to use this book and CD at home or in the car with you,
with friends and siblings.
Parent’s Guide
2 Computer Time CD-Roms CD-ROM 1 contains four activities for each of Units 1-6
CD-ROM 2 contains four activities for each of Units 7-12.
This material is also available on the Internet from www.pingusenglish.com
From ‘tell the story’ and ‘match the picture’ to pre-letter writing practice and ‘find the
pairs’, these engaging, interactive exercises help children practice key vocabulary,
grammar and language structures whilst reinforcing listening skills and comprehension.
They also develop hand-eye coordination in mouse and keyboard use, memory and
creative skills.
Children should also be encouraged to practice at home, or wherever you can access a
computer – either on CD-Rom or through the Internet.
4 Online Tests
Online diagnostic tests taken after every third unit help to assess progress and provide
feedback as well as highlighting areas that need attention.
They are only available online at www.pingusenglish.com
A Certificate of Achievement is given at the end of each test. Here the appropriate
sticker can be put on their Height and Progress Chart sticker to reward their
accomplishment! The tests should be regarded as a progress assessment and not as a
pass or fail exercise.
Student’s Flashcards playing card size for individual children’s use.

The Student’s Flashcards allow the children to play all sorts of different games using the
pictures on the flashcards to help them visualize, hear and practice the words they have
learned. For use in the car, at home or at a party, the carry-anywhere flashcards review
and reinforce word recognition by visually presenting the key vocabulary learned in the
DVD.
Parent’s Guide
ACTIVITY PACK
1 Letters and Numbers Book and 1 Letters and Numbers DVD - Provides essential
practice in pencil control (writing) and letter recognition (reading) from Level 1 Unit 6
(when numbers are first taught) through to the end of Level 3. The book has wipe-clean
laminated pages and suitable coloring pens to write on the pages are provided.
The materials provide a substantial resource and are intended to offer guidance and
support, inspiration and encouragement. They help young children to practice the
difficult skill of writing in a script that will often not be their own or familiar to them. All
the sounds of English are pronounced by an American boy and girl and incorporated into
a word so that students can use these elements of the DVD to practice their own
production of the language.
The philosophy of both, as with Pingu’s English in general, is to deliver success and
confidence not perfection. They provide models and examples which are achievable by
young children, not unrealistic ‘perfect’ handwriting templates.
See pages 24 and 25 for a detailed explanation on how to use the book and the DVD.
1 Pinguland Mat and 10 Figurines of Pingu, Pinga, Mommy, Daddy, Grandpa, Robby,
Pingg, Pingo, Pingi, the Monster.
The Pinguland Mat and figurines are designed to allow children to work together with
parents, in pairs or small groups (where possible) and to act out some key parts of the
story, to play games and to practice the new vocabulary from the units while
manipulating the characters. These ‘freer’ activities stimulate the children’s imagination
and encourage movement, manipulation and interpersonal skills.
The design of the mat shows a landscape of Pinguland with the key places in the stories
and allows the children to enter, in their imaginations, the world of Pingu, his family and
friends.
1 Pingu Height and Progress Chart on which to record your child’s physical growth and
their progress through Pingu’s English using stickers given after taking a test.
Alphabet Jigsaw Puzzle - A fun, large puzzle which uses the familiar alphabet letters to
provide more work on letter recognition and motor skills.
Alphabet Frieze and Number Frieze - The friezes use the same familiar alphabet
letters to provide more work on letter and number recognition and can be used to
decorate your child’s bedroom.
1 Coloring Book and Coloring Pens A bumper book of specially commissioned drawings
of Pingu and his world to allow children further opportunities to practice motor skills and
use of colors.
More Adventures With Pingu DVD A bonus DVD containing six Pingu television episodes
which are not featured in the Pingu’s English course DVDs. An entertainment-filled extra
which will provide additional fun and pleasure for children.
1 Backpack A bright blue backpack with the Pingu’s English course logo for your child.
Parent’s Guide
THE TEACHING SYSTEM
Each unit of the course is split into four distinct teaching experiences:
1 – Introduction
The DVD is the starting point for each unit. It presents and practices all the language of
the unit and runs for approximately 30 minutes. All the teaching is contained in the DVD
itself, therefore the role of the parent is to introduce the children to the tasks they are
about to undertake and ensure they have enough time and encouragement to complete
them comfortably. The DVD can be paused as they are working through to encourage
the children to confirm they have understood each activity and to get them to repeat
words where appropriate. The children will need to refer to Lesson 1 in their Study Book
which is used in conjunction with the Study Time chapter on the DVD.
The following sections for each unit are in distinct chapters on the DVD for ease of
navigation:
