In this month’s MS blog, we’ll take a look at the book we’ve chosen as our main textbook – the Lift series of books.  I sat down with one of the minds behind our curriculum to see what about the Lift series caught their attention.

So why Lift?  Lift is a textbook series that is a part of the National Geographic family of textbooks.  A number of our teachers have previous experience with other National Geographic textbooks.  We have seen lots of success with those books, and have built trust with their offerings.

As for why Lift specifically?  Lift is built on an inquiry-based approach to learning.  It does not have to be fit into IB, as it was designed to suit the IB Middle Years Program.  It also has a flexibility that lets us incorporate it into our specific program and work with our school’s other goals for our PIC.  Finally, Lift can be used as a textbook both for speakers of English as a first language, and for those who speak it as a second language.

As Lift was designed to fit the IB inquiry-based approach, it is not just an English textbook.  It includes topics which incorporate a variety of subjects and skills, just as our Elementary program Units of Inquiry require investigating ideas through a wide variety of approaches, from mathematically, to socially, to artistically and beyond.  The topics in the textbook serve as a springboard into wider topics, with flexibility both in approach and in student interest.

The Lift series of books include both a workbook and audiovisual supplementary materials.  Colorful photos, recordings, and engaging videos bring the words in the book to life, grabbing students’ attention and creating a connection to a wider world.  Also, students can get extra practice outside of the classroom, or support with a topic they found especially challenging.

Finally, I asked if there was anything else about the books that offers something different for our students.  One teacher mentioned that the books practice a type of English students don’t often get exposure to in everyday conversation – academic English.  The kind of language they’ll be exposed to as they progress through higher education.  Building familiarity early with this style can help them as they move on towards their futures. If you’d like to learn more about the Lift series of books, including a video and sample of a textbook, please visit here: https://www.eltngl.com/series/PRO0000009186