Mammutico® blocks are more than just a toy. In many settings, they serve as tools for activities that support the development of social skills or sensory integration. In numerous educational institutions, they are used for a variety of classes and workshops (depending on the type of set). One way to use Mammutico® large blocks in education is the SIMPLE ENGLISH course for learning English.

Mammutico® blocks as a tool for child development

It is worth remembering that Mammutico® blocks are not merely a teaching aid. Their versatility helps develop children’s imagination, creativity, and self-confidence. They teach teamwork and foster independence.

With the help of these large blocks, children also practice motor coordination, gross motor skills, and spatial and logical thinking. These are skills that facilitate, among other things, learning to write, read, and solve math problems, and in the future, navigating new situations.

The SIMPLE English Course UsingMammutico® Blocks

The SIMPLE ENGLISH course was created specifically for use with Mammutico blocks. It is an original program written for us by experienced teachers who have been working with children for many years.

The teaching methods of the creators of the SIMPLE English course are based on psychological and pedagogical knowledge. They are a team of professionals with open minds and hearts. Their passion is teaching English, and their mission is to foster creativity and teach in a joyful way.

English lessons using large blocks are an additional service that any owner of two sets of our blocks (Smart 230 and Simple 110) can offer. As part of our partnership, we provide 74 lesson plans and teacher training on how to conduct the course.

How does the SIMPLE English language course work?

The SIMPLE English course is a unique language journey for children aged 4 to 9! It provides the youngest learners with a unique adventure based on imagination and play. It transports children to an amazing world they build themselves, where only English is spoken.

SIMPLE English lessons engage all of a child’s senses, stimulate creativity, provide plenty of physical activity, and motivate learning! Playing together is the best way to learn a foreign language and simply use it fluently in your immediate surroundings!

The SIMPLE English teaching method in practice

The SIMPLE English language course is a friendly and effective method of teaching English based on building games.

We use large foam blocks for learning, which not only make lessons more engaging but also stimulate children’s imagination, develop their creativity, and encourage active participation.

During lessons, children use the blocks to build sets and props needed to complete tasks related to the lesson’s theme—for example, a restaurant table, a store counter, a ticket booth, a train station, a doctor’s office, a wardrobe, clothes, etc.

In such a setting, the child fully immerses themselves in the given situation. This facilitates memorizing vocabulary and communicating using complete sentences. Children explore vocabulary themes and use grammatical structures by following the teacher, according to a specific lesson plan.

While setting up the scene, we actively use English phrases needed to create the arrangement. In addition to the specific topic, children learn to communicate with each other in a foreign language. Free-flowing conversation among students allows them to quickly become comfortable with the language and means that after just a few lessons, they begin to think in English.

Our goal is to focus on the practical use of English, which is why the course curriculum includes scenes and situations that children are most likely to encounter in the future.

The class format, based on learning through creative and unconventional play, makes children love learning English. Every session is engaging for them, encourages active participation, and boosts their motivation to learn.

The SIMPLE English Program – the most effective teaching methods

In our program, we use the most effective teaching methods, including:

* activation – engaging children in learning through active participation

* expression – expressing oneself and one’s emotions through role-playing, theatrical performances, and educational games

* language immersion – addressing children only in English

The SIMPLE English course is suitable for both children and adults who have not yet found their place in traditional language schools.

Teacher’s Guide for the SIMPLE English Course

The manual contains all the necessary guidelines and information regarding class organization. Teachers will also find 70 lesson plans essential for conducting the course for both beginner and intermediate students.

Each lesson plan includes:

  • a detailed description and sequence of activities comprising a 75-minute class,
  • a list of the most important elements of the class,
  • songs (links and QR codes for which are provided at the end of the book),
  • a list of additional resources for conducting the lesson,
  • a set of vocabulary words learned during the lesson (perfect for review; it can also be sent to parents after each class).

The textbook contains dozens of colorful photos that serve as inspiration and, at times, as a guide for conducting specific activities and building challenging structures.

How to organize a SIMPLE English course

If you already own at least one set ofMammutico® blocks, you’ve probably noticed that with a little imagination, children can build almost anything with our blocks! Two distinct sets, which form the basis for the classes, expand the range of construction possibilities and allow for free play with individual elements.

In addition to purchasing the blocks, choosing the right instructor is also important. In addition to English proficiency, a teacher for this type of course must be able to work with a group, build and maintain relationships with children, while maintaining discipline and order during energetic play. Patience, flexibility, imagination, creativity, and a love of play should come naturally to them. Detailed requirements for the instructor of our course are included in the manual.

Two sets of blocks, a well-suited instructor, and enough space (at least 40 square meters) for play—that’s all you need to get the course started!

Additional equipment

A very important element that facilitates the activities and makes lessons more engaging is the SMART wall. This product is available in both a mobile version and a non-mobile version (wall-mounted).

In the second semester, exercises and games using sets of small blocks were also introduced into the lesson plans. To ensure the classes are conducted properly, each student should have access to one MINI 345 set or at least one MINI 230 set.