- Pingu Episode
The first part of the DVD is the original Pingu television episode without narration.
As an introduction to each unit, children watch the episode, without looking at their
books, to get an idea of the context and to get used to the characters and the
story.
- Language Presentation
The key language for the unit is then presented using on-screen flashcards. The
children should not be looking at the Study Time tasks in the Study Book until
prompted to do so by the DVD. You (or the child) can use the "Pause" button ()
to stop the DVD to repeat the words if they like. The whole episode then plays
again with American English narration using the key language.
- Song Time 1
Song Time 1 introduces the children to a simple song in English that relates to the
Pingu episode they have seen and the language they have met. They will usually
hear just the first two verses and the refrain. You should encourage children to sing
along if they can.
- Study Time
This section of the DVD contains various listening and speaking exercises. The
teaching material is presented on the DVD and used alongside the numbered
exercises in the Lesson 1 section in the Study Book. Each exercise in the book has
its own chapter on the DVD and there may be between 3 and 6 exercises in the
book for each unit. The English narration on the DVD will guide the children through
the tasks. Many of the tasks involve responding to some spoken English on the
DVD. Children should join in when prompted by the DVD to speak. The children will
need their Study Books. If your child needs more time to complete any of the tasks
you (or they) can simply use the "Pause" button () on the DVD remote. You can
also replay the material if they need to hear it again.
Parent’s Guide
- Writing Time
After the Study Time exercises in the Study Book, the DVD presents some letter
and number formation tasks. At first, these are simple lines and curves, but they
are steadily developed through the units and levels until all the numbers and letters
are learned. There will be a related activity in the Study Book for the children to
practice themselves. Children watch the DVD and then trace, and later draw the
lines and letters and numbers.
Make sure that your child is holding their pencil correctly. Many young children may
need individual attention to get the pencil grip right. Make sure they are tracing
from left to right.
- Language Review
The Language Review section on the DVD practices all the new and reviewed
language. Don’t expect too much from the children at first, Pingu’s English recycles
language throughout the units so there are plenty of opportunities to pick things up
later on. The most important thing is that the children are enjoying the course and
start to join in.
- Song Time 2
The children will already be familiar with the song from Song Time 1 but this is the
first time they hear it in full. Many children enjoy learning songs and often pick
them up quickly. Many children feel very proud that they are able to sing songs in
English and you will be impressed too! Encourage them with lots of praise
whenever you hear them singing their new English songs. The words for each unit
song are available as subtitles in karaoke style on the DVD and are also printed in
the Song Book. If you want to utilize the song at other times, you can use the DVD
or the Song CD, which also features a music only version to enable you to vary
your use of the songs.
2 – Expansion
This expands on the language presented on the DVD and utilizes the Lesson 2 section in
the Study Book. In this stage of the teaching process the children reproduce the
language in many different scenarios. They can also use other material such as Student’s
Flashcards, Pinguland Mat and Figurines, Song CD etc. to develop their learning
experience.
- Lesson 2
The children will need their Study Books. There will be four or five exercises in
Lesson 2 in the Study Book for each unit. Most of the exercises should be intuitive
for your child to complete. They should be encouraged to use the English they know
to tell you about what they are doing.
Each Lesson 2 section will end with a ‘Play the Game’ and a ‘Play in Pinguland’.
These are group activities designed for use in a Pingu’s English Centre. Games are
a good way to practice some of the language from the lessons at the same time as
providing fun. The Pinguland Mat provides a context for the children to use the
language from the unit, and having figurines that they can actually hold involves
them physically in the language.
If you want more information about these activities, please contact your Pingu’s
English distributor.
Parent’s Guide
3 - Consolidation
This if the ‘free’ practice stage of the teaching process in which the children have the
opportunity to really play and use all the language they have learned in the unit.
Children will usually vary the types of practice they do for each unit. For this stage it
would be helpful if the children can work in pairs or small groups for several of the
activities.
The aim of the ‘free’ practice stage is for the children to work at their own pace and for
them and you to choose those activities which you feel to be the most appropriate for
their needs. Children do a range of activities based on different learning styles using all
the materials in Pingu’s English. Materials can be chosen from the skills chart given in
this Parent’s Guide and completed by the children in any order.
4 – Review and Assessment

