MARBLES nurtures children into rounded individuals and responsible global citizens. Each marble highlights activities which promote different aspects of Learning for life, which vary according to the level the child is working at.

Each new topic is presented through an engaging composite illustration at the start of the unit, with accompanying audio. New vocabulary is presented using combined media: photographic video animation and individual illustrations with flashcards. Throughout the unit, there are many opportunities to use the new words, as well as a Picture dictionary for reference.

In each unit, children practise key sounds that may be difficult for non-native speakers to identify and produce. The target sounds are presented via age-appropriate language in a fun rhyme. Fun animated audios and videos (Chants, Songs and Grammar Raps) are provided to motivate and encourage children to participate, thereby reinforcing language.

Animated stories and videos throughout the course allow children to follow the episodic stories of the characters and get engaged. Stories provide motivating entertainment, consolidate the unit language and vocabulary and allow the practise of the skills. They can be followed in the Pupil’s Book comics and also in the video animations. The Skills pages in the Activity Books integrate the stories and help children practise and consolidate the language and skills of the unit.

MARBLES offers a wide range of video content as a highly effective and motivating learning tool at different stages of the unit. Subjects are brought to life and children look forward to watching the next installment of the animated videos or are curious to learn more about real life subjects presented by children of their own age.

Every unit features real-world content with CLIL pages related to the unit topic. Themes span Art, Natural science, Social science, Maths, History and Geography. Children can apply the knowledge they gain from these lessons to other subjects they are learning. Positive values and Learning for life skills are reinforced throughout the course in different ways, while highlighting aspects of Social and emotional learning (SEL) and Global learning.

Review pages in the Pupil’s Book and My Marbles file pages in the Activity Book encourage metacognitive thinking skills. This course is designed so that by the end of Level 4, children will be ready to take Cambridge English A1 Movers test and the Cambridge English A2 Flyers test by the end of Level 6. External exam activity types are practised in the Exam practice section at the end of the Activity Book.

Whether teaching online or face-to-face, or a blend of both, MARBLES offers a wealth of digital materials and resources, available on HELBLING e-zone kids. Our user-friendly platform enables teachers to deliver content, assign tasks and homework, and to monitor children’s progress. All the audio and video content is also available via the HELBLING Media App.