Family and Friends Course Description#
Family and Friends is a well-known English language course for children published by Oxford University Press. It combines grammar, vocabulary, the four main language skills, phonics, and communication activities to help children learn English step by step through engaging, age-appropriate topics.
The course supports children’s language development while also encouraging confidence, social skills, teamwork, and positive values. The Second Edition builds on the original course with expanded resources for fluency, culture, assessment, and digital learning.
Family and Friends Levels#
- Family and Friends Starter: Pre-A1
- Family and Friends Level 1: Pre-A1 to A1
- Family and Friends Level 2: A1
- Family and Friends Level 3: A1 to A2
- Family and Friends Level 4: A2
- Family and Friends Level 5: A2 to B1
- Family and Friends Level 6: B1
The series provides a gradual learning path from the earliest stages of English to approximately the pre-intermediate level.
What Age Group Is Family and Friends Suitable For?#
Family and Friends is primarily designed for school-age children. Approximate ages for each level are:
- Starter: Preschool children
- Level 1: 7–8 years old
- Level 2: 8–9 years old
- Level 3: 9–10 years old
- Level 4: 10–11 years old
- Level 5: 11–12 years old
- Level 6: 12–13 years old
The appropriate starting age may vary depending on a child’s previous English experience and school system.
How Is the Course Structured?#
Family and Friends follows a structured program in which grammar and language skills develop side by side. At each level, children explore familiar, age-appropriate topics while practicing different aspects of English.
Topics commonly include:
- Family and friends
- School and home
- Food and clothes
- Hobbies, animals, and sports
- Daily routines
- Places, nature, and travel
- Technology and the world around us
Which Skills Does This Series Improve?#
Family and Friends develops all four main language skills, with practice in both spoken and written communication.
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Listening | Children listen to level-appropriate audio, conversations, and everyday situations to build listening comprehension. |
| Speaking | Conversation sections and interactive activities encourage children to speak from the early stages of learning. |
| Reading | Stories, short texts, and reading activities gradually develop reading fluency and comprehension. |
| Writing | Learners progress from simple writing exercises to creating sentences and longer texts. |
Grammar Instruction#
Grammar is introduced gradually and at a level appropriate for children. Learners begin with simple, practical structures and progress to more advanced forms.
Grammar is taught alongside vocabulary and communication activities, helping children use new structures in context.
Vocabulary Instruction#
New vocabulary is presented through familiar topics and child-friendly activities, including:
- Classroom activities and games
- Stories and conversations
- Listening exercises
- Projects
Children then practice using the words in different activities and situations.
Phonics#
The course includes a structured phonics program that teaches children the relationship between English letters and sounds. This helps them read and pronounce words more confidently, especially at beginner levels.
Stories#
Stories are an important part of Family and Friends. Characters and situations familiar to children introduce new grammar and vocabulary in context. This helps learners understand and use English beyond simply memorizing words and rules.
Fluency Time#
The Second Edition includes a section called Fluency Time It gives children opportunities to use the grammar and vocabulary they have learned in everyday communication. These activities also help build speaking confidence.
Values Education#
Family and Friends incorporates positive values into its lessons and activities, including:
- Friendship and cooperation
- Helping others
- Respect and responsibility
- Caring for the environment
- Appropriate social behavior
Culture#
Cultural sections introduce children to different cultures and ways of life. These activities help learners explore the world around them while studying English.
Projects and Activities#
Creative projects give children opportunities to use English in practical ways while developing skills such as:
- Creativity
- Teamwork
- Speaking
- Problem-solving
What Learning Resources Are Included?#
Family and Friends offers a range of materials for both learners and teachers, including:
- Student Book or Class Book
- Workbook
- Teacher’s Book
- Audio resources
- Digital resources and online practice
- Classroom presentation tools
- Teacher resources
- Assessment materials
Who Is This Series Suitable For?#
This series is a good choice for children who:
- Want to start learning English from the basics.
- Enjoy learning through stories and pictures.
- Like games and interactive activities.
- Need a structured, step-by-step learning program.
- Want to develop all four language skills together.
- Want to learn phonics and pronunciation from the beginning.
- Want to improve their speaking skills and confidence.
Key Features Of The Series#
- Designed specifically for children
- Seven levels, from Starter to Level 6
- Step-by-step grammar and vocabulary instruction
- Development of all four main language skills
- A structured phonics program
- Speaking and fluency practice
- Engaging stories
- Interactive and creative activities
- Project-based learning
- Social values and cultural content
- Audio and digital resources
- A variety of practice activities
- Materials and assessment resources for teachers
Why Choose Family and Friends?#
Family and Friends goes beyond memorizing grammar and vocabulary by offering a broad program for children’s language and communication development. Stories, pictures, speaking activities, phonics, grammar, vocabulary, projects, and creative tasks make learning more engaging and practical.