The final phase of the teaching experience for each unit is the review. As a parent you
should encourage your child to choose activities from the unit that they have been most
stimulated by so that they review the language from that unit. The DVD may be watched
again to ensure children have remembered and can produce the key language of the
unit.
If children have issues with vocabulary production in the early stages, this is not a
problem: many children go through an extended period of silence when first tackling a
new language. They may also have problems with mother tongue development.
- Testing
After every third unit there is an internet-based test from which you will be able to
assess how your child is getting on with their English language development.
The tests are designed to help identify any problems so that additional practice can
be encouraged and support can be given. The tests are computer-based in order to
develop the children’s computer skills and they are available online only. You will
need access to the internet and you will need your child’s individual log-in to access
the learning and testing zones on the Pingu’s English website.
Look at the test yourself first so that you can deal with any queries your child may
have. Each test itself takes approximately eight to ten minutes. You will be able to
check their results later.
The tests should be regarded as a progress assessment and not as a pass or fail
exercise. Children do not need to know that they are taking a ‘test’, although some
children respond very positively to the idea! It may be more productive for more
nervous children if they see the activities as a game rather than a test.
When your child completes a test you should take a note of the time and date they
took the test for checking the results later. You will be able to print out a certificate
of achievement, and the child will then be able to put the appropriate sticker on
their Height and Progress Chart.
Assessment for learning

