Macmillan Natural and Social Science 2

INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

Dear Parent / Carer,

This year your child will be studying Science, History and Geography through English using the
coursebook Macmillan Natural and Social Science 2. Macmillan Natural and Social Science 2 is the
second level of a six-level course, which takes children from Year 1 through to Year 6 of primary.

Learning Science is an active process. Your child will have many opportunities for hands-on learning
experiences throughout the course. They will be encouraged to make observations and enquire, ask
questions and discover, and apply their knowledge by making connections with their everyday lives.
The 12 units of the course each take a different scientific concept as a starting point. Each unit begins
with a vocabulary chant and dialogue, both of which present the vocabulary essential to the unit. Your
child will sing at least one content-based song per unit. A story is included in every unit to aid the
children’s comprehension by contextualising the scientific concepts presented. The vocabulary chants
and songs can be enjoyed again at home with the aid of the Vocabulary and Songs CD. Your child will
be involved with at least one practical investigation or experiment per unit. They will manipulate cut-outs
and stickers to consolidate learning and be encouraged to use the Picture dictionary to initiate
independence when learning to write in English.

Use of English is carefully graded and integrated into the scientific context. Language skills will be
systematically developed alongside scientific concepts throughout the course. The children are
encouraged to express themselves in English right from the start. All four skills of speaking, listening,
reading and writing are introduced and built on gradually.

There is one homework worksheet for each unit of the coursebook. These worksheets have been
specifically designed for the child to take home and continue their investigations in their immediate
environment. When your child is given a homework task, assist him or her in investigating the concept
and completing the worksheet. Instructions are provided at the foot of each homework worksheet.

*(In addition to the coursebook, your child may also be reading the Macmillan Science Readers as part
of this year’s course. The Macmillan Science Readers will engage your child in lively and motivating
reading texts and activities related to the content in Macmillan Natural and Social Science 2 and will
give him or her a head start in developing reading skills.)

A fundamental factor in your child’s enthusiasm and success in learning Science through English lies in
your interest and support. When your child brings home a minibook, topic-related fact cards or other
material that they have created in their Science class, encourage them to read, or simply to talk about
the item with you. Try to avoid any direct translation of the material at this stage.

Thank you in advance for collaborating in your child’s progress and success in Science this year.
Please do come and talk to me if ever you have any comments or queries about any aspect of our
Science programme or if you think I can be of further help in any way.

With best wishes,

Class Science teacher

*Include this sentence in your letter only if your school has purchased the
Macmillan Science Readers.
PHOTOCOPIABLE

© Macmillan Publishers Limited 2010

 PHOTOCOPIABLE

© Macmillan Publishers Limited 2010