Overview
Open Door Basel offers eight levels of afterschool English reading and writing classes. Children in our programmes are typically native English speakers or already have a firm grasp of the spoken English language.
The curriculum is based on Oxford Tree and Jolly Phonics materials. Our three semesters are divided into colourful themes and subjects in an effort to bring out the best of your child’s creativity while they learn to read and write.
Our teachers are experienced, warm and committed to ensuring your child learns to read and write in English and develops a love of learning along the way.
Which class is right for your child?
Age: 4–5 years
Class size: max 10
Children in our Beginners class typically begin this level when they enrol in local kindergarten. At this level, they learn to recognise single letter phonetic sounds. Through play and literacy games they practice listening to sounds in words. The children learn the correct formation of letters and begin to segment and blend simple words. Oral language is developed through listening and responding to stories and songs.
Age: 5–6 years
Class size: max 10
Level 1 students continue building upon the Beginner’s programme. They are also introduced to “diagraphs” (a combination of two letters representing one sound, as in ph and ey), and begin writing short sentences.
In this level, students begin borrowing a reader each week to practice reading at home (in addition to their homework).
Age: 6–7 years
Class size: max 10
Level 2 students continue with high frequency words and phonics – as well as segmenting and blending skills, spellings, comprehension, grammar and independent writing. They also begin writing longer sentences and short paragraphs (ie 3-5 sentences) on various topics.
This is a fun period for many of our students, as they gain confidence in their skills and explore their creativity.
Age: 7–8 years
Class size: max 10
Level 3 students begin the Oxford International English Course, a structured language and literacy course that delivers reading comprehension, writing and speaking and listening skills for 5–11 year olds. Children are introduced to age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction material as well as workbooks and activity books to support our teaching goals.
Age: 8–9 years
Class size: max 10
Level 4 is an exciting period for many of our students, as they really begin finding their own styles of writing and reading interests.
In this level, students continue with the Oxford International English Course, a structured language and literacy course that covers reading and comprehension of a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, speaking and listening activities, phonics and independent writing covering different genres according to their levels.
Age: 9–10 years
Class size: max 10
In Level 5, teachers actively work with students to polish their spelling and grammar and help them gain confidence in their writing abilities.
Students in this level continue with the Oxford International English Course, a structured language and literacy course that covers reading and comprehension of a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, speaking and listening activities, phonics and independent writing covering different genres according to their levels.
Age: 10–11 years
Class size: max 10
Many of the students in Level 6 are on their way to becoming strong readers and writers, as they continue to polish their writing styles and grammar.
This level continues with the Oxford International English Course, a structured language and literacy course that covers reading and comprehension of a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, speaking and listening activities, phonics and independent writing covering different genres according to their levels.
Age: 11–12 years
Class size: max 10
Our goal in Level 7 is to ensure we have built a solid literacy foundation for our students as they continue their educational journey.
Students in this level continue with the Oxford International English Course, a structured language and literacy course that covers reading and comprehension of a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, speaking and listening activities, phonics and independent writing covering different genres according to their levels.
Weekly schedule
Our reading and writing classes are held Monday through Friday in the early and late afternoons. Children are advised to enrol in one session per week. All written materials are included.