Assessment for learning means diagnosing where a child needs help and providing extra
support in that area during the Pingu’s English study time. You will be able to focus
special attention if there are any areas where your child is not doing so well and provide
extra support where and if needed.
Parent’s Guide
THE ROLE OF THE PARENT IN PINGU’S ENGLISH
Enjoy English with your child and with Pingu
Your help and guidance can play an important part in your child’s learning and in
motivating them. You can motivate your child with your interest, assistance, praise and
patience. Getting involved will show that you care about their education and that it is
important. Children also like their parents to be involved.
Before you begin, you should be confident that you understand how your child will learn
and how they should use Pingu’s English. You will have already read in this guide the
details of how they will use the materials. Even if you cannot speak English you can still
help your child to learn. And you too can learn at the same time!
Always be positive in your attitude to English and confident that your child can learn.
Your confidence and positive attitude will help your child and will encourage them in
their successful learning. If you are aware of what they are learning and how they are
learning, then you can also assess their progress. It is important that your child enjoys
your involvement. This is the best guarantee of their progress and success.
From an early age, children develop through activities such as listening and watching,
using body movements to explore and by re-enacting experiences and events. Pingu’s
English offers a choice of fun activities which provide children with lots of interest and
stimulation, helping them to learn. Parents can support their child’s development by
choosing activities which give them a chance to explore and use their imaginations.
Correcting your child
Sometimes your child will say words or phrases which are incorrect. Help them to listen
or look again at the correct way. As they hear the correct language, they will gradually
correct themselves. Young children have an in-built ability to refine their own usage and
pronunciation. After a short length of exposure to the language children know when their
pronunciation is good or correct.
While it is important to speak correctly, it is more important that your child feels they
are beginning to speak English, that they are enjoying learning English, and that they
feel that they are succeeding. Success motivates and leads to more success.
Remember your child will not worry about making mistakes. Young children, if they have
confidence, will want to use the English they know and will not be frightened of making a
mistake. If you criticize them or laugh at their mistakes they will lose their confidence
and will stop trying to use their English in front of you. Be positive with your child at all
times.
Parent’s Guide
Concentration
A young child’s concentration span is limited but develops as they get older. Their ability
to concentrate is even shorter in English than in their own language as everything is
new. Remember it is also tiring working in a different language.
Activities need to be short in the beginning. As your child gets used to working in
English, the Pingu’s English study time can be longer.
To begin with the activities may be more random, moving quickly from one thing to the
next. As time goes on your child will probably concentrate for longer periods on one
activity, making it easier to work progressively through the course. Once your child
shows signs of losing interest they should move on to the next activity. They should
always be left wanting to do a little more and will therefore look forward to their next
Pingu’s English study time with you.
Speaking English at home
Don’t worry if you don’t know any English yourself. Working with your child on Pingu’s
English is an ideal opportunity for you to learn English together. Children are good
learners because they are often less self-conscious than adults. Your participation,
however, is invaluable for your child’s sense of achievement. If you are already familiar
with some of the language taught in the course, you can help by occasionally reminding
your child what they have learned and by repeating some of the sentences. Ask your
child if he remembers certain words in English. Remember, your role is to help, not to
teach.
Parent’s Guide
TIPS FOR WORKING WITH YOUR CHILD
Your child will be completing specific tasks during their Pingu’s English study time.
Children should not at any point be pressurized into completing all the tasks for one
lesson, for one teaching experience or for one unit at a single sitting, as we do not want
the children to consider learning English with Pingu to be onerous tasks in any way.
However, as with any learning experience, the more exposure a child gets to the
language the more their understanding and confidence will develop.
Here are a few ideas for ways you can work with your child during and after each
teaching experience:
Introduction: Children will have heard the new language of the unit for the first time,
and although they may have repeated the words or phrases, they will not have been
expected to produce the language themselves. You can help children look over the Study
Book pages that they did during Study Time while watching the DVD. You could also
