Say Hello Level 1 is the first in a new two-level Kindergarten English course for four- to five-year-olds. The course is written by Judy West, who has extensive experience in both teaching and writing materials for young learners. Say Hello is based around two engaging characters Tom and Polly together with their friend Ben the Bear. At the heart of the methodology lies an emphasis on child-centered activities, and the puppet of Ben the Bear plays a key part in these. Learning is introduced through a range of short and lively activities, these include listening and speaking, listening and pointing, singing and chanting, and playing games involving simple responses in English. The songs, chants and games that feature throughout the course provide opportunities for repetition, enable pupils to try out the language in a fun and secure way, and encourage interaction and movement. Each unit also offers opportunities for colouring, tracing and a craft activity, encouraging participation and manual dexterity. Level 1 introduces basic phonic awareness with Professor Bunny. Children practise initial phonemes of words they are beginning to recognise.