Supporting the youngest English language learners with Little Blue Dot

At the start of 2024, we introduced Little Blue Dot—a three-level English language course for our youngest ELT learners, aged three to six years old.

Little Blue Dot has a brand-new methodology that combines English language learning with concept-based learning—a first in English language teaching materials for the pre-primary group.  

Concept-based learning is an innovative methodology which develops language and communication skills, as well as knowledge of the world and cognitive abilities.

Merinda Wilson, Product Portfolio Manager in our English Language Teaching division, explains:

“Children becoming aware of the world around them and the wider community is a key objective of the course. The title, Little Blue Dot, refers to the planet Earth, as seen from outer space. When we see how small planet Earth is in the immense galaxy, it makes us understand how important it is to look after this place that is our home. We hope that this  course is going to make our young learners the changemakers of the future by learning about how to look after their planet and their fellow human beings.”

Meet Spark, the friendly dragon

Learners are guided throughout the course by a friendly dragon puppet called Spark, who helps spark the curiosity and imaginations of the children.

As well as the animated story lessons with Spark and her dragon friends, there are lots of engaging videos and songs to keep the class active and to support their understanding of the concepts.

For an enhanced, at-home-learning digital experience, Little Blue Dot partners with Lingokids, voted the number one app for kids by Kidscreen. With every Student Book there is a code for parents to access fun activities from Lingokids, along with the coursebook songs and stories.

What our communities think

Members of our community in Mexico have kindly shared how they’ve found using Little Blue Dot:

“With concept learning, learning is fun and memorable.”

“What I like most about Little Blue Dot is the great benefits it offers for children’s learning. It promotes a deep understanding of topics, encourages active teaching, and fosters critical thinking. And to top it off, it provides us with the Lingokids platform for practice. The methodology is outstanding and innovative.”

“This methodology is engaging and easy to follow for students, parents, and teachers. There is always evidence of learning! This is the methodology that our active students require to live and get new knowledge without letting them know they are learning!”

The Little Blue Dot adventure will continue as we build on the methodology of combining concept-based learning with English language learning to support older learners. Find out more about the Little Blue Dot course here.