watch the DVD unit again. You also might want to listen to the unit song on the Song
CD, and if possible, encourage them to sing along and do any of the actions they might
have made up to go with the song.
Expansion: You can help children look over the Study Book pages for Lesson 2. You
might like to look at the DVD with them again. You could also play with the Pinguland
Mat and Figurines, encouraging them to role play the new language.
Consolidation: You can help children look over the Activity Book pages. You might like to
look at the Computer Time modules on the CD-Rom (or internet) with them. You could
also listen to the story on the Story CD, or look at the Story Book and ask them to tell
you the story, or if you are able you can read it to them.
Review and Assessment: You can review any of the activities done throughout the unit.
Ask your child to show you what they liked best about the unit they have just done.
PLAYING GAMES
There are many games you can play with your child using the language they have
learned in their Pingu’s English classes. Here are a few suggestions:
Memory: lay out a selection of your child’s flashcards of words they have learned so far.
Say what they are in English and then cover them up. Can your child remember what's
there and tell you in English?
Alphabet Game: say a letter of the alphabet for letters they have learned so far (the
alphabet is taught from Level 1 Unit 6). Can your child think of any word they have
learned so far beginning with that letter?
I-Spy: say that you are thinking of a word (one that your child has learned so far) and
that it begins with a particular letter of the alphabet. Your child has to guess what the
word is.
Matching game: choose some of your child’s flashcards of objects they have learned so
far, and get the matching objects to go with them. Put the cards face down on the table.
Your child turns over one flashcard and tries to find the matching object. They should
say the name of the object as they match it with the card.
Parent’s Guide
TIPS FOR SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S ENGLISH STUDIES
Many parents will want to help their child learn English. Here are some suggestions on
how to do this:
Allocate an area at home to be your child’s Pingu’s English corner, where they can
keep all their Pingu’s English books, DVDs, CDs, and other materials. You can
decorate it with the Alphabet and Number friezes and with the Height and Progress
Chart. This should also provide a place for your child to work and for you to sit with
them when you can.
Learning with Pingu’s English will be most effective if you fix a regular ‘English
Time’ for your child’s study. For example: at the same time each day, or on the
same days each week, in the same place each time. Remember, however, that
once your child understands how to use the materials, he can study them at other
times.
Find out what your child needs for each Pingu’s English teaching experience and
make sure that they have it ready. For example, Study Book, Activity Book,
coloring pens, Pinguland Figurines, Student’s Flashcards, Letters and Numbers
Book.
Be interested in your child's studies. Ask your child to show you what they have
done in their ‘English Time’ (perhaps they could teach you one or two new words!),
review the work that they have done and help them with it as necessary
Look at your child’s work and their test results to find out how your child is
progressing. Is your child doing as well as you can expect? What are your child's
strengths and weaknesses? Although beware of being too critical. As parents we
want our children to excel, but it may be that they need a little more time and
encouragement.
Spend time doing English activities with your child. Make this time as much fun as
possible. You want your child to enjoy English - and not see it as a chore! Try and
make these activities part of your family routine.
Do something in English once a week: read an English children’s book with your
child at bedtime once a week; watch some videos or cartoons in English; let your
child listen to the Pingu’s English songs or stories at bedtime, or while you're
traveling in the car. Let your child just enjoy listening to and watching something
entertaining in English.
Look at the Pingu’s English Story Books with your child. Talk about the title page of
each story and the pictures (‘What's this story about?’, ‘What can you see?’), so
your child has an understanding of what's going on. Read the words slowly, show
your child that the script goes from left to right. See if your child can recognize any
of the words. If you are unsure about reading yourself, play the Story CD.
Use the CD-Rom or the Pingu’s English website. Play games with your child.
Parent’s Guide
Choose a time of the week when everybody in the house tries to speak English (for
example, 10 minutes every Saturday morning as you have breakfast)
While you are out see how many English words you can find in a shop,
supermarket, in the street. Make it a game to see how many words you can find.
Use the things you have around you at home. Label objects, talk about food as you
pack away the shopping or are cooking, play memory games with toys or objects in
the house.
Use people around you. Can you find English-speaking babysitters or au-pairs? Can
you create an English club with other parents?
Once children have made their finger puppets (with your help), encourage them to
