On June 20, 2024, at the 30th Beijing International Book Fair, FLTRP, together with Oxford University Press, launched a new series for the younger age group under the classic reading brand "Bookworm" series - "Little Bookworm · Oxford English Graded Readers". Deputy Editor-in-Chief of FLTRP, Peng Donglin, FLTRP Reading Publishing Division President, Xu Haifeng, along with Sarah Ultsch, Product Strategy Director of the English Language Teaching Division at Oxford University Press, and Sun Henan, Chief Content Officer of Oxford University Press China, unveiled the new "Little Bookworm" together.
In his speech, Peng Donglin, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of FLTRP, reviewed the history of the "Bookworm" series since its introduction to China in the 1990s. He emphasized that future social development in China requires globally competent talents, thus interdisciplinary learning has been prioritized. Interdisciplinary learning facilitates cross-disciplinary connections, fosters students' innovation and comprehensive abilities. According to the Ministry of Education's "Compulsory Education Curriculum Standards (2022 Edition)", there is a requirement to "strengthen curriculum integration, emphasize connections," and specifically allocate "not less than 10% of teaching hours for interdisciplinary thematic learning across various subjects." "Little Bookworm" is a series of graded readers developed by FLTRP in collaboration with Oxford University Press, specifically designed based on the new curriculum standards, to promote interdisciplinary thematic learning.
Sarah Ultsch, Product Strategy Director of the English Language Teaching Division at Oxford University Press, expressed congratulations on the launch of "Little Bookworm" in China in her address. She noted that as a significant force in English language learning, Oxford University Press provides English readers worldwide, especially young readers, with extensively themed, engaging, and scientifically graded materials. These materials not only focus on language acquisition but also emphasize nurturing children's critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Oxford University Press believes that through reading, children's curiosity, imagination, judgment, and concentration can be stimulated and safeguarded, helping them to face future developments and challenges with confidence.
The "Little Bookworm" is divided into 14 levels with a total of 108 volumes, suitable for elementary and middle school students. Written by Paul Shipton, one of the main creators of the Oxford Reading Tree, the story books of "Little Bookworm" introduce thematic learning through children's enjoyable adventure stories, and guide students to solve problems by applying their subject knowledge. The encyclopedia readings cover the three major areas of science and technology, natural sciences, arts and social sciences, and are accompanied by Project modules that include rich formats such as research and posters, and activities such as talk-after-reading and write-after-reading, to develop children's cross-disciplinary thinking and skills.
The launch of " Little Bookworm" marks a milestone for the classic reading brand "Bookworm," as it now fully covers the entire K12 education segment from elementary to high school. The series balances both story and encyclopedia content, catering to the new demands of English learning in the modern era. With keen market insights, innovative publishing concepts, and rigorous editing attitude, FLTRP will continue to provide readers with "comprehensive solutions for English learning" in the new era.
