Step by Step

Step by Step is a collection of readers designed for young Chinese-language learners with special emphasis on immersion classrooms. Delightful colored illustrations and engaging stories introduce useful vocabulary and basic language structures, in a fully illustrated multi-phase approach. Currently, the two completed phases are primarily targeted for K–2 students. 

All readers in this standards-based series relate to topics integral to K–2 curricula: family, school, community, plants and seeds, water and weather, nutrition, hygiene, physical activity, school, math, and time. This correlation allows students to connect the material with content from other classes, reinforcing both their Chinese reading comprehension skills and their knowledge of the subject matter.

Consistent with identified best practices for language learning, the series emphasizes learning Chinese through relevant content supported by vivid narratives and delightful visuals. In addition, the readers emphasize common oral language structures and repeated use of high-frequency words, familiarizing students with natural Chinese speech.

Within the Step by Step series, vocabulary builds incrementally and systematically. The first three readers introduce 24 essential vocabulary items. All other readers build from this foundation, adding approximately eight new vocabulary items per book. Vocabulary acquisition spirals through each topic, giving students opportunities to encounter words in multiple meaningful contexts. Stories, sentence structures, and content gradually become more complex as students progress through the series.

Concepts and Strategies behind Step By Step

• Narrative and visual context are integrated for optimal language learning
• Reading practice is integrated with the standard K-2 curriculum
• Vocabulary is systematically and incrementally introduced using a spiraling strategy