play with the puppets and ask them to show you what language they learned to
make the characters ‘speak’. Or they can use the Pinguland Figurines to show you.
You can get involved and role play with your child.
Encourage children to count things in English (i.e. 1, 2 when they put on their
shoes; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 as they put apples in a bag at the supermarket, etc.).
Put five sheets of paper on the floor with the numbers 1-5 written on them.
Encourage children to jump from one to another saying the number as they land on
it or you call out the number for them to jump to.
Encourage children to practice saying parts of the body – perhaps when they get
dressed.
Encourage children to say the color of things in English (i.e. a red car, a yellow bus
etc) when they are out with you.
Parent’s Guide
TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR CHILD’S LANGUAGE LEARNING SKILLS
Tips to help improve listening skills
Play the DVD and note if their eyes are wandering. Sit next to them if they seem to
have trouble concentrating and encourage them to watch and listen.
You may want to check that they do not have hearing problems. These are very
common until children reach the age of eight or so. It is not something to be
concerned about.
Ask your child to help you hold their flashcards and say the words after you so that
you know they are close enough to hear you.
While they are working, whisper the words and phrases into their ears. Close
proximity and a lower tone are often helpful.
If your child needs extra listening practice, play the DVD again for them.
Tips to help improve speaking skills
Some children are happy to speak into a phone rather than show their mouth. Give
them either a toy phone or an old mobile phone/cellphone to practise speaking.
Some children like to feel that they are ‘someone else’ when they speak. Have
some hats eg, firefighter’s hat, police officer’s hat, nurse’s hat, farmer’s hat for
them to use at home.
Tips to help improve writing skills
Have modeling clay so your child can make the letters before they trace them.
Have plastic letters for your child to hold and draw round.
Have sand trays for your child to write letters with their finger.
Have finger paints and scrap paper for your child to write letters with paint.
Draw some horizontal, vertical, zigzag, wavy and diagonal dotted lines and circles
on paper and ask children to trace them.
Draw lines and large shapes for children to cut out. Cutting out is a very useful
motor skill and develops hand-to-eye coordination in children.
If you or your child are unsure how any of the letter or number shapes are formed,
you can watch the Letters and Numbers DVD for clarification.
Parent’s Guide
Tips to help left-handed children
If your child is left-handed, make sure they hold the pencil higher up so it easier to
see what they are writing as they work.
Put the paper/book at a 45% angle so it is easier to see the direction of the straight
line.
Put three sided grips, or an elastic band, around the pencil to make it fatter and
therefore easier to hold.
Tips to help improve recognition/reading skills
Have three blocks, two the same and one different (for example two circular blocks
and a square one). Ask your child to point to the different one.
Have three pictures of Pingu or Pinga one of which is slightly different. Ask your
child to point to the different one.
Provide letters to trace over so that your child can practice their letters.
When they start tracing and making letters (from Level 1 Unit 6) ask them to tell
you whether each new letter is contained in their name.
Put word labels (in lower case) around the home and on some of their toys in
English, for example train, bed, chair, block, book, truck, rocket, boat, etc. so
that children get used to seeing the words in English.
Parent’s Guide
TEACHING/PRAISING LANGUAGE FOR PARENT’S USE
This bilingual wordlist of language will be useful for you to use when working with your child on
Pingu’s English, and also at all other times to get you both used to speaking and hearing English
in the right context.
Greetings Greetings
Hello Hello
Hi Hi
Bye bye Bye bye
Praise Praise
Very good Very good
Great Great
Lovely Lovely
Well done Well done
Super Super
Fantastic Fantastic
Good job Good job
Good work Good work
Songs Songs
Let’s sing a song Let’s sing a song
Sing with me Sing with me
Listen and sing Listen and sing
Hum Hum
La la La la
Stories Stories
Let’s listen to a story Let’s listen to a story
Let’s read a story Let’s read a story
Turn the page Turn the page
Say with me Say with me
Say after me Say after me
DVD work DVD work
Let’s watch the DVD Let’s watch the DVD
Look at the TV/screen Look at the TV/screen
Listen Listen
Listen to the story Listen to the story
Watch Pingu! Watch Pingu!
Watch the story Watch the story
Where’s Pingu? Where’s Pingu?
Flashcards Flashcards
Look Look
Look at me Look at me
Look at the flashcard Look at the flashcard
Listen and look Listen and look
Listen and say Listen and say
Say with me Say with me
Activities Activities
Open your book Open your book
Find your pencil Find your pencil
Point to the picture Point to the picture
Draw a line Draw a line
Trace a line Trace a line
Connect the pictures Connect the pictures
Draw a picture Draw a picture
Discipline Discipline
Quietly please Quietly please
Parent’s Guide
HOW TO USE THE LETTERS AND NUMBERS DVD AND BOOK
The Letters and Numbers DVD

The DVD is a substantial resource with a variety of elements accessed from a series of menus.
The main menu has three submenus, which lead to individual letter and number menus.
The individual letter menus offer five options:

1 animated guidance in forming each letter with start and
end points and two cycles of the formation of each
number
2 the letter and word written by a left-handed girl
3 the letter and word written by a right-handed boy
4 the letter and word pronounced by an American girl
5 the letter and word pronounced by an American boy
and you can go forward, back and home.
Blends
Several consonant menus link to the blended sounds that use that initial consonant:
Here both the boy and the girl pronounce the blend sound and a word which contains it.
The blends covered are:
bl, br, gl, gr,
ch, cl, cr, ph, pl, pr,
dr, sc, sch, sh, sm, sn, sp, st, str, sw,
fl, fr, th (the), th (thank you), thr, tr, tw
Numbers
The individual number menus offer three options similar to the letter menus:
Parent’s Guide
The Letters and Numbers DVD
Each letter is presented in lower case and capital form with the word
and flashcard picture of the word used to illustrate the sound.
There are then rows of examples for tracing with numbered directional
arrows for each stroke and a further row with space for freehand
writing. The book has laminated pages so can be wiped clean and used
again.
Every sixth page is a revision page:

Here each of the letters encountered so far is presented in the context of
a familiar word. Again there is a version for tracing and a space for
freehand writing of the letters.
The numbers pages follow the same pattern – tracing and writing
practice one at a time from 1 to 20.
The book can be used in several ways:

You can use it in alphabetical order as a first introduction to the English alphabet
You can select letters in groups with similar formation strokes – i, j, l for example or
b, d, p, q – and let children practice writing these letters until they are familiar with the
shapes
You can return to the book later on in the child’s development to provide additional practice
for letters which are proving difficult for children to master
Using the Letters and Numbers Book in conjunction with the course units
In Pingu’s English letters are introduced by shape and ease of writing rather than in alphabetical
order. In the Letters and Numbers Book they are presented in alphabetical order. So we
recommend that when children first start it that they work on the page of the Letters and
Numbers Book that relates to the work of the unit they are studying.
For example, children start with the letters i, I and l, L in their Study Book, so they should then
trace the same letters in their Letters and Numbers Book. There is space on the page for children
to copy the letters but it would be better to come back to the copying stage later in their writing
development when they have improved pencil control.
In this way each page of the Letters and Numbers Book will be used at different stages of
development. It will not be until the second half of Level 3 that the children will be able to see the
connections between letters to make words and understand alphabetical order. It is at this stage
that children can go back to their Letters and Numbers Book and start to trace and copy the
individual letters which form complete words on the revision pages.
Parent’s Guide
Parent’s Guide

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© 2007 The Pygos Group

WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN IN PINGU’S ENGLISH 3

THE TEACHING SYSTEM 13

THE ROLE OF THE PARENT IN PINGU’S ENGLISH 16

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH YOUR CHILD 18

TIPS FOR SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S ENGLISH STUDIES 19

TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR CHILD’S LANGUAGE SKILLS 21

TEACHING / PRAISING LANGUAGE FOR PARENT’S USE 23

HOW TO USE THE LETTERS AND NUMBERS DVD AND BOOK 24

What is Pingu’s English?

What is the Pingu’s English System?

What are the aims of the course?

to encourage confidence in speaking English

to develop a solid vocabulary base

to develop listening skills

to develop computer skills

to practice cooperative skills

to have fun with English and enjoy learning with Pingu

The main focus is on communication, and revolves around theme-based activities

As far as possible, children learn a complete phrase or sentence instead of an individual

Across all 3 levels children learn:

World understanding: that there are different languages in the world

Broader educational skills: more exposure (in English) to aspects of their

UNIT TOPIC CORE LANGUAGE OTHER LANGUAGE

UNIT TOPIC CORE LANGUAGE OTHER LANGUAGE

UNIT TOPIC CORE LANGUAGE OTHER LANGUAGE

TYPE OF ENJOYS: LEARNS BEST BY: EXCELS IN: MATERIALS

Each level contains the following materials:

2 DVDs DVD 1 contains Units 1-6

2 Activity Books Activity Book 1 contains lessons for Units 1-6

1 Song CD containing the 12 songs, one for each Unit, plus

Student’s Flashcards playing card size for individual children’s use.

4 – Review and Assessment

Assessment for learning

Enjoy English with your child and with Pingu

Correcting your child

Speaking English at home

Tips to help improve listening skills

Tips to help improve speaking skills

Tips to help improve writing skills

Tips to help improve recognition/reading skills

The Letters and Numbers DVD

The individual letter menus offer five options:

Every sixth page is a revision page:

The book can be used in several ways:

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